Torquay community members pushing against developments in the Spring Creek growth area have had a win with the release of a new state government’s statement of planning policy.
Planning Minister Richard Wynne last week released the final statement of planning policy for the Surf Coast Distinctive Area and Landscape, which limits where future development can happen.
The state government declared the Surf Coast a distinctive area and landscape in 2019, leading to the development of the statement of planning policy to define the protected settlement boundaries for Torquay-Jan Juc, Bellbrae and Breamlea.
Mr Wynne said the protected settlement boundaries directed most new development to activity centres, tourism precincts and designated settlement areas where growth and more housing was appropriate.
A major point of contention between potential developers and the community was the Spring Creek area, which has been declared outside the protected settlement boundary, forming a vital part of the important green break between Torquay-Jan Juc and Bellbrae.
“We said that Duffield’s Road would be the boundary and we have kept that commitment to protect Spring Creek. We have stopped greedy developers from turning the Surf Coast into the Gold Coast,” South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman said.
“These reforms mean we can be confident that what we love about our Surf Coast community and the unique environment is protected now and for future generations.”
Protected settlement boundaries for Mount Duneed and Connewarre are outlined in the statement, with a protected settlement boundary to be introduced for the Armstrong Creek urban growth area following further local strategic planning.
Mr Wynne said the changes provided greater certainty for the local community and the development sector around future opportunities for housing, tourism and infrastructure investment.
“We’ve listened to the community and are delivering the permanent protections the Surf Coast needs, ensuring this beautiful part of Victoria continues to be a great place to live, work and visit,” he said.
“We’re protecting the character of Surf Coast communities while providing locals and builders the confidence they need to plan and invest long-term.”
Spring Creek had been a controversial issue, with Torquay’s settlement boundary previously reaching one kilometre west of Duffield’s Road into the valley, allowing for possible further development in the area.
Community groups in Torquay had rallied against development in Spring Creek, with more than 94 per cent of the responses to the state government’s public consultation for the policy calling for developments to be blocked.
The Surf Coast Energy Group was a vocal opponent to development and welcomed the “huge win for the precious ecosystem and our Surf Coast community” on social media.
“After 14 years, it’s great to see integrity and long term thinking in this planning decision,” the group said.
