The Warragul and Drouin Precinct Structure Plans (PSPs), documents that guide the growth in greenfield areas, were drafted in 2014. They identify extensive future residential development on farming land. The rapid increase in population growth is expected to continue.
The Guidelines will aim to make new neighbourhoods and public places within the Warragul and Drouin PSP areas reflect the preferred character and rural feel of the Shire, without compromising the development capacity of the Urban Growth zoned land. Given that development in those areas is already underway, balancing competing objectives will at times be necessary.
The Guidelines will consider design elements not currently addressed in the existing PSPs to guide the look and feel of new neighbourhoods within the PSP areas appropriate to Baw Baw’s peri-urban context and unique natural milieu.
In the established, older neighbourhoods, the Guidelines will identify existing and emerging neighbourhood character in the residential areas and develop recommendations to preserve and enhance the neighbourhood character.
The Guidelines will include recommendations for both the private and public realm, such as public spaces, forecourts, streets, routes, footpaths, shared paths, waterways, creek corridors, parks and open spaces within new residential developments. They will also consider Water Sensitive Urban Design solutions with accent on water retention, as well as other practical and affordable climate change mitigation solutions.
Guidelines for gateways to the UGZ areas and significant township access points will also be considered as part of the project.