Rural Strategy - Surf Coast Shire

Surf Coast Shire Rural Strategy Review
Final Report
5 Rural Area Economy and Population Trends
5.1 Land use and population trends
The Surf Coast Shire covers an area of 1,560 square kilometres (Regional Innovation 2005)
of which approximately 45% of the total area is used for farming and other rural uses. The
balance is mainly public land associated with the Great Otway National Park and Angahook-
Lorne State Park.
The total population of the Shire is 21,000 with 27% of the total population living in rural
areas. The rural areas of the Shire experienced significant growth between 1981 and 2001
with the population growing by 75% and the number of dwellings increasing by 88%.
Like many communities in close proximity to major urban centres, Surf Coast Shire has
experienced significant growth, primarily associated with the sea change phenomenon. The
Shire’s annual growth rate (2.5%) between 1996 and 2003 was double the State rate in the
same period (National Sea Change Taskforce 2005). This trend is expected to continue,
especially in light of the proposed Geelong Bypass which will improve commuter access
between the Shire and Geelong and Melbourne.
A consequence of the population growth in rural areas is a reduction in the total land area
used for farming from 93,000 hectares in 1983 to 69,000 hectares in 2001. This represents a
reduction of 26% in the land area used for farming. (Note that farming in this context refers
to businesses that derive most income from the farm, as opposed to lifestyle or hobby
farms).
5.2 Future Growth
5.2.1 Managing Growth
The Surf Coast Shire has effectively managed growth and development in the farming areas
of the Shire through the use of the tenement provisions. The tenement provisions will limit
scope for further development or population growth in the prime agricultural areas of the
Shire. Under the existing zoning regime and associated tenement controls, 161 additional
dwellings could be developed in the key agricultural areas of the Shire. Future growth will
therefore be focussed on existing townships. This outcome is highly supported as it protects
the Shire’s agricultural land base for agricultural production activities.
5.2.2 Lifestyle
While the total area used for farming in the Shire has declined, the number of farm
businesses has increased. This supports the anecdotal reports of small properties being
purchased primarily for lifestyle purposes and is in part satisfying some demand for rural
living opportunities. The community consultation highlighted this trend, particularly around
Moriac, Deans Marsh, Freshwater Creek and Modewarre. As the price of land continues to
increase above its productive value, particularly in areas in close proximity to the coast, the
trend of farms being purchased for lifestyle purposes is expected to continue.
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