Strategic directions for the Great
South Coast
November 2012
Introduction
Regional Growth Plans are being prepared for Victoria’s eight regions as the next stage of planning for growth and change
across Victoria.
The Great South Coast Regional Growth Plan will provide land use planning responses to the vision, aspirations and
strategies identified in the Great South Coast Regional Strategic Plan prepared in 2010.
The Great South Coast Regional Strategic Plan (2010) identifies key strategies to position the Great South Coast region to
2020 and beyond as a stronger, more prosperous, equitable, sustainable and liveable region for its people.
The Great South Coast Regional Strategic Plan can be found here:
www.rdv.vic.gov.au/victorian-regions/barwon-south-west
The Great South Coast Regional Growth Plan will identify opportunities for encouraging and accommodating future growth
and managing the change that will occur over the next 30 years.
Why do we need a Regional Growth Plan?
A regional approach to land use planning will enable coordinated responses to land use and development issues which
occur across municipal borders. The Great South Coast Regional Growth Plan will also provide a regional context to inform
local councils in planning for their municipalities.
Population projections suggest the region may grow by around 24,000 people by 2041 (DPCD projections 2012). Much of
this growth will be guided by existing council planning schemes, but the Regional Growth Plan will help bring these together
and identify where further residential and employment growth may be supported.
What will the Regional Growth Plan do?
The Great South Coast Regional Growth Plan will identify:
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preferred locations for particular activities
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where future development will be supported and where it will not
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important environmental, economic, community and cultural resources to be preserved, maintained or developed across
the region and
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key regional priorities for future infrastructure planning and investment to support growth.
Following completion, the Great South Coast Regional Growth Plan will be provided to the Minister for Planning for
consideration. The plan is intended to be implemented through local planning schemes.
What area will be covered by the plan?
Figure 1 – Local government areas in the Great South Coast region
Who is involved in preparing the plan?
The plan is being prepared in partnership between the municipalities of Corangamite, Glenelg, Moyne, Southern Grampians and
Warrnambool and the Victorian Government. Other key stakeholders include Colac Otway Shire Council and the Glenelg
Hopkins and Corangamite catchment management authorities.
How will the plan be developed and how can you be involved?
The Great South Coast Regional Growth Plan is being developed over two years and includes opportunities for community input.
In addition to public responses to the Strategic Directions, the draft Great South Coast Regional Growth Plan is to be released for
comment by mid 2013. The project process is shown below:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Project establishment
Prepare background issues paper
Establish the plan's strategic directions (Public Consultation - We are here)
Prepare draft Regional Growth Plan (Public Consultation)
Prepare final Regional Growth Plan
Feedback from the community is crucial to ensure the Regional Growth Plan reflects the needs of the Great South Coast.
Therefore, we need your comment regarding:
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Draft Principles for Growth
Strategic Directions map.
Your feedback will inform the preparation of the Great South Coast Regional Growth Plan.
Figure 2
– How the Great South Coast Region is likely to grow (baseline future)
Likely Future
Drivers of growth: Key drivers of growth in the Great South Coast are industry and economic activity rather than population
change.
Population growth: Projected population growth of 24,000 people to 131,000 by 2040 can be largely catered for. Population
growth will occur mainly within the City of Warrnambool and surrounding settlements, particularly along the coast and the
hinterland around the city. If population growth is only at this level then the region will face challenges to support the economy
and existing services.
Sufficient urban land: Councils have sufficient zoned and planned urban land to meet projected demand for 13,000 dwellings
though some towns require additional land zoned for industry. Some locations of industrially zoned land are constrained,
notably Portland.
The region’s population is ageing: The proportion of people aged over 60 is increasing. The ratio of those aged over 60 to the
workforce is predicted to change from 1:4 to 1:2. The number of people aged over 65 is increasing faster than the number of
people of working age. As the region’s population ages there is a need to attract young families and working aged people to the
region to support the local economy and local communities.
Employment exceeds population growth: Skills and workforce strains are predicted as the potential employment growth
outstrips population growth by an average of 0.22% per year over the next 10 years.
Strong industry growth: Strong prospects of economic growth in the dairy, forestry, energy, mineral sands and tourism
industries. Opportunities for new and increased food production including meat and grain. Economic growth will need to be
supported by increasing productivity, innovation, value adding, skilled workforce, industry diversification and infrastructure.
Natural resources and the environment are significant regional assets: These natural assets determine the types of industry the
region can support, and are a significant contribution to the liveability facets of the region. Need to manage risks, including
urban encroachment on high value agricultural land.
