Surprise ‘over planning unit’

JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
A new State Government “peri-urban planning unit” has caught councils in the region by surprise, according to representatives.
They were unaware Planning Minister Matthew Guy had announced the new unit until the media release announcement.
The unit would have input on planning issues for Surf Coast, Golden Plains Shire and the Bellarine Peninsula.
Geelong council planning portfolio holder Rod Macdonald said the first he knew of the unit was whenhe saw the announcement in a media release.
“It will be interesting to see how it goes because it’s an unknown quantity at the moment,” Cr Macdonald said.
“We looked at those planning issues when we did the structure plans for all the towns on the Bellarine.”
A Golden Plains spokesperson said the shire was also unaware of the unit announcement.
“We are a peri-urban area, so we look forward to working collaboratively with the new government unit.”
Mr Guy said the new unit would be based within the Department of Planning and Community Development.
“The unit will focus on population management, strategic planning and long-term structure planning of towns.”
Mr Guy said the unit would be the first port of call for councils needing assistance on strategic planning and transport integration, rural, coastal, green wedge issues.
“The quality of urban environment and township character are issues of particular concern to peri-urban councils and the unit will work with councils to address them,” he said.