3 July 2021
From Mia Davison Project Director, Distinctive Areas and Landscapes
Public consultation on the draft Bellarine Peninsula Statement of Planning Policy is now open
Thank you for your interest in our Bellarine Peninsula Distinctive Area and Landscape project. On behalf of the Victorian Government, the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) is seeking your feedback on a draft Bellarine Peninsula Statement of Planning Policy (SPP) to guide the future of land use and development on the Bellarine Peninsula for the next 50 years. It has been developed by DELWP in collaboration with the Borough of Queenscliffe, the City of Greater Geelong Council and the Traditional Owners, the Wadawurrung, and other government agencies.
The iconic Bellarine Peninsula is known for eye-catching coastlines, unique habitats, rural landscapes, primary producers, historic villages and a relaxed coastal lifestyle. From busy towns like Ocean Grove and Drysdale to the small laidback villages of Queenscliff and Indented Head, the Bellarine Peninsula is a place where Victorian’s can live or holiday, enjoying coastal views and locally grown produce. The characteristics that make the Bellarine Peninsula such a desirable place to live and visit, however, are under threat from over-development, increased visitation and the effects of climate change.
The draft SPP provides an important step towards protecting the valued attributes of the Bellarine Peninsula declared area. It will help ensure environmental resilience, provide certainty for investment, and build a strong economy for current and future generations. Once finalised and implemented, the SPP will provide the highest level of state planning protection.
Have your say
You are invited to view the draft Bellarine Peninsula SPP and provide a submission.
Submissions must be received by 5.00pm on Friday 20 August 2021 and must be lodged through the Engage Victoria platform at https://engage.vic.gov.au/distinctive-areas-and-landscapes-program/bellarine-peninsula
You can view the draft Bellarine Peninsula SPP, as well as supporting technical documents, by visiting the above Engage Victoria website page. You can choose to complete either a short or long form submission, and attach further information as part of your submission. Submissions will be treated as public documents and will be published on the Victorian Government’s engagement website. Proforma submissions and petitions will only be counted as one submission, and any contact will be made through the first-named person.
Public information sessions
DELWP is continuing to deliver the Victorian Government’s Distinctive Areas and Landscapes program while being guided by the Victorian Government’s public health advice at the time. We propose holding in-person and online public information sessions where you can hear more about the proposals and ask questions. These sessions will take place during the public consultation period. Visit the Engage Victoria project page, https://engage.vic.gov.au/distinctive-areas-and-landscapes-program/bellarine-peninsula, for dates, times and locations of these information sessions. Please subscribe to email updates to stay up-to-date on the project and the timing of information sessions.
Further information
· Call 136 186 (open 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday)
· Email planning.implementation@delwp.vic.gov.au
· Visit Engage Victoria page Bellarine Peninsula Engage Victoria project page
· Read our Frequently Asked Questions that are available on the Engage Victoria project page.