Draft Bellarine Peninsula Statement of Planning Policy - BELLARINE PENINSULA DISTINCTIVE AREA AND LANDSCAPE
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BELLARINE PENINSULA
DISTINCTIVE AREA
AND LANDSCAPE
Draft Bellarine
Peninsula Statement of
Planning Policy
June 2021
Acknowledgements
We acknowledge and respect the Traditional
Owners of the Wadawurrung lands and waters,
their unique ability to care for Country and deep
spiritual connection to it. We honour Elders past and
present whose knowledge and wisdom has ensured the
continuation of culture and traditional practices.
We are committed to genuinely partner and meaningfully
engage with Traditional Owners to support the protection
of their Country, the maintenance of spiritual and cultural
practices and their broader aspirations in the 21st
century and beyond.
Photos: Visit Victoria
© The State of Victoria Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning 2021
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International licence. You are free to re-use the
work under that licence, on the condition that you credit the State of Victoria as author. The licence does not apply
to any images, photographs or branding, including the Victorian Coat of Arms, the Victorian Government logo and
the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) logo. To view a copy of this licence, visit http://
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
ISBN (978-1-76105-580-5 pdf/online/MS Word)
Citation
Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (2021). Draft Bellarine Peninsula Statement of Planning Policy.
State of Victoria, Melbourne.
Disclaimer
This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the
publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all
liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication.
Accessibility
If you would like to receive this publication in an alternative format,
please telephone the DELWP Customer Service Centre on 136186, email customer.
service@delwp.vic.gov.au or via the National Relay Service on 133 677
(www.relayservice.com.au).
2 Bellarine Peninsula Distinctive Area and Landscape
The Bellarine Peninsula declared area is among This Draft Bellarine Peninsula Statement of
Victoria’s most-preferred places to live, work, visit Planning Policy has been prepared by the
and recreate. Consequently, its unique values Department of Environment, Land, Water and
and distinctive attributes — its Wadawurrung Planning in collaboration with the Wadawurrung
living cultural and historic heritage, biodiversity, Traditional Owners, the Borough of Queenscliffe,
significant landscapes, natural resources, the City of Greater Geelong and other relevant
productive land, strategic infrastructure and government agencies and authorities.
built form — need protection against overuse,
overdevelopment and climate change impacts. Written submissions are invited from the general
public, community groups, responsible public
The effects of these pressures on the declared entities, industry representatives and other
area’s unique values and distinctive attributes in interested parties. Submissions must be lodged
the past decade have fuelled community concerns before 4:00 pm 20 August 2021, are under ‘Have
about the need to protect and conserve our your say’ in this publication.
coastal environments, hinterland areas, township
characters, local services and infrastructure.
The Minister for Planning has prepared this
Draft Bellarine Peninsula Statement of Planning
Policy for public consultation.
Draft Bellarine Peninsula Statement of Planning Policy 3
Contents
Foreword5
Introduction6
About Victoria’s peri-urban areas 6
About the Bellarine Peninsula declared area 7
About the Draft Bellarine Peninsula Statement of Planning Policy 11
State and regional policy context 14
Implementation of the Statement of Planning Policy 15
Monitoring and review 17
Have your say 17
Wadawurrung statement of significance 19
Our vision 20
Declared area framework plan 22
Policy domains 24
Environmental risks and resilience 25
Landscape28
Environment and biodiversity 36
Aboriginal cultural heritage – Wadawurrung Country 40
Historic heritage 42
Tourism, agriculture and natural resources 44
Strategic infrastructure 49
Settlements52
References69
Glossary71
4 Bellarine Peninsula Distinctive Area and Landscape
Foreword
To be included in final SPP
Draft Bellarine Peninsula Statement of Planning Policy 5
Introduction
About Victoria’s peri-urban areas
The Bellarine Peninsula, along with other functioning of urban areas, such as providing clean
peri-urban areas surrounding Melbourne, air, drinking water, food and resources. These areas
Geelong and other regional cities, includes are central to the way of life Victorians enjoy.
areas of outstanding natural beauty and
environmental, economic, social and cultural The challenge facing the Victorian Government and
heritage significance. the community is to manage Victoria’s growth while
conserving and enhancing significant landscapes.
These highly valued areas have been under We must balance the growth of Geelong,
the safe stewardship of Traditional Owners for metropolitan Melbourne and regional towns and
millennia, and they are rich in Wadawurrung living centres with the need to conserve and enhance
cultural heritage. These areas are important to distinctive areas and landscapes.
Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, for the protection
of Country and the maintenance of spiritual and A sustainable approach to planning and
cultural practices. managing peri-urban areas recognises,
conserves and enhances their unique attributes
They also have unique ecosystems, the native — their landscape characteristics, biodiversity
vegetation of which provides habitat for threatened and environments, Aboriginal living cultural
and endangered species. The picturesque heritage and historic heritage — and ensure that
landscapes of peri-urban areas, especially along developments respect and respond appropriately
the coasts, attract millions of local, interstate to these values and attributes. At the same time
and international visitors, and tourism is a major the things that make peri-urban areas prosperous
contributor to local economies. Peri-urban areas must be recognised, protected and enhanced:
offer connections to nature and our rich heritage, as productive rural land and natural resources, local
well as being locations of productive industries and businesses, sustainable tourism, transport and
important infrastructure. They have a diversity of essential services infrastructure.
major land resources and infrastructure vital to the
6 Bellarine Peninsula Distinctive Area and Landscape
About the Bellarine Peninsula declared area
The Victorian Government has legislated to protect Under the Act, an area of Victoria can be declared a
and enhance Victoria’s distinctive areas and distinctive area and landscape if it has a majority of
landscapes, so they can be enjoyed by current and the attributes that section 46AP of the Act specifies
future generations. — outstanding environmental, geographical,
heritage, cultural, natural resources or productive
Parts of the City of Greater Geelong and all land, strategic infrastructure or built-form
the Borough of Queenscliffe — which together significance — and if its attributes are under threat
constitute the Bellarine Peninsula — were declared a of significant or irreversible land use change that
distinctive area and landscape under section 46AO would affect the environmental, social or economic
of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 (the Act) value of the area.
by order of the Governor in Council published in the
Government Gazette on 29 October 2019. The order Table 1 lists the attributes that qualified the
came into effect on the same day. declaration of the area as a distinctive area and
landscape under section 46AO of the Act.
Table 1: Attributes qualifying Bellarine Peninsula declared area as a distinctive area and landscape
Item Attribute Distinctive features
1. Outstanding a. The endangered native flora and fauna located in pockets of
environmental this area, particularly along river corridors. This habitat consists
significance
of various plant species including the endangered Bitter-bush
(Adriana quadripartite sensu stricto), Coast Wirilda (Acacia
uncifolia) and Trailing Coast Poa (Poa poiformis).
b. The wetlands across the Bellarine Peninsula are Ramsar-
protected wetlands and form part of a global network for
migratory birds. The wetlands are home to several unique and
threatened species.
2. Significant a. The Heads at Point Lonsdale are a defining feature at the
geographical entrance to Port Phillip Bay. It features on numerous early
features, including
artworks. It is part of a Marine National Park that includes high
natural landforms
sand dunes, limestone cliffs and a vast intertidal rock platform
that stretches across to Point Nepean.
b. The scenic views across the Bellarine Peninsula of rural landscapes
and along the coast are highly valued for their natural beauty.
3. Heritage and cultural a. Bellarine Peninsula has outstanding examples of Victorian-era
significance architecture offering a unique insight into the area's development
as a holiday destination.
b. Queenscliff has a rich maritime and military history
characterised by Victorian and early-twentieth-century
architecture including Fort Queenscliff. A large proportion of
Queenscliff is under a heritage overlay or is heritage-listed,
which indicates its state significance.
c. Significant Wadawurrung living cultural heritage sites exist
including Moonah (Melaleuca lanceolata) forests, shell midden
archaeological sites and The Bluff at Barwon Heads.
Draft Bellarine Peninsula Statement of Planning Policy 7
Item Attribute Distinctive features
4. Natural resources or a. The Bellarine winery area between Clifton Springs and Portarlington
productive land of has a cluster of wineries that support the tourism industry.
significance
b. Identified Extractive Industry Interest Areas (EIIAs) including
Murradoc Hill to Portarlington area and the Lonsdale Lake
surrounds.
c. Land in the Bellarine Peninsula is ranked with some capability for
soil-based agriculture at moderate-to-high intensity.
5. Strategic a. Queenscliff and Portarlington harbours are important assets for
infrastructure or built the local economy.
form of significance
b. Barwon Heads Road and Bellarine Highway form part of a
significant transport corridor, critical to the function of the region.
c. The Queenscliff — Sorrento Ferry is a state-significant transport
and tourism link. The Bellarine heritage rail is a popular attraction,
important to the local tourism economy.
Map 1 shows the Bellarine Peninsula declared area The area aligns closely with the area covered by
in relation to Melbourne, Geelong and Ballarat; Map the 2015 Bellarine Peninsula Localised Planning
2 shows the declared area at a large scale. The Statement, but the western boundary is different.
declared area’s boundary to the north, east and The Bellarine Peninsula declared area directly abuts
south is the coastline including 600 m seaward the Surf Coast distinctive area and landscape, which
of the low-water mark from Leopold to just east was declared in September 2019.
of Breamlea. Its boundary to the west and north-
west are roads to the west of Reedy Lake and Lake
Connewarre: the declared area includes these lakes.
8 Bellarine Peninsula Distinctive Area and Landscape
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for any errors, faults, defects or omissions in the information.
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Draft Bellarine Peninsula Statement of Planning Policy 9
Bellarine Peninsula Declared Area
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10 Bellarine Peninsula Distinctive Area
! and Landscape
! !
