Limestone Coast Region Plan A volume of the South Australian Planning Strategy
August 2011
Limestone Coast Region Plan A volume of the South Australian Planning Strategy
This document is the Limestone Coast Region Plan. The document has been prepared by the South Australian Government, through the Department of Planning and Local Government, as a volume of the South Australian Planning Strategy pursuant to section 22 of the Development Act 1993 and is subject to change.
For further information Please visit www.dplg.sa.gov.au or telephone the Department of Planning and Local Government on 08 8303 0600.
Disclaimer While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure that this document is correct at the time of publication, the Minister for Urban Development, Planning and the City of Adelaide, the State of South Australia, its agencies, instrumentalities, employees and contractors disclaim any and all liability to any person in respect to anything or the consequence of anything done or omitted to be done in reliance upon the whole or any part of this document.
© Government of South Australia. Published 2011. All rights reserved.
ISBN 978-0-7590-0174-9 FIS 23014
iii iv Minister for Urban Development, Planning and the City of Adelaide
South Australia’s Limestone Coast is well-placed to build on its sound economy, with its strong townships, well established agricultural and fishing industries, and growing tourism performance. The region’s strengths are many: it is home to South Australia’s second largest city, Mount Gambier, and a range of well serviced commercial centres; it hosts several prestigious wine regions including the world famous Coonawarra, and it is one of South Australia’s most important primary production regions. The coastal towns and wine growing districts, in particular, are attractive tourist destinations for South Australians and interstate visitors. Importantly, the Limestone Coast is home to around 64,500 people who live and work in the region. The Limestone Coast Region Plan is designed to make sure this beautiful region remains a great place to live, work and visit for many years to come. This plan is one of seven regional volumes in the South Australian Planning Strategy. Based on a presumption of steady economic growth, the plans indicate where new housing, industry and commercial activity should be best located – and not located. The plan outlines the different roles and functions of towns and addresses important issues, such as the way industrial, commercial and residential areas connect and impact on each other. As with all of the regional plans, the challenge is to balance changes in the economy and population with the need to protect the region’s natural and historical features. These include unique ecosystems, landscapes and the built environment of towns. The plan identifies the potential effects of growth on these features and sets out land-use principles and policies for development that will support their protection. Ultimately, the plan is about helping the Limestone Coast to continue to grow and develop in a way which preserves everything the community values about the region. The Limestone Coast Region Plan was produced as a result of close collaboration between the State Government, local councils, regional development and natural resources management boards, local industry and the community. The result is a document which points the way to a future of well-managed growth, protected natural and industry assets, and strong communities.
Hon John Rau MP Deputy Premier Minister for Urban Development, Planning and the City of Adelaide
v The regional volumes of the South Australian Planning Strategy provide a link between broad, statewide planning aims and local, council-specific planning needs. They give direction on land use and development, outline where people are likely to live so that agencies can plan for the provision of services and infrastructure, and set out policies to manage changes in population and climate. Local councils, the state government and regional development and natural resources management bodies are working with communities and industry to develop effective strategies that will lead to a sustainable future. They recognise that population growth and economic prosperity must be balanced with preservation of the environment and retention of the heritage, history and character of regional communities to attract and retain skilled workers and for the benefit of future generations. Table of Contents
Chapter A oveRVIEW 1 Background 2 The role of the South Australian Planning Strategy ...... 2 The objectives of the regional planning strategies ...... 4 Alignment with state government policies 4 How the regional volumes will work at regional and local government levels . . . . . 6 Consideration of Commonwealth environmental matters ...... 6 Planning for change in regional South Australia ...... 6
Chapter b the CONTEXT FOR THE PLAN 11 The Limestone Coast region at a glance ...... 12 Key issues for the Limestone Coast region 12
Chapter C the VISION FOR THE LIMESTONE CO AST REGION 15 An integrated approach 16
Chapter D PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES 19 Environment and culture ...... 22 Economic development 34 Population and settlements ...... 46
Chapter e infRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICE PROVISION 55
APPENDICES 59 Appendix 1 How the Plan was developed ...... 60 Appendix 2 Information about the Limestone Coast region 62 Appendix 3 Contribution of the Plan to South Australia’s Strategic Plan targets 74 Appendix 4 Related reports, strategies and plans 76
GLOSSARY 79
List of maps A1 Planning regions covered in the South Australian Planning Strategy ...... 3 C1 An integrated vision for the Limestone Coast region ...... 17 D1 Environment and culture 23 D2 Economic development 35 D3 Population and settlements 47 vii overview
Chapter A
1 overview
Chapter A
Chapter A Chapter At a local level, the regional Background The role of the South volumes provide guidance The Limestone Coast Region Plan Australian Planning and resources for councils as (the Plan) guides future land use Strategy they undertake their Strategic OVE and development in the region. Management Plans and review The Limestone Coast Region Plan It has been prepared by the South and amend their Development R is one of seven regional volumes Plans. Development Plans contain VIE Australian Government, through that, together with The 30-Year the Department of Planning and the zones, maps and explicit W Plan for Greater Adelaide, make Local Government (DPLG), in rules that specify what can and up the South Australian Planning collaboration with the Limestone cannot be done with land in Strategy. The regions covered Coast Regional Development a council area. Councils must in the regional volumes of the Board1, the South East Local ensure that their Development Planning Strategy are: Eyre and Government Association, the Plans and Development Plan Western, Far North, Kangaroo South East Natural Resources Amendments are consistent Island2, Limestone Coast, Murray Management Board and the with the land-use policies and and Mallee, Yorke and Mid North3 seven councils of the region: directions of the relevant regional (refer to Map A1). volume. The regional volumes also Tatiara District Council In the regional volumes the state guide Development Plans and Kingston District Council government gives direction on Development Plan Amendments land use and development for the in unincorporated (out of council) Naracoorte Lucindale Council period 2010–2036. They set out areas, as undertaken by the District Council of Robe how the government proposes to Minister responsible for urban development and planning (the Wattle Range Council balance population and economic growth with the need to preserve Minister). City of Mount Gambier the environment and protect the The structure plans for the state’s District Council of Grant. heritage, history and character of major regional cities, including regional communities. They also Mount Gambier, Port Augusta, Port Submissions received from help state and local government Lincoln, Port Pirie and Whyalla, industry, interest groups and the in planning for the provision of flow from the regional volumes. services and infrastructure, such community during the public The South Australian Planning as transport, health, schools, consultation period from March Strategy is a requirement of and aged care and community to May 2010 were valuable in section 22 of the Development Act facilities. improving and finalising the Plan. 1993. The Minister is responsible For more information about the for its preparation on behalf of the state government and for Limestone Coast Region Plan and 2 Kangaroo Island is part of the Fleurieu and how it was developed, please see Kangaroo Island SA Government Region but for reporting to the South Australian planning purposes it is covered in a separate Parliament annually on its Appendix 1. regional volume of the South Australian Planning Strategy. The Fleurieu Peninsula is covered in implementation. Each volume of The 30-Year Plan for Greater Adelaide. the strategy must be reviewed at 3 The Yorke and Mid North regions are currently least every five years. 1 The Limestone Coast Regional Development covered in the South Australian Planning Strategy Board became Regional Development Australia as separate volumes. They will eventually be Limestone Coast in 2009–10. combined into one volume.
2 Planning regions covered in the South Australian Planning Strategy Map A1
3 Chapter A Chapter Strategic Infrastructure Plan for The objectives of the Alignment with state South Australia (2005–06) by regional planning government policies identifying the infrastructure priorities needed to support strategies The regional volumes of the South OVE economic and population growth. Australian Planning Strategy To maximise the state’s Third, they tie in with the Housing
R provide a link between broad, Plan for South Australia (2005), VIE opportunities and respond to its state-wide planning aims and Water for Good—A Plan to Ensure challenges, the regional volumes local, council-specific planning W our Water Future to 2050 (2009), of the South Australian Planning needs, and they work in tandem the Economic Statement (2009), Strategy have three interlocking with key state policies, leading to the State Natural Resources objectives. They are to: a consistent approach to land use Management Plan (2006), the maintain and improve liveability and development across the state. regional natural resources increase competitiveness Firstly, the volumes support the management plans (2009) drive sustainability and achievement of a range of social, and South Australia’s Waste resilience to climate change. economic and environmental Strategy (2005). targets in South Australia’s Strategic Figure A1 shows how these three Plan. Second, they feed into the objectives interrelate.
