ANGLESEA FUTURES Land Use Scenarios Summary of Feedback - December 2017

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1 ANGLESEA FUTURES Land Use Scenarios - Summary of Feedback December 2017 ANGLESEA FUTURES Land Use Scenarios Summary of Feedback - December 2017 i

2 Acknowledgements The Victorian Government s Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) acknowledge the following agencies and organisations for their contribution of expertise and guidance in preparing the Anglesea Futures Land Use Scenarios Discussion Paper: Parks Victoria, Surf Coast Shire and Alcoa. The State of Victoria Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning 2017 This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International licence. You are free to re-use the work under that licence, on the condition that you credit the State of Victoria as author. The licence does not apply to any images, photographs or branding, including the Victorian Coat of Arms, the Victorian Government logo and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) logo. To view a copy of this licence, visit creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ ISBN (pdf/online) Disclaimer This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. Accessibility If you would like to receive this publication in an alternative format, please telephone the DELWP Customer Service Centre on , customer.service@delwp.vic.gov.au or via the National Relay Service on This document is also available on the internet at

3 PART A. purpose BACKGROUND and introduction AND CONTEXT ANGLESEA FUTURES Land Use Scenarios - Discussion Paper August 2017 Purpose This Summary of Feedback outlines the key messages heard from the community on land use scenarios for the Anglesea Futures Land Use Plan. It is not intended to capture every comment or reference comments to individuals or organisations but to summarise survey feedback and key points from submissions received. Introduction With the closure of the Alcoa mine and power station at Anglesea, local residents, the broader community, other key stakeholders and government have a unique and exciting opportunity to work together and explore the possibilities for future land use of the Anglesea Futures study area north of Anglesea. A Land Use Plan is being prepared to provide a framework for re-use of the study area. The Land Use Plan will be a high level strategic document that will identify broad land uses for different areas. Feedback received from the community and other stakeholders to date have informed the preparation of the draft Land Use Plan to be released for public comment. ANGLESEA FUTURES Land Use Scenarios Summary of Feedback - December

4 PART A. BACKGROUND Community Engagement AND CONTEXT Process Engagement with the community has been ongoing through the Anglesea Futures Community Conversations series. All ideas received since the series commenced in August 2015 are being considered in the preparation of the Land Use Plan. Consultation on land use scenarios was undertaken with the community from 18 August to 11 September Notification of the consultation period included newspaper notices, letters to owners/occupiers and s to people that had previously been engaged. A variety of engagement methods were used to seek community feedback including an online survey, an open house session and a community workshop. Written submissions were also invited. The online survey enabled the community and other stakeholders to provide feedback on future land uses for the study area. Participants were asked to consider and provide feedback on their most preferred land uses/activities and their least preferred land uses/activities for the study area. Data was also collected during the online survey to provide information on the demographics of the participants. In addition, written submissions were also received and these provided more in-depth responses on preferred land use scenarios for the different sections of the study area. Many of the written submissions contained considerable detail and displayed a high level of local knowledge. A total of 142 surveys were completed, 24 written submissions were received and 5 scenarios were prepared by the community during the workshop. 142 Survey responses 24 Written submissions 5 Workshop scenarios 2 ANGLESEA FUTURES Land Use Scenarios Summary of Feedback - December 2017

5 PART A. BACKGROUND Demographics AND CONTEXT Most survey respondents were aged between 35 and 44years of age (34%) and 45 and 54 years of age (27%). AGE OF SURVEY RESPONDENTS 9% 20% 27% 2% 8% 34% Most survey participants were from Anglesea and Torquay. Geographic Distribution of Survey Respondents 40% 10% 30% 20% Anglesea Torquay Geelong region Other ANGLESEA FUTURES Land Use Scenarios Summary of Feedback - December

