DAL is now law

Bass Coast is legally a protected area under State Government law, after the Distinctive Areas and Landscapes (DAL) last week was approved by the Governor in Council.

After six years, a lengthy planning panel, hundreds of submissions by residents and intense lobbying by developers, the DAL now ensures town boundaries across Phillip Island will not be expanded.

The exception is at Newhaven to Samuel Amess Drive, as well as San Remo's town boundary will expand to allow housing development through to Punch Bowl Road.

Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny announced the approval by the Governor in Council, which now locks in the strongest planning protections in the state and forms part of the Victoria Planning Provisions.

A Bass Coast planning scheme amendment will now embed protections, to ensure "the landscape, environment and lifestyle that define the region are preserved well into the future" the minister said.

Bass Coast joins the Bellarine Peninsula, Surf Coast and Macedon Ranges as one of four DAL areas.

"Bass Coast is one of Victoria's most iconic regions - from the Bunurong cliffs to the beaches of Phillip Island," Ms Kilkenny said.

"This is about ensuring they can be enjoyed for generations to come and about protecting the landscapes, coastlines and communities that define Bass Coast, while supporting the industries and jobs that sustain it."

Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale added Bass Coast's coastline, farmland and townships "make it a truly special place to live, work and visit - now we've locked in protections to keep it that way".

The new policy sets a 50-year vision for the region's future, locking in 24 settlement boundaries across most Bass Coast townships, with changes to the DAL now requiring ratification by both Houses of Parliament.

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In July Bass Coast Shire councillors endorsed the DAL, describing it as the "most influential decision" they will make, while council planners said the DAL would "impact most decisions that council makes".

However, the vote in support of the DAL was not without contention, with two councillors raising concerns about the implication of the DAL on homeowners "who face the threat of retreat with no insurance cover ... and no indication from the State Government for compensation".

According to the DAL, existing structures and assets should be "decommissioned or relocated" "away from areas that are or will be harmed by natural hazards".

Bass Coast Mayor Rochelle Halstead last week said protections - especially for the Western Port Woodlands - were a milestone.

"The Western Port Woodlands are one of Victoria's last remaining coastal forests and an ecological treasure," she said.

"Council is currently seeking State Government support to complete further environmental assessments that will ultimately lead to greater protection of the Woodlands. We hope the state will come to the table and assist council with this process".

She said the DAL acknowledged "what locals have always known, that Bass Coast is special".

"These long-term protections will help us preserve our environment, our townships and our way of life for generations to come."

Community groups were "disappointed" that Newhaven's town boundary would expand, but were broadly supportive of the final DAL.

Phillip Island Conservation Society (PICS) president Greg Johnson said it was a significant strategic landmark document, particularly for Phillip Island.

"Permanent settlement boundaries should prevent urban sprawl into landscapes of state and regional significance, many of which PICS has cared for over the years. These landscapes include the island's farmland," Greg said.

Island Voice president Peter Paul said he was "cautiously pleased" with the DAL.

"Without the DAL there would have been continued arguments and problems. This has put a lot of that to rest and it will leave a legacy for the future," Peter said.