Shire seeks planning amendment for Moriac

This map in the Moriac Structure Plan shows the opportunities and constraints in and around Moriac. Image: SUPPLIED

THE Surf Coast Shire has started a planning scheme amendment to implement key actions of the recently adopted Moriac Structure Plan 2023.

At their May meeting, councillors resolved to seek approval from the Victorian Planning Minister to prepare the amendment.

Following community engagement, the council adopted the Moriac Structure Plan in December, which provides a vision and guiding principles for land use and development in Moriac across the next decade.

The amendment will introduce a new Framework Plan to the planning scheme specifically for Moriac, ensuring that future growth considers landscape constraints and maintains the town’s rural character.

“The Framework Plan will effectively update our planning context for Moriac and district,” Cr Heather Wellington said.

“It will take into account factors such as community aspirations for the town, which we have heard during public consultation, state and regional planning policy reforms which have come into play since

endorsement of the previous Moriac Structure Plan in 2010, and rezoning of land which was identified for housing development in the 2010 structure plan.

“By helping to guide development it will help to protect what many people value about Moriac, its rural character and the environment, containing the township within an identified settlement boundary.”

After the amendment has been authorised by the Planning Minister, the proposed amendment will go on public exhibition for four weeks.

According to its vision statement, the Moriac Structure Plan will create a “compact rural town” that will “continue to thrive … 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”.

For more information about the Moriac Structure Plan, head to surfcoast.vic.gov.au/About-us/Your-Say/Moriac-Structure-Plan