Farmers fight Bass expansion

A SIGNIFICANT subdivision in the small township of Bass could face considerable opposition after farmers have vowed to fight it.

Bass Coast Shire prepared Amendment C162basc to the Bass Coast Planning Scheme, which was on public exhibition earlier this year, and could see land rezoned from Farming Zone to Low Density

Residential Zone at Bass Road, Bass with a proposal for an almost 50 lot subdivision.

This land is located at the south-east of the intersection of Statter Mission Road and Bass Road.

Following public submissions, the shire requested the appointment of a Planning Panel to refer the unresolved submissions to the Independent Panel (through Planning Panels Victoria).

A panel hearing was held last week, where Bass farmers Lorraine Ingbritsen and Katrina Neesham presented their case. 

While they had a number of concerns, key highlights included Bass changing from a ‘country village’ to another major residential area, as well as the lack of adequate infrastructure to facilitate the subdivision.

Another key aspect was the severe flooding Bass is often subject to.

“No one seemed to understand how vicious the floods are,” Lorraine said.

“We flood every year, last year it was terrible.

“I think they (panel) were surprised how bad it can flood.”

They added flooding was particular acute due to the lack of drainage, which has yet to be upgraded despite ongoing efforts of residents.

There are also fears the application is being ‘pushed through’ before the state government’s Distinctive Areas and Landscape policy can be implemented. 

They now plan to hold a town meeting and present a petition to council at their next monthly meeting.

The panel chair will now prepare a panel report following last week’s hearing, which will include recommendations for council.

According to a planning report regarding the amendment, the site is currently used for farming and consists of a series of cleared paddocks utilised for cattle and horse grazing.

The site is located adjacent to residential zoning of Township and Low Density Residential development. 

The site does not form part of a viable farm and contains no dwellings and the only structure on the site is a dilapidated hay store/shed.  

The report highlighted that the issue of rezoning was raised in a panel report in 2010, and considered that the land, known as the Katelea Pastoral Land, should be identified for short-term development.

This was due to an established demand for low-density development and no other land is likely to be available in the foreseeable future.  

Based on current expectations, it was submitted that the proposed amendment will meet supply for approximately five years.

The site has a total land area of approximately 23.6 hectares, is generally flat and contains low lying vegetation of prominently pastoral grasses and weeds.