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Planning Minister Visits Bass CoastThe Minister for Planning, Justin Madden, visited the Bass Coast Shire this week. By Bass Coast Shire Council - 3rd September 2007 - Back to News He announced $40,000 to help Council put its big picture planning initiatives into full action. This would include the Council’s Coastal Design Framework and the Victorian Government’s Coastal Spaces Landscape Assessment Study recommendations.
Following the announcement, Mr Madden met with Councillors and Council staff to discuss a number of other planning concerns.
The Minister acknowledged that Bass Coast was one of the fastest growing regional municipalities in Victoria, and experienced great development pressure.
"The Minister said he was happy to help Council with ‘interim controls’ for the density of development in coastal towns, such as Cowes," said Mr Bawden.
"Council officers will be meeting with the Department of Planning and Community Development staff shortly to discuss how this would work.
"The Minister also agreed to consider fast-tracking the approval of the Wonthaggi Dalyston Structure Plan, so it could be formally put into the Shire’s Planning Scheme," informed Mr Bawden.
"In addition, he offered to fast-track planning scheme changes that are needed to address the new Farming Zone issues, such as our Bass/Fiveways Strategy.
"Council will consider both of these projects at the Council Meeting on 5 September.
"We also asked the Minister about the $500,000 funding he announced earlier in the year for councils to implement Rural Strategies," continued Mr Bawden.
"The Minister said he hoped to be able to offer a funding package for councils to apply for soon. He said a group approach that would help a number councils rather than just one is the way to go.
"We are very well placed for this being a part of the Gippsland Local Government Network," stated Mr Bawden.
The proposed desalination plant was also on the agenda.
"The Minister said that the proposal had not been formally referred to him at this stage," informed Mr Bawden.
"So he could not tell us whether an Environmental Effects Statement, or another environmental assessment process, would be undertaken.
"He said he understood that the community felt that there was not enough information available. The Minister assured us he would pass on all the concerns we raised, to his colleagues (the Premier, and Water and Environment Ministers)."
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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