MANSFIELD PLANNING SCHEME

21.03 SETTLEMENT 25/11/2010 C21 21.03-1 Overview 08/11/2007 C13 The diversity on offer within the Mansfield Shire is attractive to many people for many different reasons. Whether it is the snow in the winter, the lakes in the summer or the various rural pursuits on offer all year round, there is something for everyone in the region. The settlement pattern in the municipality is a reflection of people’s preferences for the various lifestyle pursuits. The Shire offers variety in housing choice and employment opportunities, as well as excellent services and amenities. As the profile of the Shire continues to evolve it is important that residential, industrial, commercial and retail development within the Mansfield precinct is facilitated in accordance with the Shire’s Urban Design Framework. Whilst quality of life is a significant factor in attracting people to the area, the Shire must offer many choices in housing and cater for the needs of the population in terms of community services, retail and business services, recreation and cultural activities. The Shire also needs to offer a wide range of employment opportunities. The key areas to focus on in the long term strategy are primary production, tourism, knowledge based industries such as research, training, administration and education, and finally health, recreation and service industries. The future growth of the various settlement areas will be dependant on many factors with a main issue being the availability of water and the ability to store water for sustainable living. Some catchments in Mansfield Shire are already ‘fully committed’, therefore requiring careful management of new dams. The relevant water authorities have, however, indicated that the projected future residential growth within the various regions of the Shire can be facilitated by the current water entitlements and catchment yields in the short to medium term, although upgrades to supply and storage may be required to support any future increases in residential development within townships and new residential development in outlying areas.

21.03-2 Rural atmosphere 08/03/2007 C7 People are attracted to the area for a host of reasons and the Shire has identified those reasons broadly as ‘rural atmosphere’ and ‘lifestyle’. It is essential that all development ensure that these attractions are maintained. Any development, which is deemed to have a negative impact on these assets, is not considered to be quality development within the Shire. As the metropolitan area continues to expand the Shire’s residents, landowners and visitors alike will increasingly value the quality of the Shire’s cultural facilities, rural atmosphere, and natural features. These must be protected. Demand for ‘rural atmosphere’ lifestyles has been historically significant and remains strong. This type of development needs to be confined to areas at the fringe of urban centres and existing settlement areas where there is good access to services and where the impacts on the productivity of land and on areas with significant environmental values can be prevented. The Shire’s strategy is to create a rural atmosphere in all locations within the municipality. It is expected that with everything Mansfield Shire has to offer in terms of rural activity, farming, native flora and fauna, high value waterways, and arguably the freshest air in the country, a quality ‘rural atmosphere’ can be maintained. Irrespective of how popular the region becomes, the strategic vision recognises why it

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became popular in the first place and sets out to protect that for generations to follow. The Shire is committed to controlling the quality of that growth to ensure it occurs in sympathy with all that is good about the Mansfield Shire. The strategy will not facilitate development purely to meet demand if this results in a loss of rural atmosphere.

21.03-3 Infrastructure 08/03/2007 C7 The Shire’s expectation is that all development is quality development in accordance with a detailed range of development guidelines, including Development Design Overlays and Development Plan Overlays where relevant, as well as local policies. This strategy places a heavy emphasis on infrastructure and services and it also introduces the concept of developer contributions to ensure the community benefits as the Shire grows. All subdivision designs need to consider the importance of infrastructure, environment and creativity in preference to maximum lot yields. Stormwater, onsite water catchment facilities, water sensitive urban design, drainage, reticulated water and sewerage systems, public open space, variety of lot sizes, provision of quality internal and access roads and detailed landscaping plans are considered priorities for all future developments within the Shire.

Implementation

In order to facilitate development with high quality design and infrastructure Council will design and adopt a Development Contribution Plan. Council will integrate development through the participation with relevant authorities in defining areas that can be readily supplied with infrastructure. As part of this process Council shall prepare Outline Development Plans to guide and encourage development in defined areas.

