Surf Coast Shire plans for growth and expansion

SURF Coast Shire Council is seeking community input in developing a new Urban Futures Strategy.

The Strategy will tackle issues such as determining the appropriate level of population growth for the Surf Coast Shire, exploring options for managing this growth—like new subdivisions or higher densities—and pinpointing locations suitable for further expansion.

A background report is available for review on the council’s website.

The report’s executive summary cites increasing constraints on the expansion of all the Shire’s coastal townships, especially Torquay and Jan Juc and states the strategy will re-examine population growth and future housing needs in this context.

Mayor Liz Pattison said the strategy will guide the shire’s urban growth, with a focus on residential developments.

“The Urban Futures Strategy will address questions like what levels of population growth should be accommodated in our shire, what are the options for accommodating that growth and where, and it will help guide our way by providing a new growth area framework,” Cr Pattison said.

The initial engagement phase features an online survey, three general information sessions in Torquay, Winchelsea and Aireys Inlet and engagement with key community groups.

The Winchelsea session will be held at Winchelsea Hall on Saturday, 18 November. The Torquay session is set for Council Chambers, 1 Merrijig Drive, Torquay, on Wednesday, 22 November. Lastly, the Aireys Inlet session will take place at Airey’s Inlet Community Centre on Friday, 24 November.

“This is far-reaching work with many important factors at play so we encourage community members to take the time to review the reports and provide feedback,” Cr Pattison said.

“Ensuring sustainable growth is one of the key themes in our council plan, however, being one of the fastest-growing regional areas in Victoria comes with distinct challenges.”

At its October meeting, Council also resolved to endorse a Surf Coast Planning Scheme Review Consultation Report.

Due to their interconnected nature, both reports were released simultaneously.

“We have released the Planning Scheme Review report for community consultation alongside the Urban Futures Strategy report given the significant degree of overlap on the issues of housing, environmental protection and climate resilience,” Cr Pattison said.

The key documents will be available for public comment until 29 December:

surfcoast.vic.gov.au/PlacemakingProjects