At the December Council Meeting, Council resolved to seek authorisation from the Minister of Planning to exhibit the Irrewillipe Road Planning Scheme Amendment (Bakerland Development Plan) with the aim of rezoning land currently in the Rural Living Zone to General Residential Zone, and to apply a Development Plan Overlay.
"This proposed Elliminyt land development could open up more than 500 lots of much-needed residential land in a growing area of Colac highlighted in our Colac 2050 Growth Plan, as well as offering social housing options for our community," said Colac Otway Shire Council Mayor, Cr Kate Hanson.
As part of the project, Council will engage with landowners in the precinct early in the New Year to ascertain interest from those in the rezoning area, before exhibiting to the wider public. Landowners opposed to the rezoning will be able to opt out of the development.
"This is a very important next step to address a shortage of land and a significant need for housing in Colac, a priority of the current council," said Cr Stephen Hart.
There are currently discussions with Bakerland (a local developer that owns 50 hectares of the precinct) in relation to the possibility of social housing outcomes.
"This is a development by local people who are actively involved in the community and understand the housing needs in Colac," said Cr Chris Potter, in support of the recommendation.
The land subject to the planning scheme amendment is bounded by Harris Road to the south; Sinclair Street South to the west; Irrewillipe Road to the north; and Hart Street and Spring Street to the east.
A Draft Development Plan has also been produced that demonstrates appropriate transport linkages, open space provision and integration of development with surrounding areas, which will continue to be refined, and approved, after the amendment process.
