Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
Ventnor Decision Back In The SpotlightIn September 2011, the Planning Minister, Matthew Guy, announced he had decided not to rezone 23 hectares of pristine Ventnor farming land for residential development. By Bass Coast - 24th January 2012 - Back to News That decision is once again in the spotlight, due to Supreme Court action against the State Government by the owner of the land.
Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Dowman said this legal action did not affect the zoning of the land and did not involve Bass Coast Shire Council.
"I am not privy to any alleged conversations or agreements between the Minister for Planning and Ms Nicholls, as reported in The Age today," said Cr Dowman.
"However, I do know that last September, Council lobbied strongly to get the Minister to reverse his decision. We met with the Minister and his advisors. I had several frank telephone conversations with Minister Guy and members of his staff as well. I believe that our community and Council presented a strong, persistent, evidence based case which persuaded the Minister to reconsider his decision.
"Council fully supports Minister Guy’s decision not to rezone this land, as it is in line with our own Planning Scheme and Structure Plan. His original decision to rezone was not supported by Council or the community. We were thrilled when that decision was reversed. That land is in a farming zone and I want to assure our community that this has not changed."
Background to Ventnor
The Cowes Ventnor Silverleaves Structure Plan, which sets the Ventnor town boundary, was adopted in 2008 and involved almost ten years of work with the community.
Ventnor is a little hamlet, with a very low level of infrastructure and services. The area in question is also of environmental significance, so it was not considered appropriate for further development.
As part of the campaign to have the rezoning decision reversed, Bass Coast Shire Council actions included:
- Meeting with the Minister for Planning on 15 September 2011
- Writing to the Minister on 19 September, acknowledging the meeting and formally requesting that he not rezone the land
- Passing a motion at the Council Meeting on 22 September, calling on the Minister to revoke the decision. A letter was sent that day, informing him of the motion
- Numerous conversations between the Mayor and Chief Executive Officer with members of the Minister’s staff and the Minister himself, lobbying to have the decision reversed
- A strong media campaign, in partnership with the local community, to draw attention to the issue
The Minister announced he was reversing the decision to rezone the land on 23 September 2011.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
Related Articles- Bass Coast Shire Council delivers new shared path linking Cowes and Ventnor, boosting transport safety and community connectivity
Bass Coast Shire Council will deliver a new 2km Ventnor Road Shared Path, linking Cowes and Ventnor, improving safety, accessibility, and community connectivity. The $1.96m project is jointly funded with the Australian government. - East Gippsland Council backs Planning Panel recommendations to guide sustainable growth in Paynesville, Eagle Point
East Gippsland Council has endorsed independent Planning Panel recommendations to guide Paynesville and Eagle Point’s sustainable growth, infrastructure and environmental protection while reflecting local character. - Welcome Back the Birds event celebrates migratory species with activities, education and community engagement at Eagle Point Foreshore
The Welcome Back the Birds event at Eagle Point Foreshore celebrated migratory birds with activities, walks, talks, and community engagement, highlighting habitat restoration and protecting vulnerable species in Gippsland Lakes. - Darren Chester supports Tribunal decision to defend veterans' right, opposing Albanese government plan limiting Acts of Gallantry review
The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal will defend veterans' rights at a Senate inquiry, opposing the Albanese government's plan to impose a 20-year limit on reviewing acts of gallantry. - Latrobe City Council seeks community feedback on Draft Economic Development Strategy 2025 - 2031 to help shape long-term economic growth
Latrobe City Council invites community feedback on its Draft Economic Development Strategy 2025-2031, aiming to build a diverse, inclusive, resilient economy, create jobs, attract investment, and shape the city’s future. - Submit your written feedback on adopted Yarragon Township Plans until 26 April 2026
Baw Baw Shire Council is extending community consultation on the Yarragon Township Plan and rezoning from 13-26 April 2026, inviting feedback before the May Council decision and Ministerial process consideration process. - Wellington Shire Council seeks feedback on the Domestic Animal Management Plan Review until 24 September 2025
