Hi everyone
Yesterday we sent a letter to Justin Maddens office (below) I received a message that they will look into it an lets us know if we can get an appointment
As per our telephone conversation we request appointment with Justin Madden to discuss Wellington Shire Coastal Strategy.
Basically we have submitted numerous documents with regards to this matter, property owners have waited patiently for 18months whilst their properties have been devalued up to 85%. We have followed the processes available at VCAT to obtain our planning permits. We have discussed this matter from council planning office all the way to Liz Beattie, lawyers and media.
Meanwhile we wait, we have seven submission waiting for VCAT - we have half finished houses because the bank will not refinance with the coastal strategy looming. We have permanent residents that have had acquisition notices sent to them 18 months ago and nothing since. For those with planning permits our ability to obtain finance to commence building on our properties has been taken away with council proposals.
All this whilst council prepare their strategy for submission to the ministers office for approval, it is clear to us with time restraints imposed we will have once again lost our ability for consultation or representation on various boards working on the strategy.
Council have now placed a Design and Development Overlay over part of the strategy because of their underhanded way of trying to divide a community which I might add has been a waste of their time. Plus of course the recently initiated moratorium to stop development and our right to apply to VCAT, once again allowing council time to continue their destructive process of our environment and constitutional rights.
We are not discussing a handful of properties this is effecting thousands of private property owners. Since notification to your office of our issues we have not had a response written or otherwise to acknowledge our concerns.
Historically property owners have followed the planning amendments slapped over their properties, basically they have already been subdivided twice the initial and the restructure now once again another restructure. How many times do you expect to allow councils/government to affect the lives of the remaining property owners without a political nightmare developing?
We wish to make an appointment with Justin Madden as a last resort for some meaningful answers to our concerns foremost to stop the moratorium and secondly for private property owners to have a true representation with regard to the strategy. This is not an outlandish request and is basically our last attempt to follow the protocol available until all avenues are exhausted, at which time dependent on outcome we will initiate other processes available to us.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
New Design and Development Overlay
Just noticed new design and development overlay on Paradise Beach, Golden Beach and Honeysuckles which is basically to do with low density residential areas in the strategy.
Just click on the DDO section of the map and the highlighted area is the DD07 which is basically Low Density Residential http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/planningschemes/wellington/inset3bmap.html Paradise Beach
http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/planningschemes/wellington/inset4cmap.html Seaspray Honeysuckles.
If you read the maps in conjunction with the ddo7 explanation.
http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/planningschemes/wellington/ordinance/43_02s07_well.pdf
So basically half the coastal strategy is getting through by separating it into the urban section and the so called strategy.... what can I say??
Just click on the DDO section of the map and the highlighted area is the DD07 which is basically Low Density Residential http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/planningschemes/wellington/inset3bmap.html Paradise Beach
http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/planningschemes/wellington/inset4cmap.html Seaspray Honeysuckles.
If you read the maps in conjunction with the ddo7 explanation.
http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/planningschemes/wellington/ordinance/43_02s07_well.pdf
So basically half the coastal strategy is getting through by separating it into the urban section and the so called strategy.... what can I say??
Monday, June 11, 2007
Ideas "We need some GENIUS"
It would be great if everyone could contribute ideas about our next steps so finally we can discuss as a group....
Just reply to this post and see what we come up with.
So far we have:-
* Individually submitted our objections to Justin Madden
* Had meeting with Liz Beattie and submitted document for Justin Madden plus involved the constitutional Law Firm
* Gippsland News and Neos Kosmos ran stories .... plus John has sent information to Italian Newspaper
* Individually written to all councillors
* Arranged meeting with Peter Ryan, Mark, Kim, Paul, Bruce Graham and Ian Hatfield scheduled for 23rd July
* Contacted Craig Ingram - who spoke to Justin Madden on our behalf
* Contacted ombusdman and followed up with letter to council
* Contacted Local Goverment Body with regard to Local Council Act
Kim
Just reply to this post and see what we come up with.
