A line has been drawn on growth in Torquay’s Spring Creek valley, with the area to remain outside the town’s protected settlement boundary in the final Statement of Planning Policy (SPP) for the long-awaited Surf Coast Distinctive Area and Landscape (DAL) program.
The SPP is based on expert advice and was developed in collaboration with the Traditional Owners the Wadawurrung, the local community, the Surf Coast Shire, the City of Greater Geelong, responsible public entities and government agencies.
Ensuring prized Surf Coast landscapes and environmental features are protected from inappropriate development, the SPP outlines protected settlement boundaries for Torquay-Jan Juc, Bellbrae and Breamlea.
The protected settlement boundaries confine most new development to activity centres, tourism precincts and designated settlement areas where growth and more housing is appropriate.
Growth in greenfield areas will be restricted, protecting areas of high biodiversity value, Aboriginal cultural heritage, state-significant landscapes and township character.
The Spring Creek area is outside the protected settlement boundary, forming a vital part of the important green break between Torquay–Jan Juc and Bellbrae.
These planning controls are in line with public comment received by G21 during its extensive consultation when developing the 2013 G21 Regional Growth Plan and will protect the coastal villages and towns that make our region unique.
