Final Anglesea Land Use Framework released

THE final version of the long-term plan for the future of Anglesea’s coal mine and power station has been revealed, but the Anglesea Bike Park’s future in its existing location is still unclear.

The state government released the Anglesea Futures Land Use Framework last week.

According to the framework, changes from the draft Land Use Plan that was put out for consultation include “strengthening the strategic direction, revising the land uses, and providing clarity on the role of the document and the preferred outcomes and future implementation actions”.

“These include responding to feedback to encourage eco and adventure tourism and not supporting the expansion of the town through urban residential development”.

One of the most significant changes is in Area 10, where the bike park is located on Alcoa-owned land. It was originally slated for residential and accommodation uses, but now has conservation, active recreation, rural living and community and visitor facilities as its main uses.

The bike park’s users want the facility to stay where it is and the Surf Coast Shire has offered $500,000 to buy the land, but the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) is staying out of the debate, with the framework stating that “agreement will need to be found between Surf Coast Shire and Alcoa to retain the bike park in its existing location”.

“If agreement is found between council and Alcoa, then DELWP will support the decision.

“DELWP has made available public land to accommodate the bike park if a new location is required.

“While the framework supports active recreation facilities in Area 10 as well as other areas, which includes bike trails and facilities, it is not within the scope of the framework to determine the location of the bike park.”

In their joint foreword, Minister for Environment Lily D’Ambrosio and Planning Minister Richard Wynne said the framework was “about delivering environmental improvements while supporting moderate development in appropriate locations”.

“The framework does not rezone land nor approve any development, future implementation actions will include detailed proposals and consideration of planning approvals which will include public consultation.”

To read the framework, head to the website at engage.vic.gov.au/angleseafutures.