Coastal Future

Minister for Environment, Climate Change, and Water Lisa Neville today announced the start of community engagement to inform the Government’s Moolap Coastal Strategic Framework Plan.

Over the next two months the community can ‘join the conversation’ via online surveys, open houses, workshops and written submissions.

An ‘Open House’ will be held on 14 December at the City of Greater Geelong - Council Chamber and 15 December at the Newcomb library. The ‘Open House’ provides an opportunity for members of the community to walk through displays, ask questions about the Plan’s preparation, share knowledge about the area and provide ideas about its future.

Workshops planned for late-January and early-February next year will provide an opportunity for the community to sit down to have a more detailed discussion and share their ideas.

“This strategic framework plan is about getting the ideas and facts so we can make the best decisions for the Geelong region that will boost local jobs, housing and economic growth and respect the coastal environment," said Minister for Planning Richard Wynne, “Opportunities for the area will be considered in the context of Geelong's future growth, and the role that Geelong has in the development of a state of cities across Victoria." 

Community ideas and information will inform a Discussion Paper and a draft Moolap Coastal Strategic Framework Plan in late 2016. Further engagement opportunities will be provided as part of this process.

Alcoa will be preparing a masterplan for its land (called Point Henry 575). This will be considered along with all other submissions received to inform the final Moolap Coastal Strategic Framework Plan.

The Moolap Coastal Strategic Framework Plan will include strategic directions for all the land in the study area, to benefit the region’s economy, environment and broader community.

More information is available on the department’s website (www.delwp.vic.gov.au/moolap) and council’s main customer service offices in Geelong.

Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water, Lisa Neville, wanted to hear the voice of the people.

“We want to hear the views on the future of the coastal land in Moolap so we can consider all opportunities to benefit the region’s economy, environment and broader community”

“Some groups have already shared their passionate and differing views on the future use, development and preservation of the land.”

“From the very start we are inviting everyone to have their say, and contribute to the future planning of the area.”

“We need to be smart about renewal within this area and bring the community along with us. We want to deliver innovative revitalisation that benefits the whole region and restores the health of the local environment.”

“The Government will work with City of Greater Geelong, landowners, stakeholders and the community to build a vision for the area and facilitate economic development opportunities, whilst protecting areas with important environmental and heritage values.”