Figure A1 – Objectives for the regional volumes of the South Australian Planning Strategy
Liveability Competitiveness A country lifestyle that is relaxed and has a strong Attracts jobs and investment sense of community Retains people in the region Has adequate and equitable access to services Attracts and welcomes people from different A vibrant arts, cultural and sporting life backgrounds and places Housing and cost of living is affordable Scenic landscapes with an intrinsic sense of place Best elements of the past and present are evident Attractive to a diverse range of businesses and industries in town design and form Maximises competitive advantage in renewable and clean energy
Sustainability and climate change resilience Pattern of settlements is deliberately re-engineered towards greater sustainability and climate change resilience Adaptation means the region responds to the risk of climate change and massively improves water and energy efficiency Preserves and restores the natural environment
4 Figure A2 – The Limestone Coast Region Plan’s relationship with key state government policies
South Australia’s Strategic Plan
Growing Improving Attaining Fostering Building Expanding prosperity wellbeing sustainability creativity and communities opportunity innovation
SPATI AL STRATEGY SASP OBJECTIVES SASP OBJECTIVES
Limestone Coast Region Plan
STATE POLICY INITIATIVES STATE POLICY INITIATIVES Greater Mount Gambier Master Plan
Water for Good – State Natural Strategic Skills Strategy A Plan to Ensure Greenhouse Resource Infrastructure for our Water Future Strategy Management Plan for South Australia to 2050 Plan South Australia
Information, Population Economic Planning Communication Policy Statement Reform and Technology
Relationship to South See Appendix 3 for further information about SASP principles Australia’s Strategic Plan and targets. Figure A2 shows the relationship of the regional volumes with South Australia’s Strategic Plan (SASP) and its targets, as well as the links to several state policy initiatives.
5 Chapter A Chapter How the regional Consideration of Planning for change in volumes will work Commonwealth regional South Australia at regional and local environmental matters The regional volumes of the South OVE Australian Planning Strategy set government levels The regions encompass
R out land-use policies to manage many matters of National VIE While the regional volumes will the changes that are forecast Environmental Significance primarily operate at a regional to occur across the regions. Of W (NES) that are protected under level, local government will play a particular concern are changes in the Commonwealth Environment pivotal role in their implementation, population and climate, which are Protection and Biodiversity in collaboration with DPLG, other having, and will continue to have, Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC state government agencies and significant impact on the demand Act). These matters include: stakeholders such as regional for services and infrastructure, the development and natural nationally listed species and natural environment, the character resources management boards. ecological communities of communities and the economic The collaborative process will migratory species prosperity of the regions. feature regional forums, which will bring councils and relevant wetlands of international bodies together each year to importance under the Ramsar Regional population change agree on long-term land-use Convention (Ramsar-listed The state government believes and infrastructure priorities, wetlands) that sustainable population growth appropriate targets, and the need is essential to maintain healthy national and World Heritage communities and a labour force to focus their respective resources items/areas. on implementing the priorities. that can support our economy. Councils’ decision making While much of the state’s processes and development population growth is expected controls should provide for early to occur in Greater Adelaide, consideration of matters of NES regional areas are targeted to and recognition that actions grow as well. that may potentially have a The make-up of the state’s significant impact on matters of population is also changing NES will require a referral to the dramatically—it is ageing at Commonwealth Department of the a faster rate than the other Environment, Water, Heritage and Australian states and this will the Arts under the auspices of the bring significant challenges for EPBC Act. planning, particularly in terms of the type and location of housing and its proximity to services.
6 Table A1 – Population trends and targets by region 1996–2036
SASP T5.9 Target—Maintain regional Population trends a SA’s share (18%) of state population
Average Population Population Share of 2008 Population annual target in growth b regional d increase Region ERP in 2008 growth rate c 2036 2008–36 population 2008–36 1996–2008 (based on (persons (%) (persons) (%) 2008 share) per year)
Eyre and Western 58,072 0.19 19.54 77,385 19,313 715
Murray and Mallee 70,125 0.23 23.60 93,446 23,321 864
Far North 28,460 –0.46 9.58 37,925 9465 351
Limestone Coast 65,402 0.35 22.01 87,152 21,750 806
Yorke and 75,112 0.15 25.28 100,092 24,980 925 Mid North
Total 297,171 0.17 100.00 396,000 98,829 3660
South Australia’s Strategic Plan Table A1 breaks down this Notes to Table A1: (SASP) calls for regional South population target by region and a The regional population targets are aspirational, based on the all-of-state population target Australia to maintain an 18 per indicates the past population developed for The 30-Year Plan for Greater cent share of the state’s total growth rates (1996–2008). Each Adelaide. The timeframes cited are uncertain and the growth targets will be amended as the results population (Target 5.9). Based on region requires an average annual of more recent demographic analyses become the all-of-state population target growth rate of 1.03 per cent to available. developed for The 30-Year Plan achieve its population target b ERP (estimated resident population). Australian Bureau of Statistics, Regional population growth, for Greater Adelaide, this would increase and maintain its 2008 Australia, cat. no. 3218.0, ABS, Canberra, Apr. 2009. equate to about 99,000 additional share of the estimated resident c Department of the Premier and Cabinet, people taking up residence in population (ERP). South Australia’s Strategic Plan, DPC, Government of South Australia, Adelaide, regional areas, resulting in a 2007,
7 Chapter A Chapter While overall population numbers However, increasing economic Climate change in regional areas have remained investment in the regions and the The potential effects of climate relatively static during the expansion and diversification of change on the regions range from past decade, there have been primary industries, aquaculture, threats to water supply, increased OVE significant changes in where mining and the services that risk of bushfire, sea level rise and people are choosing to live. support tourism and older
R greater fragmentation of native populations are expected to VIE Numbers have declined in the habitats to increased pressure on more sparsely populated areas, attract and maintain more
W health care services from more young people and people from particularly those in the Far North, vulnerable people. and in settlements with less than overseas. This will contribute to The state government believes it is 1000 people (with the exception the achievement of the SASP critical to intervene now to help the of coastal communities). Changes population growth target. regions prepare for and adapt to to population distribution are To achieve the SASP workforce long-term climate change. Securing being driven by the restructuring targets, the South Australian water and energy supplies is of farming enterprises, resulting Government, through the fundamental to economic, social in larger and fewer agricultural Department of Further Education, and environmental wellbeing in properties; the interstate and Employment, Science and the face of such change. intrastate migration of people Technology, is working with seeking a regional lifestyle; and industry to develop workforce In recent years state and local changing industry demands. action plans in the mining, governments and regional communities have improved water Generally, towns with more defence, construction, health security through augmentation than 1000 people have grown; and advanced manufacturing of supply, the introduction of several of these towns have had sectors. As well, industry skills permanent water conservation, the fastest rates of population boards are developing workforce and measures such as wastewater growth in the state. Larger centres development plans to address the re-use and stormwater harvesting. such as Port Lincoln, Murray demand for labour and skills in Increased housing density, Bridge and Mount Gambier have industries that have lost workers to improved water efficiency of continued to expand, while in Port mining. buildings and the incorporation Pirie, Port Augusta and Whyalla Any potential impacts on natural of Water Sensitive Urban Design the population has stabilised and resources, the environment, (WSUD) principles in the shown some improvement after a biodiversity, unique landscapes development process will lead to sustained period of decline. and the character of communities more efficient water consumption as a result of these changing The demographic profile of the in regional towns. State and local population patterns and related regions also has been changing, governments are developing development will need to be with an ageing population and regional demand and supply carefully managed. generally declining numbers of plans, to be in place by 2014, as young people. outlined in Water for Good—A Plan to Ensure our Water Future to 2050, as well as investigating how regional communities can diversify their water supply sources.