!About the Draft Bellarine Peninsula Statement of Planning Policy
Under the Act, the Minister for Planning must
prepare a Statement of Planning Policy (SPP) What is a distinctive area and
for a declared area, the purpose of which is landscape?
to create a framework to guide the future use
and development of land within the declared Under section 46AO of the Act, an area of
area to ensure appropriate protection and Victoria can be declared a distinctive area
conservation of its distinctive attributes. and landscape if it has a majority of the
Division 3 of Part 3AAB of the Act also specifies attributes section 46AP of the Act specifies
the contents, consultation, endorsement, — outstanding environmental, geographical,
approval, commencement and amendment heritage, cultural, natural resources or
requirements for an SPP. productive land, strategic infrastructure or
built-form significance — and if its attributes
The draft Bellarine Peninsula SPP has been are under threat of significant or irreversible
prepared by the Department of Environment, Land, land use change that would affect the
Water and Planning (DELWP) in collaboration with environmental, social or economic value of
the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, the Borough the area.
of Queenscliffe, the City of Greater Geelong and
relevant government agencies and authorities. In this document, ‘the declared area’ refers
Prior to the preparation of this draft, there were two to the area shown on Map 2, which has been
phases of public engagement with local participants declared as a distinctive area and landscape.
and other stakeholders, and this draft draws heavily It includes parts of the City of Greater
on the feedback they provided. This feedback is Geelong and all the Borough of Queenscliffe.
reported on the Bellarine Peninsula Distinctive Areas
and Landscapes web page.
The draft Bellarine Peninsula SPP aims to build
upon existing strategic policy (such as the
Bellarine Peninsula Localised Planning Statement)
to protect the declared area’s outstanding
landscapes and coastal landforms, unique natural
environment, rich Wadawurrung living cultural
heritage and historic heritage, and important
infrastructure and natural resources.
Draft Bellarine Peninsula Statement of Planning Policy 11Sustainable development goals
What’s in a Statement of Planning
Policy? As the Victorian Government’s lead agency
promoting sustainable development, DELWP
A Statement of Planning Policy (SPP) applies supports the objectives of the United Nations
to a declared area. Under section 46AV of the Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) and is
Act it must: committed to ensuring these goals are considered
• set a 50-year vision that identifies the and reflected in policy. The draft Bellarine Peninsula
values, priorities and preferences of the SPP will help to deliver on the UNSDGs, which provide
Victorian community in relation to the a framework to achieve a sustainable future for all.
distinctive attributes of the declared area,
including preferences for future land use, While the integrated delivery of all 17 UNSDGs
protection and development applies to the declared area, the UNSDGs shown in
• set out Aboriginal tangible and intangible Figure 1 are the most relevant, and they provide a
cultural values and other cultural and foundation for the draft Bellarine Peninsula SPP’s
heritage values. vision, objectives and strategies.
• set out the long-term needs for the
integration of decision-making and
planning for the declared area
• state the parts of the SPP that are binding
on responsible public entities (RPEs), and
the parts that are recommendations to
which RPEs are required to have regard
• include a declared area framework plan
that may specify settlement boundaries
or protected settlement boundaries to
help assure local communities about the
conservation of the significant attributes
in the declared area, while providing
certainty for growth in preferred locations
This document is the draft Bellarine Peninsula
SPP, which has been prepared for public
consultation.
12 Bellarine Peninsula Distinctive Area and LandscapeFigure 1: Selected United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
The draft SPP aims
to support active The draft SPP aims to
transport and healthy protect water quality
communities that by reducing run-off
have access to clean and improving water
air and a healthy management
environment
The draft SPP aims
to provide certainty The draft SPP aims to
about the valued support the protection
attributes to be and sustainable
protected while management of
indicating preferred natural resources
locations for potential
long-term growth
The draft SPP aims to
The draft SPP aims support governments
to support the working together
conservation and with stakeholders
improvement of to implement its
biodiversity values objectives and
strategies
The draft SPP aims to The draft SPP aims to
support sustainable protect infrastructure
economic growth and and foster local
the visitor economy businesses
The draft SPP aims The draft SPP
to support mitigation aims to recognise
and adaptation the importance
to climate change and support the
impacts conservation of
marine life
Draft Bellarine Peninsula Statement of Planning Policy 13State and regional policy context
The draft Bellarine Peninsula SPP aligns Marine and Coastal Policy
with the following state and regional plans
and policies. These aim to ensure growth The declared area is valued for its coastal
and change are effectively managed while environment, and the draft Bellarine Peninsula
protecting Victoria’s natural assets, unique SPP supports the objectives of the Victorian
features and cultural and Aboriginal cultural Government’s 2020 Marine and Coastal Policy for
heritage and historic heritage. the planning, management and sustainable use
of coastal areas. The policy provides direction
to decision-makers including local councils and
Plan Melbourne 2017-2050
land managers about dealing with the impacts of
Plan Melbourne 2017-2050 is the overarching climate change, population growth, ageing coastal
strategic document for metropolitan Melbourne, structures and other issues.
published in 2017. The plan’s policy 4.5.2 identifies the
need to protect Melbourne’s peri-urban areas: areas
Protecting Victoria’s Environment –
with landscapes that have significant geographic
Biodiversity 2037
and physical features and are increasingly
experiencing pressures that could undermine the The 2017 Protecting Victoria’s Environment –
long-term natural or non-urban uses of land in these Biodiversity 2037 aims to protect and improve
areas and which must be carefully managed. Victoria’s natural environment including achieving
a net gain in the overall extent of natural habitats in
terrestrial and marine environments. It recognises
G21 Regional Growth Plan
the importance of the natural environment to our
The 2013 G21 Regional Growth Plan provides among way of life and its high resource value.
