Shire charts course for Moriac’s future with new structure plan

THE Surf Coast Shire has adopted a plan to guide the incremental growth of the Moriac township over the next 10 years.

The Moriac Structure Plan is set to become the primary local policy reference for land use and planning decisions in the town and aims to ensure future development responds to the constraints of the landscape.

Winchelsea ward councillor Heather Wellington said the plan provides a way to “ensure Moriac maintains its rural character.”

“I’m happy for current and future residents of Moriac that their township will be guided and protected by the plan.

She said the council’s adoption of the Moriac Structure Plan follows an “in-depth process that commenced in late 2021”.

This process included the formation of a detailed background report and extensive community engagement via forums and a survey.

The feedback received by the council illustrated the community’s desire for future development to be both sustainable and avoid impacts on the environment.

“We acknowledge the Moriac community has expressed a range of opinions about future growth,” Cr Wellington said.

“The role of Moriac as a location for limited rural residential development should be protected by planning policy.

“This was the majority view from our findings.”

The plan is informed by eight guiding principles including the protection of rural areas from impacts associated with housing developments, the maintenance of open space areas across the township and the prioritisation of the needs of pedestrians and cyclists.

The preservation of Moriac’s natural environment and surrounding rural hinterland is also a core tenet of the plan.

“Not only that, central to a landscape-first approach is the respectful consideration of Traditional Owner values,” Cr Wellington said.

“The plan acknowledges the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners as the first custodians of the Moriac region.

“It also encourages the consideration of cultural knowledge in future decision-making.”

Bushfire risk, the impacts of climate change and integrated water cycle management are also covered in the plan.

An amendment to the Surf Coast Planning Scheme will now be made to incorporate the Moriac Structure Plan.

This process will provide further opportunity for community feedback.

For more information, visit surfcoast.vic.gov.au