8 In addition, state and local Managing change They recognise that population governments continue to and economic growth must South Australia’s regions face investigate ways to organise be balanced with protection the challenge of managing the land use such that it supports of the environment, including impacts of climate change and renewable and clean energy biodiversity, and retention of population growth to protect technologies. These opportunities the regions’ unique qualities for viable primary production will give South Australia a the benefit of future generations industries and the natural competitive advantage in a and to attract and retain skilled resources upon which they carbon-constrained economy. workers. depend. This challenge has been Investment in infrastructure compounded by reduced rainfall will be critical to realise such during several drought years. opportunities. During this time rural communities These initiatives will extend have again shown their resilience the life and reliability of our and capacity to manage both water and energy supplies and good and bad years. allow the population and the Local councils, regional and economy to grow without placing economic development boards, unsustainable demands on our natural resources management natural resources. boards and the state government Our understanding of climate have been working with the change and its ramifications is community, local groups and evolving rapidly. It is critical that industry to develop effective policies and decisions are based strategies for specific sectors (for on the best current information example, primary industries and and can be adjusted in the future tourism) and specific parts of the if required. region (for example, individual towns and council areas) that will lead to a sustainable future for the region.
9 10 THE CONTEXT FOR THE PLAN
Chapter B
11 THE CONTEXT FOR THE PLAN
Chapter B
Chapter B Chapter is rich in environmental assets, The Limestone Coast including coastal environments, Key issues for the region at a glance national parks, conservation Limestone Coast region areas and woodlands The Limestone Coast region: The following issues were C THE covers an area of around has a major regional centre, identified as critical to the region’s 21,400 square kilometres Mount Gambier (population future by local government,
ONTE around 23,500), which has industry groups and communities has a population of around a strong economy based during consultations in 2009. 65,4004 on agriculture and timber These issues, which are key X
T FO has an economy based processing, a wide range drivers for the Limestone Coast on agriculture and primary of educational, retail and Region Plan, are grouped under PLA R THE production, horticulture/ commercial facilities and four themes: viticulture, dairying, forestry services, and extensive environment and culture and associated processing, infrastructure economic development and fishing has several important population and settlements N has a growing tourism industry commercial and service and many popular tourist and centres, including Naracoorte, infrastructure and services holiday coastal destinations Millicent, Kingston and provision. Bordertown, whose economies is well resourced, with generally are based on servicing the reliable water supplies surrounding communities and (particularly in the Lower South their industries. East) and available energy See Appendix 2 for detailed is well placed to accommodate information about the Limestone population growth, given its Coast region, including its strong economy and well population distribution, economy serviced regional centres and infrastructure.
4 Estimated resident population in 2008.
12 Environment and culture Economic development Population and settlements Providing quality water supply Attracting and retaining a Valuing the strong sense of and reducing reliance on skilled and flexible workforce community spirit and regional traditional water supplies by to support a stronger identity developing strategies to re-use economic base Discouraging residential stormwater and waste water Developing an integrated, development outside towns Planning for the impacts of strategic tourism plan to guide Catering for an ageing climate change particularly the expansion of tourism, population by developing a declining rainfall on agricultural building on the region’s natural range of housing alternatives production, as well as the and cultural assets around existing health and increasing demand for Encouraging further community services water resources arising from development of alternative population growth Maintaining town character and energy industries (solar, wind, heritage and promoting towns Supporting sustainable biomass, geothermal and wave) and settlements with distinctive groundwater and surface water Attracting industry to the built heritage and historical management region, particularly where importance, including Aboriginal Ensuring development protects there is infrastructure capacity heritage and preserves environmental for growth (for example, Ensuring an adequate supply assets, including areas of electricity, gas, roads, rail and of residential land for future international and national telecommunications) development importance, conservation parks, Developing and diversifying coastal habitats, wetlands and Providing greater employment, primary industries and planning water resources recreation and other for their sustainable adaptation opportunities to retain young Supporting the creation of to climate change people. biodiversity corridors and Encouraging new industries to linkages (including wetlands) to set up in the region to reduce enhance landscape connectivity reliance on agriculture for biodiversity Positioning the region to Ensuring development is capitalise on the expansion appropriately located, and of primary industry activities does not adversely affect across the state and environmentally significant areas encouraging the relocation of and scenic landscapes. activities from intra/interstate.
13 Chapter B Chapter Infrastructure and services provision Improving the capacity of water
C THE and sewer infrastructure to support growth in population, tourism and industry ONTE Expanding the re-use of stormwater and wastewater X
T FO Investing in infrastructure to support economic and PLA R THE population growth Expanding electricity wind farms and fostering the development of other renewable
N energy sources and related infrastructure to facilitate economic growth Making the best use of existing and planned road and rail infrastructure Extending and upgrading broadband and mobile phone services to support industry and expand distance education opportunities Supporting the development and maintenance of social and community services and facilities, including sporting, education, health, recreational and other facilities to service the local population.
14 THE VISION FOR THE LIMESTONE COAST REGION
Chapter C
15 THE VISION FOR THE LIMESTONE COAST REGION
Chapter C Chapter C Chapter An integrated approach The aims of the vision are to: protect areas of environmental promote industrial growth, and conservation significance, The Limestone Coast Region particularly in Mount Gambier, such as the Naracoorte Caves, Plan is a coordinated and Naracoorte, the Katnook Bool Lagoon and Hacks vi THE integrated vision for land use and industrial area near Penola,5 Lagoon wetlands development across the region. It Snuggery, Bordertown, Keith, retain built heritage and link responds to the opportunities and Kingston and Millicent s it with tourism, especially in challenges facing the region and ion fo ion Robe, Kingston, Beachport, identifies the planning priorities manage growth to protect and Port MacDonnell and Penola necessary to achieve the vision enhance natural assets and (see Map C1). existing industry support and strengthen the l r the The Plan allows for communities foster small-, micro- and home- emerging industries, including to develop and grow, and based businesses the renewable energy encourages initiatives that help (particularly wind) sector. i
m assist primary production retain the special qualities of the e industries to adapt to increasing s region while fostering vibrant and tone c tone variations in climate and water distinctive towns that support a availability and so become range of lifestyles. It supports more sustainable activities that benefit the local o and regional economy, provide strengthen the roles of Mount as local employment opportunities Gambier as the major regional t r and attract people to the region. centre; Naracoorte and Millicent
egion It recognises the region’s as major commercial and variations in geographical service centres; Bordertown, features, economic strengths and Kingston and Penola as community aspirations and seeks supporting commercial and to make the most of the different service centres; and Keith, opportunities each presents. It Robe, Beachport and Port seeks to balance the needs of MacDonnell as local and visitor people today with those of future commercial / service centres generations. strengthen the tourism industry by building on the region’s natural and cultural assets
5 Industrial growth in this area is contingent on development of a pulp mill, which received Major Development approval in 2009.
16 An integrated vision for the Limestone Coast region Map C1
17 18 principles and policies
Chapter D
19 principles and policies
Chapter D Chapter D Chapter This chapter outlines the Under each theme the Plan While the policies and priorities principles and the policies that identifies: of the Limestone Coast Region are required to realise the vision planning-related priorities for Plan may change over time, the for the Limestone Coast region. councils (and the Minister principles will be a constant P These are set out under three driving force for future generations r in out-of-council areas) to in themes: consider when developing to ensure that the region is c environment and culture Strategic Management Plans competitive, liveable, sustainable i pl and updating Development and resilient to climate change. economic development e Plans6 The contributions of these s a population and settlements. principles to South Australia’s principles to guide land-use n Strategic Plan are described in d p planning and development Appendix 3.
o planning-related policies that l
i provide ongoing direction to c
ie councils (and which must be s reflected in their Development Plans).
