ANGLESEA FUTURES Land Use Ideas - Summary of Feedback August 2017 ANGLESEA FUTURES Land Use Ideas Summary of Feedback - August 2017 i
Acknowledgements The Victorian Government s Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) acknowledge the following agencies and organisations for their contribution of expertise and guidance in preparing the Anglesea Futures Land Use Scenarios Discussion Paper: Parks Victoria, Surf Coast Shire and Alcoa. The State of Victoria Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning 2017 This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International licence. You are free to re-use the work under that licence, on the condition that you credit the State of Victoria as author. The licence does not apply to any images, photographs or branding, including the Victorian Coat of Arms, the Victorian Government logo and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) logo. To view a copy of this licence, visit http:// creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ ISBN 978-1-76047-685-4 (pdf/online) Disclaimer This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. Accessibility If you would like to receive this publication in an alternative format, please telephone the DELWP Customer Service Centre on 136186, email customer.service@delwp.vic.gov.au or via the National Relay Service on 133 677 www.relayservice.com.au. This document is also available on the internet at www.delwp.vic.gov.au
PART A. purpose BACKGROUND and introduction AND CONTEXT Purpose This Summary of Feedback outlines the key messages heard on land use ideas from the first round of community engagement for the Anglesea Futures Land Use Plan. It is not intended to capture every comment or reference comments to individuals or organisations but provide a broad summary of the ideas that were heard. Introduction Since 1961, a large area of Crown land north of Anglesea has been leased to Alcoa to operate a coal mine and power station. In August 2015, the mine and power station ceased operation. The Crown land at the former mine site, and the area surrounding the mine, is important to Anglesea residents and businesses, as well as the wider community. A Land Use Plan is being prepared to provide a framework for re-use of this area to the north of Anglesea, including the former power station and mine (the study area). The Land Use Plan will be a high level strategic document which will identify broad land uses for different areas. Feedback received from the community will inform the preferred land uses for the site. The preferred uses will be incorporated into a draft Land Use Plan that will be released for public comment later in 2017. ANGLESEA FUTURES Land Use Ideas Summary of Feedback - August 2017 1
PART A. BACKGROUND Community Engagement AND CONTEXT Process Engagement with the community has been ongoing through the Anglesea Futures Community Conversations series. All ideas received since the series commenced in August 2015 are being considered in the preparation of the Land Use Plan. Consultation on land use ideas was undertaken with the community from 11-30 June 2017. Notification of the consultation period included newspaper notices, letters to owners/occupiers and emails to people that had previously been engaged. A variety of engagement methods were used to seek community feedback including an on-line survey, two open-house sessions and a community ideas forum. Written submissions were also invited. Engagement channels Written submission Social media Information stalls at Anglesea summer markets Ideas forum Online survey 2 open house events Open house sessions conducted on 11 and 25 June 2017 enabled participants to walk through displays, ask questions about the plan, share their knowledge of the area and provide ideas and their vision for the future. During the Open House on 25 June 2017, an Ideas Forum was also held which included presentations from stakeholders and members of the community about ideas for the future use of the Anglesea Futures study area. An online survey enabled the community and stakeholders to provide feedback. Participants were asked to consider and provide feedback on their values and vision, their preferred land uses/activities and their most non-preferred land uses/activities for the study area. In addition to the targeted consultation period, land use ideas were also collected at the four information stalls held at the Anglesea River Bank Markets from January to April 2017. The information stalls enabled holiday makers, holiday home owners and residents to talk to the Anglesea Futures team and learn more about the land use planning process. Engagement response 1082 Visits to the Anglesea Futures engagement website 11 Written submissions 197 People attended public house / ideas forum events 203 People completed an online survey or made another online contribution 2 ANGLESEA FUTURES Land Use Ideas Summary of Feedback - August 2017
