CONCERN has been raised that Bass Coast Shire’s Unlocking Rural Tourism Strategy (BURT) has become problematic with the introduction of the State Government’s Distinctive Area and Landscape policy.
“This policy does not value add to our Island,” said Island Ward Cr Ron Bauer.
The Bass Coast Unlocking Rural Tourism Strategy (BURT) was adopted in March 2023.
Cr Bauer said he voted against the BURT when it was introduced by the last council.
“During the last election campaign, the BURT was often raised as a policy that was not suitable for Phillip Island, and I agree,” said Cr Bauer.
Bass Coast Council has called for a report by no later than November to explain how the BURT will be impacted by the intent of the Distinctive Areas and Landscapes (DAL) policy in respect to preserving character and protecting the environment.
“With the introduction of the Distinctive Area and Landscape Policy by the State Government, the BURT has the real possibility of undermining the fundamental intentions of the DAL,” said Cr Bauer.
According to Rob Parsons, a resident of The Gurdies, BURT is just another name for RAZ.
“In 2016, Bass Coast Council tried to impose a Rural Activity Zone (RAZ) in The Gurdies, but the community fought it, and it was defeated,” said Mr Parsons.
“Now the same idea is back through the BURT strategy.
“We said no then, and we say no now.
“Our farmland should stay farmland, our woodlands and wildlife corridors should stay protected, and our quiet rural communities don’t want to become tourist precincts.”
The Distinctive Areas and Landscapes (DAL) status was meant to safeguard this ward from exactly this kind of creeping development, but BURT undermines that protection.
“Western Port Ward does not want RAZ by another name,” said Mr Parsons.
Cr Tim O’Brien said preserving the rural character of Phillip Island and the Bass Coast region is seen as a primary responsibility of council, defining the casual, family-friendly rural visitor experience, and connecting with the region’s history, its indigenous connection to place, agricultural past and future, and its unique and largely unspoiled environmental assets and coastal habitats.
BURT was intended to facilitate mid-to-large-scale tourism development by unlocking restrictions within the planning scheme for large-scale development in farm zone areas.
Under current zoning, restrictions for expanded tourism developments potentially sit at cross purposes to the DAL and would be limited to small-scale initiatives such as farm stays, farm gate sales and other similar entrepreneurial activities.
Cr O’Brien said the BURT was ill-conceived.
“No farmland is safe, no farmland is out of reach.
“BURT has little to no support within the community.”
The Bass Coast Unlocking Rural Tourism Strategy can be found at engage.basscoast.vic.gov.au/BURT.
