BASS Coast is one of Victoria’s fastest growing regional municipalities, with the shire forecast to have a population of close to 48,140 by 2036.
Mayor Michael Whelan said the predicted population growth presents a challenge for the council with 10,000 additional dwellings required.
“Not only will we need to adequately plan for it but we also need to ensure that appropriate planning policies and controls are in place to protect the valued attributes within our townships, where a new development is proposed.”
Now the council wants to know what we value about our neighbourhood to help inform its new Housing Strategy.
Mayor Michael Whelan said the predicted population growth presents a challenge for the council with 10,000 additional dwellings required.
“Not only will we need to adequately plan for it but we also need to ensure that appropriate planning policies and controls are in place to protect the valued attributes within our townships, where a new development is proposed.”
Now the council wants to know what we value about our neighbourhood to help inform its new Housing Strategy.
It's calling on the community to help develop three crucial studies:
Cr Whelan said the three documents would complement the State Government’s draft Statement of Planning Policy, developed as part of the Distinctive Areas and Landscapes Program.
Visit Neighbourhood Character for more information about the project and to provide your feedback. You can also attend a drop-in session with Council’s Strategic Planning Team at:
The first stage of consultation closes on September 16.
- Neighbourhood Character Study involves a detailed assessment of neighbourhood character in Bass Coast’s residential areas and the preparation of design guidelines that will inform the character of new residential developments.
- The Housing Strategy will be a long-term plan to manage housing growth and change across all residential areas in Bass Coast. It will identify housing needs, where housing growth and changes to residential density can occur based on a set of clearly defined principles and help define the degree of change within our settlements.
- Residential Development Framework will balance the outputs of the Housing Strategy and Neighbourhood Character Study to identify minimal, incremental, and substantial change areas for all residential settlements. This will inform the application of zones and overlays to ensure new developments respect the identified preferred neighbourhood character of residential areas.
Cr Whelan said the three documents would complement the State Government’s draft Statement of Planning Policy, developed as part of the Distinctive Areas and Landscapes Program.
Visit Neighbourhood Character for more information about the project and to provide your feedback. You can also attend a drop-in session with Council’s Strategic Planning Team at:
- Inverloch Community Hub – Friday, 26 August from 11am to 1pm
- St Philip’s Anglican Church (meeting room), Cowes – Saturday, 27 August from 9.30am to 11.30am
- San Remo Recreation Reserve (blue room) – Saturday, 27 August from 1.30pm to 3.30pm
The first stage of consultation closes on September 16.