PART A. BACKGROUND ONLINE SURVEY AND CONTEXT During the community consultation process an online survey was available for participants to provide information on their values and vision, their preferred land uses/activities and their most non-preferred land uses/activities for the study area. Data was collected during the online survey to provide information on the demographics of the participants. A total of 129 surveys were completed AGE OF SURVEY RESPONDENTS Most survey respondents were aged between 25-44 years of age (58%) and 46 64 years of age (35%). Figure 1. Age demographic of line survey participants 5% 2% 35% 58% <15 (0%) 15-24 25-44 46-64 65+ WHERE RESPONDENTS LIVE Most survey participants (59.9%) were from Anglesea, Torquay and the Greater Geelong region; a further 21% of responses were received from Metropolitan Melbourne. Table 1. Postcode clusters from the on line survey participants Postcode clusters 23% Anglesea 3230 22% Torquay 3228 6.6% Grovedale, Belmont, Waurn Ponds, Wandana Heights, Marshall, Highton 3216 5% Gherang, Modewarre, Buckley, Paraparap, Moriac, Mt Moriac 3240 3.3% Barwon Heads, Breamlea, Connewarre 3227 17.6% Other 21% Metropolitan Melbourne ANGLESEA FUTURES Land Use Ideas Summary of Feedback - August 2017 3
RELATIONSHIP TO STUDY AREA Survey respondents were asked about their interest/relationship to the study area. Ten options were provided and respondents were invited to choose all that applied to them. Of the 129 surveys completed, most participants (60%) identified that they lived or worked near or recreated/played in the study area, 14% have a public interest. 19% of participants were members of local environmental, recreation, community and commerce groups. Figure 2. Relationship of the on line survey participants to the study area 35% 31.4% 30% 25.9% 25% 20% 15% 10.1% 14.0% 10% 5% 6.7% 0.9% 4.0% 0.6% 4.3% 2.1% 0% Work near the study area Live near the study area Potential developer / investor Recreate / exercise / play in the study area Member of a local environment group Member of a recreational group Member of an Anglesea commerce group Member of a community group General public interest Other PREVIOUS INVOLVEMENT IN ANGLESEA FUTURES ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES 76% of respondents indicated that this was the first time they had been involved in this project. SATISFACTION WITH THE DRAFT VISION FOR THE STUDY AREA Participants were asked how satisfied they were with the draft Vision for the study area. A healthy and sustainable environment that promotes the future of the Anglesea region and its community, and acknowledges its Aboriginal cultural values and industrial past. The majority of participants (93.8%) were satisfied or very satisfied with the draft vision. 4 ANGLESEA FUTURES Land Use Ideas Summary of Feedback - August 2017
FURTHER INFORMATION Participants were asked to share any further information about the study area that they believe might be important in preparing the land use plan (e.g. information, history, characteristics, vegetation etc). Comments left for this question related to preferred land use ideas, no additional information about the study area was received. VALUES AND OPPORTUNITIES Participants were provided with a list of opportunities and were asked, in terms of their values, to order the opportunities, with the most important to them ranked highest. The table below shows the community s overall ranking of the opportunities. Figure 3. Order of Preference Highest preference Land Use Opportunity Increasing opportunities for recreation activities Protecting fauna, and flora and environmental values Ensuring any development is of low scale and fits into the landscape Recognising aboriginal cultural heritage and industrial and historic uses Complementing the Anglesea township Increasing tourism attraction and/or facilities Increasing camps/camping Providing job opportunities Enabling licenced tour operators in the National Park Supporting the long-term management of the Anglesea River Increasing tourist accommodation Lowest preference Providing for some additional residential development Providing for some additional commercial/industrial uses PREFERRED AND LEAST PREFERRED ACTIVITIES AND LAND USES Participants were provided with a list of activities and land uses and were asked what they would like to see in the study area. Respondents were asked to choose their preferred and least preferred land uses from 14 possible uses listed in the survey. The most preferred land uses/activities included mountain bike trails (89.1%), areas protected for environmental values (74.4%), active recreation/sport (66.7%), parks and public open space (58.1%), areas protected for heritage values (43.3%) and renewable energy generation (41.1%). Participants were also asked what other activities they would like to see in the study area. Other activities that participants preferred included a music venue, horse riding trails and associated camping sites, eco sensitive social housing and dirt/motorbikes. The least preferred land uses/activities included industrial (88.4%), residential (76%), commercial (64.3%), tourist accommodation (45.7%) and licenced tour operators (38%). Participants were also asked what other activities they would least like to see in the study area. Other activities that participants would not like to see were motorbikes, four wheel drives and a golf course. ANGLESEA FUTURES Land Use Ideas Summary of Feedback - August 2017 5
Figure 4. On line survey participants preferred and least preferred land uses Not Liked Liked 75% 50% 25% 0 25% 50% 75% Commercial Activities 64.3% 4.7% Licensed Tour Operators 38% 10.9% Tourist Attraction/ Facilities 17.1% 32.6% Tourist Accommodation 45.7% 6.2% Areas protected for their environmental values 1.6% 74.4% Areas protected for their heritage values Parks and public open space areas 2.3% 1.6% 43.4% 58.1% Sporting/active recreation areas 5.4% 66.7% Mountain bike trails 3.1% 89.1% Residential 76% 2.3% Industrial 88.4% Community facilities 7% 29.5% Renewable energy generation 13.2% 41.1% Other 6.2% 3.1% OTHER THOUGHTS AND FEEDBACK Participants were asked to provide further thoughts and feedback. Comments left for this question reiterated preferred land use ideas, with no additional feedback or information about the study area received. 6 ANGLESEA FUTURES Land Use Ideas Summary of Feedback - August 2017
PART A. BACKGROUND Social Map AND Comments CONTEXT A mapping tool that enabled participants to post their ideas on a map was also used to collect land use ideas for the study area. The Social map tool also allows others to see the comments that are posted onto the map. Participants were asked to post a comment on the map with their preferred activities and land uses for the study area. A total of 80 pins were posted onto the map. Six pins were duplicates and were removed from the total. From the 74 pins there were 89 comments left with some pins having more than one idea. From the graph below it can be seen that the most poular activities/uses included mountain biking (46%), renewable enegry (19%), recreation (17%), community uses (7%) and environment (5%). Figure 5. Land Use Plan Social Map Comments 1% 17% 7% 1% 5% 19% 1% 3% 46% Mountain Biking Renewable Energy Environment Horses Community centre/ eduction Other recreation including walking/running tracks Festivals Industrial Cultural ANGLESEA FUTURES Land Use Ideas Summary of Feedback - August 2017 7
PART A. BACKGROUND Written Submissions AND CONTEXT Formal submissions were also received from stakeholders regarding future land uses for the study area. The following summarised submissions were received from eleven stakeholders: Submission 1. Anglesea Bike Park Committee of management Retain bike park in existing location and construct a network of new bike paths and trails which link the town centre, the existing bike park, the mine site and the wider region. Implement the Bike Town concept through construction of a network of bike trails to promote active lifestyles, connected community s and sustainability. Submission 2. Surf Coast Wildlife Shelters Group Inc. Conserve and protect all native flora, fauna and ecosystems & conserve and protect landscapes and natural heritage in the area. Minimise the environmental impacts of any proposed tourism or recreational activities on wildlife and promote and provide environmental and wildlife education. Submission 3. Surf Coast Trail Group Construct a network of a range of bike and walking trails (approx. 40km) for a range of abilities in the former coal mine pit, the crown land lease area, new National Park area and link with existing trails and bike park. Spin off economic benefits to the local economy through job creation and increased spending from visitors. Submission 4. ANGAIR Calling for the protection of the Alcoa freehold land along Fraser Avenue. It s high environmental values are currently used for wildflower walks and seed and cutting collection and are a valuable environmental asset. Submission 5. Private Individual Submission suggests that low key use consistent with the environment of the Anglesea Heath is required. The quiet seaside village feel of Anglesea needs to be retained and the settlement boundary maintained. Submission 6. Geelong Environment Council (GEC) This submission would like to see the addition of 300ha of the Bald Hills Heathland into the National Park. In addition, they