So far we have:-
* Individually submitted our objections to Justin Madden
* Had meeting with Liz Beattie and submitted document for Justin Madden plus involved the constitutional Law Firm
* Gippsland News and Neos Kosmos ran stories .... plus John has sent information to Italian Newspaper
* Individually written to all councillors
* Arranged meeting with Peter Ryan, Mark, Kim, Paul, Bruce Graham and Ian Hatfield scheduled for 23rd July
* Contacted Craig Ingram - who spoke to Justin Madden on our behalf
* Contacted ombusdman and followed up with letter to council
* Contacted Local Goverment Body with regard to Local Council Act
Kim
Whats New?
Wellington Shire have submitted their plan for roads within the township ... for those interested in objecting or having a read (see link..).
Download: GB_Special_Charge_Scheme-Proposed_Declaration.pdf
Download: GB_Special_Charge_Scheme-Proposed_Declaration.pdf
Neos Kosmos
Ninety Miles to nowhere
A stretch of the Ninety-Mile Beach where residents Carol Glover said it is rare to see anyone else
The saga of Ninety-Mile Beach has stretched for decades, affecting the lives of many first generation Greek Australians who invested in the stunning coastland. Eleni Hale reports.SOME of the first Greek and Italian migrants to land on Australian shores in the sixties had a dream; it was sold to them in the form of a block of land, on a beautiful part of Victorian coastline known as Ninety-Mile Beach in Gippsland.A few bought the land before arriving in Australia, others were made an offer as they disembarked and took their first steps in the new country and for some it was a decision they made in the months after arrival. Though many signed without seeing the property, the sceptical ones were tempted with a free bus ride and lunch to come and view the untouched scrubland.The plan was perfect.It would be the Victorian equivalent of the Queensland Gold Coast. They were shown plans for a dreamy coastal town, which had yet to be built but promised to meet all their needs should buyers decide to build homes and lives in the area.Otherwise, property developers Wilmore and Randall assured them, it would serve as a wise future investment.Law firm Wilmore and Randall worked together with the state government and Rosedale shire, who have since amalgamated to become part of Wellington Shire, subdividing the coast-hugging properties into the small, yet long thin blocks of land.Some buyers spent 200 pounds on the tiny portions, a lot of money when you consider regular incomes could be as little as six pounds per week, and a couple of hundred pounds could get you a property in Melbourne, which today could be counted as a significant investment.Neither the government, nor Wilmore and Randall mentioned that some properties were situated on a mostly-dry lake and so unable to sustain a building. Nor did anyone warn of the flooding tendencies some properties suffered. None of the buyers could have predicted just how far from the dream investment this would turn out to be.Soon a large number of non-English speaking migrants owned many of the 1400 properties on the stunning coastline that ran in a long strip between the pristine beach and Lake Reeve. The documents were signed with little more than 'good faith' and a handshake, because most details were in English and translators still rare.First generation Greek Australians said they trusted government involvement would signal a safe investment.It was a brave move. But after leaving homeland, friends and extended family behind, an impulsive investment might have seemed painless in comparison.The European experience indicates townships near the ocean flourish, but then they had never encountered the vastness that is Australia and the lonely stretches that make up much of its landscape.After that initial sell-off, which proved so lucrative for Wilmore and Randall, the promises began a slow rollback.No town was ever built. No paradise settlement. Few homes. No jobs.Greek and Italian Australians who hoped to live in South Gippsland would not be able to sustain a living.Then, a rethink on subdivisions in the seventies led the state government and Rosedale Shire to decide on a minimum of four blocks before a building permit would be issued. This placed the dream of erecting a home high above the grasp of families struggling to earn money and create opportunities for their children.The dream was turning into a costly nightmare.The pressure of paying annual rates on an investment that offered no kickbacks became too much for some who simply stopped paying and the properties fell back into shire ownership. They often resold this land. Six years ago in 2001, Sale resident Carol Glover wanted to purchase land and build a holiday house of the Ninety-Mile Beach.She was aware Greek Australians owned property there and it had been a bad investment.She attempted to find them. This proved difficult because of protection laws but she finally located the Zaharopoulos and Bilalis families who quickly agreed to sell.This was the beginning of a lengthy battle with Wellington Shire who had already compulsory acquisitioned one of the properties.She said the shire went to great lengths to block the proposal but after using her contacts within council, she was able to purchase the blocks. And finally, after much wrangling, she was granted a building permit.She is one of the lucky few.
