Planning controls hinder tourism: new report
A five-star coastal accommodation resort, wellness retreats, and a new golf course are needed on Phillip Island and San Remo to meet future tourism demand.
That’s according to the Bass Coast Unlocking Rural Tourism Draft Strategy 2022, out for community feedback until July 27.
The draft strategy states the Bass hinterland and Waterline communities should consider supporting such tourist attractions as art galleries, farm gates and farmstay accommodation, and a destination distillery, while Kilcunda could focus on outdoor events and eco experiences.
The strategy states while there are tourism gaps and opportunities across the shire, current planning policies have “restricted investment”, with current controls in the planning scheme insufficient to manage tourism proposals.
“Local planning policy often prescribes location-specific tourism land uses without consideration to current market demand – which is a crucial factor for successful investment attraction,” it states.
The strategy advocates re-zoning land for mid to large scale development with the ability to “deliver significant economic and employment outcomes”.
It says from 2014 to 2021, there were 68 tourism planning applications, with 44 granted a permit, because the majority of tourism proposals were on land zoned farming and not in rural tourism precincts.
It concludes land zoned rural tourism is failing to deliver “any substantial tourism investment” because they “do not reflect demand for investment or visitation patterns”.
“For example Phillip Island has the greatest demand for rural tourism uses, however there is limited land zoned Rural Activity on the island.
“Current broad hectare land uses such as large lot cattle farming are not conducive to agri-tourism uses and owners have little interest in establishing a tourism enterprise.
“A number of proposals have received significant community backlash and have resulted in permits not being granted.”
The strategy recommends an alternative approach be investigated that provides specific direction on tourism uses in rural areas.
Community consultation will include a mail out to all landowners in rural tourism precincts.
Feedback
Mayor Michael Whelan said the strategy recommended changes to the planning scheme and other processes to help grow the local tourism industry.
“We know that this is a complex and quite technical document, so our officers have prepared a video summary to assist in preparing your submission on the strategy,” he said.
Council was awarded a grant from the Victorian Planning Authority to prepare the strategy.
The shire is holding drop-in sessions at:
Phillip Island Visitor Information Centre, Newhaven – Tuesday June 28, 4pm-7pm and Monday July 11, 1pm-4pm.
Kernot Hall – July 14, 2pm-5pm.
Corinella Community Hall –July 16, 12pm-3pm.
Community members can also schedule a 15-minute virtual meeting with planners.
Details: www.engage.basscoast.vic.gov.au/BURT