21.03-4 Heritage 08/03/2007 C7 Overview

The character of Mansfield is linked to its heritage, which is expressed most clearly through its extant original buildings. These include prominent buildings within the central retail area of High Street, (especially the Hotel Delatite, the Commercial Hotel, the Mansfield Hotel, the former bank building at 93 High Street, the National Bank, the Court House and some of the existing shops), as well as less obvious residential buildings. The history of settlement and development of areas within the Mansfield Shire ensures that the area is rich in natural, cultural and built heritage. The heritage has not been formally studied in any detail. There are gaps in the knowledge of the Shire’s heritage assets, particularly in Mansfield, rural areas and the smaller settlements such as Woods Point, Jamieson and Matlock. Aboriginal heritage also needs to be addressed in this context. The Goulburn, Howqua and Big Rivers have been declared Heritage Rivers under the Heritage Rivers Act 1992, which has implications for land use in the vicinity of watercourses. While this indicates that there are a number of extant buildings with heritage values, the Victorian Heritage Register includes only three listings within Mansfield: ƒ The Police Memorial at the intersection of High Street and Highett Street. ƒ The Police Stables. ƒ The Courthouse.

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These buildings, as well as the Railway Precinct, are reflected in the Mansfield Planning Scheme through a heritage overlay.

Issues

ƒ There is a lack of documentation and research into the significance of the extant built heritage of Mansfield. ƒ The location of the extant buildings within the town centre, with its prominent streetscape and lineal open space, provides the opportunity for an integrated presentation of these elements in order to strengthen the town centre overall. ƒ The location of some of the key heritage buildings of the town around the central High Street/Highett Street intersection, which also contains the Police Memorial, suggests the opportunity to consider the street system as an integral component of the built heritage. ƒ There is a lack of obvious information (such as interpretation signage) to explain the history of Mansfield, including the age and significance of some of the key buildings. ƒ Lack of identification of the Shire’s heritage assets. ƒ The tourism and economic potential of the Shire’s heritage. ƒ The importance of the heritage values of the Big and Howqua rivers.

Implementation

Apply the Heritage Overlay planning provisions, upon completion of a Mansfield Heritage Study, to protect historic places and sites within the Shire’s townships and outlying areas

21.03-5 Mansfield Township 08/11/2007 C13 Mansfield requires an increase in water storage capacity to service the township in the future. Aside from requiring additional water storage capacity, Mansfield township has the capacity to accommodate future population growth in terms of existing infrastructure and service provision. Given the current and anticipated demographic profile of the community, it is important that residential development caters for a variety of lot sizes and provides the necessary infrastructure. It has been identified that a higher density lot yield, in quality residential developments within close proximity to the town facilities, is the preferred option for urban residential development within the Mansfield township. Further subdivision of existing large individual residential blocks of land in town will only be considered if all of the infrastructure and design requirements of the Shire can be addressed satisfactorily in the design for the further fragmentation of the land.

Mansfield Township Urban Design Framework

The Mansfield Urban Design Framework is an adopted strategic study covering all urban issues within the Mansfield Township. The study identifies a wide range of urban design, land use and infrastructure issues for the ongoing strategic development of the Shire’s major service centre.

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The study nominates core growth corridors within the immediate vicinity of the township as well as analyses the growth patterns, demographics and core issues facing the township. It also sets out clear strategic justification for the proposed strategic directions as well as identifying issues, opportunities and recommended courses of action for the Council to consider when looking to facilitate the ongoing development of Mansfield.

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It is envisaged that all development within the Mansfield township will occur generally in accordance with the Mansfield Urban Design Framework Study and the associated endorsed structure plans and design criteria. Development within the Mixed Use Zone will be required to be high quality, innovative in design, and sympathetic to the surrounding land uses. The more intensive, industrially focused uses allowed under the schedule to the zone will be discouraged given the strategic location of land within the Mixed Use Zone in the urban fringes of the Shire. Development within the Mixed Use Zone along the Mount Buller Road on the eastern edge of town will be encouraged to fit within the following broad categories:

ƒ higher technology office space; ƒ professional office suites; ƒ tourism and alpine related uses and businesses; ƒ small scale quality accommodation; ƒ aged care facilities and retirement style living.