The Zaharopoulos and Bilalis families both have English as their second language. Carol said they expressed frustration and disappointment dealing with council, which had been fraught with complicated bureaucracy. She believes it would have been very difficult for them to achieve what she has."The people I bought my blocks from didn't have a hope in hell of doing what I've done because they were dealing with Wellington Shire from Melbourne. I live locally in Sale and have knowledge of the corruption that is taking place," she said.As the seaside boom created demand for coastal properties some have accused the shire of planning a take-back.They say information is being withheld and property owners are being 'tricked' into handing back property whilst believing they have no choice.Concerned local residents believe Wellington Shire has a new big plan for Ninety-Mile Beach but this time it has nothing to do with homeownership.Carol said by 2002 when she applied to buy land, Shire was increasing restrictions and there was a sharp rise in compulsory acquisitions.At the same time council staff were buying properties but when questioned they responded by telling angry residents they had as much right to buy property as everyone else. Accusations have surfaced that Wellington Shire is trying to get control of Ninety-Mile Beach and take advantage of 'prime real estate.' Residents believe, in time, developers will control the area.
The shire has responded to this by denying any business with developers.Mayor Beth Ripper said people should not be "paranoid" because this is not the plan."Absolutely not, that's not the intention," she said.Ms Ripper said current restrictions were for environmental conservation. To protect delicate ecosystems in the area.But angry local residents continue to accuse the shire of changing rules and misleading property owners.
And as for the Greek Australian buyers who were first promised the paradise township?State government and Wellington Shire have called it a bad investment.Both deny any responsibility or compensation for the losses.But residents are urging those who still hold titles to come forward and resist pressure to forfeit rights because they believe with enough people, the bad investment could still become the dream holiday home on what is a truly stunning stretch of beach.If you would like more information about Golden Beach and other areas along Ninety-Mile Beach phone Carol Glover on (03) 51431664 home or (03) 51226325. Or phone John Rafferty on (03) 9761 0735.
A stretch of the Ninety-Mile Beach where residents Carol Glover said it is rare to see anyone else
The saga of Ninety-Mile Beach has stretched for decades, affecting the lives of many first generation Greek Australians who invested in the stunning coastland. Eleni Hale reports.SOME of the first Greek and Italian migrants to land on Australian shores in the sixties had a dream; it was sold to them in the form of a block of land, on a beautiful part of Victorian coastline known as Ninety-Mile Beach in Gippsland.A few bought the land before arriving in Australia, others were made an offer as they disembarked and took their first steps in the new country and for some it was a decision they made in the months after arrival. Though many signed without seeing the property, the sceptical ones were tempted with a free bus ride and lunch to come and view the untouched scrubland.The plan was perfect.It would be the Victorian equivalent of the Queensland Gold Coast. They were shown plans for a dreamy coastal town, which had yet to be built but promised to meet all their needs should buyers decide to build homes and lives in the area.Otherwise, property developers Wilmore and Randall assured them, it would serve as a wise future investment.Law firm Wilmore and Randall worked together with the state government and Rosedale shire, who have since amalgamated to become part of Wellington Shire, subdividing the coast-hugging properties into the small, yet long thin blocks of land.Some buyers spent 200 pounds on the tiny portions, a lot of money when you consider regular incomes could be as little as six pounds per week, and a couple of hundred pounds could get you a property in Melbourne, which today could be counted as a significant investment.Neither the government, nor Wilmore and Randall mentioned that some properties were situated on a mostly-dry lake and so unable to sustain a