Draft Moriac Structure Plan released

THE Surf Coast Shire has set out its plan for the future development of Moriac, and is inviting public comment.

At their meeting last month, councillors resolved to release the draft Moriac Structure Plan, which aims to guide incremental growth in the town over the next 10 years.

According to the officers’ report to the council, preparations for the plan began in 2021 and included creating a detailed background report and holding community engagement via forums and a survey.

The plan’s vision statement is: “Moriac will continue to thrive as a compact rural town, surrounded by protected farmland and healthy waterways. The character of the town will be defined by residential streetscapes, green open spaces, and a network of paths and trails. Infrastructure investment will support planned growth and allow Moriac residents to work effectively from home”.

The strategic framework plan within the structure plan sets out several directions for land use:

• Avoid impacts on the Byourac Junction of the Thompson and Raven Creeks
• Support the rezoning of Farming Zone land south of the Hinterland Estate for future Low Density Residential Zone development
• Support the consolidation of commercial land use and development within central Moriac
• Upgrade the Lions Park in central Moriac
• Investigate opportunities to upgrade existing town entry signage
• Investigate the development potential of land located to the east of the Hendy Main Road fronting Thompson Creek
• Provide additional pedestrian crossings on Hendy Main Road
• Retain existing tree clusters and plantations rows on land identified for future development, and
• Ensure the zoning of public land assets reflects the current and intended use of the land.

Speaking at the meeting, Cr Heather Wellington said the Moriac Structure Plan was the first issue she dealt with when she was first elected as a councillor in 2012.

“Moriac’s moved really nicely, I believe, in the period since the last structure plan was introduced.

“Moriac’s a really beautiful village and it’s never going to be a metropolis – and of course, it shouldn’t be – but its village feel does make it very special in the hinterland, and that needs to be retained, and that is certainly reflected in this plan.”

She said one big issue not addressed by the draft plan was the railway line crossing at the Hendy Main Road/Cape Otway Road intersection.

“It’s a massive problem and a huge concern for people who traverse the roads, who live in the area and families who take their children to school right next to that railway line.

“This plan identifies that intersection but it doesn’t come up with a solution, and it more or less says it’s too big and too expensive – I’m not sure that I’m personally satisfied with that but I’d be interested to see what the community has to say about it.”

To read the Draft Moriac Structure Plan and provide feedback before July 12, head to surfcoast.vic.gov.au/MoriacSP.

A special meeting to hear submissions will be held on August 1.