AN APPLICATION has been made to the Supreme Court challenging the process which has led to a restricted town boundary for Cape Paterson.
Confirming the matter will be taken to the Supreme Court, Jim Watson co-founder of the Wallis Watson Group, declined to comment further.
Fiercely opposed to any extension of the Cape Paterson town boundary beyond Seaward Drive, the Cape Paterson Residents and Ratepayers Association (CPRRA) have restated their view that there had been open and transparent consultation throughout the six-year Distinctive Areas and Landscapes (DAL) process.
According to CPRRA spokesman, John Coulter, the need to protect the significant landscapes adjoining Cape Paterson was clearly explained when the revised boundary was placed on public exhibition in December 2024, with all parties invited to comment.
“There was overwhelming support (with) 90 per cent of submissions (backing) a revised boundary to enable the long-term protection of our unique landscapes, flora and fauna, and the adjoining Marine National Park,” said Mr Coulter.
However, project managers, Wallis Watson, have previously claimed the owners were denied natural justice.
The site, often erroneously referred to as ‘the Wallis Watson land’, is 60.2 per cent owned by Bass Coast Shire residents who are part of the Cape Paterson Unit Trust No.1 for which Wallis Watson Group is the project manager.
The State Government’s recent draft Final Statement of Planning Policy for Distinctive Areas and Landscapes (DAL) within Bass Coast was described by the Cape Paterson Residents and Ratepayers Association (CPRRA) as a win for the local community.
“It will direct future housing away from coastal villages and hamlets towards larger established towns with infrastructure and services,” said Mr Coulter.
Earlier this month, Wallis Watson considered that the Standing Advisory Committee should be reconvened to provide Wallis Watson with procedural fairness in relation to a decision which stood to restrict development in Cape Paterson for the next 50 years.
Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale MP claimed the town character of Cape Paterson was highly valued by locals and tourists alike for its coastline, beaches, village feel, and natural environment.
“This has gone through an extended process,” said Ms Crugnale on Monday.
“Council endorsed by resolution the boundary change at Seaward Drive and a remarkable number of submissions were received from community members through the many formal engagement avenues during this period, and everyone had the opportunity to present their submissions at the Standing Committee hearings as well.”
Bass Coast Shire Council this month formally endorsed the final draft of its Statement of Planning Policy (SPP) as required by the Victorian Government DAL legislation, though Cr Ron Bauer claimed the motion was a Shire rubber stamp during the meeting.
“I am still concerned about the natural justice afforded to developers in Cape Patterson,” said Cr Bauer at the time.
“They initially invested monies under one set of criteria and have now been confronted with a boundary change which prohibits expansion and locks in the current town boundary.”