Development within the Mixed Use Zone proposed for the centre of town adjacent to the existing sawmill site will be encouraged to fit within the following broad categories: ƒ aged care facilities and retirement style living; ƒ medium to high density residential development; ƒ professional office suites; ƒ child care centre or similar facility; ƒ commercial showrooms and bulky-goods warehousing (as a buffer between the sawmill and residential uses); ƒ passive enterprise such as nurseries, leisure based facilities or low-intensity manufacturing.

Development within the Mixed Use Zone will be required to be high quality, innovative in design, and sympathetic to the surrounding land uses.

Mansfield Township Urban Fringe Development

Various areas on the outskirts of central business and residential districts of Mansfield, and outside of the township area covered by the Mansfield Urban Design Framework, are best suited to more passive commercial, residential and business uses which may evolve as the demographic profile within the Shire continues to evolve.

21.03-6 Small Towns

08/03/2007 C7 Context

Jamieson, Sawmill Settlement, Bonnie Doon, Maindample, Macs Cove, Howqua Inlet, Goughs Bay, Woods Point, Tolmie, Merton and Mountain Bay are all recognised areas within the Shire capable of sharing the projected population increase in various capacities depending on supply, demand, and infrastructure. However, the Council recognises that small town development in environmentally sensitive areas, such as those immediately adjacent to Lake Eildon, should be contingent on the prior provision of adequate reticulated water, stormwater and sewer infrastructure or a supported alternative.

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Development within the significant valleys, environmentally sensitive catchment areas, and upon visually significant ridgelines throughout the Shire should be limited (where possible) in order to maintain, protect and enhance the overall amenity of the outlying areas of the Shire. All existing towns could share the projected population increase over the next 30 years depending on infrastructure augmentation. Mountain Bay is zoned Special Use Zone and all development is to be designed in accordance with a pre-approved concept plan, development plan and design guidelines. All development at Mountain Bay is generally to be in accordance with these endorsed plans so that specific areas are developed to achieve high quality, sustainable outcomes with a strong focus on quality infrastructure and services. The provision of reticulated sewerage for the entire Goughs Bay area is required and should be a high priority for all relevant authorities and developers if the natural environment is to be protected prior to further development of the area.

Strategic Vision for Mansfield Small Towns

In 2001 the Shire developed draft Structure Plans for the various smaller townships and settlements within the Shire. These Structure Plans and the related strategies and actions were prepared in regards to the role and function defined at the time for each township and settlement. Some of the strategic visions for these settlements have changed as the population and growth demographics of the Shire have changed since formation from the former Delatite Shire, however, it is considered that any future development of these precincts should generally be in accordance with the Structure Plans unless conflict with the MSS and LPPF can be identified. An updated summary of these visions for the main settlements, outside of the Mansfield township, are as follows and the Integrated Development initiatives are action items to be addressed within the next 5 years: ƒ Ensure sustainable, high quality, water supplies to promote development and healthy ecosystems. ƒ Facilitate, in conjunction with relevant authorities and the State Government, the installation of reticulated sewerage systems for townships situated immediately adjacent to Lake Eildon and other priority areas and acknowledge the inability of many existing small town residents to contribute to these costs.

21.03-7 Bonnie Doon

08/03/2007 C7 Context

Bonnie Doon is to be promoted as an attractive town catering for a significant permanent population, as well as a substantial number of non-resident landowners and tourists. Given the existing reticulated water and sewer infrastructure, additional land may be made available for new residential development should the anticipated population growth in this area eventuate.

Objectives

ƒ Encourage integrated development through the participation of servicing authorities in defining areas in Bonnie Doon that can be readily supplied with infrastructure. Prepare Outline Development Plans for these areas.

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ƒ Encourage residential development within the existing urban areas of the township and encourage ongoing urban consolidation via improvement and enhancement of existing dwellings. ƒ Provide for future residential development in accordance with the Outline Development Plans for this area.