Wellington Shire Council's draft Domestic Animal Management Plan outlines priorities for responsible pet ownership, safety, and welfare, inviting community feedback from 28 August to 24 September 2025. - Allan Labor government backs First Nations athletes in Eastern Victoria with new sports grants
The Allan Labor government has announced over $67,000 in Aboriginal Sport Participation Grants, supporting First Nations athletes in Eastern Victoria with travel, uniforms, and equipment to compete locally and nationally. - Gippsland Water hosts Baw Baw pop-ups, inviting community feedback on future water planning and services on 18 April, 6 and 16 May 2026
Gippsland Water hosts Baw Baw pop-up events, inviting community feedback on future water services, planning, pricing, and infrastructure decisions. - East Gippsland community invited to provide feedback on Lakes Entrance Summer Carnival foreshore location and improvements
East Gippsland Council invites community feedback on continuing the Lakes Entrance Summer Carnival at its foreshore location, seeking ideas on layout, activities, accessibility, and improvements for future planning and safety. - Baw Baw Shire Council seeks community feedback on draft 10-year open space strategy for future planning
Baw Baw Shire Council invites feedback on its draft Open Space Strategy, shaping a 10-year plan to guide investment, protect natural spaces, and enhance community wellbeing. Consultation closes Friday 3 October 2025. - Latrobe City Council seeks community feedback on the future of Moe Gardens Caravan Park as lease nears end
Latrobe City Council is inviting community feedback on the future of Moe Gardens Caravan Park, with the current operator's lease expiring in May 2026 under Crown Land Leasing Policy requirements for open and impartial processes. - Nationals pledge to restore Parentline funding, criticise Labor's decision to axe vital family counselling service for Gippslanders
The Nationals vow to reinstate Parentline funding if elected, condemning Labor's cut to the vital family counselling service that supports Victorian parents, particularly in regional communities facing limited access to services. - Wellington Shire Council invites residents to provide feedback on draft 2026 Residential Road Plan until 13 March 2026
Wellington Shire Council invites residents to provide feedback on the draft 2026 Residential Road Plan, focusing on Special Charge Schemes funding upgrades, with input closing Friday, 13 March 2026. - Bass Coast hosts 2026 International Women’s Day lunch celebration guest speaker Hannah Diviney at Phillip Island Winery, Ventnor on 6 March 2026
Bass Coast Shire Council will host its 2026 International Women’s Day Lunch on 6 March at Phillip Island Winery, featuring guest speaker Hannah Diviney, celebrating women’s achievements, equality and community connection. - Mayor Cr John White reflects on busy September: Sport, community, citizenship, infrastructure, and engagement across East Gippsland
September was a busy, rewarding month for East Gippsland, with community events, sports, citizenship ceremonies, infrastructure projects, policy consultations, and initiatives boosting local tourism and engagement. - Planning Amendment C133 to rezone 14 Radovick Street, Korumburra, faces Independent Panel Hearing on 4 December 2025
Council’s Planning Amendment C133 proposes rezoning 14 Radovick Street, Korumburra. Independent Panel Hearing is Thursday, 4 December 2025, 2pm, Korumburra Community Hub; public may attend, submissions required to speak. - Baw Baw Shire aquatic facilities future management decision announced
Baw Baw Council will continue current aquatic and leisure facility operations with YMCA Victoria for 12 months, ensuring service continuity while assessing future management and preparing for a future tender process. - Melina Bath appointed Shadow Minister for Outdoor Recreation, championing regional lifestyles and economic opportunities
Melina Bath has been appointed Shadow Minister for Outdoor Recreation, pledging to champion outdoor access, community wellbeing, and the vital economic and lifestyle benefits outdoor activities bring to regional Victoria. - East Gippsland Council cuts planning approval times, boosting efficiency for residents, landowners, and businesses
East Gippsland Council has nearly halved planning permit approval times to 43 days, improving efficiency, reducing red tape, and supporting residents, landowners, and businesses with faster project approvals. - East Gippsland Council defers Planning Scheme Amendment, seeks comprehensive review of Rural Land Use Strategy
East Gippsland Council has deferred Planning Scheme Amendment C170egips, requesting a detailed review of the Rural Land Use Strategy to ensure future agricultural planning meets community needs. - West Gippsland CMA reflects on 2025, planning ahead and celebrating partnerships shaping healthy Gippsland landscapes with CMAs
West Gippsland CMA's final 2025 episode, CEO Marty Fuller reflects on achievements, partnerships and future projects, sharing how CMAs and communities work together to care for Country and healthy landscapes nationwide. - Tim Bull criticises Minister Dimopoulos for dismissing G-Wagon concerns, warning Gippsland’s fire preparedness is reduced
