Liberals pledge study on Torquay’s growth

THE Liberal Nationals have put forward their own proposal about Torquay’s growth, saying they will conduct an impact study on the town and change height limits in the planning scheme if elected.

Shadow Minister for Planning David Davis and South Barwon MP Andrew Katos announced the proposed changes yesterday (Wednesday).

“Labor has been in government for 15 of the last 19 years and has completely lost control of population growth in our coastal areas,” Mr Davis said.

Mr Katos said the Liberal Nationals would work with the community “to ensure a balance is reached so everyone can enjoy our coastal towns”.

The height limit in the General Residential Zone (GRZ) will be brought back to nine metres or two storeys, with the height limit in Commercial Zones (CZ) restricted to 11 metres or three storeys.

The Liberal Nationals will examine the use of the Neighbourhood Residential Zone with a 7.5 metre height limit, particularly in Old Torquay.

Regarding development in Spring Creek, the Liberal Nationals will ensure where the Spring Creek Urban Growth Zone precinct abuts the Farm Zone along the town boundary, that Low Density Residential Zone is used to create a permanent buffer between more conventional residential development and the Farm Zone. The protection of the remnant Bellarine Yellow Gums will be a priority.

To be conducted in conjunction with the community, the Torquay Growth Impact Study will seek to address:

• The preservation of the existing town boundary around Torquay
• The removal of Torquay as a growth node
• Height limits will be set at nine metres in the GRZ and 11 metres in the CZ
• Protecting the character of Torquay with a particular emphasis on the coastal feel and the natural environment.
• The impact of the growth at Armstrong Creek on Torquay
• The accessibility to services such as schools, hospitals and emergency services
• Infrastructure requirements such as roads
• Agricultural, employment and tourism opportunities for Torquay, and
• Public transport and cycling connections to Geelong.