City states its position on Surf Coast DAL

THE City of Greater Geelong still wants to be left out of the Surf Coast Distinctive Area and Landscape (DAL) but is advocating for the interests of its affected residents in Mount Duneed and Armstrong Creek all the same.

At their February 2 meeting, councillors endorsed the city’s submission to the draft Statement of Planning Policy (SPP) prepared as part of the Surf Coast DAL and released for public comment.

The council’s response to the draft SPP was made after the January 29 deadline, but a council spokesperson said the city had an agreement with the Department of Land, Environment, Water and Planning (DELWP) for its submission to arrive late.

The declared area in the Surf Coast DAL extends north of the Surf Coast Shire’s northern border at Mount Duneed Road to cover a small area of Breamlea and takes in Mount Duneed up to the Armstrong Creek Urban Growth Boundary.

The City of Greater Geelong council has been opposed to land north of Mount Duneed Road being part of the DAL since December 10, 2019, officially resolving its position following concerns from landholders and writing to the Victorian Planning Minister.

As the city’s submission states, the Planning Minister noted the council’s position on February 23, 2020, but did not remove Mount Duneed from the declared area.

The submission generally supports the sections of the draft SPP that relate to the Greater Geelong municipality, which will guide planning and growth for the declared area for the next 50 years, but outlines concerns raised by Mount Duneed landholders about transparency and a perceived lack of consultation.

It also stated any planning scheme amendment to implement the SPP should be led and resourced by DELWP, with the City of Greater Geelong providing input.

The submission details the city’s plans to formally start the strategic work to define a long-term boundary for urban Geelong after the Planning Minister approves the city’s Settlement Strategy. Submissions will be considered by the DAL Standing Advisory Committee, which will provide an independent report to the minister.

Geelong mayor Stephanie Asher said she welcomed the opportunity for the council to make a submission.

“It is vitally important for the Greater Geelong council to note and reflect the community’s feedback about Mount Duneed in particular being included in the nominated area.

“Community members also have the chance to participate further in the Standing Advisory Committee Panel public hearings being held by DELWP in early 2021.”

Cr Kylie Grzybek, chair of the statutory and strategic planning portfolio, said the submission was another chance to put forward the community’s views.

A directions hearing about the Surf Coast DAL will be held today (Thursday, February 11) at 10am ahead of the main public hearing, which will begin on March 15.

To read all 3,159 submissions to the draft SPP, or for more information on the hearings, head to the DAL Standing Advisory Committee’s website at engage.vic.gov.au/dalsac/submissions.