ADVOCATES of protecting the Mornington Peninsula’s green wedge-zoned areas are calling on supporters to get submissions in before 8 April to protect 10 parcels of land from inappropriate development.
Conservation policies for the peninsula’s green wedge areas were first introduced by the state government more than 40 years ago, with the zones now highly regarded for giving the peninsula its special character and sense of openness.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council is now seeking feedback on amendment C270morn, which intends to fix irregularities in the peninsula’s planning scheme and rezone 10 sites in Mornington, Mount Eliza, Mount Martha, Portsea and Shoreham. Eight of those sites are outside the urban growth boundary (“The peninsula’s biggest future issue – land use” The News 2/3/22).
Supporters of one of the peninsula’s most prized green wedges, known as Reg’s Wedge, because the late airline owner Sir Reginald Ansett once owned it, say the rezoning amendment is a “last chance” opportunity to protect the land forever.
The future of the land at 60-70 Kunyung Road is under a cloud, with owners Ryman Healthcare believed to be planning to submit a new development proposal after its plans for aged care units was blocked last year at the Victorian Civil and Administrative tribunal.
Both the Liberal and Labor parties have told supporters they are committed to protecting the green wedges.
Campaign spokesperson Leigh Eustace, also a member of the Green Wedge Coalition, said communities around the shire could be cautiously optimistic that the state planning minister’s recent authorisation of the council’s rezoning amendment would result in ultimate protection for the sites.
The exhibition process is now in place, and submissions can be made via the shire’s website or by emailing strategic.admin@mornpen.vic.gov.au with header C270morn. Emails must have name, address, contact number and reasons for supporting the amendment.
Anyone can make a submission, and there is no requirement to be resident of the peninsula. Details: shape.mornpen.vic.gov.au/amendment-c270morn
First published in the Mornington News – 8 March 2022
