Q. Why is the 2040 project being run?
The 2040 project was the direct result of the Spring Creek Urban Growth Framework Project being abandoned. This project had aimed to confirm a long term growth corridor for Torquay‐Jan Juc.
A draft framework plan outlining how some 700 Ha west of Duffields Road, Torquay could accommodate about 12,000 to 14,000 new residents over the next 30 years was placed on public exhibition. As a result 2838 submissions were received in relation to the draft plan raising concerns with the level of growth and the role and function of Torquay‐Jan Juc within the region.
In abandoning the Spring Creek Urban Growth Framework Plan, Council has made a deliberate decision to revisit the growth aspirations for Torquay-Jan Juc in a way that places more emphasis on the community’s aspirations and preserving Torquay and Jan Juc’s sense of place.
Q. Where is Torquay/Jan Juc growing now?
The population of Torquay/Jan Juc is around 12,000 people. Current residential-zoned areas that provide for growth are located to the east of Duffileds Road and in Torquay North. It is anticipated that approximately 5000 – 7000 people could be accommodated within these already residential-zoned growth areas over the next 13 years.
Q. What is the current status of the Spring Creek area?
The Torquay/Jan Juc Structure Plan was adopted by Council in June 2007. Amendment C37 to the Surf Coast Planning Scheme sought to implement outcomes form the structure plan principally through Clause 21.10. C37 also implemented urban design guidelines, vegetation controls and car parking strategies.
Council adopted Amendment C37 with the approximate first 1km of Spring Creek referred to as a Future Urban Growth Area however text was included within Clause 21.10 to note no development would be supported within this area until the 2040 project had been completed.
Land beyond the Future Urban Growth area in the Spring Creek corridor has been indicated as Potential Urban Growth Corridor. No development can occur in this area without a structure plan being completed.
The Minister for Planning approved the Amendment C37 on 1 June 2010. This amendment was incorporated into the Surf Coast Planning Scheme on 10 June 2010.
The Ministerial approval determined that the Spring Creek Future Urban Growth Area was within the coastal settlement boundary and the text referring to the timing of consideration of this area after the 2040 project was completed was removed from Clause 21.10.
The Minister clarified that a further amendment would be required to rezone the land before it can be developed. Through the 2040 project, the community has the opportunity to debate what sort of development should occur within the Future Urban Growth Area.
In approving Amendment C37 the Minister for Planning did note that redefining the area now designated for Future Urban Growth would require rigorous strategic justification and arriving at such an outcome on planning merit would be extremely difficult in light of the work undertaken in the Torquay/Jan Juc Structure Plan 2007.
The opportunity for community debate on whether development should occur in the Potential Urban Growth area (i.e.: beyond the approximate first 1km) will also be of critical importance in the 2040 project.
Q. What will we have at the end of 2040?
The aim of the project is to develop a Growth Plan that enables a liveable, cohesive, connected community enjoying quality of life now and ensuring protection of these elements for future generations.
The 2040 process will ensure this plan is built on community aspirations, respecting Torquay and Jan Juc's sense of place and the area's natural environment.
Q. How will my input be used?
Views and information you provide will be used in the development of the final Torquay Jan Juc 2040 plan. A summary of the feedback from each online forum will remain on the haveyoursaysurfcoast.com.au site.