6 These priorities were identified during consultation and workshops with local councils during 2009.
20 The principles are:
1 Recognise, protect and 7 Strengthen local commercial restore the region’s fishing and aquaculture environmental assets industries
2 Protect people, property 8 Reinforce the region as a and the environment from preferred tourism destination exposure to hazards 9 Provide and protect serviced 3 Identify and protect places and well-sited industrial land of heritage and cultural to meet projected demand significance, and desired Focus commercial town character 10 development in key centres 4 Create the conditions for the and ensure it is well sited and region to adapt and become designed resilient to the impacts of Strategically plan and manage climate change 11 the growth of towns Protect and build on 5 Design towns to provide the region’s strategic 12 safe, healthy, accessible and infrastructure appealing environments Retain and strengthen the 6 Provide residential land for a economic potential of the 13 supply of diverse, affordable region’s primary production and sustainable housing to land meet the needs of current and future residents and visitors
21 environment and culture Chapter D Chapter Overview This Limestone Coast Region Plan Priorities for councils seeks to ensure that future land- The design, siting and Incorporate information from use directions complement these management of development environmental studies (for documents. It therefore contains must prevent adverse impacts example, biodiversity, wetlands, P land-use principles and policies r on environmental and cultural climate change and dryland
in to guide future development in a assets and minimise the exposure salinity) and state government c manner that:
i of people, property and the policies and plans (referred pl environment to danger from protects biodiversity and areas to above) to inform the review e hazards such as floods and of environmental sensitivity, and updating of Development s a bushfire. including coastal areas and Plans, including identifying n wetlands of national and areas of high biodiversity value d p Achieving sustainable levels of international significance demand for water and energy to be protected and buffered o l is also essential, particularly supports the management of Enhance understanding of i c considering the projected effects the region’s natural resources the impacts of climate change ie of climate change. on natural resources and s prepares the region for the Several organisations have impacts of climate change habitats in order to inform policies and programs to guide future strategic planning for the environmental management of ensures that development development and land use the region, particularly the South appropriately responds to hazards and risks Develop and maintain local East Regional Natural Resources heritage registers and Management Plan (2009); helps preserve the region’s identify heritage-listed sites in Environment Protection Authority heritage, including Aboriginal Development Plans policies, codes of practice and heritage. guidelines; the Living Coast Identify coastal areas of Strategy for South Australia (2004); high scenic value and other Coast Protection Board Policy landscapes with amenity Document (2002); No Species significance in order that they Loss—A Nature Conservation can be protected Strategy for South Australia 2007– Protect and conserve wetlands 2017; Tackling Climate Change: of national and international South Australia’s Greenhouse significance Strategy 2007–2020; Wetlands Strategy for South Australia (2003); Identify and map areas that are Marine Planning Framework subject to risks and hazards. for South Australia; and Marine Protected Areas program.
22 Environment and culture Map D1
23 Chapter D Chapter The combination of diminished Policies Principle 1 rainfall predicted as a result 1.1 Protect the quality and Recognise, protect and of climate change (and its function of water-dependent associated impact on aquifer ecosystems by preventing P restore the region’s recharge rates) and the SASP r 7 adverse impacts of land in environmental assets population growth target will use and development (such c increase the demand for available as overuse of resources, i pl Water water. More efficient water use, erosion, impeded surface e The Limestone Coast has recycling of stormwater and and subsurface water s a significant groundwater resources, wastewater and other such flows, increase in exposure n including two extensive aquifer measures are required in forward of acid sulfate soils, land d p systems that provide water planning. The state government is degradation and clearing, working with regional communities o for municipal, industrial and and pollution). l agricultural needs. Groundwater to develop regional water supply i c and demand plans, as outlined in 1.2 Encourage water harvesting ie supports the region’s distinctive Water for Good—A Plan to Ensure initiatives where ecologically s ecosystems. Protection appropriate (that is, where it and enhancement of these our Water Future to 2050, and to can be shown that the water groundwater resources is vital incorporate water-sensitive urban requirements of dependent to the longevity and sustainable design (WSUD) principles in the ecosystems are being met). use of the region’s environmental development process (see Box 1). Cooperation and coordination assets. Regulation of groundwater 1.3 Pursue best practice water was introduced in the 1970s to in relation to land-use planning, use efficiency in the built manage groundwater depletion water management and integrated form (at both individual and quality deterioration. natural resources management is dwelling and town scales) important to ensure relevant land- drawing on WSUD use matters are incorporated into techniques. Development Plans 1.4 Ensure development retains natural watercourses and drainage patterns through the creation of appropriate buffers, the appropriate siting and design of development, and the application of WSUD principles.
7 Target 5.9 of South Australia’s Strategic Plan (SASP) calls for regional South Australia to maintain an 18 per cent share of the state’s total population.
24 Box 1—Water-sensitive urban design (WSUD)
WSUD techniques help to improve water quality and quantity, and reduce flood risk in urban areas, while enhancing biodiversity. They can be incorporated into development projects across a range of types and scales, including homes, streets, parking areas, subdivisions and multi-units, commercial and industrial developments, and public land. The techniques include: permeable paving of footpaths, common areas and parking spaces above underground water storage facilities water efficient fittings and appliances maintaining fixtures (for example, stopping leaks and drips from plumbing and taps) green roofs and living walls (that is, plantings on roofs and down walls) appropriate landscaping (for example, efficient irrigation, mulching, wind and sun protection, minimising lawn area and selection of suitable plants) wetlands to capture and treat run-off water the capture and storage of rainwater and stormwater for residential re-use, or to irrigate parks, sporting fields and other open space the capture, treatment and re-use of wastewater.
More information about WSUD principles and techniques can be found in the WSUD Technical Manual for Greater Adelaide, available at
25 Chapter D Chapter Coastal, estuarine and Policies 1.7 Establish appropriate coastal zones and manage 1.5 Protect coastal, marine marine environments development to: Resource-based industries, and estuarine areas of conservation, landscape and `` minimise the impact of
P recreational and tourism activities r associated with the coast provide environmental significance development and land in great economic and amenity by limiting development uses, including cumulative c in these areas. In limited i value to the region. Sustainable impacts, on natural pl management of the coastal circumstances where coastal processes and e development may require systems s a environment is essential to protect these values, as well as native such a location—such as n a development of state `` sustain the coastal and d p flora and fauna and Aboriginal significance—the social and estuarine environment by sites and objects located along providing for the retreat o the region’s coastline, especially economic benefits must be l of the beach, dune,
i demonstrated to outweigh c given the likely impacts of sea mangrove and saltmarsh ie any adverse environmental level rise. communities in response s and amenity impacts. If In accordance with the Marine development cannot be to predicted sea level rise Parks Act 2007, nineteen marine avoided, the impacts should and land subsidence parks were proclaimed in 2009. be minimised and offset `` enhance public access to Multiple use management plans where possible. the coast with associated zoning are being developed for these parks. 1.6 Protect coastal features and `` provide for appropriate biodiversity by establishing nature-based tourism and The Planning Strategy now coastal zones (see Box 2) ecotourism development includes the objects of the Marine that incorporate: Parks Act 2007. In addition, marine `` prevent disturbance of park management plans will need `` habitats that are highly natural coastal habitats to complement planning strategies sensitive to the direct and native vegetation. and will need to be taken into impacts of development account in the review and updating `` important geological and/ of the Development Plan. or natural features of scientific, educational or cultural importance `` landscapes of very high scenic quality.
26 1.8 Integrate into Development Box 2—What is a coastal zone? Plans relevant coastal management requirements, including: Coastal zones in Development Plans incorporate: `` coast protection policies coastal features and habitats (including coastal dunes, coastal under the Coast Protection wetlands, tidal marsh, mangrove areas and estuaries) Act 1972 important coastal geological features or other natural features of `` marine parks under the scientific, educational, heritage or cultural importance (including Marine Parks Act 2007 coastal cliffs) `` aquatic reserves under buffer areas separating development from sensitive coastal and the Fisheries Management marine features and habitats Act 2007 areas exposed to coastal hazards (including seawater flooding, `` relevant provisions of the erosion, acid sulfate soils and sand dune drift) where there River Murray Act 2003 are not adequate measures to mitigate the hazard (such as a managed seawall or levee bank) or any strategies to provide `` relevant provisions of further protection the Natural Resources Management Act 2004 coast protection measures such as erosion buffer areas, seawalls and its associated plans and levee banks `` relevant provisions of the coastal landscapes of high scenic quality. National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 `` relevant provisions of the Native Vegetation Act 1991.