Strategies

ƒ Promote Bonnie Doon as providing affordable and attractive housing choices with reticulated water and sewer, excellent proximity to water views, lakeside atmosphere, and ideally situated for tourism development, holiday homes and retirement alternatives. ƒ Further develop tourism links and facilities. ƒ Linear development along the Highway is to be restricted. ƒ Require commercial and retail development to compliment anticipated urban growth and infrastructure improvements.

Implementation

ƒ Develop a structure plan and establish urban growth boundaries for the township to ensure a compact form of urban settlement, more efficient use of land and prevent urban sprawl into surrounding farming land and sensitive waterside areas.

21.03-8 Goughs Bay and Mountain Bay 08/03/2007 C7 Goughs Bay was originally planned to act as a settlement catering predominantly for non-resident land owners, and holidaymakers. However, as the demographic profile of the Shire changes and previous non-resident rate payers migrate to the Shire permanently at retirement age, a larger percentage of dwellings are being converted from ‘holiday homes’ to permanent dwellings. The lack of existing reticulated sewer and water infrastructure for Goughs Bay means that it is unlikely that any additional land will be made available for new residential development until such a time as the issue can be addressed satisfactorily. Mountain Bay is a planned integrated development providing for a range of tourist, residential, accommodation, recreation and water based facilities and commercial activities. It is required that the development will evolve in accordance with an overall approved Development Plan and relevant s173 Agreements as demand increases.

Objectives

ƒ Provide infrastructure for reticulated water and sewer to both settlements. ƒ Further develop tourism links and facilities.

Strategies

ƒ Work with relevant water authorities to ensure reticulated water and sewer infrastructure is provided to these precincts as a matter of urgent priority. ƒ Require integrated development through the participation of servicing authorities in defining areas in these waterside precincts that can be readily supplied with infrastructure. ƒ Encourage residential development within the existing urban areas and encourage improvement and enhancement of existing dwellings with a primary focus being effluent disposal systems in lieu of reticulated systems for the immediate future.

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Implementation

ƒ Develop a structure plan and establish urban growth boundaries for Goughs Bay to ensure a compact form of urban settlement, more efficient use of land and prevent urban sprawl into surrounding farm land and sensitive waterside areas. ƒ Prepare Outline Development Plans for these areas once timeframes for the provision of infrastructure are established. ƒ Provide for future residential development in accordance with the Outline Development Plans for this area.

21.03-9 Merton

08/03/2007 C7 Merton will continue to develop as a small local service centre and as a town appealing to people who desire a small town lifestyle. No new land will be made available for residential development and it is likely that the current oversupply of Rural Living zoned land will be restricted to reduce the land bank in that particular zone.

Objectives

ƒ Promote Merton as a small local service centre, providing an affordable housing alternative to the more tourist oriented townships of the Shire. ƒ To restrict linear development along the . ƒ Encourage commercial and retail development to compliment anticipated tourism growth within the Shire.

Strategies

ƒ Require residential development within the existing urban areas of the township and encourage ongoing urban consolidation via improvement and enhancement of existing dwellings. ƒ Require integrated development through the participation of servicing authorities in defining areas in Merton that can be readily supplied with infrastructure. ƒ Further develop tourism links and facilities to capitalise on the ‘thru traffic’ during peak holiday periods. ƒ Provide for future development in accordance with the Outline Development Plans for this area.

Implementation

ƒ Develop a structure plan and establish urban growth boundaries for the township. ƒ Prepare Outline Development Plans for these areas.

21.03-10 Maindample

08/03/2007 C7 Maindample will continue to develop as a small local service centre and as a town appealing to people who desire a small town lifestyle. No new land will be made available for residential development and the precinct is an area which has been identified as a potential ‘green village’ development where priority and assistance is given to alternative forms of development and infrastructure supply such as water and sewerage.

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It is proposed that Council investigate the possibility of entering into joint ventures with the relevant servicing authorities, State government bodies and the landowners in Maindample to create a unique, environmentally focused, living alternative within the Shire and establish Maindample as a benchmark for this type of development within the State. The primary focus of this theme would be alternative building materials, water treatment plants, sewerage treatment plants, landscaping programs, township irrigation systems, and roadside management systems.

