Council seeks input into industrial land use for Baw Baw’s future

Baw Baw Shire Council is seeking community and local business input to help shape an Economic Land Use Strategy that will outline sustainable economic development within Baw Baw Shire focusing on future land use policy and land use settings. 

With Baw Baw Shire having become one of the fastest growing regions in Victoria, this strategy will be key to proactively responding to the changes and pressures stemming from this significant growth. 

A discussion paper has been prepared by consulting company Charter Keck Cramer to help facilitate the development of the strategy. Community members, particularly local business owners are invited to share their views on the issues and options outlined within it.  

The discussion paper details strategic planning initiatives and opportunities to address the emerging challenges and ensure that land is appropriately zoned to support the expansion of key industries, manage land use conflicts, facilitate local jobs growth and attract future investment.  

When providing feedback via a submission, it is beneficial to consider the following:  

1. Identify the initiatives you support and the reasons you support them
2. Identify – if any - initiatives that concern you and why
3. Are there additional initiatives or other issues that need to be considered in the development of the economic land use strategy?
4. As the Shire’s population grows, what do we need to do to help its economy prosper and to retain economic gains in the community? 

Attend a community drop in session  

All interested community members are encouraged to attend a community drop-in session to raise any questions and learn more about the project before providing feedback. 

“Council is aware of the pressures arising from the ongoing growth throughout our region, which is why we are seeking community input into the preparation of this important document. 

The Strategy will provide a planning framework to guide Baw Baw through its growth over the next 5-20 years. It details how land may be allocated and rezoned in the future to assist key industries and support a flourishing economy. 

I encourage our local businesses and community members to review the discussion paper and provide a submission via email.”