building. Nor did anyone warn of the flooding tendencies some properties suffered. None of the buyers could have predicted just how far from the dream investment this would turn out to be.Soon a large number of non-English speaking migrants owned many of the 1400 properties on the stunning coastline that ran in a long strip between the pristine beach and Lake Reeve. The documents were signed with little more than 'good faith' and a handshake, because most details were in English and translators still rare.First generation Greek Australians said they trusted government involvement would signal a safe investment.It was a brave move. But after leaving homeland, friends and extended family behind, an impulsive investment might have seemed painless in comparison.The European experience indicates townships near the ocean flourish, but then they had never encountered the vastness that is Australia and the lonely stretches that make up much of its landscape.After that initial sell-off, which proved so lucrative for Wilmore and Randall, the promises began a slow rollback.No town was ever built. No paradise settlement. Few homes. No jobs.Greek and Italian Australians who hoped to live in South Gippsland would not be able to sustain a living.Then, a rethink on subdivisions in the seventies led the state government and Rosedale Shire to decide on a minimum of four blocks before a building permit would be issued. This placed the dream of erecting a home high above the grasp of families struggling to earn money and create opportunities for their children.The dream was turning into a costly nightmare.The pressure of paying annual rates on an investment that offered no kickbacks became too much for some who simply stopped paying and the properties fell back into shire ownership. They often resold this land. Six years ago in 2001, Sale resident Carol Glover wanted to purchase land and build a holiday house of the Ninety-Mile Beach.She was aware Greek Australians owned property there and it had been a bad investment.She attempted to find them. This proved difficult because of protection laws but she finally located the Zaharopoulos and Bilalis families who quickly agreed to sell.This was the beginning of a lengthy battle with Wellington Shire who had already compulsory acquisitioned one of the properties.She said the shire went to great lengths to block the proposal but after using her contacts within council, she was able to purchase the blocks. And finally, after much wrangling, she was granted a building permit.She is one of the lucky few.
The Zaharopoulos and Bilalis families both have English as their second language. Carol said they expressed frustration and disappointment dealing with council, which had been fraught with complicated bureaucracy. She believes it would have been very difficult for them to achieve what she has."The people I bought my blocks from didn't have a hope in hell of doing what I've done because they were dealing with Wellington Shire from Melbourne. I live locally in Sale and have knowledge of the corruption that is taking place," she said.As the seaside boom created demand for coastal properties some have accused the shire of planning a take-back.They say information is being withheld and property owners are being 'tricked' into handing back property whilst believing they have no choice.Concerned local residents believe Wellington Shire has a new big plan for Ninety-Mile Beach but this time it has nothing to do with homeownership.Carol said by 2002 when she applied to buy land, Shire was increasing restrictions and there was a sharp rise in compulsory acquisitions.At the same time council staff were buying properties but when questioned they responded by telling angry residents they had as much right to buy property as everyone else. Accusations have surfaced that Wellington Shire is trying to get control of Ninety-Mile Beach and take advantage of 'prime real estate.' Residents believe, in time, developers will control the area.
The shire has responded to this by denying any business with developers.Mayor Beth Ripper said people should not be "paranoid" because this is not the plan."Absolutely not, that's not the intention," she said.Ms Ripper said current restrictions were for environmental conservation. To protect delicate ecosystems in the area.But angry local residents continue to accuse the shire of changing rules and misleading property owners.