Tim Bull criticises Environment Minister Dimopoulos for dismissing concerns about withdrawn G-Wagon firefighting vehicles, warning Gippsland faces reduced fire preparedness and urging clear answers before the upcoming fire season. - Darren Chester returns to Shadow Cabinet as Veterans’ Affairs Minister, advocating for ADF personnel, veterans and families
Darren Chester returns as Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, pledging bipartisan support, accountability, and ongoing reforms to ensure timely, accessible assistance for Australian Defence Force personnel, veterans and their families. - Melina Bath slams Agriculture Minister Ros Spence for ignoring Gippsland farmers' struggles under Labor's tax regime
Melina Bath criticised Agriculture Minister Ros Spence for refusing to advocate for Gippsland farmers, citing VFF survey results showing overwhelming concern over new taxes and Labor's disregard for regional agriculture. - Latrobe City urges the Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety urgent activation of Traralgon Bank Street and Princes Highway traffic lights
Latrobe City Council urges Victorian Ministers to urgently activate the Bank Street–Princes Highway traffic lights in Traralgon, addressing safety concerns after completed works remain non-operational since 2018. - Melina Bath urges Labor Minister to reinstate Latrobe Valley town bus timetable after changes as commuters report major daily disruptions
The new Latrobe Valley PTV bus timetable has disrupted access to essential services, prompting Nationals’ Melina Bath to request reinstating the previous schedule to better serve commuters, students, and vulnerable residents. - East Gippsland Council launches myLot online planning enquiry tool for residents and businesses
East Gippsland Shire Council has launched myLot, an online planning enquiry tool providing 24/7 guidance to help residents and businesses understand permit requirements for building, renovation and development projects. - Tim Bull says Health Minister Thomas will only consider the fully prepared Buchan project alongside other priorities
The Allan Labor government has refused funding for the new $6.5 million Buchan Bush Nursing Centre, leaving the ready-to-build project and vital rural healthcare services in limbo, says Tim Bull. - Martin Cameron urges Energy Minister to lift outdated coal overlays blocking 2000 new homes in Traralgon
Nationals MP Martin Cameron criticised Minister Lily D'Ambrosio for refusing to review outdated coal overlays blocking 2000 new homes in Traralgon, despite studies confirming land stability for development. - Martin Cameron slams Energy Minister D'Ambrosio's false claims on power prices and jobs in Latrobe Valley
Nationals MP Martin Cameron condemned Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio's claims of delivering for Latrobe Valley, citing soaring power prices, weak jobs growth, and neglect of residents during Victoria's energy transition. - Darren Chester welcomes Minister Catherine King’s confirmation that the Eastern Beach Road intersection remains a priority
The federal government has increased funding to $6.6 million for the Lakes Entrance road safety upgrade, but Federal MP Darren Chester says state government delays continue to stall the vital project. - West Gippsland CMA hosts free sustainable farming workshops with local landcare groups from September 2025 to March 2026
West Gippsland CMA is hosting free farm field days September - March, showcasing sustainable agriculture, carbon farming, and local expertise. Workshops cover soil health, biodiversity, biofertilizers, and agribusiness opportunities. - Tim Bull claims Environment Minister misled contractors, as DEECA contracts may reduce existing external panel work
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull accused the Allan Labor Government of cutting fire mitigation work for contractors, misleading them on funding, and failing to maintain promised work volumes across East Gippsland. - Bass Coast Shire Council urges MAV to demand transparency, accountability and community engagement in State planning decisions
Bass Coast Shire Council will urge MAV to demand greater transparency, accountability, and community consultation in State Government planning decisions, highlighting concerns over the Development Facilitation Program and local impacts. - Darren Chester slams Albanese government over bill limiting veterans' rights to appeal medal and bravery decisions
Shadow Minister Darren Chester has condemned the Albanese government's proposed Defence Honours Bill, claiming it restricts veterans' rights to appeal medal decisions and undermines the independent Tribunal's role in recognising bravery. - Darren Chester confronts Agriculture Minister over European deal, but she won’t call it fair
The Albanese government’s EU free trade deal has been widely criticised by farmers and industry bodies for weak market access, unfair concessions, and restrictions harming dairy, red meat, and wine sectors.
|
|
