Rural Strategy - Surf Coast Shire

Surf Coast Shire Rural Strategy Review
Final Report
Agricultural quality
The agricultural quality of the precinct is generally evenly divided between Class 2-3 (high to
moderate) in the west, with slithers of 1-2 along creek lines; to Class 4 (low) and pockets of
4-5 covering the eastern half. In addition, the northern strip of the precinct comprises Class
3 (moderate) with pockets of higher agricultural quality land.
Landscape characteristics and objectives
There are two landscape character types. Immediately south of Cape Otway Road and just
north of Deans Marsh the landscape character type is part Winchelsea Western Plains and
part Undulating Grazing (GORLASS, 2003) characterised by its flat to gently rolling
topography, with subtle features of landscape interest such as incised creeks and broad
valleys, with little remnant vegetation.
Adjacent to the Otway Ranges the landscape character type is Northern Foothills
(GORLASS, 2003) characterised by hilly topography, varying from gentle to steep slopes
often incised with rivers, creeks and gullies. A patchwork of paddocks and shelter-belts
exists, with some remnant vegetation in waterways and valleys, and more significant areas
of vegetation adjacent Crown Land / Forest Reserves of the Otway foothills.
This precinct comprises the transition from the flat, open, sparse agricultural plains to the
steep, heavily vegetated slopes of the Otway ranges. The key characteristics include:
Pleasant rural outlooks from road corridors
A variety of views, including the Otway foothills to the south and volcanic features to the
north and west.
Discreet placement of simple structures in the landscape.
Increasing dominance of vegetation closer to the foothills
High sense of enclosure in the foothill valleys
The landscape objectives for the two landscape types include:
To increase the prevalence of indigenous vegetation within the precinct, particularly to
emphasise landscape features and foster the sense of enclosure in the landscape.
To maintain the dominance of the natural landscape from main road corridors outside
townships.
To encourage the subtle placement of buildings, being tucked into the landscape rather
than being sited on prominent ridges and hilltops.
To minimise the visibility of commercial timber plantations from main road corridors.
Environmental Values
The precinct is within the Otway Plain bioregion which, prior to European settlement in 1750,
featured open forests with heathy understorey dominated by Eucalyptus particularly River
Red Gum along drainage lines. Heathy and native grassy woodlands and coastal scrubs
dominated the coastal areas. There has been substantial clearing of all vegetation types
particularly those on the more fertile soils utilized for agriculture and along the coast as a
result of urban and tourism development.
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