| “Hands Off Spring Creek! The State Government is conducting a public consultation on the Surf Coast Distinctive Area and Landscape Draft Statement of Planning Policy (SPP) – a policy which will decide the future of the Torquay and Jan Juc townships. “The formal consultation now underway, is the culmination of a long and drawn-out process. It was 11 years ago that we held the successful ‘Red Rally’ to show our support for the preservation of Spring Creek. It was two years ago that Spring Creek become the central issue in our state election. We are now in the final weeks of our effort to save the valley from developers’ bulldozers. “We now need every community member to formally lodge their support for the permanent protection of Spring Creek. The only way to have your say is to make a formal submission before this Friday, January 22, via the government’s Engage Victoria website. “Our major concern with the draft policy is that (despite a strong commitment from Premier Andrews in March 2019) the SPP draft still contains a provision for the development of the Spring Creek valley. Entitled simply ‘Option 1’ (outlined on Page 59 of the Draft SPP document), this option provides a pathway for opening up Spring Creek valley 1 km west of Duffields Road to further residential development; an area of more than 200 hectares. “What you say in your submission is entirely up to you, and everybody will have a different response based on their own values and priorities. If the protection of Spring Creek is important to you, make a submission toclearly reject Option 1, and come out in support of Option 2 which would create a permanent settlement boundary at Duffields Road. Please use your own words – we understand that pro forma responses won’t count. “Additional information, including facts and figures, and guidance on the submission process at the Protect Spring Creek campaign site here. “On behalf of the Surf Coast Energy Group committee, I extend my sincere gratitude to everybody. Please try to take 5 minutes out of your day, in order to protect our beloved home. If enough people take action, we strongly believe that the government will support a vibrant, strong and sustainable Surf Coast community. “So please, get online and lodge your submission as soon as possible. We also encourage you to share this information through your own local networks, and to help your friends and family to make their own submissions.” Graeme Stockton, Chair, Surf Coast Energy Group (SCEG) |
The Protect Spring Creek coalition is supported many local businesses and organisations including: Geelong Sustainability, SCEG, SANE, Greater Torquay Alliance, 3228 Local Residents Association, Landcare and Coast Action groups and the Surfrider Foundation.
Photo: Mollie Vaughan, 2018 Protest at Spring Creek.
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