6 PART What A. BACKGROUND we heard: Feedback AND CONTEXT Themes The following themes emerged from the consultation process, with the importance of the natural environment being the most common feedback received. Theme Summary of Feedback Conservation of the environment is a critical factor to the economic sustainability of Anglesea. Preference for degraded areas to be rehabilitated and returned to public ownership. Environmental conservation and rehabilitation Preference for any future development to be contiguous, but carefully located adjacent to the town or on the former power station site. Low key passive recreation facilities are preferred, such as picnic areas, lookouts and trails. Water quality of the Anglesea River needs to be protected as a consequence of any changes. Need to protect the Bald Hills, Messmate Track and Fraser Avenue areas. Need to protect habitat for threatened flora and fauna species. There is scope for an arts / community hub to be developed. Some limited hospitality and tourism or arts related retail could support the community space. Community Preference to help people understand the area s history, heritage, environmental and cultural values. Support provision of necessary community facilities. Desire to improve community access. Support to keep the bike park in its current location. Public trails and mountain bike facilities Preference for a network of trails integrated with the existing and highly valued network in Anglesea and the broader region. Trails to provide for a range of users, from passive users such as bushwalkers, to active users such as mountain bikers. Preference for no motor bikes in the study area. 4 ANGLESEA FUTURES Land Use Scenarios Summary of Feedback - December 2017

7 Theme Summary of Feedback Need for care in the location and design of any new development. Residential Preference for no residential development on Crown land, Fraser Avenue, the former power station site or on land surrounding the proposed water body and banks. A need to integrate new buildings with the preferred local character of Anglesea. New housing options should be socially equitable and inclusive. Aspiration for new buildings to achieve a high standard of design. Support for tourism facilities with an environmental focus, including integration of sustainable energy initiatives. Tourism Desire to increase business and employment within Anglesea. Desire to attract but manage impacts of visitors. Provide a unique experience/destination which attracts visitors to Anglesea all year round. Support for new business and creation of jobs to support the local economy. Retail and other commercial uses Support for new tourism opportunities which will attract visitors to spend, play and stay in Anglesea. Support the new and relocated light and service industry to meet local needs. Renewable energy Support for sustainable options, including stand-alone renewable energy facilities and renewable energy initiatives and design for new buildings. Support for a floating solar facility on the proposed water body. Desire to power Anglesea by 100% local renewable energy, including through renewable hydro and wind power. The opportunity exists to develop a unique, landmark attraction. Big picture ideas The environmental qualities of Anglesea should be celebrated by showcasing local flora, such as by the development of a new botanic park and/or interpretative centre. The study area has capacity to accommodate a wide range of complementary uses, including large scale use and development. Desire to provide for interpretation of the cultural, environmental and historic significance of the site and broader region. ANGLESEA FUTURES Land Use Scenarios Summary of Feedback - December

8 What we heard: PART A. BACKGROUND Feedback on specific AND CONTEXT land use areas overview The online survey sought preferences for different forms of land use across the study area. The community were asked to nominate one or more preferred and not preferred land uses for each specific area subject to land use change (Areas 1 5) within the study area. Responses were generally consistent across all areas. Preferred Recreation (active) Recreation (passive) Conservation not Preferred Retail Commercial Residential The majority of written submissions had a clear preference for environmental conservation as a key objective. There was also considered to be scope for some sensitively designed and sited development, if well-integrated and low key. Environmental conservation, with: a network of walking and cycling trails, and passive recreational infrastructure Complementary sensitive development, including: a multipurpose community building, education centre, low key complementary retail, such as a gallery and café 6 ANGLESEA FUTURES Land Use Scenarios Summary of Feedback - December 2017

9 General feedback from the community was also sought on other areas within the study area - those subject to the Anglesea Structure Plan review (Fraser Avenue area and the area north of Wilkins Street and Betleigh Street) and areas with limited land use (proposed National Park, proposed water body and banks and conservation areas). The Study Area Anglesea River Environs 1 3b m 2000m 4000m N 1000m 3000m Study Area Alcoa Power Station Private Freehold land Alcoa Mine Private Freehold Land Areas with a limited land use Proposed National Park Conservation Area / Anglesea River Environs Proposed Waterbody and Banks Areas subject to land use change 1 Land north of Mine Pit 2 Land east of Mine Pit 3 Former Power Station Site 4 Land south of Former Power Station Hectare area Areas subject to Angelsea Structure Plan review Fraser Avenue North of Wilkins Street / Betleigh Street ANGLESEA FUTURES Land Use Scenarios Summary of Feedback - December