Sufficient water resources: There is expected to be sufficient water resources to meet population and industry growth.
Port of Portland: The Port of Portland is a key regional asset which supports the growth of industries in the region. There are
further opportunities for improved access to the Port and industrial land.
Transport corridors: Key transport and freight corridors run north and south in the western part of the region to the Port, and
west to east across the central and southern part of the region. The efficiency, frequency of services and quality of the existing
network will impact on growth.
Infrastructure: Social and physical infrastructure will need to be planned, funded and delivered in time to support population
growth. Strong freight networks are needed to support industry growth and distribution of materials and products. Energy
generation and infrastructure, including the 500kv power line will provide direct growth opportunities.
STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS
Principles for Growth
The Principles for Growth will guide regional growth and change through the Regional Growth Plan, over the next 30 years.
The Principles build on the region’s strengths and opportunities and address land use issues.
We would like your feedback on the following draft principles for growth
Principle 1: Strengthen connections to other regions
The Great South Coast Region is a source of state and national exports, has townships that service dispersed communities and
has large cities in adjacent regions. Improved inter-regional connections will promote economic activity, social inclusion and
improved access for residents and visitors.
Principle 2: Attract more people to the Region
To support our economy, communities and existing services, the Great South Coast Region needs to plan for population growth
above the currently projected additional 24,000 people by 2041. With the region’s ageing population more workers are required
to support the growth of existing and new industries.
Principle 3: Build on our network of towns and role played by them
With over 50% of the region’s population living outside the major population centres, smaller towns and communities play a
critical role in the social, environmental, liveability and economic functioning of the region. Connections to all towns are vital as
is the provision of key services in the regional centres of Warrnambool, Hamilton and Portland to support the dispersed
population of the region.
Principle 4: Strengthen the region’s economy through increased industry diversification, innovation and
development
Existing key industries such as dairy, tourism, timber and major projects are the main source of growth. Research, innovation, a
skilled workforce and improved transport and utility infrastructure, are needed to support these industries’ future development
and foster new value adding industry. The unique land, sea and climatic assets of the region provide opportunities for new
industries.
Principle 5: Enhance our liveability through improved health, education and standards of living
Appropriately managing growth in the Great South Coast region should enhance the liveability of the region for current and
prospective residents and workers. Liveability will support growth through sustainable communities, access to jobs, education
and services, affordable housing, and protecting and enhancing the unique attributes of the region, including its natural
environment.
Principle 6: Utilise our strategic assets and support agricultural productivity
The Great South Coast is advantaged by the quality and abundance of its strategic assets including major transport
infrastructure and agricultural land. Their use and improvement supports the region’s increasing role in food and agricultural
production for domestic and international markets. Planning must protect valuable agricultural land (with the water, air and
ecosystems that support it) and the natural assets (including significant landscapes) that contribute to the identity of the region
and its growing tourism industry.
Principle 7: Ensure equity of access to infrastructure, facilities and services
The Great South Coast’s dispersed population provides residents with unique lifestyle choices, diverse communities and a
workforce throughout the region. Equitable access to infrastructure facilities and services will need to be maintained and
enhanced, including through technology, coordinated service delivery and through improved transport infrastructure and
services.
Principle 8: Ensure land and infrastructure needed to support growth is identified and appropriately
planned
New and improved infrastructure including road, rail, water, gas, sewer and social infrastructure that support growth must be
planned and coordinated to ensure it is supplied efficiently and when required. To support economic and population growth
land supply must be monitored to ensure it is available, of the right type and in the right location.
Strategic Directions Map
An important part of developing the Regional Growth Plan is to establish a Strategic Directions map that captures how the
region could respond to growth and adapt to change, including high population growth. This has been informed by the
Principles for Growth and three alternative growth scenarios (refer page 6) to provide a framework to guide regional
growth and change over the next 30 years.
Your feedback is invited on the map and whether it provides an
appropriate direction for planning the Great South Coast
Figure 3 – Great South Coast Strategic Directions Map
The following is a description for each of the strategic directions, as referred to in the Strategic Directions Map:
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4.
Regional City: Warrnambool: Warrnambool is the principal growth centre, attracting the majority of expected
population growth. Key service industry development and employment as well as higher order services will locate
in Warrnambool. The towns around Warrnambool will accommodate some population growth as they provide an
affordable, lifestyle and unique character alternative.
Regional Centre: Portland: Portland is the region's national and international gateway for exports through the Port
or Portland and is supported by the industrial corridor to Heywood. Population growth will be sustained through
export, manufacturing and timber industries, supported by key regional health and education services.
