Council has commenced work on the Deans Creek Precinct Structure Plan (PSP), thanks to a $425,000 grant from Regional Development Victoria (RDV), and $150,000 from the Victorian Planning Authority (VPA), which has been added to Council’s $300,000 contribution.
“The Deans Creek Growth Area, if rezoned to residential, will satisfy much of the shire’s demand for residential land for the next 30 years,” said chief executive officer, Anne Howard. “Creating a Precinct Structure Plan is the first step in preparing the area as a new neighbourhood and helps guarantee a quality outcome.”
The Deans Creek Growth Area is a priority residential growth area for Colac, as outlined in the Colac 2050 Growth Plan adopted by Council in 2019, following extensive community engagement.
The Precinct Structure Plan for the area is a three- to four-year project with the first phase being to undertake a range of technical assessments into the potential of the land to be developed for urban purposes. These include future bushfire hazard identification, soil tests and cultural heritage assessments, as well as future condition assessments looking into stormwater, community infrastructure and transport issues.
“There’s no doubt our region needs more residential housing options,” said Anne Howard, “so we’re very pleased to be able to progress technical assessments that start the process of developing the Plan, with the area offering a fantastic opportunity for future residents for decades to come.”
During the coming 12-24 months, Council will undertake community engagement activities where there will be the chance for residents to provide both early input as well as more formal submissions to help shape the Plan and how rezoning might occur.
Alongside this longer-term planning, Council is also working on projects that will bring residential land online in the shorter-term.
