Over the past week this newspaper has rightly reported on the issue of the Victorian Planning Authority's (VPA) decision to apply an Environmental Audit Overlay to some land within the Wonthaggi North East Precinct Structure Plan.
The Wonthaggi North East precinct is critical for the region's future growth and ensuring we are building enough affordable homes for our growing population.
The VPA applied the overlay in January this year following the review process for the precinct, which came after the land had been sub-divided for residential use. We understand that the introduction of the overlay came as a surprise to some land owners.
The Authority determined that an overlay was required due to the history of farming on the land. The overlay requires developers or homeowners to complete a risk screening survey before Council can approve planning permits.
Under the planning rules, Council is unable to alter the requirements of an Environmental Audit Overlay, despite our opposition to it. Our only option to resolve the issue, without the support of the other agencies involved, is through a planning scheme amendment, which would take up to 18 months.
While the overlay does not prevent homes being built on the land, it is a distressing burden for those planning to build or add structures to their block.
All bodies involved - the VPA, the Council and the Environment Protection Authority - absolutely appreciate the decision to apply the overlay came as a surprise to landholders and has caused undue stress and uncertainty.
Council has called for an urgent review of the planning control, and we will continue to advocate to the Minister for Planning, VPA and EPA until this issue is adequately resolved, as quickly as possible.
We have spoken with many landholders and they all, rightly, want certainty and a solution and that is what all authorities and the Council are absolutely focussed on and urgently working on.
No one, least of all the landholders, want a bureaucratic blame game. Positive progress is being made.
Following a meeting on Monday this week involving all authorities and the Council, the VPA formally referred this matter to the EPA for review. We expect to receive initial EPA advice in about three weeks.
In the meantime, we will be in constant contact with all landholders, and have set up a page on the Council website for community members.
Our focus right now is on finding practical solutions and there will be time once that is done for a full review into the communications to landholders and the roles and responsibilities for that communication.
There will be lessons for all involved and we have already spoken with the VPA about ensuring the process and responsibilities for informing landholders is clarified and improved for the future.
Council will continue to provide regular updates while the EPA review is underway and if any readers have questions regarding the overlay and its requirements, our Duty Planner is available during business hours. Information on the amendment process can be found on the VPA website: Victorian Planning Authority - VPA
There is information about the EAO on Council's website including a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and previous updates: Environmental Audit Overlay (EAO) | Bass Coast Shire.