do not support the destruction of 7ha of land adjacent to Coal Mine Road. This area is extremely rich in orchids (some protected under the EPBC Act) and GEC calls for this land to be protected. This submission would also support a high-level ecotourism and education centre for all ages that focusses on Anglesea s cultural heritage and environmental assets (similar to the Daintree Proposal made at the Ideas Forum). New bike trails should be allowed only if they replace the existing Eumeralla trails. Submission 7. Private Individual This submission supports renewable energy facilities (particularly solar and pumped storage hydro) at the site. This submission also supports hand over of the lease area to National Park and would like to see further conservation efforts to protect the biodiversity values of the Messmate track area. Submission 8. Private Individual This submission proposes that a spa resort including hot springs, a 200 room hotel, restaurant and swimming pool be developed on the site. This proposal would create jobs and replace jobs lost because of the mine/power station closure, provide a new pool facility for the community as well as a tourism attraction for Anglesea and provide water to maintain the river. 8 ANGLESEA FUTURES Land Use Ideas Summary of Feedback - August 2017
Submission 9. Private Individual This submission proposes that a water park for water skiing, boating and other water sports be created. The waterpark would create local employment and help to maintain the flows in the Anglesea River. Submission 10. Private Individual This submission proposes that the existing power station building be retained to generate electricity via high temperature incineration of residential, commercial and industrial waste. The incineration facility would create local employment and extend life of existing landfill in Anglesea. Water from the power station could be discharged into the river to maintain Anglesea River flows. Other aspects of the closure of the Alcoa site should continue (i.e. inclusion of the lease area to the National Park and site rehabilitation). Submission 11. Private Individual This submission proposes that an environmental complex (e.g. Eden project) be built and that the former power station be turned into a natural history museum and café with camping and cabin facilities for tourists, scenic drives and look outs in National Park. It also proposes that mountain bike trails around the waterbody and National Park be built and the retention of existing bike park. The submission also proposes that the Anglesea Golf club along with the bowls and tennis clubs be moved next to the waterbody. ANGLESEA FUTURES Land Use Ideas Summary of Feedback - August 2017 9
Comments PART A. BACKGROUND from the AND Open CONTEXT Houses Community open house events were hosted on the 11 and 25 June 2017 to give residents, user groups and interested members of the public the opportunity to speak with agency staff and interest groups, offer views and ask questions. 197 community members participated in the open house events across both days. Feedback from participants indicated that the open house was a successful event with many participants welcoming the opportunity to have their say. Maps at the open houses were available for participants to leave a comment. Participants left a combined total of 100 comments on the maps at both of the open houses. From the graph below it can be seen that most popular activities/ uses identified by the community were tourism/ community uses (23%) biodiversity/conservation (21%) mountain biking (19%), renewable enegry (18%), other recreation (14%), and environment (5%). The least popular uses were residential (3%) and other uses (2%) Figure 6. Feedback from the community left on the comments board at the open houses on 11 June and 25 June 2017 3% 14% 21% 18% 2% 19% 23% Mountain Biking Tourism / Community Use Renewable Energy Biodiversity Conservation Other Recreation Residential Other 10 ANGLESEA FUTURES Land Use Ideas Summary of Feedback - August 2017
PART Presentations A. BACKGROUND from the AND Ideas CONTEXT Forum Community members were invited to give a presentation at the Ideas Forum on the 25 June on their vision and future use of the Anglesea Futures study area. Ten presentations were made by individuals and community groups on a wide variety of ideas. Anglesea Business and Traders Association - An outdoor recreation and education experience (like the Eden project) that offers economic sustainability for Anglesea and promotes Anglesea s cultural heritage, local history and environmental assets. ANGAIR Protection of Anglesea s unique vegetation values with recreation uses focussed towards the reclaimed areas. Anglesea Golf Club A proposal to relocate the Anglesea Golf Club House and