- Minister for Planning
Victoria’s beautiful Bellarine Peninsula is now permanently protected from overdevelopment thanks to strengthened planning controls brought in by the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Planning Richard Wynne today declared this much-loved region a Distinctive Area and Landscape under the Planning and Environment Act 1987.
The declaration follows extensive consultation with local communities, council and Traditional Owners and ensures the unique features of this precious peninsula are recognised and prepared for long-term protection.
A Statement of Significance is included in the declaration outlining the cultural, spiritual and heritage importance of the area to the Wadawurrung People.
The Bellarine Peninsula is one of Victoria’s most prized tourism and recreation destinations with its stunning beaches, rural landscapes and historic towns including Queenscliffe and Portarlington. It’s also blessed with parks, wetlands of biodiversity significance and productive agricultural land.
The move to provide lasting protection to the Bellarine comes after the Surf Coast was also declared a Distinctive Area and Landscape last month and delivers on the Government’s election commitment to protect these regions by balancing growth while preserving their distinctive features.
The Labor Government will now begin working on a Statement of Planning Policy setting out a 50-year vision for the region to guide development controls and settlement boundaries.
This will provide a framework to ensure the excellent beaches, coastal biodiversity, recreation and tourism attributes of the Bellarine continue to be of special significance.
For more information on Bellarine Distinctive Area and Landscape Declaration visit: engage.vic.gov.au/distinctive-areas-and-landscapes-program.
As stated by Minister for Planning Richard Wynne
“These permanent protections will ensure locals and tourists alike can continue to enjoy the beautiful Bellarine Peninsula.”
“This iconic Victorian destination deserves protection and I’m proud to be part of ensuring this happens.”
As stated by Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville MP
“The Bellarine community is well aware of the natural assets of our stunning peninsula and it’s great to see what we love about it being protected for future generations.”