other things a strategic framework for the five G21
member councils — the City of Greater Geelong,
Paleet Tjaara Dja: Wadawurrung
Surf Coast Shire, Borough of Queenscliffe, Colac
Country Plan
Otway Shire and Golden Plains Shire (for its southern
part) — to manage growth and infrastructure The 2020 Paleet Tjaara Dja: Wadawurrung Country
provision and make land use decisions. It recognises Plan provides guidance and information to support
the region’s population is growing and that there is the draft Bellarine Peninsula SPP. The plan outlines
a need to proactively plan and manage projected the goals and aspirations of the Wadawurrung
growth while protecting areas of environmental for the care and management of Wadawurrung
significance, biodiversity assets, unique landscapes, Country, which has been much-harmed by the
coastal areas and heritage assets. impacts of colonisation.
Victoria’s Climate Change Strategy Water for Victoria
The draft Bellarine Peninsula SPP supports the The 2016 Water for Victoria is a plan to manage
Victorian Government’s commitment set out in current and future water resources to support a
Victoria’s Climate Change Strategy to achieve healthy environment, a prosperous economy and
net-zero emissions by 2050, as mandated by the thriving communities. The plan aims to ensure
Climate Change Act 2017. This will be achieved by Victoria’s water system is modern and efficient,
transitioning to a clean energy future, investing innovative, future-focused and affordable. It considers
in innovative technologies, protecting and all values of water including Traditional Owner,
recognising the role of the natural environment in cultural, environmental and recreational values.
reducing emissions and supporting businesses and
communities to cut emissions.
14 Bellarine Peninsula Distinctive Area and LandscapeImplementation of the Statement of Planning Policy
Effective implementation of the Bellarine planning schemes. This will provide a consistent
Peninsula SPP will require a concerted approach to land use planning and development
effort by all — governments, public land across the declared area.
managers, Wadawurrung Traditional Owners,
businesses, industries, residents, tourists The Borough of Queenscliffe and City of Greater
and the community as a whole — to work Geelong Council will need to consider the final
collaboratively together by taking ownership Bellarine Peninsula SPP in their roles as planning
and sharing knowledge, expertise and authorities (where their role is to prepare planning
resources to support the achievement of the scheme amendments) and as responsible
long-term vision for the declared area. authorities (where their role is to administer and
enforce the planning scheme).
Implementation through planning
DELWP will work with the Wadawurrung Traditional
schemes
Owners, the Borough of Queenscliffe, the City of
Once the final Bellarine Peninsula SPP is approved, it Greater Geelong Council and responsible public
will come into effect immediately and will be taken to entities (RPEs) to facilitate any planning scheme
form part of the standard provisions of the Victoria amendments required to align planning policies and
Planning Provisions. Planning scheme amendments to introduce necessary planning controls to effectively
will be progressed to implement it into the Borough implement the final Bellarine Peninsula SPP.
of Queenscliffe and City of Greater Geelong
Draft Bellarine Peninsula Statement of Planning Policy 15Implementation by responsible As well, under section 46AZL of the Act, an RPE
public entities when developing or implementing policies or
programs or making decisions in relation to the
In addition to implementation through planning declared area should:
schemes, the Bellarine Peninsula SPP must be • consult with all levels of government and
implemented by RPEs as agencies or bodies government agencies relevant to the decision
responsible for managing land in the declared area. • use best-practice measures to protect and
When the final Bellarine Peninsula SPP is approved, conserve the unique features and special
under section 46AV(1) of the Act: characteristics of the declared area
• the objectives in this SPP are binding on RPEs • undertake continuous improvement to enhance
• the strategies in the final Bellarine Peninsula the conservation of the environment in the
SPP are not binding on RPEs: they are declared area.
recommendations to which RPEs must
have regard. Doing so will:
• better coordinate decision-making for land use
Section 46AZK of the Act requires that and development across the declared area to
‘A responsible public entity must not act achieve integrated management, environmental,
inconsistently with any provision of the SPP that is infrastructure and development outcomes
expressed to be binding on the public entity when • ensure any proposals for land use changes and
performing a function or duty or exercising a power development are consistent with the protection
in relation to the declared area.’ of the declared area’s significant landscapes
and with state- and nationally significant
That means that when developing or implementing environmental, economic and Wadawurrung
policies or programs or making decisions in living cultural heritage values
relation to the declared area, including when • guide the sustainable use of natural resources
performing their regular functions or duties, RPEs in keeping with the declared area’s significant
must act consistently with the Bellarine Peninsula landscapes, environmental and heritage values
SPP’s objectives. • reinforce the importance of building community
resilience to environmental risks and climate
An RPE should endeavour to integrate the objectives change including the potential effects of natural
and strategies which are relevant to it and its hazards (such as bushfires and flooding)
responsibilities into its policies, programs and • provide greater certainty for current and future
decision-making in the declared area. An RPE residents and businesses.
should balance any conflicting strategies in favour
of an outcome that best promotes the intent of
the final Bellarine Peninsula SPP for the benefit of
present and future generations.