And as for the Greek Australian buyers who were first promised the paradise township?State government and Wellington Shire have called it a bad investment.Both deny any responsibility or compensation for the losses.But residents are urging those who still hold titles to come forward and resist pressure to forfeit rights because they believe with enough people, the bad investment could still become the dream holiday home on what is a truly stunning stretch of beach.If you would like more information about Golden Beach and other areas along Ninety-Mile Beach phone Carol Glover on (03) 51431664 home or (03) 51226325. Or phone John Rafferty on (03) 9761 0735.
Gippsland News Article
08 June 2007
Call for inquiry into council's land dealings
Leslie White
GOLDEN BEACH: A Golden Beach landowner has called for an independent inquiry into methods used and prices paid by Wellington Shire Council to acquire land it owns in the Golden Beach area.
John Rafferty's call follows calls he received after an article on council's subdivision strategy appeared in the Greek newspaper Neos Kosmos.
"As a ratepayer I demand you initiate an independent audit of all land acquisitions going back to the start of the original restructure plan," Mr Rafferty told the Tuesday's council meeting.
"I stress the audit should be independent and transparent, it should show clearly the value of each block acquired by council at the time of acquisition and the price, if any, paid to the owner."
Mr Rafferty understands restructuring, or consolidation, of small blocks along the Ninety Mile Beach has been occurring since the 1980s. Councils have required restructuring prior to issuing permits to build.
Mr Rafferty said he had been contacted by a couple who had bought a beach block in the 1960s for 200 pounds at a time when average weekly wage was five pounds.
The couple claimed they received a letter in 2002 from council suggesting they give the block back to council in lieu of $1000 unpaid rates.
The pensioner couple would have done so but could not find the title, he said.
Council valuation on the last rates notice asserts the block is worth $12,000.
"How many blocks of significant value have council taken back for small rate debts?" Mr Rafferty asked.
"This is nothing to be proud of. This council cannot claim the moral high ground.
"I understand council owns a lot of land in the area - how did it acquire this land?
"How many blocks were taken from misinformed owners?"
Mr Rafferty told the Gippsland Times he was concerned at the idea council could acquire neighbouring blocks, consolidate the titles and sell them as a restructured lot.
"Council should not be acting as a real estate agent, I don't think it's right at all," he said.
Call for inquiry into council's land dealings
Leslie White
GOLDEN BEACH: A Golden Beach landowner has called for an independent inquiry into methods used and prices paid by Wellington Shire Council to acquire land it owns in the Golden Beach area.
John Rafferty's call follows calls he received after an article on council's subdivision strategy appeared in the Greek newspaper Neos Kosmos.
"As a ratepayer I demand you initiate an independent audit of all land acquisitions going back to the start of the original restructure plan," Mr Rafferty told the Tuesday's council meeting.
"I stress the audit should be independent and transparent, it should show clearly the value of each block acquired by council at the time of acquisition and the price, if any, paid to the owner."
Mr Rafferty understands restructuring, or consolidation, of small blocks along the Ninety Mile Beach has been occurring since the 1980s. Councils have required restructuring prior to issuing permits to build.
Mr Rafferty said he had been contacted by a couple who had bought a beach block in the 1960s for 200 pounds at a time when average weekly wage was five pounds.
The couple claimed they received a letter in 2002 from council suggesting they give the block back to council in lieu of $1000 unpaid rates.
The pensioner couple would have done so but could not find the title, he said.
Council valuation on the last rates notice asserts the block is worth $12,000.
"How many blocks of significant value have council taken back for small rate debts?" Mr Rafferty asked.
"This is nothing to be proud of. This council cannot claim the moral high ground.
"I understand council owns a lot of land in the area - how did it acquire this land?
"How many blocks were taken from misinformed owners?"
Mr Rafferty told the Gippsland Times he was concerned at the idea council could acquire neighbouring blocks, consolidate the titles and sell them as a restructured lot.
