PORTARLINGTON 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 Portarlington Structure Plan was prepared in 2007 and adopted by Council in 2008. The
2008 plan was a major review of the directions and strategies for the township.
The current structure plan requires a review of housing supply after 5 years. 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 2008
structure plan.
The map below sets out what has been implemented since the 2008 Structure Plan was
adopted.
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Existing Structure Plan 2008
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Existing Structure Plan Directions
The 2008 structure plan provides the following key directions:

A clear settlement boundary to contain growth and protect agricultural land.

A thriving and vibrant town centre that supports a mix of commercial, community and
entertainment to serve the community and encourage tourist visitation.

To focus commercial activity within the town centre and encourage new accommodation
uses above ground floor level.

Improving the town centre character, streetscape and public land areas.

Housing infill in areas near the town centre with a better mix of housing sizes and types.

Open space, social and community services to meet community needs and an older
population.

An interconnected transport network with safe and improved roads and better pedestrian
networks.

Protection of the coastal landscape setting of the town and key vistas to the coast and
natural features.

Protection and enhancement of environmentally sensitive areas such as the foreshore
reserve and the Point Richards Flora and Fauna Reserve.

A sustainable town with development that is adequately serviced by infrastructure needs
and encourages water and energy conservation.
This document provides an overview of the recommendations for the existing Structure Plan,
key trends and projects since the adoption of the Structure Plan and the process for review. A
full copy of the existing Structure Plan is available to download at
www.geelongaustralia.com.au/council/yoursay or available to view at 100 Brougham Street,
Geelong or Drysdale Customer Service Centre, 18-20 Hancock Street, Drysdale.
Key Issues
Township Growth and Consolidation

The population of Portarlington was 3,226 at the 2011 census and is currently estimated
to be 3,512. This is forecast to grow to around 4,530 people by 2031.

Housing permits have been consistent in Portarlington over the past 10 years at around
45 per year.

Portarlington is not an identified growth area for Geelong like Ocean Grove or Drysdale.
Council is required to ensure that housing supply can accommodate population growth for 15
years across the whole of Geelong.
Based on historic growth there is approximately 20 years of supply for Portarlington; or 886 lots.
Ultimately there is no need to identify further land beyond the existing settlement boundary as
there is 15 years supply in Portarlington and Greater Geelong. The structure plan should
continue to promote increased housing diversities in centre locations to encourage
consolidation, efficiency of land reducing sprawl and thereby protection of the natural areas that
surround the township.
For the next few years housing supply is expected to continue within the Arlington Rise
subdivision and in the retirement village off Mercer Street. The growth area at Olive Grove is
identified for future rezoning for Residential Development.
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Increased Housing Diversity Areas (IHDA)
The aged population of Portarlington and declining household size mean that there is a need to
plan for a range of house types and to plan for future design adaptability.
Council’s housing policy encourages increased densities and building heights around shopping
areas. In Portarlington this means IHDAs at 400m walking distance of the town centre.
Township Character
Portarlington is a historic coastal fishing town that serves a small permanent population and is
popular for retirees and family holiday makers. A key aspect of the 2008 Structure Plan was the
community’s desire to improve the town centre urban design, which has since resulted in:
1.
An Urban Design Framework (UDF) prepared for the
Portarlington Town Centre with subsequent:
 streetscape upgrades being undertaken along Newcombe Street with the construction
of a town square and public space in the vicinity of the Rotunda, landscaping and
pedestrian safety measures.
 changes being made to the Planning Scheme for Town Centre design standards.
2.
Heritage Overlay added for the Rotunda and Weighbridge in Newcombe Street with a
future proposal to establish an information centre in the Rotunda.
The structure plan will continue to support improvements outlined in the UDF, including
improvements to the area behind Newcombe Street. This would construct a rear lane system
and improve connectivity to new supermarket and promote more shop activity.
Early in 2015 work began on the $13.5 million Portarlington Pier (safe harbour) to initially
upgrade and then double the size of the harbour. The structure plan will continue to support
landscape and connectivity improvements to the foreshore area.
Residential Character
Portarlington has a low density suburban character of mainly one and two storey dwellings with
backyards. To ensure Portarlington coastal character is retained design standards have been
applied to same residential areas to:

ensure the sharing of views to significant features.

ensure the spacing and setting of properties along the coastal edge is consistent with the
coastal theme of the area.
Access And Movement
Access around Portarlington continues to be an issue and is reflective of a small township.
Roads are the dominant form of transport with public transport being limited. Many of the older
areas of the town have grass verges with no curb and channel or footpaths. In some areas local
roads are unseasled.

A Walkability Study has been completed to prioritise investment and identify a strategic
network for pedestrian movement between important destinations and the town centre.

A part property owner funded Special Rates and Charges Scheme to seal all the roads
and improve flood mitigation in the area to the East of the Town Centre is anticipated for
2016/ 2017. A similar scheme is proposed over the next 10 years in area to the south of
the town centre.
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The Government has committed to spending $109 million on the Drysdale Bypass. This will
significantly improve travel times to Portarlington making it more desirable to live in and visit.
Council will continue to undertake improvements to the road and pedestrian network when
funding from Council is available.
Community Facilities
Council continues to monitor the needs of the community in terms of open space and
community facilities, including education facilities. For educational facilities there is a need to
consider this in the context of provision across the Bellarine.
The Portarlington Recreation Master Plan was adopted in 2011, with various upgrades being
undertaken to sporting facilities since that time.
Council is currently preparing an Open Space Strategy. Due to the size of the township and
presence of the foreshore new open space is unlikely, other than through future subdivision
development.
Natural Environment
Portarlington is highly valued for its coastal landscape setting and the surrounding hills that
provide a natural backdrop to the settlement. Environmental features also provide natural
habitat and biodiversity values many of which are recognised by the indigenous community.
Most of these environmental and landscape areas are protected by planning controls such as
Significant Landscape Overlays, Environmental Significance Overlays (ESOs) and Vegetation
Protection Overlays (VPOs). A future review of the biodiversity strategy will consider updating
ESOs and VPOs.
Portarlington has low lying areas that can be affected by flooding, both from natural water
systems and stormwater drainage and quality. Flooding, storm surge and sea level rise events
are likely to increase as a result of climate change and future development needs to be
managed. Council is currently working on updated climate change maps that will help plan for
future management and adaptation strategies.
Portarlington is separated from Indented Head by a small undeveloped gap. This gap is to be
retained.
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
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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.
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