16 Bellarine Peninsula Distinctive Area and LandscapeMonitoring and review
To provide long-term certainty for the declared area, The final Bellarine Peninsula SPP may be reviewed
the final Bellarine Peninsula SPP will be reviewed at at an earlier date if strategic planning work (such as
least every 10 years. The review will be conducted by landscape assessments, cultural value assessments,
the Minister for Planning in collaboration with the biodiversity assessments or reviews of settlement
Borough of Queenscliffe, the City of Greater Geelong, frameworks or structure plans) identify the need
Wadawurrung Traditional Owners and relevant for an earlier review. Following each review, relevant
government agencies and in consultation with the planning schemes may be amended if necessary.
Victorian community.
Have your say
DELWP invites written submissions from All documents are available at https://engage.
the general public, community groups, vic.gov.au/distinctive-areas-and-landscapes-
RPEs, industry representatives and other program/bellarine-peninsula.
interested parties about the Draft Bellarine
Peninsula Statement of Planning Policy. A A submission must state the name and address
second document — Bellarine Peninsula of the person making it, and it will be treated as
Statement of Planning Policy: Settlement a public document. Proforma submissions and
Background Paper, a technical document petitions will only be counted as one submission,
with background information for the SPP and any contact will be made through the first-
and implementation actions — supports the named person.
draft Bellarine Peninsula SPP, but it is not
the subject of consultation. Submissions must be lodged through the
Engage Victoria platform at https://engage.
vic.gov.au/distinctive-areas-and-landscapes-
program/bellarine-peninsula before 4.00 pm
20 August 2021.
Draft Bellarine Peninsula Statement of Planning Policy 1718 Bellarine Peninsula Distinctive Area and Landscape
Wadawurrung statement of significance
The following statement sets out in traditional language the significance of Wadawurrung
Country and the declared area to the Traditional Owners of the Bellarine Peninsula.
Comugeen budj-o thalikiyu kin bil beng-ordi- The English translation of which is …
ngadak. Ngarrwabil, boron, guli, bagurrk.
We deeply respect our People of the past. Elders,
Comugeen budj-o bengadak ngarr-uk dja,
children, men, women. We deeply respect their
ngubiyt, weagoon gobata gupma wurring-
knowledge of Country, water, life, their care of
wurring baap beng-ordi-nganak, djarrima
the Traditions and of each other, we stand with
murrup-nhuk bengadak.
their spirit.
Gobata Wadawurrung balug jumbuk didalbil
Great spirit Bunjil told us to take care of the great
murrup-nhuk bundjil monomeett beek-o
life within the land. To only take what you need
weagoon. Mutjak-ak Ngan ngan borrak ngan
with no greed no harm.
ngan djuwewan
Wadawurrung shared their knowledge of singing,
Wa-ngarrwa Wadawurrung balug bengadak
dance, trade, camps, fishing, hunting, paintings,
mirriyu boron-dja gobata-k ying, ngarrimilli, wa-
and homes to us to protect for our future
ak, karrung, kuy-a, nyanayit-yanunit, djilenawurr,
generations.
baap willam beng-ordi-ngadak.
We all need to help.
Nyurrinana-ngal beng-ordi-ngadak.
Our Wadawurrung family group lived along
Willam Yaluk Youang baap warri Wadawurrung
Rivers, Salt water and inland Country, with a large
Balug dja beng-ordi-ngadak, bullarto nerr-i-girr
land of forested areas and wonderful banks of
baap monomeett worrowing warree, gelanyi
the ocean, near many water bodies.
bul-boluk.
Life in the Modewarre gave Musk duck and
Weagoon-o Modawarree-wa, Moda baap kiang-
Bream. Life in the Anglesea gave Mullet.
purt.
Wurdiboluk, Gherang, Barwon River all provide
Weagoon-o Koaka-Dorla-wa Dorla.
ideal life to birds and fish, eels. Reeds turned into
Weeagoon-o Wurdiboluk, Gherang, Parrwang our baskets.
Yaluk monomeett-wa Yonbarra baap wirrapiyn,
Life in the forest gave resources like food,
buniya, tark-a binyak-ngal.
medicines and lots of tools to use for trade,
Wa-weagoon nerr-i-gurr-o kit baap bullarto building, journey.
gurrin-gurrin-k wah-ak, karrung, yanikan-
If there was plenty, we would share with our
werreet. Corroborree bullarto wa-ik-ngitj balug-
families, trade and celebrate.
wa beng-ordi-ngadak.
We would name our Country, by what we could
Mirr wirring wurru-ngwarra dja bengadak.
see and hear.
Mirr-i-tonton dja Wadawurrung balug, gobata
Our Country is remembered by Wadawurrung,
be-ak yerra-ak murrup yani-mirriyu ngarrwa-uk
our proud spirit walks to tomorrow to teach
beng-ordi-ngadak Koling wada-ngal
others the care of our earth.
Let us walk together.