Objectives

ƒ Promote Maindample as a ‘green village’ local service centre, providing an affordable, environmentally focused, housing alternative to the more tourist oriented townships of the Shire. ƒ Improve tourism links and facilities to capitalise on the ‘thru traffic’ along the Alpine Approaches during peak holiday periods. ƒ Encourage residential development within the existing urban areas of the township and encourage ongoing urban consolidation via improvement and enhancement of existing dwellings. ƒ Restrict linear development along the Maroondah Highway. ƒ Encourage commercial and retail development to compliment anticipated tourism growth within the Shire.

Strategies

ƒ Require integrated and alternative development through the participation of servicing authorities, State government bodies, and local landowners in defining areas in Maindample that can be readily supplied with infrastructure. ƒ Provide for future development in accordance with the Outline Development Plans for this area.

Implementation

ƒ Develop a structure plan and establish urban growth boundaries for the township. ƒ Prepare Outline Development Plans for these areas.

21.03-11 Tolmie 08/03/2007 C7 Tolmie has been identified as the preferred Rural Living Zone node in the north east of the Shire. Tolmie will continue to develop as an area for rural living development and small agricultural produce production extending for the most part along the old Tolmie Road from the Broken River in the south to the Mansfield-Whitfield Road in the north. Much of the most suitable Rural Living zoned land has been developed and it is likely that much of the marginal Rural Living land (unlikely to ever be developed) will be restricted in order to reduce the land bank in the area and enable more suitable areas within the precinct to be developed for Rural Living. The Tolmie community will continue to be supported by the various complementary community facilities, which are located at the site of the original old Tolmie township.

Objectives

ƒ Prevent any further sprawl into surrounding farming land once the newly established Rural Living area is developed.

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ƒ Promote Tolmie as providing affordable and attractive ‘rural atmosphere’ choices for people looking to develop in an isolated area of the Shire. ƒ Promote Tolmie as having excellent proximity to mountain and rural views, alpine atmosphere, and ideally situated for tourism development, holiday homes, permanent dwellings and retirement alternatives. ƒ Improve tourism links and facilities. ƒ Encourage integrated development through the participation of servicing authorities in defining areas in Tolmie that can be readily supplied with infrastructure.

Strategies

ƒ Define areas currently zoned for Rural Living, which are deemed unsuitable for development and ensure that these areas are not developed. ƒ Require residential development within the existing settlement areas of Tolmie.

Implementation

ƒ Develop a structure plan and establish growth boundaries for the precinct to ensure a more compact form of rural living settlement and efficient use of land and roads. ƒ Prepare Outline Development Plans for these areas.

21.03-12 Woods Point

08/03/2007 C7 Woods Point will continue to be promoted as an important heritage town, appealing primarily to those interested in the town’s history, outdoor pursuits and the natural attractions in the surrounding area.

Objectives

ƒ Improve tourism links and facilities once the infrastructure is provided. ƒ Provide for future residential development in accordance with the Outline Development Plans for this area. ƒ Encourage integrated development through the participation of servicing authorities in defining areas that can be readily supplied with infrastructure.

Strategies

ƒ Encourage residential development within the existing urban areas. ƒ Encourage ongoing urban consolidation via improvement and enhancement of existing dwellings with a primary focus being effluent disposal systems in lieu of reticulated systems in the immediate future.

Implementation

ƒ Develop a structure plan and establish urban growth boundaries for the township to ensure a compact form of urban settlement, more efficient use of land and prevent urban sprawl into surrounding farm land and sensitive riverside areas. ƒ Prepare Outline Development Plans for these areas once timeframes for the provision of infrastructure are established.

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21.03-13 Significant Valleys within the Shire

08/03/2007 C7 The Shire has a number of significant valleys from an environmental, aesthetic, and cultural perspective and it is important that these are protected, enhanced and recognised as valuable to the Shire, the region and the state. It is expected that development within these valleys will be restricted to passive uses which are in sympathy with the natural surroundings and have no detrimental impact on the existing environment and atmosphere of the valleys. The valleys and catchment areas identified as being significant are the valleys of the Jamieson, Howqua, Upper Goulburn and the Delatite rivers. The Goulburn, Howqua and Big Rivers have heritage status as scheduled under the Heritage Rivers Act 1992 and this further reinforces the significance of these valleys and the need to protect them from inappropriate development.