27 Chapter D Chapter Biodiversity Box 3 – Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act To protect the region’s biodiversity, ecological investigations and impact assessments should Applicants for and proponents of developments may be responsible P r be undertaken in areas that for forwarding development proposals to the Commonwealth in are proposed for rezoning or Environment Minister. The Minister is responsible for determining if c Environment Protection i development. Some developments the action is a controlled action, under the pl may also require assessment by and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Commonwealth), and e the Commonwealth (see Box 3). subject to assessment and approval processes under that Act. s a n
d p Policies Introduce a clear hierarchy
o 1.9 l of environmental areas to `` areas of environmental native vegetation and any i c be protected to improve significance, including loss of species and/or ie development certainty habitat areas and lands that ecological communities. s and transparency, and have human uses, such Provide for environmental incorporate the protection as primary production, but 1.11 connections to link areas of of these areas into also support biodiversity high biodiversity value and Development Plans. because the uses are of create buffers as a means of The three categories in relatively low environmental managing the interface with the hierarchy, which will impact. Higher impact land conservation areas. be managed through uses in these areas should Development Plans, are: be avoided. If development 1.12 Avoid any adverse impact cannot be avoided, the on biodiversity, where `` areas of high environmental impacts will be minimised possible. If such impact significance, including and offsets provided is unavoidable, it should protected public lands be minimised and offset. (such as National Parks `` areas designated for A comprehensive offset and Conservation Parks), human use, where scheme, based on existing private/public lands under human use is the offset provisions and a Heritage Agreement, and principal consideration. drawing on models such land containing high-value Development is to as bio-banking, will be native vegetation. These be consistent with developed to provide for areas will be protected Development Plans and a net gain to biodiversity from development unless existing legislation. through flexible offsets. a specific regulatory Recognise areas of high Offsets could be made exemption applies 1.10 biodiversity value, and locate across regions or by funding and design development to designated rehabilitation prevent the loss, degradation programs. and/or fragmentation of
28 Scenic landscapes Box 4—More than just a pretty picture Attention should be given to the planning and design of development to ensure that Protection of scenic landscapes is important for the Limestone Coast significant landscapes and their region because these landscapes: associated views—both from the provide a range of environmental and ecological services in land and the sea—are retained (see addition to their scenic value Box 4). The incremental approval of individual developments, form a key component of tourism infrastructure, which supports including minor additions and the economic viability of the tourism industry maintenance activities, has resulted encompass the visual amenity of the beaches, coasts, cliffs, sand in the degradation of scenic dunes, conservation and wilderness parks and rural landscapes, resources in the past. It is also which strengthen cultural ties to the land and build a common important that Development Plan bond among residents and visitors to the region updates reassess landscapes enhance the attractiveness of the region which helps to draw and associated views and devise new residents measures to ensure their protection. support healthy lifestyles through the recreational opportunities The Coastal Viewscapes of South they provide. Australia study undertaken for the Department for Environment and Heritage (DEH)8 identifies a number of areas in the region that have a ‘high coastal scenic 1.14 Avoid development in areas `` be visually compatible quality’. Similar work could with significant landscapes with the character of be undertaken to determine that can be viewed from surrounding areas important non-coastal landscapes tourist routes, walking trails, `` restore and enhance and to incorporate them into future the beach and the sea, visual quality in visually Development Plan updates. unless the development degraded areas where requires such a location feasible. Policies (such as a development of state significance, renewable Avoid adverse impacts of Acknowledge, protect and 1.15 1.13 energy developments), in development on landscapes manage areas of significant which case the scale, height, through site selection and landscape and amenity value, design and siting of buildings design alternatives that including landscapes that and structures must: reduce the height or bulk form attractive backgrounds of structures. (Note that and entrances to towns and `` not adversely affect views landscape screening to tourist developments. to, from and along the ocean mitigate the visual impacts and scenic coastal areas of development is not a `` minimise the alteration of substitute for re-siting or 8 DEH became the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in June 2010. natural land forms re-design.)
29 Chapter D Chapter Policies `` achieve more consistent Principle 2 and rigorous decision 2.1 Design and plan development Protect people, property to prevent the creation of making for long term land- hazards and to minimise the use planning aimed at P and the environment from reducing emergency and r impacts of naturally occurring in exposure to hazards hazards. hazard risks c i Hazards include flooding, `` enhance protection of pl 2.2 Develop policies to minimise erosion, disturbance of acid the impact of extreme critical infrastructure e s a sulfate soils, bushfires, erosion, bushfires in line with the `` develop building standards salinity and landslides, as well findings of the 2009 Victorian n and urban design d p as water, air and noise pollution, Bushfires Royal Commission. approaches that create and site contamination. These resilient environments for o hazards can occur naturally or 2.3 Develop partnerships and l the future
i agreements between state
c result from development activity. ie Inappropriately located or and local government `` reduce risks while s designed development and land (particularly with emergency protecting natural areas uses can increase the exposure to services agencies) to and biodiversity and impact of hazards. address identified risks and hazards and protect the `` protect human health The potential impacts of climate health and wellbeing of the and the environment change, such as sea level rise community. where contamination has and increased extreme weather occurred events, are likely to increase the 2.4 Integrate adaptation `` adopt appropriate risk of hazards in the future. to climate change and disaster risk reduction and processes and methods Better development planning and hazard avoidance policies, when remediating control measures can help reduce standards and actions into contaminated land and risks and hazards, but cannot strategic plans, Development ensure its suitability for the eliminate them. Plans and development proposed zoning assessment processes using `` address risk, hazard and best practice models to: emergency management `` reduce the social, issues in structure and environmental and precinct planning for new economic impacts arising and existing urban areas. from extreme events
30 2.5 Protect people, property Policies and the environment Principle 3 3.1 Protect and conserve places from exposure to hazards Identify and protect places of heritage and cultural (including flooding, erosion, of heritage and cultural value, including national, dune drift and acid sulfate state and local registered soils) by designing and significance, and desired sites. planning for development town character in accordance with the 3.2 Identify the desired character following principles: Many buildings and places in the of towns and parts of towns, Limestone Coast have heritage and ensure the design of `` Avoidance—avoid and cultural significance that give buildings and public places permanent development the region a distinct character such as streetscapes and in and adjacent to areas and are linked to the attitudes and entrances supports the subject to unacceptable values that have shaped South desired character. risk from hazards Australian history. Identification 3.3 Preserve and enhance the `` Adaptation—design and careful management of these character of towns that are buildings and sites can enliven history, engender strongly valued for their infrastructure to minimise a sense of identity and attachment unique design and character risk in the long term as well as inform future decisions. buildings, including Robe, `` Protection—establish Acts that identify and protect Beachport and Penola. places of heritage and cultural works to protect existing Identify and protect sites significance include the Heritage 3.4 development or facilitate that have Aboriginal cultural Places Act 1993, the Historic major development significance and provide Shipwrecks Act 1981 and the (including stormwater guidance in relation to native Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988. discharge management to title and Indigenous Land The latter prohibits any damage accommodate higher tide Use Agreement (ILUA) to, disturbance of, or interference levels). requirements. with the sites, objects and remains 2.6 Identify and rehabilitate without an authorisation by the areas and sites where land Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and is contaminated as a part of Reconciliation. development processes. The state government’s Aboriginal 2.7 Ensure new development is Affairs and Reconciliation Division appropriately sited in relation (AARD) maintains a register of to existing and closed landfills Aboriginal sites and objects. to minimise the risk to people Aboriginal people and the AARD and property from landfill gas should be involved early in the emissions. Continue to monitor planning and development gas emissions from existing process to help identify and closed landfill sites to and protect sites of cultural ensure development is not significance. placed at unnecessary risk.
