Summary of the 2008 DRYSDALE CLIFTON SPRINGS STRUCTURE PLAN (Draft)

The Structure Plan has three elements:

• Part A Structure Plan (i.e. the proposals)
• Part B Implementation and Review (i.e. how the proposals will be implemented and then reviewed)
• Part C Background Report (i.e. the context in which the Plan was written).
• This document summarises Part A only.

DRYSDALE/CLIFTON SPRINGS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION INC.
Summary of the 2008 DRYSDALE CLIFTON SPRINGS STRUCTURE PLAN (Draft)

PART A STRUCTURE PLAN
1.0 Introduction to the Plan
The Strategic Plan identifies key planning issues facing Drysdale & Clifton Springs, including community needs and the towns' distinctive character and boundaries; and gives certainty about the towns' development until 2021. Once enacted, it will guide local policies concerning planning, infrastructure and services.

2.0 Key Influences on the Plan's Proposals
Policy Context. Existing State and local planning policies cover town design and environmental protection; and have designated Drysdale/Clifton Springs as an 'urban growth' area.

Natural and Urban Environment. There is a need to manage the rural environment, improve key local environmental features, plan for potential rises in sea level (climate change), improve the town centre, increase shopping and protect local Aboriginal and post-contact heritage values.

Demographics and Social Profile. Currently, most residents work away from the area and rely almost entirely on private cars. The population will continue to grow, with a high proportion of families.

Township Facilities and Services. The area's good education, recreation and community facilities must increase as the population grows. Increase tourism facilities, especially commercial accommodation.

Transport and Physical Infrastructure. The town centre has lots of (poorly arranged) parking and opportunities to promote walking, cycling and public transport. High Street and the Geelong - Portarlington Road roundabout are bottlenecks. The water and sewerage systems are approaching their limits.

Commercial Growth, Residential Lot Supply and Further Development. There is demand for more shops, including a second supermarket, but little scope to expand the current shopping centre. The present lot supply can't meet the town's 'urban growth area' status; and there is demand for more 'Rural Living' lots.


3.0 The Plan's Proposals
Urban Growth. Jetty Road (Stage 1) represents most of the growth to 2021, but the areas around Central Road, Princess Street and Oakdene Road should also be rezoned Residential 1. The land surrounding Gillies Road should stay zoned Rural; and the land south of Huntingdon Street and east of Princess Street should be 'possible longer term growth' in the next Structure Plan.

Settlement and Housing. Develop a diversity of medium density, environmentally sustainable housing that enhances its neighbourhood and is within 400m walk of the town centre.

Economic Development and Employment. Promote shopping in the town centre by redeveloping it, moving some community facilities elsewhere, creating a second supermarket and supporting a Farmers Market; rezone the area bound by High Street, Princess Street & Everley Street to Business 1; and promote tourist accommodation at 17-29 Spring Street and at eastern end of Curlewis Golf Club.

Infrastructure. Require developers to help pay for new infrastructure (e.g. roads, drains, open space, library; support upgrading water and sewerage systems; prepare a Landscape Master Plan for Council's Beacon Point/High Ridge Roads site; promote cultural/community facilities (e.g. sports, education/research, youth, emergency services) at the Potato Shed precinct, with good pedestrian/cycle access from the town centre.

Roads. Extend Peninsula Drive to Belchers Road; create left-turn road from Andersons Road into the Drysdale – Ocean Grove Road; install traffic signals (8.00 - 9.00 a.m.) at the Portarlington/Ocean Grove Roads roundabout, and later reconfigure it or replace it with traffic signals; improve approaches to junction of High Street, Bridge Street and De Burgh Road. (In all this, have regard to the planned by-pass.)

Paths. Create footpaths along Jetty Road, Wyndham Street, Beacon Point Road and Murradoc Road and between the Rail Trail and Griggs Creek (Jetty Road west); ensure that new subdivisions include footpaths linking to the existing network; upgrade existing walking trails.

Public transport. Increase/improve public transport to meet the town's roles as a Bellarine hub and a 'dormitory' for Geelong and Melbourne.

Natural Environment. Promote environmentally sensitive urban design (e.g. water, drainage, energy); protect Aboriginal cultural heritage areas; retain/enhance existing indigenous vegetation; rehabilitate Griggs Creek as a public open space; investigate establishing a heritage trail and associated signage.

Rural Areas. Retain existing Rural Living zones; retain existing Rural zones outside the town boundary; preserve the town's surrounding rural landscape and qualities; promote farm-based tourism.