21.03-14 Howqua Valley including Howqua Inlet and Macs Cove 08/03/2007 C7 The Howqua Valley includes the villages of Howqua Inlet and Macs Cove on the shores of Lake Eildon, together with the Upper Howqua Valley. Howqua Inlet and Macs Cove were originally planned to act as settlements catering predominantly for non-resident land owners, and holidaymakers. More recently, more permanent residents are now looking to these areas for retirement. There is limited additional land available for development in the valley. Lack of reticulated water and sewerage also mitigates against further development.

Objectives

ƒ Further develop tourism and cultural links and facilities. ƒ Provide for future residential development only in accordance with the Outline Development Plans for these areas. ƒ Encourage integrated development through the participation of servicing authorities in defining areas in the Howqua valley that can be readily supplied with infrastructure.

Strategies

ƒ Require residential development only within the existing urban areas of the valley and encourage ongoing urban consolidation via improvement and enhancement of existing dwellings with a primary focus being effluent disposal systems in lieu of reticulated systems in the immediate future. ƒ No additional parcels of land will be made available for new development of any nature without strict development requirements, design restrictions, infrastructure requirements and the need to supply Council and the relevant servicing authorities with detailed strategic justification for the proposed development.

Implementation

ƒ Develop a structure plan for the Howqua Valley and establish environmental, aesthetic and cultural considerations and development requirements to ensure efficient and environmentally focused use of land and prevent inappropriate development into surrounding farm land, sensitive waterside and ridgeline areas within the Valley. ƒ Prepare Outline Development Plans for these areas once timeframes for the provision of infrastructure are established.

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21.03-15 Jamieson Valley and Jamieson Township

08/03/2007 C7 Jamieson is an attractive local service centre catering for the surrounding rural community and tourists, as well as a substantial number of non-resident property owners. No additional large parcels of land will be made available for new development.

Objectives

ƒ Promote Jamieson as providing alternative and attractive housing choices ideally situated for professional retreats, holiday homes and retirement alternatives. ƒ Further develop tourism links and facilities. ƒ Encourage integrated development through the participation of servicing authorities in defining areas in Jamieson that can be readily supplied with infrastructure. ƒ Encourage small scale commercial and retail development to compliment the demographic profile around the township.

Strategies

ƒ Require residential development only within the existing urban areas of the township and encourage ongoing urban consolidation via improvement and enhancement of existing dwellings. ƒ Provide for future residential development in accordance with the Outline Development Plans for this area.

Implementation

ƒ Develop a structure plan and establish urban growth boundaries for the township to ensure a compact form of urban settlement, more efficient use of land and prevent urban sprawl into surrounding farm land and sensitive riverside areas. ƒ Develop a structure plan for the Jamieson Valley and establish environmental, aesthetic and cultural considerations and development requirements to ensure efficient and environmentally focused use of land and prevent inappropriate development into surrounding farm land and sensitive waterside and ridgeline areas. ƒ Prepare Outline Development Plans for these areas. ƒ Apply the Flood and Land Subject to Inundation overlays in accordance with the Jamieson Flood Scoping Study as prepared by the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority 2002.

21.03-16 Upper Delatite Valley including and Settlements 08/03/2007 C7 Upper Delatite Valley

The upper Delatite area is a Proclaimed Water Supply Catchment under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994. This area is important in terms of catchment planning as the Delatite River supplies water to the valley and Mansfield township. No additional large parcels of land will be made available for new residential development without strict development requirements, strict environmental design criteria, infrastructure requirements and the need to supply Council and the relevant servicing authorities with detailed strategic justification for the proposed development. The existing settlements of Merrijig, Sawmill Settlement, Pinnacle Valley and Alpine Ridge are serviced by the Delatite River and any further development of these settlements must be in accordance with the Integrated Development plans for these areas

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and must not adversely impact on the river or the valley in terms of environmental, aesthetic or cultural values. The impact on the Delatite River and ongoing bulk water entitlement for the area will need to be investigated as part of an overall Upper Delatite Valley structure plan prior to any large scale residential development occurring.

