Council Adopts Urban Futures Growth Strategy
A new Urban Futures Strategy will guide sustainable urban growth in Surf Coast Shire across coming decades.
Surf Coast Shire Council resolved to adopt the strategy at its April meeting, putting in place a clear policy framework defining the future roles of towns to guide land use planning.
The strategy has been prepared during the past few years, shaped by community and stakeholder feedback along with expert technical assessments of forecast population and housing growth to 2051.
It aligns with Victorian Government and regional planning policy directions including the government’s housing target of 8,000 additional dwellings to be provided in the shire by 2051.
Research and forecasting undertaken by population and growth projection experts in the development of the strategy consider this target achievable, with capacity for the majority of future dwellings being shared across Torquay and Winchelsea using greenfield and in-fill development opportunities.
The strategy affirms Torquay and Winchelsea as the two principal locations for long-term growth due to constraints on other coastal and rural towns in the shire.
It is recognised that growth outside of established towns and settlements is associated with higher infrastructure costs and potential impacts on the environment and agriculture. In line with Victorian Government policy direction, the strategy supports growth within established townships.
The strategy includes a direction for Council to prepare a comprehensive Place Plan for Winchelsea in collaboration with the community, determining the appropriate level and locations of growth for the town, as well as further strategic work planning for growth in Torquay within the town’s protected settlement boundary.
Mayor Mike Bodsworth: “Managing sustainable growth is a constant challenge here in one of Victoria’s most unique and sought-after regions and we know that will continue in the decades ahead.
“The Urban Futures Strategy will provide a framework for growth that addresses multiple factors including expected residential and industrial land demand.
“It responds to challenges surrounding housing affordability and diversity in the shire and seeks to ensure that urban areas are well planned to support sustainable communities.
“Importantly the strategy has been shaped in significant part by the thoughts and aspirations of our communities, and we thank community members who shared their input during our UFS consultation periods.”
https://www.surfcoast.vic.gov.au/About-us/News-and-media/Latest-news/Council-adopts-Urban-Futures-sustainable-growth-strategy