10 PART A. BACKGROUND area feedback AND CONTEXT Area 1 (Land North of Mine Pit) Area 2 (Land East of Mine Pit) The most preferred ( Strongly prefer ) land uses were: Recreation (active) 67%, Recreation (passive) 38% Conservation 32% The most preferred ( Strongly prefer ) land uses were: Recreation (active) 69%, Recreation (passive) 39% Conservation 33% The least preferred ( Strongly prefer not ) were: Residential 59% Commercial 57% Retail 56% Common comments received: The least preferred ( Strongly prefer not ) were: Commercial 58% Residential 57% Retail 55% Accommodation 46% Common comments received: Need to retain for passive recreation and conservation uses Need to maintain for conservation and passive recreation No motorised vehicles in this area Need to improve habitat values 8 ANGLESEA FUTURES Land Use Scenarios Summary of Feedback - December 2017

11 Area 3 (Former Power Station Site) Area 4 (Land South of Former Power Station) The most preferred ( Strongly prefer ) land uses were: Recreation (active) 68%, Recreation (passive) 32% Conservation 16% The most preferred ( Strongly prefer ) land uses were: Recreation (active) 70%, Recreation (passive) 37% Conservation 32% The least preferred ( Strongly prefer not ) were: Residential 49% Commercial 47% Accommodation 39% The least preferred ( Strongly prefer not ) were: Residential 57% Commercial 56% Retail 55% Common comments received: Common comments received: This is the most suitable location for alternative land use Could support arts/ community uses Need to rehabilitate environmental conditions Could support education and interpretation uses Preference for limited commercial uses, including hospitality, retail and tourism There are existing conservation and recreation values Area is valued for bird watching and bush walking Area has been subject to some disturbance and rehabilitation ANGLESEA FUTURES Land Use Scenarios Summary of Feedback - December

12 Area 5 (110 Hectare Area) Fraser Avenue area The most preferred ( Strongly prefer ) land uses were: Common comments received: Recreation (active) 72%, Recreation (passive) 41% Conservation 30% The least preferred ( Strongly prefer not ) were: Commercial 58% Retail 56% Residential 54% Common comments received: Land degraded and subject to erosion Valued for conservation and passive recreation Preferred use as a buffer area and wildlife corridor Important habitat location Need to carefully consider fire risk in this location Active recreation and vehicles should be restricted to existing tracks The area needs ongoing management for weed control 10 ANGLESEA FUTURES Land Use Scenarios Summary of Feedback - December 2017

13 Area North of Wilkins Street / Betleigh Street Proposed National Park Common comments received: Common comments received: Scope for investigation of uses that complement the school and DELWP / Parks Victoria offices Support inclusion of Anglesea Heath in proposed National Park Bike park highly valued Limited residential development may be appropriate Would like to include 300ha of Bald Hills heathland in proposed National Park PROPOSED Water body and banks Conservation areas Common comments received: Common comments received: Restore public access to a new lake for boating and other forms of recreation as a long-term objective General preference for protection of the natural environment Need to provide picnic and recreation facilities Need to retain areas of conservation value as wildlife corridors and buffers to development ANGLESEA FUTURES Land Use Scenarios Summary of Feedback - December

14 PART What A. BACKGROUND we heard: AND CONTEXT Land Use Scenarios from the Community Workshop As part of engagement on land use scenarios a Land Use Scenario Workshop was held on the 20 August Five land use scenario options were developed by the community. These were made available on the Anglesea Futures website and are being considered along with other community feedback. Community Scenario - Option A Area 1: Mix of conservation, passive recreation and community land uses Notes: highlighted bike and walking paths around waterbody Area 2: Mix of conservation, passive recreation and community land uses Area 3: Mix of conservation, tourism, active recreation (skate park) and community land uses Notes: community values underpin tourism, accommodation and recreation uses group accommodation Bike/walking paths linking to township Environmental centre Area 4: Mix of conservation, renewable energy, passive recreation and tourism land uses Notes: tourism licences to allow guided recreational access/tours Area 5: Mix of conservation, renewable energy, passive recreation and tourism land uses Notes: tourism licences to allow guided recreational access/tours Other land: Bike park retained in current location off Wilkins/Betleigh Street. Fraser Avenue is a high value conservation area which needs to be protected 12 ANGLESEA FUTURES Land Use Scenarios Summary of Feedback - December 2017

