Rural Strategy - Surf Coast Shire

Surf Coast Shire Rural Strategy Review
Final Report
Purchasing farms for lifestyle purposes is limited to those with the necessary spending
capacity. Other opportunities for a rural lifestyle experience is provided in existing
designated rural living around Wensleydale and Gherang and also in a number low-density
residential areas around Deans Marsh, Winchelsea, Bells Beach, Moriac, Jan Juc and
Torquay, Breamlea and Bellbrae. Section 6 of this report examines the need for additional
Rural Living land in the Shire.
5.2.3 Urban Growth
The Surf Coast Housing Strategy (2006) identified that the population of the Shire is
expected to increase from approximately 21,000 (in 2001) to 35,000 by 2021. High prices of
houses close to the coast are forcing home-buyers into the hinterland and rural townships in
search of more affordable housing choices.
A key finding of the Housing Strategy was that there is sufficient existing zoned land to meet
the expected population growth over the next 25 years. Therefore this study will not
consider urban expansion of towns and settlements. Recommendations from this study
regarding the future of agriculture within the Shire will provide guidance with respect to
urban growth constraints.
5.3 Tourism
The Surf Coast Shire Municipal Strategic Statement notes that “the economic base of the
Surf Coast Shire is centred on tourism and agriculture. The two sub-economics reflect the
geographical characteristics. The Great Ocean Road and the coastal townships form the
basis of the tourist industry and the rural hinterland supports the agricultural economy. The
Great Otway National Park separates the two.”
In more recent years, there has been a shift, with tourism broadening its focus to include the
ranges and rural hinterland. As a consequence tourism and agriculture are increasingly
occurring in combination or in parallel. There has been significant demand, expressed
anecdotally and through consultation associated with this study, to provide more flexibility for
tourism to take place in rural areas of the Shire.
A detailed Tourism Strategy is currently being developed. The Shire’s Economic
Development Strategy provides an overview of recommended strategic directions in tourism.
Of relevance to this review are the following strategies and actions:
Strategy: Council review the Planning Scheme in light of the new rural zones and
opportunities this afford for farming, tourism and commercial activities
Actions: Council review the planning scheme in light of the new rural zones and
determine designated areas in which tourism and commercial operations will be
permitted, subject to adopted controls within the Rural Activity Zone;
Strategy: Negotiate for the continuing operation of caravan parks as key accommodation
facilities
Action: That council assist private operators to establish quality parks in appropriately
zoned areas.
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