31 Chapter D Chapter supply necessarily encompasses Protection or maintenance of Principle 4 the application of water-efficient existing infrastructure and coastal Create the conditions for technologies and approaches assets (town beaches, boat that can save or reduce water launching facilities, roads, service
P the region to adapt to and consumption in the future. infrastructure, housing, moorings r in become resilient to the While not yet mandated for and berths) in some areas will c impacts of climate change country areas, WSUD principles become increasingly difficult and i pl should be incorporated into all expensive as a result of sea level e In recent years, reduced rainfall new development. It is envisaged rise. Planning within and around s a has affected the region’s that by 2013 South Australia will areas of sea level rise risk should n agricultural and horticultural develop and implement the best therefore seek to address and d p activities and reduced the recharge regulatory approach to mandate mitigate these risks. of its aquifers. Climate change o WSUD, including the specification Energy supply is currently limited l predictions indicate that diminished
i of targets for particular regions of in many parts of the region. The c rainfall will continue to affect the ie the state. implementation of sustainable region, with potentially negative s building design methods impacts on the agricultural and Sea level rise will exacerbate beach erosion and foredune together with the development of horticultural industries as well as renewable local energy sources the tourism industry. erosion at ocean beaches. Recessions of 5 to 30 metres (such as solar, wind and co- The effects of climate change in over 50 years can be expected, generation) can help make the other, drier parts of the state may depending on beach topography, best use of available and planned also have implications for the sand supplies and littoral energy supplies (see Box 5). future of the Limestone Coast. It sediment movement. The The southern ocean winds offer is expected that the region may coastline seaward of the Coorong opportunities to further develop experience some growth through is a high-energy coastline at wind farms across the southern part the relocation of primary production greatest risk. of the region, from level with Lake activities from these drier areas St Clair (between Beachport and (particularly the Murray and Mallee Coastal erosion threatening buildings and infrastructure can Robe) to the southern end of Lake region), placing additional pressure Bonney near Carpenter Rocks. on the region’s natural resources, be managed with structures such particularly water. as levees, groynes and sea walls. Increasing industry, residential These are costly to construct, and tourism related development Accordingly, it will be important however, and may impact on the will place further pressures on to pursue opportunities to make amenity of coastal areas, the energy and water supplies across positive, long-lasting changes in longshore transport of sand and the region. It is important that local water management in the region. affect the deposition of sand in Development Plans are consistent Economically and technologically other coastal areas. with the regional natural resources feasible measures are available to management plans and state policy provide the quantity and quality frameworks under the Natural of water needed for the future Resources Management Act 2004. sustainable development of the region. A well-managed water
32 Managing demand for water and Box 5—Improve water and energy efficiency energy by raising awareness among both residents and visitors is essential to achieving South Many subdivisions and buildings are now designed to maximise Australia’s sustainable water and the re-use of stormwater and wastewater in residential and energy efficiency targets. industrial developments. For example, at Mawson Lakes in Adelaide, stormwater is filtered and plumbed into houses for use in toilets. Policies Some industries also re-use wastewater and stormwater for cooling 4.1 Promote carbon sequestration or washing down machinery. and greenhouse gas Energy demand can be reduced through innovative housing design mitigation through sustainable and methods such as co-generation, which produces electricity and land-use management heat in a single process. More information is available on the Energy practices, taking into SA website, at
4.2 Provide buffer areas of sufficient width to separate development from the 4.5 Support the incorporation 4.7 Plan for effective wastewater foreshore and coastal of sustainable energy and disposal through mains features and to accommodate water supply, conservation sewer and community long-term physical coastal and efficiencies (for wastewater management processes. example, stormwater re-use, systems (CWMS) wind and solar technologies, and maximise re-use 4.3 Provide the opportunity for town/settlement-level green buffers, WSUD, opportunities. building orientation to energy efficiency through Ensure compact towns to maximise solar access and 4.8 the promotion of alternative, encourage cycling and shaded areas) in the design renewable energy supplies, walking (for example, to of residential, commercial such as wind power and shops, work or school) and and industrial developments embedded generation. reduce the number of car and subdivisions. trips. 4.4 Support the development of alternative and innovative 4.6 Set building standards and energy generation (such as design guidelines to create wind, marine, biomass and thermal- and energy-efficient geothermal technologies) buildings. and water supply facilities, as well as provide guidance on environmental assessment requirements.
33 economic development Chapter D Chapter Overview South Australia has the potential Tourism is another key economic to be a 'green' energy hub and driver in the Limestone Coast, The South Australian Government to help other states achieve the with the region’s natural and is planning for an additional Commonwealth's target of 20 per cultural assets offering potential 21,750 residents in the Limestone P cent renewable energy by 2020. for further growth. Current tourism r Coast region during the next
in Reaching this goal will require themes include unspoilt natural three decades. Economic c improvements to South Australia's landscapes, ecotourism, coastal
i development to provide pl transmission lines to encourage recreation, local food and wine, employment opportunities will
e large energy companies to invest and adventure four-wheel driving. play a key role in facilitating this s a in the generation and distribution growth. Creation of employment Supportive Development Plan
n of renewable energy. opportunities depends on a good policies, investment in infrastructure, d p supply of land for development The Limestone Coast region has expansion of local training o that is not constrained by a significant geothermal, wind and opportunities and attraction of l
i lack of infrastructure, as well wave potential for renewable skilled labour will all be critical c ie as supporting opportunities in energy and is well-placed in to realising regional economic s the primary production sector. relation to power infrastructure development opportunities. In addition, the region is well and links to the eastern states. Detailed Development Plan policies positioned to benefit from having ElectraNet regularly reviews the will be informed by industry plans major rail and road freight network to see where it requires and consultation with Regional transport networks that provide upgrades and improvements to Development Australia Limestone excellent access to markets in the grid in order to support the Coast, Limestone Coast Tourism, Adelaide and the eastern states. generation of renewable energy. the South East Natural Resources Further development of the high Management Board and state A key objective of this Plan voltage electricity transmission government agencies, including is to support the growth of network will be required, including the Department for Transport, existing industries, including planning for and investment in Energy and Infrastructure (DTEI), value-adding activities and new powerlines and substations. Primary Industries and Resources facilitate the growth of emerging South Australia (PIRSA), the South industries. The region’s economy Service sectors associated with Australian Tourism Commission is based on primary production, population growth, such as health (SATC) and the Department of including horticulture/viticulture, and aged care, are also likely to Trade and Economic Development dairying, forestry and associated grow. Education opportunities, (DTED). processing, and fishing. Value- particularly at the tertiary level, adding in these industries has are also vital in supporting the potential to provide for some and retaining young people employment growth, while the and ensuring a skilled future establishment of emerging workforce. industries will provide additional employment opportunities.
34 Economic development Map D2
35 Chapter D Chapter To promote future economic Priorities for councils growth in the region, this Plan Principle 5 Reflect in local Strategic provides principles and policies Management Plans and Protect and build on aimed at ensuring that: Development Plans the
P the region’s strategic r there is a supply of well South Australian Tourism
in infrastructure located zoned land suitable Commission’s directions c for industrial development i regarding positioning and Proximity to major freight transport pl commercial growth branding, tourism infrastructure networks and freight storage e priorities, partnerships and s a complements the role and facilities are crucial elements function of particular towns development opportunities in the value chain and provide n
d p comparative advantage to local primary production land is Strengthen the economic potential of primary production agricultural, forestry, seafood and o protected and agricultural/ related industries in the region. l land and foster sustainable
i horticultural activities c practices These networks link the region ie strengthened to growing industrial areas in s the renewable energy sector Identify areas of primary Adelaide and Melbourne, irrigated is supported production significance agricultural activities in the lower Murray and Mallee region, and opportunities for new and Strategically plan for the expansion of industrial export facilities and interstate emerging industries are markets. supported. land in Bordertown, Keith, Kingston, Millicent, Snuggery, The region also has an airport the Katnook industrial area at Mount Gambier, as well as (contingent on development of a number of aerodromes and the proposed pulp mill), Mount airstrips, some of which would Gambier and Naracoorte require redevelopment or upgrading in order to meet future Support aquaculture industry demands and safety and development, including security requirements. processing and transport Facilitate the development of appropriately located renewable energy projects Protect strategic infrastructure (existing and potential) from encroachment Encourage small-, micro- and home-based industries.
