Committee for Lorne: A word from the Chairman

Although it may be a quiet time of the year for many, it’s certainly not for all as there are a number of different projects under consideration, on exhibition and pending at the current time.

And with these projects always comes a certain amount of press coverage – some good, some bad. I’m sure many of you would have read Tuesday’s Geelong Advertiser under the heading, “Press pause on Lorne”.

I feel sure that the connotation behind the article was one of intended negativity which certainly should not be the case. What the article failed to deliver was that the request for the review of the Lorne structure plan had been driven extensively by the Committee for Lorne through the past four years given it hadn’t been reviewed in total since 2003.

Whilst the article correctly states that stage one of the review started in 2017-18 with the completion of various consultants’ reports, the Surf Coast Shire Council officers have had our total support through the project.

The short-term pause is crucial to ensure the background work that has been done on “Accommodating Lorne’s Future” is a focal point as the needs and aspirations of the town are accurately detailed and presented.

The article’s sub heading of, ”Push to put a stop to the town’s Structure Plan Review” is a positive step in the direction of getting it right. Over the coming month, the Committee for Lorne are well positioned to be able to launch two critical documents:
1. Achieving Lorne’s Aspiration’s (version 2) and,
2. Accommodating Lorne’s Future (An extensive research document and executive summary identifying the major problems that we face along with a suite of suggested solutions) – stay tuned!

Don’t forget to have your say on the proposed Lorne Foreshore Draft Master Plan currently being displayed at various consultation sessions as we go to press. If you missed the session on Wednesday, the next one in Lorne is on the 3rd of August on the Foreshore adjacent the Lorne SLSC carpark from 2pm until 4pm or in Melbourne on August 14 from 5pm
until 7pm at 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne (DELWP offices). If you would like to gain online information go to www.gorcc.com.au/projects/lorne-foreshore-master-plan/

Finally go to the www.engage.vic.gov.au/trail-study to view the draft concept plans for the exciting Fairhaven to Skenes Creek Coastal Trails Study. Specialist trail designers have undertaken assessments and field work to identify route options and develop a draft trail concept.

A continuing reminder that our next community luncheon is scheduled for the Friday prior to the AFL Grand Final. We would love you to spread the word and go out of your way to invite others that may attend for the first time, so put the date in your diary – Friday September 27.

Ian Stewart
Chairman – Committee for Lorne