Advocates assemble to protect their towns

BELLARINE community activists will rally at St Leonards this weekend to send an emphatic message to state politicians ahead of a final decision on future town boundaries.

Local lobbyists expect dozens of community members to turn out on Sunday for the march, which aims to preserve the town character and environmental value of Bellarine towns.

With the state seat set to change hands in November following the retirement of incumbent Lisa Neville, and new planning minister Lizzie Blandthorn to rule on the three-year process, residents want to bring their concerns to the fore and pressure the state government to outlaw future housing development.

The government is finalising a Statement of Planning Policy (SPP) for the future of the Bellarine Peninsula, which it declared a Distinctive Area and Landscape in 2019.

The SPP will outline a 50-year strategy for land use in the area to protect its unique features.

A final advisory report on the policy is with Ms Blandthorn for a ruling, who is yet to indicate when she will hand down the decisive SPP.

Community members have argued for a full stop to go on future housing plans, with around 15 years’ worth of property development already in the region’s pipeline ahead of a DAL decision.

“The Bellarine has done its fair share of heavy lifting in the past few years with new housing,” Protect the Bellarine’s Jenny Knox said.

“There are a significant number of housing blocks that are vacant, but the uncontrolled release of productive farming land does not result in affordable housing, liveability or amenity, or protect what the government has set out to protect.”

Combined Bellarine Community Association chair Lawrence St Leger said a rapid spread of housing was degrading the region’s environment, which he said must be protected.

“With this unchecked urban sprawl, we are sadly witnessing negative changes in the animals and plants, which are such an integral part of our experiences in our wetlands, reserves, coasts and open spaces,” he said.

Ocean Grove Community Association has also played a prominent role in defying future expansions, including by gathering more than 8,500 signatures to a petition to lock in current town boundaries.

“Minister for Planning, at the last election your government promised to protect the Bellarine; well it is now time to deliver,” OGCA secretary Phil Edwards said.

The state government has previously indicated it would heed community calls and lock in town boundaries for future generations.

A draft SPP handed down last year recommended cementing current boundaries, but faced opposition from housing developers with property just outside the limits.

Premier Daniel Andrews and Ms Neville repeated the assurance as recently as April this year.

The Borough of Queenscliffe and City of Greater Geelong have each backed the community groups’ position.

The Bellarine DAL rally is on Sunday (August 14) from 10.30am, at Beach Road, St Leonards.