By Yvette Brand

A major review of precinct structure plans for Warragul and Drouin has identified solutions to anomalies and contradictions that were found to be causing significant planning delays.

In the final review prepared by Echelon Planning, it was identified that issues and shortcomings in the PSPs had created significant delays in planning processes.

The PSPs were adopted in 2014 to provide strategic planning direction to manage significant growth in Warragul and Drouin.

The plans provided direction for planning issues including subdivision density, housing, township character, open space and transport. However, councillors said the PSPs were flawed and feedback from the community and developers had revealed many frustrations and restrictions within the documents.

A report to council said the review identified a number of anomalies and errors I both PSPs.

“The PSPs are not providing the type and quality of development that the community expects for a regional town context.

“Instead, suburban type developments are occurring in these areas, potentially leading to the erosion of Baw Baw’s rural character,” officers said.

The review has recommended a number of changes aimed at improving efficiency of the PSPs while providing outcomes that better preserve rural character and align with community expectations. 

As a result of the review, council will undertake further work on interface buffers, the location of sporting reserves, character and design guidelines, a gateway strategy and a Drouin South bypass.

Mayor Danny Goss said the growth experienced in Baw Baw Shire essentially turned Warragul and Drouin into outer suburbs of Melbourne.

“I am not a fan of the PSP…(but) it was done with good intentions

“It’s obvious to anyone who lives in Drouin or Warragul that the current PSPs just aren’t up to scratch. That’s why we undertook this review.

“This is one of the fastest growing local government areas in the state. We need PSPs that can manage that level of growth efficiently and sensibly. 

“We need to balance the demand for development against community’s expectation that the rural character of Drouin and Warragul be maintained,” he said.

Cr Joe Gauci said part of the review was to find solutions to identified problems in the PSPs.

“This review is about changing the things we have control over.  A lot of this has come from internal feedback from planners and staff who have copped the flack.

“There are plenty of things in the PSP that are messy.  We need to sure this up and get it right,” he said.

Cr Keith Cook said parts of the PSP were ambiguous and contained anomalies and contradictions.

He said the PSPs also focused on development and not so much on lifestyle. 

“This review has a tremendous amount of work put into it, not only by the community but by the officers. The intentions are now much clearer. It’s about making sure these areas are places where people want to live and raise their families,” he said.

Cr Tricia Jones said in 2014 council was told it would be able to make changes and review the document going forward.

“There was a sense of urgency and the PSPs were prepared and put through council at a fast rate.

“The failings of the PSP have been noted time and time again,” she said.

Cr Jones said there were many inconsistencies and anomalies affecting Warragul and Drouin, with two of the most notable disappointments being the loss of vegetation and Drouin bypass.

Council will now develop a planning scheme amendment to implement the PSP review recommendations.

The amendment will have to be approved by Planning Minister Richard Wynne.

As part of the planning scheme amendment process, there will be opportunities for community members and stakeholders to provide further input on key issues.