Surf Coast Mayor, Cr Dean Webster, has urged the Planning Minister to allow the council’s planning for the future growth of Torquay-Jan Juc to be completed rather than making pre-emptive decisions.

“Council is disappointed that the Minister for Planning appears to have pre-empted a council decision about the future growth of Torquay-Jan Juc, particularly since we have kept the Minister and his department fully informed and they have been aware of our timelines on this project for some months.   

“Council has almost completed an extensive consultation with its community and will make its decision about the Sustainable Futures Plan - Torquay Jan Juc 2040 at the 29 July council meeting.

“If Mr Guy does go ahead with his Ministerial Amendment, it is vital that he takes account of the outcomes of the 2040 process that the government part funded.

“Council will work with the Minister to obtain the best possible outcome for the community – one that reflects community aspirations and principles for growth enunciated in the Sustainable Futures Plan.

“It is important that Minister Guy listens to Council and the community on the nature and scale of development that might be permitted within the area 1km west of Duffields Road.

“The community’s input on this issue and the extensive consultation that has happened over the last two years should not be disregarded.

“While the future of the Spring Creek Valley has become a focus, it is also important to remember that the 2040 process seeks to provide a planned approach to the future of Torquay – Jan Juc as a whole.

“The draft 2040 plan placed on public exhibition earlier in 2011 shows that two-thirds of Torquay-Jan Juc’s growth would be situated in Torquay North.

“Torquay North can accommodate another 10,000 people, with new community facilities already being built.”

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