The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) revealed more than 1800 submissions had been lodged by Thursday.The State Government’s public consultation process on the Surf Coast’s draft Statement of Planning Policy (SPP) closes at 4pm Friday after DELWP extended the closing date for a week.The policy will decide the future of the Spring Creek area, proposing two options for potential development near the Torquay-Jan Juc town boundary.DELWP documents state the first option would designate the valley for “low-density ecologically sustainable development”, about 1km west of Duffields Road.
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The second would instead fix the town boundary at the road, leaving a “green break” between Torquay and Bellbrae, protecting the area from “urban encroachment”.Community groups have declared their support behind the second option, while larger landowners within Spring Creek have advocated for the first.Torquay resident Bill Welsh, who owns 17 acres on Grossmans Road which is 1.5km from Duffields Road, said he was part of a group of small landowners who have been “disadvantaged” by the latest consultation process.“Neither Option 1 and Option 2 pay attention to the landowners on the southside of Grossmans Road, we’ve been completely isolated,” Mr Welsh said.“We have actively voted against high density development in the past, always because we were told low density acreage would be allowed.“We are enormously disappointed with lack of consultation, even this submission leaves us wondering if we will be heard.”

Mr Welsh said he had hoped to subdivide his land into “low density” acreage, with some handed down to his children.He said small landowners on Grossmans Road were requesting that flat land properties not bordering the ridge line be considered separately in line with existing nearby estates Ocean Acres and Grossmans Ridge.The SPP is set to provide a 50-year vision for the region and falls under the Distinctive Area and Landscape project, which aims to protect the region’s environment, cultural heritage and natural resources, while identifying long-term town boundaries.An advisory committee will consider the submissions and provide an independent report to the Planning Minister by mid-2021 before a final SPP is made later this year.A directions hearing will be held on February 11, followed by a month-long public hearing in March, allowing council, agencies, community groups and residents to speak to their submissions.Submissions close 4pm today at www.engage.vic.gov.au/dalsac.
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