Draft Bellarine Peninsula Statement of Planning Policy 19Our vision
The vision for the Bellarine Peninsula is set and coastal erosion). Local communities and visitors
out below. It is for at least 50 years, and it embrace walking, cycling and public transport.
identifies the values, priorities and preferences Investment in renewable energy and integrated
of the Victorian community in relation to the water management infrastructure is prioritised.
unique values and distinctive attributes of the
declared area, including preferences for future Aboriginal cultural heritage: Wadawurrung rights
land use, protection and development. to self-determination are respected so that their
aspirations for their lands, waters and culture
By 2071, our vision for the Bellarine Peninsula are realised through the transfer of relevant
declared area is that Wadawurrung, governments, decision-making powers. Wadawurrung knowledge
public land managers, businesses, residents and practices inform planning, land and water-
and visitors will all work together to ensure the management decisions and help to protect the
area’s unique values and distinctive attributes environment and biodiversity. Wadawurrung
— the things people love about the area — are living cultural heritage is highly valued, and the
protected and enhanced and are not degraded area is respected as a place of significance to the
over time. Consequently, the Bellarine Peninsula is Wadawurrung.
a sustainable, diverse region with thriving rural and
coastal communities. Its unique natural beauty, Environment and biodiversity: Indigenous plants
Wadawurrung living cultural and its historic heritage, and animals flourish within a natural environment
ecological significance, distinctive landscapes and that is healthy, well cared for and cherished by
identity are widely recognised and celebrated. local communities and visitors. The area’s unique
marine and waterway environments — the Ramsar
Environmental resilience: The declared area has wetlands of Swan Bay, Lake Connewarre and the
reduced Greenhouse gas emissions, resource use Barwon Estuary — are healthy. Fragile ecosystems
and waste to near zero and is resilient to the impacts and biodiversity are supported by a network of
of climate change (such as a warmer and drier well-managed parks and reserves and private
climate, increased bushfire risk, higher sea levels lands and gardens.
20 Bellarine Peninsula Distinctive Area and LandscapeLandscape: The area’s distinctive landscape Strategic infrastructure: Community connections
features — its southern coastal bluffs, cliffs and and health and wellbeing are strong. Everyday
beaches from Breamlea to Queenscliff, the gently needs are met with accessible community health,
undulating Bellarine Hills and the tranquil coastal education and social infrastructure. Sustainable
edge of Port Phillip Bay — are cherished. Panoramic active transport routes and outdoor activities help to
views across the peninsula and out over The Heads improve health, build relationships between people
past Point Lonsdale and Point Nepean, vistas and connect them with their surroundings.
across Port Phillip Bay to the You Yangs and beyond,
and views of Lake Connewarre and Swan Bay, are Settlements: The coastal and rural towns and
protected and accessible to residents and visitors. villages of the Bellarine Peninsula offer a variety of
housing and lifestyle choices where development is
Historic heritage: The area’s rich maritime, military well-planned and sympathetic to each settlement’s
and non-Indigenous settler heritage — its historic unique character. Settlements are well-connected
towns like Queenscliff and architecture like the to local jobs and services, protect and enhance
Portarlington Grand Hotel — is preserved and environmental and cultural attributes, resilient to
respected for its contribution to the history, identity natural hazards and the effects of climate change.
and character of the Bellarine Peninsula and its Well defined settlement boundaries protect the
communities. prized coastal and rural hinterland landscapes of
the declared area.
Visitor economy, agriculture and natural resources:
The declared area is a renowned agricultural
producer and world-class sustainable ecotourism
destination. Water resources are secure and
support diverse, environmentally conscious, resilient,
productive and prosperous industries.
Draft Bellarine Peninsula Statement of Planning Policy 21Declared area framework plan
Map 3 shows the proposed declared area framework
plan for the Bellarine Peninsula declared area, and
What is a declared area
Map 9 to Map 16 show the proposed settlement
framework plan?
boundaries for eight of the area’s distinct
settlements. The ninth — Queenscliff — does not Section 46AV(2) of the Act requires a
need a settlement boundary: its environmental and declared area framework plan to provide a
geographical constraints provide a natural barrier framework for decision-making in relation
to urban expansion. to the future use and development of land
within the declared area. The plan must
The framework plan maps are to be read in integrate environmental, social, cultural
conjunction with the policy domains, including the and economic factors for the benefit of
objectives and strategies. the community, encourage sustainable
development and identify areas for
These maps integrate environmental, social, protection and conservation of the
cultural and economic factors for the benefit of the distinctive attributes of the declared area.
community, encourage sustainable development
and identify areas for protection and conservation
of the unique values and distinctive attributes of the
declared area.