associated facilities adjacent to the mine pit to allow for the development of the lower sections of the Anglesea Golf Course into housing and a hotel. Daintree Resource Centre at Anglesea A proposal for a natural history resource centre that showcases Anglesea s cultural heritage and environmental assets and a collection of Richard Daintree s map and photographs Surf Coast Trail Group A proposal for 40km of dedicated Mountain bike trails to cater for all rider abilities with additional walking/running trails. Support for retaining the existing bike path in its current location. Anglesea Recreation Camps Support the growth of educational camps in the study area. Proposal for a sustainable and ecofriendly experience centre that incorporates a tourism management centre to connect people with nature and create memorable outdoor and adventure play experiences. Anglesea Community Energy & Surf Coast Energy Group A community renewable energy generation and storage project that would utilise floating solar panels and a pumped hydro facility and would incorporate a visitor centre and café. Anglesea Heath Consultative Committee Proposal to protect the remaining sections of the Anglesea Heath near Messmate Track and in the Bald Hills area. Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism A tourism proposal (like the Eden Project) that is multi purpose, delivers jobs and economic benefit and defines Anglesea as a destination to live and to visit. Anglesea Bike Park A proposal for the Anglesea Bike park to be put into public ownership so that it can continue to operate as a public bike park and provide a recreation resource for local families ANGLESEA FUTURES Land Use Ideas Summary of Feedback - August 2017 11
PART Comments A. BACKGROUND received from the Anglesea River AND CONTEXT Bank Market Stalls Over the summer and autumn periods, information stalls were held at the Anglesea River Bank Markets to enable holiday makers, holiday home owners and local residents to talk to the Anglesea Futures team and learn more about the land use planning process. The information stalls were held on 7 and 15 January, 12 March and 16 April 2017. Community members provided 229 comments on a broad range of futures uses for the study area on a comments board. From the graph below it can be seen that the most poular activities/uses identified by the community are recreation, including mountain biking (29%), and support for a waterbody in the mine pit (17%). The least popular uses were a bypass road (5%), renewable energy (4%) and community uses (1%). Figure 7. Community comments from the Anglesea River Bank Markets January to April 2017 7% 5% 1% 10% 17% 4% 16% 67% 11% Parks and Conservation Recreation No Development Waterbody Tourism Community Use Bypass Road Tourism and Commercial Uses Renewable Energy 12 ANGLESEA FUTURES Land Use Ideas Summary of Feedback - August 2017
PART A. BACKGROUND Overall Messages AND CONTEXT The results of the consultation indicate strong support for the reuse of the site to support and strengthen the Anglesea community while maintaining the seaside village feel of the township. In terms of future uses, community feedback was supportive of a future land use that provides active recreation and sport, public open space, protection of the environment and renewable energy generation. Key opportunities raised through submissions and feedback included: Mountain bike trails Community facilities Nature based walking tracks Renewable energy facilities Tourist accommodation Preserve environmental and historic significance Commercial facilities Education centre Sustainable development Conservation Recreation, tourism, ecotourism Potential Opportunities Museum/art gallery Visitor centre Nature reserve Residential Key issues raised through submissions and feedback included: Natural features Relationship to Anglesea township Contamination and remediation Industrial heritage Transmission lines Impact on the river Limited community access Aboriginal heritage Flora and fauna Environmental obligations Community ISSUES Bushfire risks Impact on the Heath ANGLESEA FUTURES Land Use Ideas Summary of Feedback - August 2017 13
AND PART A. BACKGROUND Next Steps INFORMING THE LAND USE SCENARIOS DISCUSSIONS PAPER Submissions and information received during the first round of engagement will be used to shape the Land CONTEXT Use Scenarios Discussion Paper. Feedback will be sought on the Land Use Scenarios Discussion Paper during August 2017. The feedback received on the Land Use Scenarios Discussion Paper will be used to inform the draft Anglesea Futures Land Use Plan. The draft Land Use Plan will be released for further community discussion/engagement during October/November 2017. The final Anglesea Futures Land Use Plan is scheduled to be released in 2018.