Posted 23/5/11

Council Letter 13/5/11

sent to submitters to exhibition of the draft Macedon Ranges Settlement Strategy

Re: Macedon Ranges Settlement Strategy

Thank you for your feedback regarding the Macedon Ranges Settlement Strategy and/or the Villawood development proposal at Davies Hill, Woodend.

This letter explains the issues raised by submissions, the response recommended by Council officers and the process for a final decision.

Submissions received

The Draft Settlement Strategy released in November last year proposed a low/moderate growth scenario for Woodend, with a recommended population of 4,400 people in the year 2036. This recommended growth scenario received support from the community, with 225 written submissions and a petition supporting the Draft Strategy and/or opposing the Villawood proposal.

Council also received a small number of submissions that opposed the low/moderate growth scenario for Woodend and sought a higher population growth level. One submission was from Villawood, who have sought a recommended population for Woodend in the range of 5,450-5,900 at 2036.

In addition, Council has received comments from the Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD), who advise:

"With respect to Woodend, it is noted that the draft strategy seeks to constrain projected growth ...  Given Woodend's very central location within the Shire, and its position on the major rail and road corridors ... DPCD recommends that consideration be given to making provision in the strategy for the growth of Woodend to reach at least 5,000 by 2036.

Further, under a constrained growth scenario it may prove difficult for Woodend to achieve the user levels required to guarantee viable delivery of new services and infrastructure, to maintain existing services and infrastructure, and to stimulate economic activity ... Population growth ... can be accommodated sustainably, without irrevocable loss of character, through integrated planning of infrastructure and services, and site-responsive environmental planning and urban design. "

To implement the Settlement Strategy through the Planning Scheme, a Planning Scheme Amendment will be needed. This requires the authorisation of the Minister for Planning, who will be advised by DPCD.

As a result of submissions Council officers and consultants assisting with the Settlement Strategy have reviewed documentation and residential land supply figures, to ensure that the Strategy has enough rigour to sustain scrutiny at the next level for implementation of the

Strategy into the Planning Scheme. This further analysis has reduced the estimate of existing land supply from 790 to 520 potential dwellings.

Officer recommendations to Council

Woodend is considered relatively well placed for growth in terms of infrastructure, particularly rail and freeway access. However, this should not override the protection of town character or the aspirations of the community.

Council officers have recommended the Settlement Strategy be revised as a result of consideration and further review to accommodate a future population of 5,100 in Woodend.

This represents moderate growth at the average growth rate of regional Victoria. In other words, Woodend would grow at the rate that would be expected for a town of Woodend's nature and location. This proposed change to the growth rate for Woodend is lesser than the

metro fringe or commuter area growth rates that may be argued that Council adopt for Woodend, which could see Woodend's growth extend to 5,900 persons by 2036 under Government population projections.

The growth rate recommended by officers is considered consistent with the general community aspiration expressed in Woodend, and places Council in a stronger position to defend the Strategy and amend the Planning Scheme to implement it. A population of 5,100 is less than could be expected if the Villawood proposal was to proceed as currently proposed.

Next steps

The Councillors will make the final decision on the Settlement Strategy. The officer's recommendations will be considered by the Councillors at the Council meeting in Kyneton (Kyneton Administration Centre, 129 Mollison St) at 7pm on Wednesday the 25th of May.

You are welcome to attend the meeting.

The revised Settlement Strategy, as recommended to Councillors, is available at www.mrsc.vic.gov.au.

If you would like further- information please contact Duane Burtt, Senior Strategic Planner on 5421 9684.

Yours sincerely,

Rick Traficante