"Council should not be acting as a real estate agent, I don't think it's right at all," he said.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Letter to council - 14 days
Hi everyone ... this is the copy of the letter we sent after advise of ombudsman
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Lyndon Webb
Wellington Shire Council Port of Sale Civic Centre 70 Foster Street Sale, Vic, 3850
Fax: 5142 3499
Dear Mr. Webb
As you are aware, and voiced once again at the 5th June, 2007 council meeting concerns have been raised with regard to council policy on the below points. Further to this, and under instruction from Victorian Ombudsman, would you please be kind enough to provide us with the following information:
(a) A list of all council owned properties along the Wellington Shire Subdivision Strategy effected areas.
(b) Council policies “historically” on rating properties, with the inability to be developed such as subject to inundation, single blocks without being restructured or subject to previous buyback.
(c) Explanation of council policy on acquiring land to assist the restructure process.
(d) Explanation of council policy of acquiring land in lieu of unpaid rates
(e) Council policy since the adoption of the strategy on points (b) and (c) above.
We would request notification in writing within 14 days
Kind Regards
Paul Theologou
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Lyndon Webb
Wellington Shire Council Port of Sale Civic Centre 70 Foster Street Sale, Vic, 3850
Fax: 5142 3499
Dear Mr. Webb
As you are aware, and voiced once again at the 5th June, 2007 council meeting concerns have been raised with regard to council policy on the below points. Further to this, and under instruction from Victorian Ombudsman, would you please be kind enough to provide us with the following information:
(a) A list of all council owned properties along the Wellington Shire Subdivision Strategy effected areas.
(b) Council policies “historically” on rating properties, with the inability to be developed such as subject to inundation, single blocks without being restructured or subject to previous buyback.
(c) Explanation of council policy on acquiring land to assist the restructure process.
(d) Explanation of council policy of acquiring land in lieu of unpaid rates
(e) Council policy since the adoption of the strategy on points (b) and (c) above.
We would request notification in writing within 14 days
Kind Regards
Paul Theologou
Saturday, June 9, 2007
"Wellington Shire" Busy Beavers
Keep checking the shire web site http://www.wellington.vic.gov.au/
Printer Friendly
Major Projects - Wellington Coast Subdivision Strategy
CURRENT PROGRESS
As part of an ongoing communication initiative, landowners have been sent a newsletter outlining the latest developments with the Wellington Coast Subdivision Strategy. To download a copy of Coastal Matters, click on the links below.Landowners in the Wellington Coast area (between The Honeysuckles and Golden Beach) have also received a letter which explains what the Strategy means for their property, the next steps in the process and a map showing the different precincts.
Council has adopted a modified version of Option 4 that was contained in the draft Strategy. The modifications to Option 4 are to allow rural living development at Glomar Beach and to defer consideration of how Hollands Landing and Seacombe are to be managed until further information is obtained. Council also decided to increase its discussions with the State Government to seek commitment, involvement and funding assistance; review rating of properties in the area; and commence an implementation program.
These decisions are not yet effective under the Wellington Planning Scheme. The details of how development, restructure and land transfers will proceed have not been decided, nor have planning scheme amendments been prepared. Landowners will have the opportunity to comment on the amendments before they are adopted and come into effect. This process may take several years.
COUNCIL CONSIDERATION
Wellington Shire Council considered proposals that respond to the settlement and environmental issues on the Wellington Coast (Golden Beach to The Honeysuckles) at its 20 September 2005 meeting.This follows preparation of the Wellington Coast Strategy by consultants GHD Pty Ltd and the community consultation process managed by GHD on behalf of Council.
