17 July 2009
Dear Editor
I write to support Mr. Manfred Herzer of the Drysdale Traders Association, who wants a more integrated approach to the development of Drysdale and Clifton Springs (Bellarine Times 14 July 2009). In many towns on the Bellarine, development is guided by a ‘Structure Plan’ that is part of an overarching Bellarine Peninsula Strategic Plan 2006 – 2016. This indicates that development is planned and coordinated, but the reality on the ground is very different. As Mr. Herzer states, the future of Drysdale and Clifton Springs depends on three different plans from three different consultants. Such unplanned, uncoordinated development is happening across the peninsula. For example, Point Lonsdale faces a 760-home development despite not being a designated growth area; and Barwon Heads faces traffic jams because recent commercial developments in the town included no new parking.
That lack of integrated development accompanies a disregard for business interests. Neither the Bellarine Peninsula Strategic Plan nor any of the individual Structure Plans has a vision of business developments on the peninsula in a ‘post-carbon economy’. Appropriate commerce, industry and employment are the heart of a community and are the foundation of its wellbeing, but the Council’s strategy for the Bellarine almost ignores them. For example, the Drysdale and Clifton Springs Structure Plan’s ‘strategy’ for business development is to promote some more shops and a bit more tourist accommodation. Of course, shopping and tourism are important to a local economy, but where is a strategic vision to create new jobs, businesses and wealth through, for example, the burgeoning industries associated with renewable energy? The current blizzard of Structure Plans, Infrastructure Plans, Transport Plans, etc. could be brought together around a clear and common foundation; and a community-based, strategic vision of the peninsula’s economic development is a central element of that foundation.
Patrick Hughes
(Published as a Letter to the Editor in the Bellarine Times 21 July 2009)
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