Surf Coast Community Column

It is sometimes hard to believe that we had a coal mine and power station within 2 kilometres of our beaches in Anglesea. Regulations now don’t even allow clean wind farms within 5 km of the coast, so it is important to recognise the change values and the importance we now place on the environment and protection of the natural assets.

That was 50 years ago and now we have to have foresight to ensure the rehabilitation of this land suits the values of our community for generations to come and adds value to our community. That value can be in supporting the types of businesses that operate in our town, the educational camps and the visitor economy, and providing jobs. With a large area of the mine lease land transitioning to the National Park already, the use of the remaining land is an important conversation.

Some of this land is owned by Alcoa and they will seek to maximise the return. Hopefully this is not at the expense of the community. Areas such as the Bike Park are important to our community now and for the future, as are the many walking and mountain biking trails on the outskirts of our town. The State Government Anglesea Futures has a number of scenarios from the community and you can provide feedback via the website https://engage.vic.gov.au/angleseafutures.

Separately Alcoa intend to have a draft concept master plan for their freehold blocks ready in December and they will be then seeking community feedback. This draft plan will be a submission to the Anglesea Futures land use plan that encompasses the rehabilitated areas lease areas as well.

These are important plan for our future – so if you have views get involved.

Warm Regards,
David Bell, Libby Coker, Rose Hodge and Margot Smith, Surf Coast Shire councillors.