How the VPA mislead the Wonthaggi community about its planning fiasco

THIS is the official “Media Release” that the Victorian Planning Authority put out on January 18, 2024 and not a word about the highly-restrictive new overlays, retrospectively inflicted on hundreds and hundreds of Wonthaggi blocks.

“New jobs and homes for a growing Wonthaggi,” was the headline, with an impressive story to follow about how the new precinct would accommodate 5000 new homes, creating new local jobs with “nature reserves, protected views, and an expansive waterway and wetland system” and a new primary school and recreation reserve to follow.

But not a word or a claim about any “contamination” risk.

There’s even the claim that “you’re receiving this email because you subscribed to receive updates” but, released on the day that the blanket overlays were applied, how could it be truthfully called an update.

Surely, there’s some legal culpability for supplying a statement to stakeholders that’s so deliberately misleading?

Here’s the original media statements from the VPA, still up on their website as if it was badge of honour rather that a complete disgrace…

“The Victorian Planning Authority’s plans for Wonthaggi North East have been gazetted, paving the way for new homes, jobs and services in the Bass Coast Shire.

“You’re receiving this email because you subscribed to receive updates on our planning for Wonthaggi North East or participated in our community consultation.

“The Wonthaggi North East Precinct Structure Plan, developed in consultation with Bass Coast Shire, outlines how Wonthaggi North East will become a green and connected new community that extends from the existing Wonthaggi township while protecting the natural beauty of this regional destination.

“The 633-hectare precinct will accommodate 5,000 new homes and 1,600 new jobs, providing long term housing and employment opportunities for the Bass Coast region.

“Industrial and commercial land along the Bass Highway will pave the way for the creation of local jobs, and the new community will benefit from a new government primary school and new sports reserve.

Tree lined streets, trails, and boulevards will connect the new community to these jobs and facilities, as well as the existing township.

The Bass Coast region is designated a ‘distinctive area and landscape’ by the Victorian Government, recognising its valuable environment, landscape and lifestyle. The Wonthaggi North East precinct will provide for much-needed local jobs and homes, while protecting the parts of the Bass Coast environment that need it most.

The plans for Wonthaggi North East include nature reserves, protected views, and an expansive waterway and wetland system, ensuring the new community can enjoy the Bass Coast’s beautiful natural environment for generations to come.

Wonthaggi North East is one of 21 priority projects identified to deliver more than 60,000 homes and 60,000 jobs across Victoria as part of Victoria’s Housing Statement. These 21 projects will deliver a sustainable supply of land, and more jobs close to home, while the Victorian Government delivers more housing choice in all parts of Victoria.

You can view the final gazetted plans here.

See also the original media statement from the VPA on January 18, 2024 when the Environmental Audit Overlays were introduced here