Merrijig

Merrijig is identified as a preferred small town growth area within the Shire and development should be encouraged in accordance with an overall townscape plan and structure plan for the Upper Delatite Valley area. Merrijig will develop as a tourist gateway to Mt Buller and Mt Stirling as well as a local commercial and community centre for the surrounding rural community. It is a preferred development area for an alternative township to Mansfield given the reticulated services currently available. However, it is likely that the current reticulated water and sewerage infrastructure will need to be significantly upgraded prior to any large scale residential development occurring in the area. Merrijig is a town appealing to people who desire a small town lifestyle with the additional benefits, facilities and opportunities afforded by proximity to Mansfield. Land will be made available for a range of uses, including commercial and residential development, as well as useful public open space and community focused areas, in order to achieve the strategic vision for the future of the township.

Sawmill Settlement, Alpine Ridge and Pinnacle Valley

Sawmill Settlement, Alpine Ridge and Pinnacle Valley precinct acts as a settlement catering predominantly for non-resident land-owners, holiday makers and tourists, whilst recognising that there are also a number of permanent residents whose needs must also be catered for. Future residential development at the Sawmill Settlement, Alpine Ridge and Pinnacle Valley precinct may be supported given the vision for nearby Merrijig to become the local alternative township service centre. However, as it serviced by the same water and sewerage systems as Merrijig, it is likely that the current reticulated water and sewerage infrastructure will need to be significantly upgraded prior to any large scale residential development occurring in the area. The topography and environmental value and ambience of the land will mean that creative urban design and strict development and density controls will need to be applied to any development in the precinct.

Objectives

ƒ Promote Merrijig and other appropriate areas as providing affordable and attractive housing choices with reticulated water and sewer, excellent proximity to mountain and rural views, alpine atmosphere, and ideally situated for tourism development, holiday homes and retirement alternatives. ƒ Further develop tourism links and facilities. ƒ Ensure linear development along the Mount Buller Road is sensitive to the ‘Alpine Approach’ role that the road plays within the Shire. ƒ Provide for future residential development only in accordance with the Outline Development Plans for these areas. ƒ Encourage commercial and retail development to compliment anticipated urban

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growth and infrastructure improvements.

Strategies

ƒ Encourage residential development within the existing township areas of Merrijig and encourage ongoing urban development in accordance with the structure plans to be developed for Merrijig and other areas. ƒ Encourage residential development only within the appropriately zoned areas of the Upper Delatite Valley and encourage ongoing urban consolidation via improvement and enhancement of existing dwellings. ƒ Encourage the participation of servicing authorities and relevant landowners in defining areas in Sawmill Settlement/Alpine Ridge/Pinnacle Valley that can be readily supplied with infrastructure. ƒ Investigate the current reticulated water and sewerage provisions to ensure any required upgrades are facilitated prior to any large scale residential development occurring.

Implementation

ƒ Develop a structure plan for the Delatite Valley and establish environmental, aesthetic and cultural considerations and development requirements to ensure efficient and environmentally focused use of land and prevent inappropriate development into surrounding farm land, sensitive riverside and ridgeline areas. ƒ Develop a structure plan and establish urban growth boundaries for Merrijig, and any other areas, prior to major development, to ensure a compact form of urban settlement, more efficient use of land, the provision of Public Open Space areas and prevent urban sprawl into surrounding farming land. ƒ Require that the current reticulated water and sewerage provisions, and the possible impact on the Delatite River, are investigated and addressed prior to any further large scale residential development occurring. ƒ Prepare Outline Development Plans for these areas.

