Torquay and Jan Juc officially declared distinctive

THE state government has officially introduced planning regulations which it says will protect Torquay and Jan Juc from overdevelopment and urban sprawl.

On Tuesday, Minister for Planning Richard Wynne declared Torquay, Jan Juc and surrounds as Distinctive Areas and Landscapes (DAL) under the Planning and Environment Act 1987.

The Surf Coast declared area focuses on Torquay and Jan Juc and extends along the coastline from the eastern edge of the Great Otway National Park to Breamlea Flora and Fauna Reserve.

It also covers the nearby hinterland area including the landscape setting of Bellbrae.

The state government must now produce a Statement of Planning Policy, setting out a 50-year vision for the region to guide development controls and settlement boundaries, within the next 12 months.

This will provide a framework to ensure the beaches, coastal biodiversity, recreation and tourism attributes of the Surf Coast continue to be of special significance.

“We’re delivering permanent planning protection to protect everything that’s great about the iconic Surf Coast,” Mr Wynne said.

“We’re looking forward to outlining a 50-year vision for the area, which will ensure this precious coastline is protected for generations to come.

The DAL will be subject to the same protections that are in place for Melbourne’s permanent Urban Growth Boundary, which requires parliamentary approval for amendments.

During the state election, South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman campaigned hard on the issue of pulling Torquay’s growth boundary back to Duffields Road and preventing any further development in the Spring Creek valley.

“We won’t be letting greedy developers turn our precious Surf Coast into the Gold Coast, we promised to protect it and we’re delivering,” Mr Cheeseman said.

For more information on Surf Coast Distinctive Area and Landscape Declaration, head to engage.vic.gov.au/distinctive-areas-and-landscapes-program.