Bass Coast Shire Council will not progress the Planning Scheme Amendment Application to rezone 253 hectares of farming land at Mahers Landing for a marina development.
At Wednesday’s Council meeting, Councillors voted to not progress the Application and will not seek authorisation from the Minister for Planning under the Planning and Environment Act 1987.
The Application included a proposal for boating facilities and a residential development between Mahers Landing Road and Pound Creek, outside existing township boundaries.
Council refused to progress the application as the proposed creation of a new coastal settlement is contrary to state, regional and local planning policies and framework and more generally is not considered fair, orderly, economic or sustainable use or development of land in the Bass Coast Shire.
Bass Coast CEO, Ali Wastie, said Council is committed to protecting Bass Coast’s unique and fragile environment from inappropriate development.
“The proposed development would be a gross intrusion on our sensitive coastal environment, which is one of our strongest assets here on the Bass Coast,” Ms Wastie said.
“Development should be based on existing policies and strategies to ensure a fair go for everyone. Our settlement boundaries balance the future needs of the Shire against protecting the natural environment.
“Our coast is important, both environmentally but also to locals and visitors for boating, fishing and recreation and it needs to be protected so that future generations can enjoy it like we do,” Ms Wastie concluded.