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16 PART A. BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT Community Scenario - Option b Area 1: Mix of passive recreation, active recreation (mountain bikes) and conservation land uses Notes: highlighted bike and walking paths around waterbody Area 2: Mix of passive recreation, active recreation (mountain bikes), community, renewable energy and conservation land uses Area 3: Mix of passive recreation, active recreation (mountain bikes), community, renewable energy and conservation land uses Notes: Renewable energy facility with interpretative centre Area 4: Mix of passive recreation, active recreation (mountain bikes) and conservation land uses Area 5: Mix of passive recreation, active recreation (mountain bikes) and conservation land uses Other land: Nil Other notes: Conservation and fire management are overriding factors No residential development No motorised recreational vehicles 14 ANGLESEA FUTURES Land Use Scenarios Summary of Feedback - December 2017

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18 PART A. BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT Community Scenario - Option c Area 1: Mix of conservation and passive recreation land uses Area 2: Mix of conservation, passive recreation and renewable energy land uses Area 3: Mix of conservation, renewable energy, passive recreation and community land uses Notes: Solar panels on asbestos land fill Combined community/tourism use for interpretative/visitor centre with educational component Area 4: Mix of conservation and passive recreation land uses Notes: renewable energy on top of asbestos land fill Area 5: Mix of conservation and active recreation (mountain bike trails only) Other land: Wilkins/Betleigh Street to be transferred to public ownership and used for recreation / conservation purposes. Fraser Avenue to be transferred to public ownership for conservation purposes. Consider a ring road around Anglesea township. 16 ANGLESEA FUTURES Land Use Scenarios Summary of Feedback - December 2017

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20 PART A. BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT Community Scenario - Option d Area 1: Mix of active recreation, passive recreation and conservation land uses Area 2: Mix of active recreation, passive recreation, conservation and accommodation land uses (eco-lodge and camping area adjacent to waterbody) Area 3: Mix of conservation, community, active recreation and tourism land uses Notes: Solar panels on buildings experience centre education centre retail/restaurant Area 4: Mix of conservation and passive + active recreation land uses Area 5: Mix of passive + active recreation land uses Other notes: Fire tracks utilised for mountain bike riding Non-motorised active recreation activities Botanical garden Move scout facilities into study area No residential Ensure accessibility for people of all levels of mobility 18 ANGLESEA FUTURES Land Use Scenarios Summary of Feedback - December 2017

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22 PART A. BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT Community Scenario - Option e Area 1: Mix of conservation and passive recreation land uses Notes: retain Alcoa s revegetated areas Area 2: Mix of conservation, active and passive recreation land uses Notes: retain Alcoa s revegetated areas Area 3: Mix of tourism/community (eco centre), retail (café) and renewable energy (compact floating solar array on ash pond) Area 4: Conservation area Area 5: Mix of conservation, passive recreation (birdwatching, walking, flora observation) and active recreation (mountain bikes) Other land: Highlighted high value native vegetation south of mine pit (Messmate track area) Floating solar on waterbody with pumped hydro storage on fire dam on northern side of waterbody) Protect native heathland (Bald Hills area) 20 ANGLESEA FUTURES Land Use Scenarios Summary of Feedback - December 2017

23 ANGLESEA FUTURES Land Use Scenarios Summary of Feedback - December

24 PART A. BACKGROUND Next Steps AND CONTEXT The feedback received to date from the community has informed the Anglesea Futures Draft Land Use Plan. The strong level of community participation highlights a consistent view about the importance of the environment and the need for care in any future detailed planning stages. March - April June August-Sep Dec Feb 2018 April Confirm vision and principles Identify land use ideas Test scenarios Release Draft Land Use Plan Summary of submissions Release approved Land Use Plan Purpose: Affirm principles and identify a vision How: Workshop Stakeholder meetings Purpose: To seek ideas on potential land uses for the study area How: Open House Online portal Website update and social media Purpose: To seek feedback on preferred land use scenarios How: Open House Workshop Online portal Website update and social media Purpose: Present content of the Draft Land Use Plan and seek feedback How: Open House Online portal Website update and social media Purpose: Present the summary of submissions and next steps How: Community meeting Website update and social media Purpose: Present the approved Land Use Plan How: Community meeting Website update and social media Feedback Report Feedback Report Feedback Report Draft Plan Summary of Submissions Final Plan ANGLESEA HEATH AND RIVER MANAGEMENT CONVERSATIONS