Settlement Planning Project to manage Population Growth

Baw Baw Shire Council has commenced a major settlement planning project to manage population growth and change over the next 15 to 30 years.  

Overseen by a steering group headed by Councillors Julie Grant and Peter Kostos, the project will develop a shire- wide plan to manage land use and set boundaries for growth areas to respond to the shire’s projected population of 15 years plus as required by State government legislation.

A major component of the BawBaw 2050 Community Vision, Councillor Julie Grant said, “The plan will set a clear framework for growth and development in the Shire, answering many questions about the future growth of our towns and the Shire as a whole.”

“For instance, how do we equip our towns to handle growth? Which areas are best suited for new development and in which areas should growth be restricted? What level of development should be allowed?  What services and infrastructure are needed to deal with the changes in our shire?”

“We are thrilled to have support from the Victorian Government and participation of many government agencies and authorities whose work directly affects our Shire,” she said.

The settlement plans will be based on community feedback from the Baw Baw 2050 Community Vision and further community engagement will commence in March 2012.

Councillor Peter Kostos said, “This project encompasses the whole shire, so everyone is encouraged to have their say about how they would like their community to look in years to come.”

“We are building upon feedback already gathered in the BawBaw 2050 Community Vision and will be inviting residents to test these scenarios within community discussions to be held around the Shire from March 2012.”

Baw Baw council will work with local communities, government agencies and service providers to answer questions about providing infrastructure and services that will be needed to meet population growth over 15 to 30 years.

The project will explore impacts of growth across the whole shire and look at implications for major settlements identified in the Council’s planning scheme: Warragul, Drouin, Trafalgar, Yarragon, Longwarry, Neerim South, Darnum, Nilma, Willow Grove, Noojee, Thorpdale and the mountain rivers region including Rawson and Erica.

The Baw Baw Settlement Planning Project is jointly funded by, and a partnership between Baw Baw Shire Council, the Department of Planning and Community Development and Regional Development Victoria.

For further information about the Settlement Planning Project contact Baw Baw Shire Council on 5624 2411 or subscribe to the Settlement Planning e-newsletter by emailing  stf@bawbawshire.vic.gov.au or visiting the Baw Baw Shire Council website.