36 Protecting these assets and 5.2 Establish appropriate buffers `` aerodrome at Keith - used providing for the expansion of to protect existing strategic for aerial agriculture and nearby export-related and value- infrastructure and sites RFDS adding activities will enable and corridors identified `` aerodromes at Lucindale capitalisation on investment, as potential locations for and Padthaway - used offer opportunities to attract new future infrastructure from for aerial agriculture and industry and provide support and encroachment that may RFDS certainty for existing industries. compromise their operation The Green Triangle Region Freight or expansion. `` aerodrome at Penola - used for aerial agriculture Action Plan (developed by the Reinforce the role of the 5.3 and fire fighting South Australian and Victorian region’s airport, aerodromes Governments in conjunction with and airstrips to support `` aerodrome at Robe - used local government, the timber economic and social for general aviation and and freight industries and the development and to provide light aircraft for tourism Port of Portland) identifies the emergency access for the purposes. actions needed to meet growing Royal Flying Doctor Service transport demand in the region, (RFDS). Facilities include: including road and rail network enhancements and regulatory `` an airport at Mount reform9. Gambier - which should allow for a potential upgrade to accommodate Policies long-term growth in 5.1 Encourage industry clusters passenger numbers and (including mining, primary larger, heavier aircraft production and aquaculture value-adding processing `` sealed airstrips with and storage activities) in pilot-activated lights at strategic locations such Naracoorte, Bordertown, as freight transport nodes Kingston and Millicent to maximise transport - used for RFDS, fire efficiencies and support fighting, aerial agriculture industry development. and charter services
9 The Green Triangle is an area of about six million hectares in south-east South Australia and south-west Victoria that encompasses the cities of Warrnambool, Horsham and Mount Gambier, and the regional centres of Portland, Hamilton, Naracoorte, Bordertown, Millicent and Penola. The area’s verdant green appearance is due to the predominance of agriculture, pasture and timber plantations and to the fact that is has been largely drought-free for 100 years.
37 Chapter D Chapter 5.4 Ensure land uses Conversion of productive land surrounding the airport, Principle 6 to residential and other sensitive aerodromes and airstrips Retain and strengthen uses through inappropriate are compatible with these town expansion or subdivision
P facilities and do not detract the economic potential into rural living allotments is r
in from their operation. of the region’s primary strongly discouraged as it can c production land create conflicts at interfaces and i 5.5 Identify land suitable for pl compromise primary production waste management and
e Agriculture, horticulture, forestry, operations. resource recovery facilities to s a viticulture, dairying, livestock and optimise opportunities for re-
n associated processing activities use and recycling of waste d p underpin the region’s economy. Agriculture and horticulture while maximising economic Protection of primary production o efficiencies and protect this Policies l land across the region is a priority i land from encroachment by Prevent loss of productive c to ensure the ongoing viability of 6.1 ie sensitive land uses such as these activities. agricultural land and s housing. potential conflict with To strengthen the region’s incompatible uses by: 5.6 Protect the transport comparative advantage, new functionality of road and rail processing activities should be `` focusing housing (including corridors through planning located on existing freight routes. rural living allotments) and policy in Development Plans. Identification of suitable sites that industrial development in and adjacent to towns and Designate and protect have good access to existing 5.7 industrial estates, unless strategic roads and primary/ freight routes and appropriate directly related to primary secondary freight roads zoning to meet demand will industry as identified on maps C1 provide certainty to potential and D2. investors and inform the planning `` preventing fragmentation and provision of infrastructure. of agricultural land 5.8 Protect current and future freight bypasses around In addition to industry clusters `` managing interfaces with towns. around strategic transport hubs, residential areas and other major hubs identified for primary sensitive activities through production processing activities the use of buffers are Mount Gambier, Bordertown, Kingston, Naracoorte, Millicent, `` limiting and carefully the Katnook industrial area, Keith locating rural living zones and Snuggery. Small industrial `` managing and directing operations, such as electrical township expansion engineers, metal fabricators and engineers will require suitable sites in towns across the region.
38 `` ensuring tourism-based 6.4 Encourage the development 6.7 Co-locate intensive primary developments are sited of small-scale value-adding industries and compatible away from agricultural activity that complements processing activities to land where practical primary production in the reduce land-use conflict local area, provided it does and achieve efficiencies `` designating areas of not adversely impact on in production, processing, primary production areas of primary production distribution, energy efficiency significance (in particular significance (see Box 6). and waste recycling, taking high-value agricultural into account environmental, and horticultural land) in 6.5 Maximise opportunities infrastructure and rural Development Plans and for processing plant waste amenity issues. introducing a standard and establishing other set of planning controls to value-adding activities protect their use. (for example, co-location of biofuel production with 6.2 Support new horticultural livestock enterprises). development in locations between Bordertown and 6.6 Rehabilitate unproductive and Naracoorte and north and degraded primary production south of Mount Gambier (as land affected by salinity identified on Map 4), and through revegetation using ensure compatible land uses native species, increasing in these areas. the vitality and integrity of remnant stands of native 6.3 Remove unnecessary vegetation, and introducing regulatory barriers to the perennial pastures. adjustment of primary production activities. Development Plans should Box 6—Supporting the value chain be flexible enough to allow property holders to change agricultural practices or commodity type, particularly The term ‘value chain’ refers to the various value-adding activities where the change that occur along the supply chain of every industry sector - from would enable increased primary production through processing and transport to marketing productivity or better and sales. Competitive advantage is gained by improving the environmental outcomes. movement of goods and adding value at every link in the chain. Combining spatial analysis with value chain analysis is a powerful tool for strategic land-use planning. It involves identifying key infrastructure and synergies or potential conflicts between activities and assists in deciding the best use of land and locations for development to maximise a region’s economic competitiveness.
39 Chapter D Chapter Dairying and livestock Commercial forestry 6.13 Effectively manage the impact of forestry plantations on the Encourage forestry production and processing 6.12 environment, in line with the plantations in locations that 6.8 Focus the expansion of requirements of the Natural are sustainable and ensure P intensive animal keeping in Resources Management Act r locations that maximise the they: in 2004, transport networks use of existing and planned c `` maximise use of existing and surrounding land uses i infrastructure (for example, pl transport infrastructure and landscapes. water, energy and waste e `` minimise water use Establish and maintain s a facilities), particularly around 6.14 Bordertown. `` are as close as practical buffers around forestry n plantations to protect them d p to existing processing Focus dairy farming in 6.9 facilities from incompatible uses.
o areas that maximise the l use of existing and planned `` are on degraded primary 6.15 Manage the expansion i c production land where of timber processing and
ie infrastructure (for example, possible manufacturing activities to s water, energy and waste avoid conflict with sensitive facilities), particularly around `` are on sites that uses. Mount Gambier and near complement other processing facilities. regional primary 6.16 Support the establishment production land use. of co-generation biomass 6.10 Maximise opportunities for processing animal waste and (See Guidelines for power facilities associated establishing related activities. Plantation Forestry in South with timber processing. Australia 2009, Managing 6.11 Plan for intensive dairy or livestock production in the Water Resources Mineral resources Impacts of Plantation Forests accordance with PIRSA, Establish and maintain and the Better Development 6.17 Environment Protection buffers around mines and Plan Forestry Module for Authority and natural mineral resources to prevent guidance on locations for resource management encroachment by housing forestry activities.) guidelines to meet biosecurity, and other development that environmental and public may affect the viability of health requirements, including resource extraction. maintaining buffers adjacent to residential areas.
40 Policies 7.2 Locate commercial boat Principle 7 launching facilities in 7.1 Provide for land-based Strengthen local processing facilities at key areas adjoining towns or in sites, in particular at Robe, locations that support marine commercial fishing and aquaculture licences. aquaculture industries Cape Jaffa and Beachport, in accordance with 7.3 Protect potential aquaculture environmental requirements, areas (see Box 7 and Development Plan policies should including provisions for Maps C1 and D2) from recognise that aquaculture and land-based waste disposal incompatible uses. fishing industries have differing facilities. requirements in terms of site, infrastructure and environmental conditions. For example, hatcheries and grow-out facilities need to be located close to the coast, where pipe access to Box 7—About aquaculture policies and zones seawater is available and the costs of energy associated with pumping can be minimised. Aquaculture policies: Efficiencies can be gained by reducing the distance between identify where specific classes of aquaculture can and cannot marine aquaculture and occur in state waters commercial fishing, and related are developed in accordance with the process set out in the on-land industries, such as Aquaculture Act 2001 and involve consultation and consideration storage and waste management of environmental, social, equity and economic impacts and processing. provide clear direction, including specific criteria or conditions to ensure that activities are ecologically sustainable, to aquaculture operators.
