MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire’s draft 2018 Green Wedge Management Plan is open for public comment.
The draft plan aims to identify the long-term vision, objectives and actions for the sustainable use and development of green wedge-zoned areas. It also outlines key issues, opportunities and likely future pressures.
The mayor Cr Bryan Payne said community responses already received showed a “high level of support for protecting our green wedge”.
“We must protect and manage the green wedge to ensure it remains an area where the natural environment and biodiversity is preserved,” he said.
“The green wedge is renowned for its rural charm and character. It’s an area that supports agriculture and farming, provides for tourism and outdoor recreation, and is a place where many people choose to live. The green wedge is a key aspect of the peninsula’s character and is crucial to the amenity, lifestyle and wellbeing of our residents and visitors.”
Cr Payne said the plan was essential to help council manage green wedge areas.
Planning services committee chair Cr Simon Brooks sees the green wedge as “one of the shire’s most valued and distinctive assets”.
“The plan seeks to identify the values and features of our green wedge, the preferred future land use, environmental and natural resources that should be protected, and the needs of the local community,” Cr Brooks said.
Community submissions close 5pm, Friday 3 August.
Submissions can be filled in online at mornpen.vic.gov.au/greenwedge
The draft plan is also available at Rosebud, Mornington, Hastings and Somerville shire offices.
Drop in information sessions are being held 2-4pm and 6-7.30pm Tuesday 10 July at Mornington library, Vancouver Street; Hastings Community Hub, 1973 Frankston-Flinders Road, Thursday 12 July, and Main Ridge Community Hall, Main Creek Road, Wednesday 18 July.
Details: call 5950 1010 or email stratplanprojects@mornpen.vic.gov.au
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 26 June 2018
