Wonthaggi almost set for extraordinary growth

By Nick Sinis

THE Wonthaggi North East Precinct Structure Plan (PSP), which could see the development of almost 5000 new homes, is set for approval by the Planning Minister.

The PSP aims to rezone land to the north and east of Wonthaggi for future residential development of around 5000 new homes, as well as 60 hectares of commercial land over the next 30 to 50 years.

Last week, the Victorian Planning Authority (VPA) released its Projects Standing Advisory Committee Final Report for the PSP.

Tranche 2 of the hearing concluded on June 23, 2022, and addressed matters relating to stormwater management, development contributions, transport and open space infrastructure and various other matters. 

Bass Coast Shire Mayor, Cr Michael Whelan said the release on this report represents a significant milestone for the project.

“The report has confirmed that the precinct is ready for development, reinforcing Wonthaggi’s role as a regional centre,” Cr Whelan said.

“VPA will now finalise the documentation and changes required to the Bass Coast Planning Scheme before it goes to the Planning Minister for final sign-off.”

Once approved by the Minister, which is expected later this year, the land can begin to be developed.

According to the committee’s final report, total costs for the Development Contributions Plan, which outlines the levies landowners and developers must pay to the State Government and council to fund infrastructure and facilities, would be $129,079,153, including:

• Roads - $4,710,886

• Intersections - $26,552,811

• Culverts/bridges - $3,587,997

• Drainage- $76,282,005

Addressed in the report was whether the PSP should include additional requirements and guidelines for housing, such as social and affordability and sustainability. 

PSP guidelines and requirements relating to housing diversity included:

Residential subdivisions must deliver a broad range of lot sizes capable of accommodating a variety of housing types

Medium-high density, residential development, affordable housing typologies and specialised housing forms such as retirement living or aged care should, among other things, be integrated in the wider urban structure

Several submissions raised concerns about specific higher density housing outcomes on specific sites, and sought greater direction in the PSP for housing affordability and diversity, including lot sizes and higher densities within walkable catchments.

Bass Coast Housing Matters were one group to make a submission, which sought the following changes to the PSP: 

•Requirement for inclusionary zoning with a target of 20 per cent affordable housing of which half would be used for public and social housing 

• Require diverse housing types including co-housing and other forms of innovative housing 

• Set minimum Environmentally Sustainable Development (ESD) expectations for sustainable housing 

• Provide for communal land areas and active transport including cycle path linkages to schools and parks and the town centre.

The Committee acknowledged the aspirations of Bass Coast Housing Matters and found that:

• The PSP provisions for affordable housing are inadequate. 

• An additional affordable housing guideline should be included in the PSP which allows for the provision of a Parcel based Housing Plan or similar for the subdivision of land which provides for affordable housing.

The PSP will enable a significant expansion to Wonthaggi for community facilities, primary school, local parks, linear trails and a new sports reserve.

The PSP could also provide employment opportunities by allowing for commercial and industrial businesses to established in close proximity to the Bass Highway.

“It creates a strategic framework that will guide the Wonthaggi’s growth from 8,000 to 20,000 residents, by constructing homes for 12,000 new residents, as well as new community amenities and an expanded business and industry precinct,” Cr Whelan said.

“The area will undergo a full transition of land use into a large-scale residential development with considerable population increase that will provide for a range of land size options to suit all housing needs.”