INDENTED HEAD STRUCTURE PLAN
REVIEW
OCTOBER 2015
Consultation Brochure
Introduction
What is a Structure Plan?
A structure plan is the strategic framework for the growth and development of the town. It
identifies:
>> strategic planning issues to manage growth and change
>> community visions and aspirations
>> elements of the town’s character and natural environment to be protected
>> preferred future direction for new growth, development and infrastructure
A structure plan is used by Council to apply local planning policy, planning zones and overlays
to guide new development and protect the existing character of the town.
Purpose of the Review
The Indented Head Structure Plan was prepared in 2006 and adopted by Council in 2007. The
2007 plan was a major review of the directions and strategies for the township.
This review will update the strategic planning framework and track development rates and lot
supply within the township.
In addition, this review will identify any changes to state and local policy, new Council strategies
or projects, new issues facing the town and progress on implementing the recommendations of
the Structure Plan.
Existing Structure Plan Directions
Indented Head:

Is valued for its peace and quiet as a small idyllic hamlet with a small and cohesive
community

Protect the unique setting as a small coastal village

Encourage appropriate development which respects the coastal landscape setting

Provide a mix of housing choices for all residents and which apply energy and water
conservation principles

Protect and enhance surrounding sensitive environment

Support the establishment of a community meeting space

Upgrade pedestrian and cycling infrastructure

Provide community and social services and infrastructure which meet community needs

Address storm water management including re-use.

Protect key environmental areas and significant vegetation

Support the expansion of the existing retail premises.

Support aquaculture activities in Port Phillip Bay

Maintain rural landscape and agricultural focus outside the settlement boundary.
Structure Plan Map
Implementation of Previous Recommendations
Recommendations from the previous Structure Plan now implemented include:

Application of a Design and Development Overlay to properties along the foreshore

Application of Mixed Use Zone to the retail premises on The Esplanade.

Finalisation of a land swap to protect significant vegetation Seabreeze Estate.

Finalisation of a land swap to protect significant vegetation Seabreeze Estate.

Pursuit of sale of public land deemed surplus to need on Coach Road

Development of a community centre

Closure of McDonald Street to protect significant vegetation.

Construction / proposed construction of footpaths along the Esplanade.
Key Issues
Urban Growth
Indented Head is not nominated as a growth area and will maintain the existing settlement
boundary with no additional land nominated for rezoning for residential purposes.
The 2011 census population was 920 and the estimated population at 2014 is 970. The
estimated population out to 2026 is approximately 1180 to 1239.
Land Supply
The current figures indicate Indented Head has between 10- 17 years of lot supply left
depending on lower or higher levels of uptake. Given the town is not nominated for growth this
is more than adequate for the medium to long term planning of the township.
Access And Movement
Pedestrian and bicycle networks should be improved to ensure the community has good access
to key activity areas and destinations.
There is a need to provide greater numbers of footpaths in the township along identified
strategic routes.
Improvements to cycling infrastructure along identified routes is also required.
This can be achieved through the implementation of a Principal Pedestrian Network and the
implementation of the G21 Principal Bicycle Network as part of Council’s ongoing works
programs.
Neighbourhood Character
The character of the town is highly valued by the community and Council. The coastal and rural
setting along with the traditional role of the town as a holiday destination has created a unique
character. Newer subdivisions include a mix of more suburban style development and two
storey developments that maximise views.
The application of the General Residential Zone 2 to the township requires additional open
space areas with greater dimensions and the addition of a canopy tree as part of landscaping
requirements as part developments requiring a planning permit.
Additional street tree plantings would also help build on the coastal character and
rural/environmental setting of the town.
Natural Environment
Indented Head has a diverse range of environments from groomed parkland to coastal remnant
vegetation such as Tea Tree and Moonah. The Salt Lagoon is an important major feature
located south of the township.
The land on the western fringe of the township between Church Road and Batman Road,
known as the ‘Sea Breeze Estate’, contains an extensive area of old remnant River Red gums
and associated native woodland species. Council is finalising a land swap agreement with the
developer which would see this area protected.
Storm water management is a major issue with the community identifying a number of upgrades
to reduce flood impacts and improve water quality along the beach.
Future Projects
The following projects have been identified for Indented Head:

Foreshore Place Making Project – a project identified by the Bellarine Bayside Committee
of Management with major input requested from Council. This plan would have high level
of community engagement and look at the use and management of the foreshore area.

Community Hall upgrade – subject to suitable funding arrangements being agreed.

Infrastructure upgrades such as identified footpath, bicycle, and stormwater
infrastructure. Works subject to departmental work plans, priorities and budgets.

Climate Change Planning - Council looking at community engagement around possible
responses to climate change based on a number of scenarios.
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK ARE THE KEY ISSUES FOR
PORTARLINGTON TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE STRUCTURE PLAN
How to provide feedback?

Complete the Feedback survey at the Drop-In Information Session: 4:30-7:00pm on
Tuesday 27 October 2015 at the Portarlington Parks Hall Community Centre (Bayview
Room) Newcombe St, Portarlington.

Send a written submission to Planning Strategy, City of Greater Geelong, PO Box 104,
Geelong, VIC 3220 or drop off at Drysdale Customer Service Centre, 18-20 Hancock
Street, Drysdale.

Email a written submission to Planning Strategy at
planningstrategy@geelongcity.vic.gov.au

Visit www.geelongaustralia.com.au/council/yoursay to download and complete a hard
copy of the survey or make an online submission
NEXT STEPS

Submissions close on 20 November 2015.

Council officers will consider all submissions and present the final Structure Plan to
Council for adoption in late 2015.

Following Council adoption, a formal planning scheme amendment to implement any new
directions of the Structure Plan will be initiated.