Table of Contents - Nillumbik Shire Council

Hurstbridge Township StrategyTownship ProfileSettlement and HousingExisting settlement is clearly defined with a hard urban edge separating the township fromrural land and conservation uses. Hurstbridge has retained a ‘rural village’ atmospheregenerally defined by the confined, concentrated activity areas and its small scale.Residential allotments are generally large, with detached dwellings on single lots thepredominant form of housing in the Hurstbridge area.There are few vacant allotments within the township boundaries, and limited opportunityfor any further residential growth in the rural areas. The population of Hurstbridge isincreasing, although at a slower rate in comparison to the wider municipality. There is ahigh proportion of traditional nuclear families in the area.EnvironmentHurstbridge is characterised by undulating topography with existing development largelyconfined by the four main ridgelines adjacent to the town centre. There are significantareas of native vegetation located adjacent to the township. Even so, much of the nativevegetation has been modified and is under threat from weed invasion and poor landmanagement practices.Significant areas of faunal habitat occur. There is pressure from some landowners,however, to allow development of some areas of high faunal and habitat significance withinthe study area. The retention of the creek corridors and adjoining open space areas are avaluable environmental feature of the township and also an important habitat link.Hurstbridge has retained a ‘rustic’ feel, with the built form in association with the qualitiesof the surrounding vegetation, geology and topography combining to give Hurstbridge aparticular rural character and strong sense of place.Rural Land UseThe existing subdivisional pattern of rural land is largely the result of controls introducedin 1971 to prevent further residential subdivision and to retain conservation and landscapevalues of the area and Shire as a whole. Rural land around Hurstbridge has generally beendeveloped for rural-living purposes, although some small scale agricultural enterprises areestablishing in the Hurstbridge area.Economic DevelopmentThe township centre’s primary function is as a service centre to the local community with acomplementary tourism function. There are opportunities for further economicdevelopment along Main Road, with a number of vacant allotments in the township centre.Approximately one-third of retail floor space within the township centre is primarily aimedat visitor and tourist needs, with tourism presenting itself as an environmentallysustainable option for continued and further economic growth of the township.InfrastructureThe Hurstbridge community is largely reliant on its road network, with high car ownership.The railway line, however provides an important service for people without access to cars.The local road network feeds into Heidelberg-Kinglake Road in the township centre,feeding large volumes of through traffic through the township.Nillumbik Shire Council – March 2002ii