AN OVERVIEW BY WELLINGTON MAYOR, CR MALCOLM HOLE
The beautiful Wellington Coast along the 90 Mile Beach is now facing the pressures of sea change and the increasing demand for coastal land. This land is right on the coast albeit inappropriately subdivided; it lacks the services that people expect. There’s also an expectation by property owners that they will be able to develop their land, so we are under huge pressure to find a solution.Inappropriate subdivision on the Wellington Coast is a problem that has been around for more than 40 years and it will take considerable time to work our way through it but we are committed to resolving it.Following Council’s decision last year, we have been working on what the Strategy means for the thousands of landowners involved. This is a continuing process and will take some time to complete. Council is proposing the establishment of a high level task force to include State Government representatives to address the various aspects of implementing the Strategy and work to achieve a long term whole-of-government solution. Cr Malcolm HoleMayorWellington Shire CouncilMonday, January 30, 2006
THE PREFERRED SETTLEMENT STRUCTURE
On 20 September, 2005, Wellington Shire Council adopted the Wellington Coast Strategy Option 4 – Urban Nodes as its preferred settlement structure for the coastal area (refer attached settlement map) with modifications to the Urban Nodes, Rural Conservation areas, Glomar Beach and Public Conservation areas as follows:a. Urban Nodes Council, in partnership with government and property owners, to pursue infrastructure provision (water, sewerage, electricity, roads, community) to allow for residential developmentb. Rural Conservation areasCouncil, with support from government and input from property owners, to:• decide land use and conservation outcomes• seek high level environmental outcomes • determine restructure lot boundaries • pursue private sector involvement c. Glomar Beach Council, with support from government and input from property owners, to allow for low density residential development:• decide land use and conservation outcomes • determine the boundaries of Glomar Beach• determine restructure lot boundaries and the land assembly process• ensure appropriate infrastructure provision (water, sewerage, electricity, roads, community)d. Public Conservation areasCouncil, in partnership with government and property owners, to pursue buy back of coastal dunes and Lake Reeve inundation areas.
WANT TO KNOW MORE? OR SHOULD READ (TELL SOMEONE WHO CARES)
For more information on the strategy and/or the specific precincts please click on the links below.All enquiries about Council’s preferred settlement strategy and/or about individual lots should be directed to Council’s Customer Service Business Unit on 1300 366 244.
Links
Download Files
Coastal Matters Newsletter (August 2006)
Precinct Fact Sheets (February 2006)
Council Media Release (February 2006)
Council Report with Recommendations (September 2005)
Map Showing the Preferred Settlement Structure (September 2005)
Consultation Report (June 2005)
Glomar Beach Focus Group Notes (March 2005)
Golden/Paradise/Delray Beaches Focus Group Notes (March 2005)
Non-Priority Restructure Areas Focus Group Notes (March 2005)
The Honeysuckles Focus Group Notes (March 2005)
Printer Friendly
Major Projects - Wellington Coast Subdivision Strategy
CURRENT PROGRESS
As part of an ongoing communication initiative, landowners have been sent a newsletter outlining the latest developments with the Wellington Coast Subdivision Strategy. To download a copy of Coastal Matters, click on the links below.Landowners in the Wellington Coast area (between The Honeysuckles and Golden Beach) have also received a letter which explains what the Strategy means for their property, the next steps in the process and a map showing the different precincts.
Council has adopted a modified version of Option 4 that was contained in the draft Strategy. The modifications to Option 4 are to allow rural living development at Glomar Beach and to defer consideration of how Hollands Landing and Seacombe are to be managed until further information is obtained. Council also decided to increase its discussions with the State Government to seek commitment, involvement and funding assistance; review rating of properties in the area; and commence an implementation program.
These decisions are not yet effective under the Wellington Planning Scheme. The details of how development, restructure and land transfers will proceed have not been decided, nor have planning scheme amendments been prepared. Landowners will have the opportunity to comment on the amendments before they are adopted and come into effect. This process may take several years.
COUNCIL CONSIDERATION
Wellington Shire Council considered proposals that respond to the settlement and environmental issues on the Wellington Coast (Golden Beach to The Honeysuckles) at its 20 September 2005 meeting.This follows preparation of the Wellington Coast Strategy by consultants GHD Pty Ltd and the community consultation process managed by GHD on behalf of Council.
