Bass Coast Shire Council welcomes the announcement by Jordan Crugnale MP and the State Government that consultation is open on the retraction of Cape Paterson's settlement boundary to Seaward Drive.
This milestone follows a long-standing community campaign led by the Cape Paterson Residents and Ratepayers Association to preserve the area's unique landscape, after rezoning applications were first lodged in 2017.
In February 2024, Council reaffirmed its support for the boundary retraction, citing the Bass Coast Housing Strategy's findings that sufficient housing supply can be met without expanding north of Seaward Drive. This reflects the community's views and the region's declaration as a "Distinctive Area and Landscape" under the Planning & Environment Act 1987.
Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Rochelle Halstead said, "the State Government has heard the people of Cape Paterson, development north of Seaward Drive is inappropriate. This area is an example of the landscapes we aim to protect."
Council encourages community to participate in the engagement process by visiting: https://engage.vic.gov.au/project/distinctive-areas-and-landscapes-program/page/bass-coast