22 Bellarine Peninsula Distinctive Area and LandscapeMap 3: Proposed Bellarine Peninsula declared area framework plan
Port Phillip
Bay
Portarlington
See Map 15 Indented Head
See Map 13
Geelong
Drysdale/Clifton
To Geelong Springs
and Melbourne See Map 9
St Leonards
See Map 16
Leopold
See Map 10
Be
lla
l
rin
Rai l Trai
eH
igh
wa
y
To Geelong
Ocean Grove
To Surf
Coast Shire
See Map 11 Queenscliff
See Map 17
Barwon Heads
See Map 12
Point Lonsdale
See Map 14
Bass
Strait
Bendigo
Ballarat
Melbourne 0 2.5 5
Geelong
Kilometres
L EGE ND
Regional city Landscapes and environment Tourism, agriculture, natural
resources and infrastructure
District town Landscapes - Conserve and enhance the
A large town providing a diversity of housing, declared area’s significant landscapes with
services and employment for a large, diverse
Green breaks
the greatest protection provided in areas of
Potential location for agricultural,
population, which has a strong relationship highest significance*
natural resources and/or
with surrounding villages and rural areas
nature-based tourism land uses
Village State significant landscape: that protect and enhance
A small settlement with a small population, Bellarine Peninsula Southern significant landscape features
which integrates with its rural and natural Coast
surrounds
Strategic water assets
*Note: Areas not designated as state
Protected settlement boundary significant are the regionally significant Swan Support recycled water use
Bay , Lake Connewarre and Barwon River,
Declared area boundary Aquaculture
and Bellarine Northern Coast and Central
Protected settlement boundary to
Hills landscapes Sub regional theme park
be defined subject to strategic Road corridor views Sport and recreation precinct
planning work Manage the development of
infrastructure to maintain views
Airfield
Local Government Area
to the rural hinterland and/or coasts Safe harbour
Urban area
Significant view Ferry route
Rural living
Waterways Highway
Conserve and restore native
Aboriginal cultural heritage and vegetation along waterway corridors Main road
Source: DELWP
historic heritage Lakes Rail Trail
The entire declared area and beyond is Wadawurrung Movement network
Ramsar wetlands
Country. The declared area’s Aboriginal cultural heritage Support a sustainable transport
values must be conserved, strengthened and promoted Parks and reserves network that enhances the
in partnership with the Wadawurrung. declared area’s distinctive
Golf course
attributes
Draft Bellarine Peninsula Statement of Planning Policy 23Policy domains The policy domains align with the objects for The policy domains are: distinctive areas and landscapes in the Act, and • Environmental risks and resilience they recognise that the declared area’s unique • Landscape values and distinctive attributes result from the • Environment and biodiversity complex interactions between landscape character, • Aboriginal cultural heritage – Wadawurrung biodiversity and environment, settlement patterns, country infrastructure, natural resources and Aboriginal • Historic heritage cultural heritage and historic heritage. They set out • Tourism, agriculture and natural resources the long-term needs for the integration of decision- • Strategic infrastructure making and planning for the declared area. • Settlements. 24 Bellarine Peninsula Distinctive Area and Landscape
Environmental risks and resilience
The impacts of climate change represent a Rising sea levels, coastal erosion, storm
fundamental threat to Victoria. In the coming surges and flooding
years, the Bellarine Peninsula is forecast to
experience higher average temperatures, Rising sea levels and coastal erosion are risks to
more-frequent and longer droughts, longer coastal settlements and landscapes, particularly
bushfire seasons, more-frequent extreme in low-lying areas. It is predicted that all low-lying
weather events (such as heavy rainfall) and coastal settlements within the declared area will be
rising sea levels. susceptible to major flooding risks by 2100. Swan
Bay, Salt Lagoon, St Leonards Wildlife Reserve
Climate change, which is happening now and set and Edwards Point Wildlife Reserve will also be
to become more severe, will affect all the policy threatened by rising sea levels, as will the plants and
domains. For example, agriculture will need to animals that rely on these areas for habitat.
adapt to hotter, drier conditions; Wadawurrung
living cultural heritage sites in low-lying areas will Increasingly, beaches, cliffs, mudflats, coastal
be threatened by flooding and erosion; the beach wetlands, salt marshes, mangroves and estuaries
lifestyle may become less attractive in a hotter are at risk from rising sea levels, storm surges and
world; and there will be more deaths from heat erosion. Increased coastal erosion as a result of
stress, extreme weather and diseases. The changing rising sea levels and storm surges alters the patterns
climate also threatens marine habitats and may and rates of longshore drift: the movement and
change the reproductive characteristics, number deposition of sand, sediment and other material
and distribution of species. Settlements and non- along the shore by waves. Coastal modifications
urban areas must be able to adapt to these impacts (such as dredging, seawalls and harbours) also
and appropriately respond to one-off events. contribute to longshore drift. Public infrastructure,
recreational facilities and adjacent residential and
The Borough of Queenscliffe and City of Greater commercial areas, particularly in low-lying areas, are
Geelong have joined the global movement of at high risk of damage as sand, soil and rock erode
national, regional and local governments declaring below them. Rising sea levels, storm surges and
a climate emergency. Victoria’s Climate Change coastal erosion also threaten Wadawurrung living
Act 2017 sets a target of net-zero greenhouse gas cultural heritage and historic heritage sites, many of
emissions by 2050. Effective, sustained measures to which are within or near coastal reserves.
mitigate and adapt to climate change impacts need
all levels of government, the private sector, non- The changing patterns of coastline erosion will
governmental organisations and communities to force some marine and coastal plants and animals
work together. to migrate inland. Estuary and wetland vegetation
(such as mangroves) adapt naturally to such
Locally, opportunities to mitigate climate change patterns by migrating inland to areas that are less
risks include reducing reliance on private vehicle threatened by rising sea levels and permanent
use, prioritising sustainable transport options and inundation, but hard infrastructure (such as seawalls
maintaining and increasing vegetation cover and and settlements) can limit this natural adaptation
urban greening to sequester carbon and reduce process. More visitors and greater use of beaches
heat stress risks and urban heat island effects. also contribute to erosion. The Marine and Coastal
Ecologically sustainable and water-sensitive design Policy sets out a hierarchy and pathway approach
for infrastructure and Wadawurrung Traditional for managing erosion and associated risks.
