Premier says Duffields Road will be Torquay’s town boundary

THE Greater Torquay Alliance (GTA) is hopeful for the future of Spring Creek after learning of Premier Daniel Andrews’ definitive response to questions about development in the area in a press conference last week.

During the Highton Child and Family Centre opening on Friday, March 15, the Premier addressed the promise made by then-candidate and now-South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman to move the western town boundary back a kilometre to Duffields Road.

“We made commitments and those commitments will be honoured in full. Duffields Road is the boundary, not one foot further. I can’t be any clearer than that – that will be the town boundary, there will be no development beyond that,” he said.

In a statement, the GTA – who have fought hard for the preservation of Spring Creek – and its member groups welcomed the recent comments made by the Premier.

“His statement makes the government’s intention very plain and will save Spring Creek, to the west of Duffields Road, from future urban development.

“We would like to thank Premier Andrews for having the political strength to back our community over developers. We must also thank the member for South Barwon, Darren Cheeseman, who raised Spring Creek as an election issue and convinced the Premier it was the right thing to do for Torquay.”

The GTA said the community had been determined to achieve this outcome for over a decade, with the Premier’s comments affirming their years of hard work.

“It is proof that if we care enough and are dedicated enough, great things can be achieved.

“We look forward to working with all relevant authorities to achieve the best outcomes for future development in Torquay and Jan Juc.”

If Torquay’s town boundary is moved back to Duffields Road, it will effectively make the Spring Creek Precinct Structure Plan drawn up by the Surf Coast Shire invalid.

Some developers and landowners have threatened legal action if development in the valley is ruled out, but Mr Andrews has dismissed suggestions of a payout.

“Previous governments made decisions and I’ll leave it to them to defend some of the cozy relationships they had with cashed-up developers; I’m not in that business.”