THE future uses of Anglesea\u2019s mine are still in motion, with a state government department trying to explain the removal of the town\u2019s bike park and former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett weighing in.<\/p>\n
The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) is running the Anglesea Futures consultation for the more than 7,000 hectares in the study area, and is seeking feedback on a draft Land Use Plan.<\/p>\n
The proposal to use land known as Area 10 \u2013 partially occupied by the Anglesea Bike Park \u2013 for tourism, accommodation and residential purposes has been particularly contentious. Petitions signed by more than 5,600 people urging the Surf Coast Shire to save the bike park by publically acquiring the land were lodged with the shire last week.<\/p>\n
As well as extending the deadline for feedback to the Land Use Plan to March 16, DELWP also released an updated information brochure last week.<\/p>\n
In response to why residential land use is proposed for Area 10, which occupies about 15 hectares of land north of Betleigh and Wilkins streets, the brochure states it \u201cwould provide opportunities for people to live near the Anglesea Primary School\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe council\u2019s Anglesea Structure Plan supports the investigation of long-term options for residential development within Area 10.<\/p>\n
\u201cDELWP is supporting the council\u2019s investigation into the future of the bike park, including possible alternative locations on nearby Crown land.\u201d<\/p>\n
There has been significant community backlash about the merits of the proposed uses in the Land Use Plan and fears that the rezoning will be exploited by developers, and Mr Kennett joined in the criticism via Twitter on Monday.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnglesea is special. But all coastal towns are being subject to population growth and seachangers. It will take strong councils to resist the temptation of increased revenues if they wish to retain their quintessential environments,\u201d he tweeted.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe west coast of America from Los Angeles to San Francisco once was like Anglesea to Lorne \u2013 coastal, plenty of trees, a special drive. Now it has been built out, housing all the way. Our councils should work together to protect our coast from similar development.<\/p>\n
\u201cOtherwise our 12 Apostles, our Great Ocean Road, the attraction for us and our visitors will become just another concrete jungle that has no point of difference from any other suburban environment.\u201d<\/p>\n
Submissions for Alcoa\u2019s draft Freehold Concept Master Plan (which will effectively be Alcoa\u2019s submission to the Land Use Plan) closed on March 6.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Department tries to explain houses on bike park THE future uses of Anglesea\u2019s mine are still in motion, with a state government department trying to explain the removal of the town\u2019s bike park and former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett weighing in. The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) is running the Anglesea Futures […]<\/p>\n