Victoria Outlines New Environmental Significance Overlay For Geelong
The environmental significance of the Victorian Volcanic Plains grasslands near Werribee will soon be recognised under a new planning scheme amendment.
Planning Minister Justin Madden said an Environmental Significance Overlay would be introduced into the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme as part of the plan to extend Melbourne’s Urban Growth Boundary.
“This new overlay will protect the precious native grasslands in the Werribee Plains Hinterland,” Mr Madden said.
“While it is important to recognise and protect the local environment around Geelong, we will exempt Avalon Airport and several key industrial sites.
“It is common sense to protect these areas from red-tape which could hamper their ability to operate effectively or restrict their ability to contribute to the local economy.
“The amendment means that land currently zoned Special Use Zone 11, covering Avalon Airport, and Special Use Zone 12, covering Lara Energetic Materials Manufacturing Plant, as well as the Heales Road employment precinct, can continue to operate under their current planning regime.
“This streamlines planning approval processes for these sites and helps ensure the ongoing sustainability of these industries in Geelong.”
Mr Madden said the overlays were a tool to identify how environmentally significant some areas were and to provide guidance on how they should be considered in planning decisions.
“Where a planning permit is required within the area of the overlay, that application will also be referred to the Department of Sustainability and Environment for assessment,” he said.
Mr Madden said he had also considered the future development of the Geelong area when deciding which sites within the Environmental Significance Overlay to exempt.
“This includes areas currently zoned for intensive development, including land within an Industrial 1 Zone, Industrial 2 Zone, Low Density Residential Zone and Avalon Airport,” he said,
Member for Lara John Eren said he was pleased that the economic activity centres had been exempted from the overlay.
“Safeguarding employment within Geelong is vital for the region’s prosperity,” Mr Eren said.
“I am pleased to see a solution that recognises this while also protecting our natural environment for future generations to enjoy.”
Topics: 2010, Australia, Building New Communities Fund, community, economic development, economic growth, Economy, Geelong, Governance, government, Greater Geelong Planning Scheme, growth areas, Growth Areas Infrastructure Contribution, Growth Areas Public transport Fund, infrastructure, investment, Justin Madden, landowners, Melbourne, moniter, monitor, news, opposition, Parliament, planning scheme amendment, property, real estate, resolution, revenue, sustainable growth, Urban Growth Boundary, Victoria, Victorian Transport Plan, Victorian Volcanic Plains grasslands, Werribee
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