Moorabool council has adopted a long-term planning vision for land south of Bacchus Marsh with councillors voting in favour of the Maddingley Planning Study and a related planning scheme amendment at its December 17 meeting.
The Maddingley Planning Study was finalised in October last year and examines future land use options across a large area south of the Bacchus Marsh township, including the state-significant Maddingley Waste and Resource Recovery Hub.
The study area also encompasses existing industrial land in the west, along with farming activities and areas associated with coal mining, landfill and composting.
According to a council report, the study provides the strategic foundation for changes to the Moorabool Planning Scheme to be rolled out over three phases across coming decades.
Several submissions to the draft study raised concerns about the continued application of outdated planning controls, particularly the special use zone linked to historic coal mining, which captures land not used for mining and limits development options for residents.
While the updated study acknowledges these issues, actual rezoning changes would only occur in later phases and largely at the request of individual landowners.
“We have been in this position several times,” frustrated resident Christine Levy said.
“Various reviews, planning studies, municipal strategic statements. The language changes but the outcome has not.”
In implementing the vision, council sought to progress a planning scheme amendment which represented the first phase of the study’s recommendation, proposing the introduction of a Maddingley-specific local policy and framework plan into the planning scheme, providing long-term guidance for land use decisions and future rezoning proposals.
The proposed change comes after years of disappointment for residents living within the special use zone.
Christine’s partner Robert Levy said locals “sit waiting” and “watch the degradation of the land” around them.
According to council the study provides clarity and certainty for landowners and industry, while balancing economic development, environmental protection and long-term planning needs in one of Moorabool’s most strategically important areas.
There will now be a formal public exhibition process, allowing the community and stakeholders to make submissions on the study.
