FROM THE GROUND UP: Community’s bid to steer Portarlington planning policy

A GRASSROOTS planning initiative is seeking support from Portarlington community associations who hope to help guide the town’s future development direction.

The Portarlington Design Principles project, spearheaded by Bellarine Matters leader and former Geelong councillor Tom O’Connor, aims to provide a framework for thoughtful and effective town planning to balance competing needs for growth and preserving town character through a locals-led planning process.

A draft memorandum of understanding has been circulated among stakeholder groups, including the town’s community and business development associations, coastal land manager Bellarine Bayside, and the City of Greater Geelong.

The plan will also seek expert input from experienced planners, architects and Deakin University for independent advice.

Mr O’Connor said the initiative was geared towards meeting engagement guidelines from local and state government, which would ultimately decide on policies, but provided greater agency for community members to steer the process.

The design document’s mission is to “protect, preserve and enhance the quality of life on the Bellarine”, which Mr O’Connor said would be achieved by considering interfaces of “the rural, the coastal, the urban and the marine” areas.

Development and town planning have been controversial topics in the Bellarine town in recent years, as changing demographics and population growth, increased tourism and business investment, and campaigns to retain rural and small village character, have created conflicts between community groups.

Ongoing planning battles for a multi-storey residential and commercial building at 49 Newcombe Street and a chocolaterie at Point Richards Road are present examples of these disputes.

Mr O’Connor said the initiative aimed to find a way forward for Portarlington through a shared vision for its potential.

“It’s got to be future focused and that’s why we’re bringing these people together.

“It’s going by solid group, so we’ve got the key business people with the key investors, we’ve got the community groups, we want to get environment groups.

“It’s linking with the council but it’s not being driven by council. This is this is about the community driving their future.”

Portarlington Community Association president Geoff Fary said he backed the idea in principle but his group would take a vote from members in coming weeks before signing on.

“What we would like to do is to get on the front foot so we’re actually generating the ideas and have input into what we would like to see in our community structure going forward, rather than simply reacting to something that’s presented to us by the council officers,” he said.

COGG’s Portarlington Structure Plan presently provides the strategic framework for planning and development at the town.

The 2016 plan is not due to expire until 2031, but community groups believe a review could be brought forward following last year’s release of the Bellarine Distinctive Area and Landscape (DAL) policy.