21.03-17 Upper Goulburn Valley 08/03/2007 C7 No additional large parcels of land will be made available for new development of any nature without strict development requirements, design restrictions, infrastructure requirements and the need to supply Council and the relevant servicing authorities with detailed strategic justification for the proposed development. The existing historic settlements of the former A1 Mine, Gaffney’s Creek and are located within this valley which runs between Jamieson and Woods Point and it is unlikely that these areas will ever come under pressure for large scale development. It is considered that these areas are best suited to remaining remote, secluded and largely untouched precincts servicing the niche tourist population, local residents, weekenders and the surrounding farming communities who enjoy lifestyle activities such as camping, hunting, fishing, bushwalking, mountain biking, trail riding and the like without having any major impact on the greater Mansfield community.

Objective

ƒ Further develop tourism and cultural links and facilities. ƒ Provide for future residential development only in accordance with the Outline Development Plans for these areas.

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ƒ Encourage integrated development through the participation of servicing authorities in defining areas in these valleys that can be readily supplied with infrastructure.

Strategies

ƒ Encourage residential development only within the existing settlements of the valley and encourage ongoing urban consolidation via improvement and enhancement of existing dwellings with a primary focus being effluent disposal systems in lieu of reticulated systems in the immediate future.

Implementation

ƒ Develop a structure plan for the Upper Goulburn Valley and establish environmental, aesthetic and cultural considerations and development requirements to ensure efficient and environmentally focused use of land and prevent inappropriate development into surrounding farm land, sensitive riverside and ridgeline areas within the valley. ƒ Prepare Outline Development Plans for these areas once timeframes for the provision of infrastructure are established.

21.03-18 Entertainment, Recreation and Community Facilities 25/11/2010 C21 Provision of a wide range of facilities for existing and future residents is an important issue facing the Shire. Our population is projected to grow at a rate of around 2% per annum for the next 20 years, with a significant increase in the number of residents aged over 50 years. The increasing number of visitors to the Shire also means that there is added pressure to provide entertainment and recreation facilities that help reinforce Mansfield’s competitive advantage in the tourism sector, particularly around nature based tourism. A major challenge facing the Shire is how the differing needs of each township can be met with relatively limited resources. Finding a solution to this issue will require a strong partnership between Council and the community. Whilst Mansfield Shire is generally a prosperous community, it must be recognised that there are areas of disadvantage. There is an existing network of support services provided by government and non government agencies, however any exacerbation of socio-economic disadvantage will significantly test service providers. It is essential, therefore, to ensure the services required to support this sector of our community are provided. It is also vital that applications for entertainment or recreation uses that have potential adverse impacts on local amenity and the well being of our community, such as electronic gaming machines, are appropriately located and demonstrate a net community benefit.

Objectives

ƒ To ensure that the provision of entertainment, recreation and community facilities respond to the current and future needs of residents and visitors to the Shire. ƒ To work with individual communities around the Shire to identify local needs and how the Shire and the community can work together to devise strategies as to how these needs can be met. ƒ To ensure that entertainment and recreation uses that include gaming machines are located where they will provide a net community benefit and minimise any potential harm to the community.

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Strategies

ƒ Support access to a range of appropriate entertainment, recreation and community facilities where they are compatible with the needs, character and socio-economic profile of the local area. ƒ Discourage gaming machines from locating in the Shire’s small towns unless it can be demonstrated that the venue primarily services passing visitors. ƒ Discourage gaming machines from locating in disadvantaged communities. ƒ Encourage gaming venues to only be located in areas where a choice of non-gaming activites and social infrastructure are available. ƒ Prohibit or discourage gaming machines from being located in areas which might encourage convenience gambling, particuarly in shopping areas and in proximity to other community hubs. ƒ Ensure that all gaming venues achieve a net community benefit and protect community wellbeing.

Implementation

ƒ Develop a broader policy for inclusion in the Municipal Strategic Statement that outlines a general strategic approach to planning for entertainment, recreational and community facilities. ƒ Apply the local gaming policy at Clause 22.09 to guide the establishment or relocation of electronic gaming machines. ƒ Prohibit gaming venues in shopping complexes and strip shopping centres identified in the Schedule to Clause 52.28-4. ƒ Put into action the recommendations of the Mansfield Shire Gaming Policy Framework 2010.

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