Regional Centre: Hamilton: Hamilton is the region's gateway to the north that provides connections to other
regions and opportunities for economic growth around grain, meat, fibre and minerals. Population growth will be
sustained through job opportunities in these industries, and key regional health and education services.
Manage Growth: Manage residential growth and direct this towards established settlements and townships
surrounding Portland and Hamilton. Consolidate rural living to existing areas to protect key farming and
productive land from fragmentation.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Transport and Economic Links: Improve transport and economic links to other regions, Wimmera to the north,
Central Highlands and G21 to the east and Mt Gambier and Limestone coast to the west.
Marine: Develop and utilise marine infrastructure and assets.
Linkages to the G21 region: Encourage population growth and industrial development to the townships in the
east, creating improved linkages to the G21 region.
Tourism Opportunities: Develop and link coastal and inland tourist opportunities in the region.
What has been considered in developing the Strategic
Directions?
The Great South Coast Strategic Directions were developed by:
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analysing existing data and the Great South Coast Regional Strategic Plan (2010) and other regional and local
strategies
identifying strategic growth issues, opportunities and constraints for the Great South Coast through workshops
and interviews with local government, key government departments, service agencies, industry, businesses and
community groups
developing a likely baseline future based on current trends and forecasts and
developing three possible alternative growth scenarios building on the baseline future and creating a sustainable
region through high population growth to support the regional economy. These can be found at the Great South
Coast Regional Growth Plan website www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/greatsouthcoast/rgp.
The scenarios consider:
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Centralised Growth (Scenario A)
Regional Centres Growth (Scenario B)
Corridor Growth (Scenario C).
The Growth Scenarios will not form part of the draft Regional Growth Plan. They were developed to inform
the Strategic Directions.
Great South Coast Regional Strategic Plan and other regional and local strategies
The Great South Coast Regional Growth Plan will provide regional land use planning responses to the Great South Coast
Regional Strategic Plan strategic goals and strategies.
The Great South Coast Regional Growth Plan presents a new regional perspective to achieve the shared vision of a new way
of working together for a stronger, more prosperous, equitable, sustainable and liveable Great South Coast. These goals
and strategies address the challenges and opportunities for the Great South Coast Region in the areas of economic
development, connectivity, environment, health and wellbeing, land use and liveability.
The strategic plan outlines the following aspirations for the Great South Coast Region:
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a thriving, diverse and resilient agriculture industry
internationally renowned for nature based tourism experiences
the Victorian centre for renewable energy
a magnet for young people to study, work and live
a family-friendly region with equitable, attractive and affordable lifestyles
well connected.
This is to be achieved through the following five strategies, with associated strategic goals and actions:
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Strategy 1: Position for economic growth
Strategy 2: Improve our connections
Strategy 3: Sustain our natural assets
Strategy 4: Strengthen our communities
Strategy 5: Increase regional collaboration.
In addition to the Great South Coast Regional Strategic Plan, a large amount of planning and research has already been
undertaken in the Great South Coast by local and State Government, industry, agencies and other organisations. These
studies and strategies address related land use and development issues. Some of the key documents considered include:
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State policy including the State Planning Policy Framework in Planning Schemes
Council Municipal Strategic Statements and township structure plans
Green Triangle Region Freight Action Plan and
Great South Coast Major Projects Cumulative Impact Study 2011.
Have your say
Your feedback is invited on the Principles for Growth and the Strategic Directions Map.
Find out more
For more information about the Great South Coast Regional Growth Plan please visit:
www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/greatsouthcoast/rgp
This website will be updated throughout the life of the project.
The Great South Coast project team can be contacted on (03) 5215 6044
To ensure we can consider your comments, please provide your feedback by 14 December 2012.
Comments may be sent by mail or email to:
Aaron Garrett, Senior Project Manager
Department of Planning and Community Development
69-71 Moorabool Street
GEELONG, Victoria, 3220
Email: GreatSouthCoast.RGP@dpcd.vic.gov.au
Personal information provided by you is collected by the Department of Planning and Community Development and/or its
contracted service provider for the purposes of recording public comment relating to the Strategic Directions section of the
Regional Growth Plan project.
Collection of this information is required to allow members of the community to be involved in the planning process.
Personal information will not be used to contact you in activities such as making draft documentation available for
feedback and other community consultations etc., unless you have indicated that you wish to receive information when
you submit your feedback to us. Your comments and submissions may also be included in a report which will be a public
document and will therefore be accessible by any member of the public in various ways, including by publication to the
general public on our website. However you can contribute to this project anonymously if you would prefer.
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