WONTHAGGI is expected to absorb much of Bass Coast's future growth and the town is well prepared to do so, according to the newly released draft Wonthaggi Structure Plan 2026.

The plan sets out a framework for the town's growth over the next 15 years. 

The state government's housing target for Bass Coast is 19,250 additional dwellings by 2051, with Wonthaggi expected to accommodate most of that.

The draft plan estimates that Wonthaggi already has enough zoned residential land for about 40 years at current demand rates. It proposes no additional residential land for the next 15 years, instead prioritising the existing north-east growth area and well-serviced infill sites. 

What the plan proposes

1. A new industrial precinct at South Dudley

The Bass Coast Industrial Land Use Strategy estimates demand for 26-36 hectares of industrial land between 2024 and 2036. The proposed South Dudley area is intended to help address that demand, while the plan also calls for development of existing industrial land to be prioritised.

2. Forty years of housing land

Wonthaggi already has enough zoned residential land for about 40 years at current demand rates. 

Priorities

• More varied housing, including smaller lots and medium-density homes for older residents, smaller households and families.
• Infill housing in established areas, provided stormwater and other infrastructure constraints can be addressed.
• Medium-density housing and commercial uses along parts of McKenzie Street.
• Better coordination of development in the north-east precinct, including water, sewerage and road upgrades.

Other longer term options include Investigating redevelopment of the golf course and Wonthaggi Caravan Park sites, rezoning some low-density residential land in northern Wonthaggi and rezoning of areas identified for substantial change.

3. The old high school site

The former Wonthaggi Secondary College site is seen as a potential civic and cultural hub, with possible housing, retail and community facilities. A new library and arts space are also on the agenda, but the project depends on state government co-operation and funding.

The plan envisages a mixed-use redevelopment potentially incorporating housing, retail, community facilities and civic or cultural uses such as a new public library, cultural facilities and gallery.

4. A new look for the CBD

The plan proposes updating planning and design controls across the commercial centre to encourage investment while retaining Wonthaggi's character.

Measures include:

• New design controls and active-frontage requirements for CBD development.
• Further protection for heritage buildings, including a heritage gap study and planning scheme amendment.
• Rezoning parts of the McKenzie Street interface to mixed use, allowing commercial activity and medium-density housing.
• Rezoning the Cyclone Street industrial precinct to a Commercial 3 Zone, in line with the industrial land strategy.
• Further work to enhance Apex Park as a focal point of the town centre.

The draft also identifies a modest shortfall in commercial land over the next 15 years, although it does not recommend a major expansion.

5. Roads, walking, cycling and drainage

The plan recognises that housing growth and infill development cannot be considered separately from the capacity of drainage, water, sewerage and transport networks.

Proposals 

• Better pedestrian and cycling links between schools, health services, the CBD and the Bass Coast Rail Trail. 
• A dedicated bus terminal, more frequent bus services, on-demand community transport and bike lanes along major routes. 
• A possible alternative freight route or bypass appears as a longer-term advocacy item, not a committed road project.
• Drainage improvements in areas targeted for infill and, over the longer term, a regional stormwater strategy and developer contributions plan for western Wonthaggi.

6. Protecting the natural environment

The plan recognises the importance of Wonthaggi's heathlands, bushland reserves, wetlands and waterways, and the constraints posed by bushfire risk, flooding and historic coal-mining subsidence.

Proposals

• Update the Bass Coast Biolinks Plan to better protect and enhance heathland reserves.
• Investigate vegetation protection controls on private land.
• Develop a landscape strategy to increase tree canopy and improve public spaces.
• Review the mapping of the Environmental Significance Overlay covering land-subsidence risks.
• Support the shire's Natural Environment Strategy and Climate Change Action Plan.
• Collaborate with Bunurong Traditional Owners in land management and the protection of cultural values and significant views.

7. Recreation and community facilities

Planning priorities

• Wonthaggi High School redevelopment 
• CBD planning controls
• A redeveloped aquatic facility 
• Improvements to active transport and stormwater infrastructure.

Aspirations

• Renewing and improving accessibility at the Union Theatre
• Expanding the skate park into a youth precinct
• A Wonthaggi Wetlands Reserve masterplan
• Upgrading open spaces 
• Mountain bike facility near West Area Road.