Protecting the Iconic Bellarine Peninsula
The State Government has announced Statement of Planning Policy for the Bellarine Peninsula's 'distinctive area and landscape' (DAL) - setting out a 50-year vision for the region to guide development controls and boundaries.
The Peninsula was declared a DAL in 2019, to ensure the landscapes, unique environmental and cultural values of the Bellarine are protected and enhanced for many decades to come.
The Bellarine Peninsula is one of Victoria's most prized tourism and recreation destinations with its stunning beaches, rural landscapes and historic towns including Queenscliff and Portarlington.
It also boasts parks, wetlands of biodiversity significance and productive agricultural land.
The draft policy locks in protected settlement boundaries for all townships, to ensure the Bellarine's agricultural areas, landscapes, environmental features, small villages and towns are protected from inappropriate development and direct future growth to strategic locations.
The final draft policy was developed in collaboration with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, the Borough of Queenscliff, the City of Greater Geelong following extensive consultation with community and industry. It was also referred to an independent advisory committee in January 2022.
Panorama welcomes the introduction of the planning policy, as it will protect and preserve Portarlington’s unparalleled beauty and character for another 50 years.
This puts Portarlington in a very unique position. Not only is it located close to a major regional centre like Geelong, with direct access to the Melbourne CBD via the Port Phillip ferry link, but it will also maintain its small town personality and character. In other words, it will have the best of both worlds – rural charm and urban connectivity.
How fortunate residents will be to live in this spectacular place; Portarlington at its best for another 50 years!
To view the final draft Statement of Planning Policy for Bellarine visit, click here.