AN OVERVIEW BY WELLINGTON MAYOR, CR MALCOLM HOLE
The beautiful Wellington Coast along the 90 Mile Beach is now facing the pressures of sea change and the increasing demand for coastal land. This land is right on the coast albeit inappropriately subdivided; it lacks the services that people expect. There’s also an expectation by property owners that they will be able to develop their land, so we are under huge pressure to find a solution.Inappropriate subdivision on the Wellington Coast is a problem that has been around for more than 40 years and it will take considerable time to work our way through it but we are committed to resolving it.Following Council’s decision last year, we have been working on what the Strategy means for the thousands of landowners involved. This is a continuing process and will take some time to complete. Council is proposing the establishment of a high level task force to include State Government representatives to address the various aspects of implementing the Strategy and work to achieve a long term whole-of-government solution. Cr Malcolm HoleMayorWellington Shire CouncilMonday, January 30, 2006
THE PREFERRED SETTLEMENT STRUCTURE
On 20 September, 2005, Wellington Shire Council adopted the Wellington Coast Strategy Option 4 – Urban Nodes as its preferred settlement structure for the coastal area (refer attached settlement map) with modifications to the Urban Nodes, Rural Conservation areas, Glomar Beach and Public Conservation areas as follows:a. Urban Nodes Council, in partnership with government and property owners, to pursue infrastructure provision (water, sewerage, electricity, roads, community) to allow for residential developmentb. Rural Conservation areasCouncil, with support from government and input from property owners, to:• decide land use and conservation outcomes• seek high level environmental outcomes • determine restructure lot boundaries • pursue private sector involvement c. Glomar Beach Council, with support from government and input from property owners, to allow for low density residential development:• decide land use and conservation outcomes • determine the boundaries of Glomar Beach• determine restructure lot boundaries and the land assembly process• ensure appropriate infrastructure provision (water, sewerage, electricity, roads, community)d. Public Conservation areasCouncil, in partnership with government and property owners, to pursue buy back of coastal dunes and Lake Reeve inundation areas.
WANT TO KNOW MORE? OR SHOULD READ (TELL SOMEONE WHO CARES)
For more information on the strategy and/or the specific precincts please click on the links below.All enquiries about Council’s preferred settlement strategy and/or about individual lots should be directed to Council’s Customer Service Business Unit on 1300 366 244.
Links
Download Files
Coastal Matters Newsletter (August 2006)
Precinct Fact Sheets (February 2006)
Council Media Release (February 2006)
Council Report with Recommendations (September 2005)
Map Showing the Preferred Settlement Structure (September 2005)
Consultation Report (June 2005)
Glomar Beach Focus Group Notes (March 2005)
Golden/Paradise/Delray Beaches Focus Group Notes (March 2005)
Non-Priority Restructure Areas Focus Group Notes (March 2005)
The Honeysuckles Focus Group Notes (March 2005)
Not sure where your block is??
For those new to the group and not sure how to find your block some good web sites are:-
http://services.land.vic.gov.au/landchannel/jsp/map/InteractiveMapIntro.jsp select I agree and type your address this will show where it is situated, if it doesnt come up with Golden Beach try Flamingo Beach seems it has been named now.
For all those that need to see what overlay effect their properties see:- http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/planningschemes/ select rural Wellington Shire - click to Golden Beach area, once you know where you are situated you should be able to find what overlays effect your property.. If you need help just send me a note.
Kim
kharpur@optusnet.com.au
http://services.land.vic.gov.au/landchannel/jsp/map/InteractiveMapIntro.jsp select I agree and type your address this will show where it is situated, if it doesnt come up with Golden Beach try Flamingo Beach seems it has been named now.
For all those that need to see what overlay effect their properties see:- http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/planningschemes/ select rural Wellington Shire - click to Golden Beach area, once you know where you are situated you should be able to find what overlays effect your property.. If you need help just send me a note.
Kim
kharpur@optusnet.com.au
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)