Dir

ecti

on

3

3.1 Promote the growth of regional cities and keytowns on regional transport corridors as part ofa networked cities model

3.2 Control development in rural areas to protectagriculture and avoid inappropriate ruralresidential development

Networks with theregional cities

3

Planning for sustainable growth Page 71

Page 72 Melbourne 2030

POLICY 3.1

Promote the growth of regionalcities and key towns on regionaltransport corridors as part of anetworked cities model

The major regional centres close to

metropolitan Melbourne (Geelong,

Ballarat, Bendigo and the towns of

the Latrobe Valley) will become the

focus for accelerated development to

encourage the concept of networked

cities. The Government will plan for

and support these cities as viable

alternative locations to metropolitan

Melbourne in which to live, work, run

businesses and relax.

The Latrobe Valley has already been the focusof Government action through the LatrobeValley Ministerial Taskforce. The Frameworkfor the future report primarily providesdirection for improving the economicprospects of the Latrobe Valley. This was aspecial case of assistance required to redresssignificant social and economic issuesbrought about by severe economicrestructuring. However, the example of Stateand local government and communitiesworking together to achieve better overalloutcomes for Victoria can be used in regionalplanning in all areas.

Regional planning will ensure thatthese cities and surrounding regionscan take advantage of opportunities

for growth

Direction 3

Regional planning for the areas around theregional cities needs to ensure that infra-structure services are in place so that thesecities and their surrounding regions will beable to take advantage of opportunities forgrowth that will accrue from improvedlinkages to metropolitan Melbourne.

Issues to be considered will include:

• ensuring that new development issupported by strong transport links thatprovide an appropriate choice of travelconsistent with Melbourne 2030principles, and by providing strongcommunications links

• limiting the impact of urbandevelopment on non-urban areas andsupporting development in those urbanareas that can accommodate growth

• developing and reinforcing the distinctiveroles and character of each city

• fostering the development of townsaround the regional cities that are onregional transport routes.

Planning in and around the regional centreswill be done in partnership with localcouncils and other key stakeholders. Theplanning process will be designed to includesubstantial community involvement.

40 km200

NORTH

Major road

Rail network

Existing urban area

Regional transport corridor

Planning area

Wangaratta

Geelong Traralgon

Ballarat

Shepparton

Bendigo

Pakenham

Woodend

Morwell

Moe

Leongatha

Churchill

Daylesford

Creswick

Kyneton

Maryborough

KilmoreBroadford

Wallan

Healesville

Kinglake

Warburton

Macedon

SunburyGisborne

Melton

Werribee

BacchusMarsh

Lara

Castlemaine

Warragul

Seymour

Nagambie

Benalla

Euroa

Marysville

PORTPHILLIP

BAY

WESTERN PORT

Figure 32. Regional cities and townships

Planning for sustainable growth Page 73

Page 74 Melbourne 2030

POLICY 3.1

Towns on and around the improved regionaltransport network may come under morepressure for commuter or lifestyle-relateddevelopment. That pressure will be focusedon towns that are best able to accommodateincreased growth, while also protectingconservation and heritage values and thesurrounding natural resource base. These keytowns will already have the necessaryphysical, social and cultural infrastructure tosupport expanded populations and providelocal employment opportunities, or they willbe able to accommodate it. The Governmentwill work with local councils in the transportcorridors to identify the key towns and planfor their future development.

Initiatives3.1.1 Develop integrated action plans for

the regions centred on Bendigo,Ballarat and Geelong

3.1.2 Help local planning authorities toplan for growth in the key townslikely to benefit from improved railservices on each of the regionaltransport corridors betweenmetropolitan Melbourne and theregional centres of Ballarat, Bendigoand the Latrobe Valley

3.1.3 Help local planning authorities toidentify smaller settlements aroundmetropolitan Melbourne whereplanning should be directed atlimiting growth and protectinglocal character

3.1.4 Investigate the potential for growthin towns along the regionaltransport corridor to Seymour andbeyond, as part of looking at futureimprovement to public transportservices in that corridor

Direction 3

Each year, rural residential

development in the area covered by

the ‘network cities’ concept (including

metropolitan Melbourne) provides

some 4 per cent of all new housing

development. At last estimate, there

were between 60,000 and 80,000

vacant lots in the region’s rural areas.

Many are part of active agricultural

units but could be sold off separately.

In the metropolitan area alone, this

type of development accounts for

about 3 per cent of new housing.

Over time, Melbourne 2030 proposes

to reduce the proportion of new

housing development provided in

rural areas in order to encourage

consolidation into existing settlements

where the investment in physical and

community infrastructure and services

has already been made.

Planning for sustainable growth Page 75

POLICY 3.2

Control development inrural areas to protectagriculture and avoidinappropriate ruralresidential development

Over time, Melbourne 2030 willencourage consolidation into places

where infrastructure and services are already in place

Page 76 Melbourne 2030

POLICY 3.2

Future planning for rural residentialdevelopment will avoid or significantlyreduce adverse economic, social andenvironmental impacts. Rural residentialdevelopment should:

• maintain the long-term sustainable useand management of existing naturalresource attributes, in activities such asagricultural production

• protect existing environmental qualities,such as water quality, native vegetation,biodiversity and habitat

• minimise or avoid short-term and long-term property servicing costs carried bylocal and State governments.

Existing small lots in rural areas, where theneighbouring uses are predominantly fornatural resource extraction or production,will be discouraged from use for rural livingor other incompatible uses. Such lotsshould be reduced in number through lotconsolidation.

Initiatives3.2.1 Complete the review of rural zones

and amend the zone provisions toprovide an improved framework toimplement State and local policy forthe management of agriculture andother natural resource-based uses

3.2.2 Investigate ways to discouragedevelopment of isolated small lotsin rural zones and to encourageconsolidation of existing lots

3.2.3 Amend Ministerial Direction No. 6(Rural Residential Development) sothat it also applies to all proposalsfor rezoning of land that wouldcreate lot sizes greater than twohectares and less than eighthectares, and include improvedperformance standards for limitingnatural resource impacts,environmental impacts, and servicingand infrastructure requirements

3.2.4 Update current policies on State andCommonwealth-funded education,health and public transport servicesto rural living developments toreflect Melbourne 2030 policies

3.2.5 Work with local councils to updaterelevant planning scheme provisionsconsistent with revised MinisterialDirection No. 6 (Rural ResidentialDevelopment)

Further investigation for water reuse

High-value agricultural land

Existing urban area

Horticulture

Rural use

PORTPHILLIP

BAY

WESTERN PORT

NORTH

0 20 km10

WESTERN PORT

Figure 33. Significant agricultural resources

Dandenong

Werribee

Greensborough

Ringwood

FrankstonGeelong

Tullamarine

Pakenham

Deer Park

Melton

BacchusMarsh

Sunbury

Mornington

Hastings

Source: Department of Infrastructure, Department of Natural Resources and Environment, 2001