Owners’ land management practices (such as
cultural burning methods) can also help mitigate
climate change impacts.
Draft Bellarine Peninsula Statement of Planning Policy 25Floods and poor stormwater management often brings less cool-season rainfall and increases the
accelerate the erosion of river channels and occurrence of droughts.
damage nearby infrastructure and the natural
environment. This is particularly so in areas that Water for agriculture is particularly important for
have been cleared of plants that protect the soil. In the Bellarine Peninsula. Agricultural businesses
future, urban and non-urban areas around low-lying need government and industry support, including
waterways will be at greater risk from flooding. the infrastructure to provide more recycled water, to
adapt and develop new methods of production. Water
authorities in the declared area should be supported
Bushfires
in planning for water security through initiatives such
Bushfires are an ever-present risk in much of as Barwon Water’s ‘Water for our future’.
regional Victoria, including the Bellarine Peninsula.
Climate change — warmer, drier weather and more- The area’s potential acid sulfate soils are threatened
extreme weather events — is forecast to increase with disturbance by floods and increased
the incidence and severity of major bushfires. urbanisation. These soils are prevalent around the
north and north-eastern coast, the Barwon River,
The Code of Practice for Bushfire Management on Lake Connewarre, Reedy Lake and nearby wetlands.
Public Land and Victoria Planning Provision Clause If disturbed, they can form sulfuric acid that can
13.02-1S ‘Bushfire planning’ prioritise the protection trigger the release of other toxic elements, harming
of human life over all other policy considerations. people, plants, animals and structures as well as
Although most of the declared area has been contaminating drinking water.
cleared and has a low fuel load, some coastal parks
and reserves are heavily vegetated and close to
Human impacts
settlements. Fire management regimes that draw
on scientific expertise and Traditional Owner fire Over time, the demand for access to the declared
management knowledge can increase and protect area’s beaches and natural assets will increase as
biodiversity values. the number of residents and visitors continues to
grow. Management of this demand at peak periods
Land use planning and development of existing and must be carefully addressed.
new settlements should consider bushfire risk and
meet required Bushfire Attack Level ratings, provide Other human impacts that must be mitigated are
defendable space for new developments and ensure littering, trampling of vegetation due to unmanaged
access to safe spaces. Revegetation activities also access and illegal clearing of native vegetation.
need to ensure they do not increase bushfire risk. More-intense rainfall events are also likely to result
in greater quantities of pollutants being washed
Bushfires also have economic consequences. from urban and agricultural areas into waterways,
Tourism destinations may need to close when wetlands and the marine environment.
bushfire risk is high, and agricultural businesses in
particular can lose land, stock and infrastructure.
Objective and strategies
Businesses need to undertake bushfire risk
mitigation planning and activities to mitigate risks. Objective 1
The following objective is binding on Responsible
Water security
Public Entities.
To ensure its future water security, the Bellarine
Peninsula must plan for declining surface water To achieve a zero-carbon future and support
availability and greater demand. Demand for water the resilience of the declared area’s distinctive
in the declared area is increasing as its population attributes by taking sustained measures to mitigate
grows and demand for agricultural uses increases, greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts
but the amount of available surface water and of climate change and natural hazards.
groundwater is declining as a warming climate
26 Bellarine Peninsula Distinctive Area and LandscapeStrategies 1.7 Consider cumulative impacts and implement
best-practice integrated water management
Responsible Public Entities must consider, where and water-sensitive urban design for new
relevant, the following strategies to achieve the development, to minimise negative impacts on
objective when performing a function or duty or waterways, wetlands, beaches and the marine
exercising a power in relation to the declared area. environment.
1.1 Through bushfire risk-based planning, prioritise 1.8 Improve the energy, water and waste
the protection of human life over all other performance of development and infrastructure
considerations. to achieve a zero-carbon future by implementing
best-practice, environmentally sustainable
1.2 Avoid new development or sensitive land uses design practices including waste management
in areas at high risk of bushfire, coastal and and the use of renewable energy technology.
riverine flooding, coastal erosion and in areas
adjacent to waterways and estuaries. 1.9 Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by
encouraging safe, active transport within
1.3 Mitigate coastal erosion risks by restoring and between settlements by providing and
natural systems and building infrastructure as maintaining accessible and convenient public
appropriate, and by adapting to irreversible transport, walking and cycling infrastructure.
occurrences of coastal erosion when making
future land use and development decisions. 1.10 Maintain and increase vegetation tree canopy
cover across the declared area to aid carbon
1.4 Ensure coastal and waterway infrastructure sequestration and to reduce heat island effects
is designed to minimise impacts on existing in urban areas.
environmental features including vegetation,
habitat, natural landforms and natural flows 1.11 Avoid disturbing coastal acid sulfate soils by
of water. limiting stormwater run-off and excessive
earthworks, particularly around the Barwon
1.5 Utilise Wadawurrung biocultural knowledge and River and associated waterbodies, along the
practices to better manage bushfire risk. north coast and west of Portarlington.
Draft Bellarine Peninsula Statement of Planning Policy 27You can also read