The zones related to aquaculture include: aquaculture zones - areas of state waters in which specified classes of aquaculture can be permitted prospective aquaculture zones - areas of state waters subject to investigation (for no more than three years) to determine if they are suitable to become aquaculture zones aquaculture exclusion zones - areas of state waters in which no aquaculture is permitted.
For more information, see
41 Chapter D Chapter `` designated four-wheel `` Naracoorte as the primary Principle 8 drive trails, especially visitor service centre for Reinforce the region north of Bordertown and the central Limestone in the Mallee Coast and home of the
P as a preferred tourism World Heritage-listed r `` natural, rural and coastal in destination Naracoorte Caves landscapes and the c i The Limestone Coast region offers marine environment `` Mount Gambier as the pl tourists picturesque coastlines, (including the foreshore, region’s principal business e jetties and boat ramps) and retail hub, gateway to s a rural landscapes, rustic towns and a range of unique food, wine South Australia from south
n `` the heritage, cultural western Victoria and home d p and nature-based experiences. and/or built character of of the Blue Lake The South Australian Tourism Plan towns, including town o 2009–2014 provides strategic l approaches `` Penola as a cultural and i c direction for the marketing and local service hub focused ie `` caravan parks and management of the industry. on food and wine tourism s campsites, including The Responsible Nature-based and accommodation those that provide effluent Tourism Strategy 2004-2009 servicing the Coonawarra disposal facilities for provides additional guidance and Limestone Coast wine motor homes on the development of nature- areas. based tourism, including design `` unique archaeological Protect and enhance key guidelines and case studies. and geological features 8.3 tourism assets, such as `` national and conservation the Naracoorte Caves, Policies parks and reserves. Blue Lake, Bool Lagoon 8.1 Protect, enhance and and Hacks Lagoon, Reinforce the desired roles promote those assets that 8.2 through sustainable land of various towns in the attract tourists and are of management practices. value to the community, Limestone Coast tourist including: experience: 8.4 Support the role of the coast in providing adventure, `` Kingston, Robe, `` open space and walking nature-based and eco- Beachport and Port and cycling trail networks, tourism experiences, MacDonnell as premier including potential trails including in national and coastal and recreational along former rail corridors conservation parks, as fishing destinations (if they are not required well as for food and wine for future freight and or/ `` Bordertown, Millicent and experiences (see Box 8). passenger rail services) Keith as visitor service `` scenic tourist drives, locations particularly along the coast
42 Box 8—Types of tourism Principle 9 Provide and protect Sustainable tourism meets the present needs of tourists and local serviced and well-sited regions while protecting and enhancing opportunities for the industrial land to meet future. It involves management of all resources in such a way that economic, social and aesthetic needs can be fulfilled while projected demand maintaining cultural integrity, essential ecological processes, Industries play a critical role in the biological diversity and life support systems. regional economy, providing local Nature-based tourism is any sustainable tourism activity or employment and strengthening experience that relates to the natural environment, whether for the region’s comparative relaxation, discovery or adventure. advantage. These industries Eco-tourism is a niche segment where the key motivation is range from large-scale processing learning, appreciation and conservation. It is low-capacity, discrete, and major agricultural equipment educational, conservation-minded and returns tangible benefits to manufacturing and maintenance the local community or natural resource. to small-scale engineering and processing firms. Identification of Source: South Australian Tourism Commission suitable sites for these activities and appropriate zoning to meet demand (including for large-scale development) provides certainty to potential investors and informs Facilitate sustainable tourist `` encouraging the 8.5 the planning and provision of accommodation in suitable appropriate development infrastructure. locations throughout the of restaurants and culinary region. facilities promoting the region’s produce Policies Facilitate tourism-related 8.6 Provide a supply of well- developments, such as `` ensuring high-quality 9.1 sited and serviced industrial restaurants, specialist design to protect land (including an identified retail and accommodation, scenic landscapes and 25-year supply, of which that add value to existing productive coastal areas 15 years should be already enterprises. `` supporting adventure, zoned) in Mount Gambier (in 8.7 Promote the region as a nature-based and eco- accordance with the Greater culinary and coast/nature- tourism experiences Mount Gambier Master Plan), based destination by: (particularly in national Naracoorte, Bordertown, and conservation parks) Keith, Millicent, Snuggery `` preserving the character and Kingston. Industrial land and appeal of coastal `` developing links with the at Nangwarry, Tarpeena and towns fishing/aquaculture and the Katnook industrial area wine industries. also may be required in the long term.
43 9.2 Ensure an adequate supply 9.4 Retain and support ongoing of appropriately located industrial operations by Principle 10 industrial land to provide providing for appropriate Focus commercial opportunities for small- buffers to minimise conflicts scale and local industries and managing external development in key that complement local impacts, such as noise, centres and ensure it is agriculture, horticulture, vibrations, odour and native well sited and designed fishing and aquaculture, vegetation disturbance. livestock and dairying, and Focusing major commercial Support the growth of mining in towns throughout 9.5 activities, such as shops, offices, renewable energy and the region. banks and government services, ‘green’ technologies by in selected towns supports the Site and locate industrial setting aside employment 9.3 ongoing viability of these activities land to ensure: lands and ensuring flexibility and enables people to undertake in zoning to allow new `` management of interfaces several activities in one location. industries to establish. with residential areas Mount Gambier will continue to be and other sensitive uses, 9.6 Provide for the establishment the focus for major commercial and protection from of facilities in appropriate activities servicing the region encroachment locations to support new and western Victoria. Naracoorte markets and products for `` optimal use of existing is the major commercial service recycled materials and and planned infrastructure centre for the central and northern animal waste products. (for example, wastewater parts of the region and should re-use plants) be a focus for facilities, services and commercial growth. Millicent `` provision for future should be the primary focus for expansion major commercial activities in the `` accordance with southern part of the region outside Environment Protection Mount Gambier. Bordertown, Authority policies, codes Keith, Penola and Kingston will of practice and guidelines be the preferred locations for secondary commercial activities. `` an efficient road Local/small-scale commercial freight network that activities will continue to be minimises the impacts located in other towns servicing of freight movements on local communities and visitors, neighbouring areas such as Robe, Beachport and `` access to required energy Port MacDonnell. and water supplies.
44 The southern port centres of Port 10.3 Reinforce the supporting `` are not using land of MacDonnell, Beachport, Robe commercial and services strategic importance to and Kingston should continue to role of Bordertown, Penola industry. develop service and infrastructure and Kingston. Proposals for major support for the fishing industry 10.7 Strengthen the local and commercial areas in towns and may need to accommodate 10.4 visitor service/retail role of other than those identified in export and processing facilities Keith, Robe, Beachport and 10.1–10.4 must demonstrate associated with oil and gas Port MacDonnell. that they support and exploration in the Otway Basin. complement the commercial These towns are also popular Locate commercial activities 10.5 functions of these towns holiday/tourist destinations that in town centres or existing both incrementally and should retain and protect their commercial zones, which cumulatively in the long term. coastal features, character should be expanded where and unique environmental and necessary to support activity 10.8 Prevent linear/ribbon recreational experiences. commensurate with the town development along major role. roads to support an efficient road network. Policies 10.6 Commercial areas proposed 10.1 Reinforce the primary outside of town centres must commercial and services demonstrate that they: role of Mount Gambier as `` will avoid adverse the focus of major retail, incremental or cumulative commercial, administrative, impacts on existing town education, health, centres justice and recreational developments in the region `` will avoid adverse impacts (in accordance with the on primary production Greater Mount Gambier activities Master Plan). `` are clustered rather than 10.2 Reinforce the major linear development and commercial and services do not adversely affect role of Naracoorte and the efficiency and safety Millicent as the focus of arterial roads of secondary retail, `` are convenient and commercial, administrative, accessible, including by education, health and walking and cycling recreational developments in the region. `` are supportive of the desired future character of the town
45 population and settlements Chapter D Chapter Overview Table D1 – Land area required based on dwellings per hectare (dph) and occupancy rate (people per dwelling) The state government is planning for an additional 21,750 people in the Limestone Coast region over P Land area required (hectares) r the next 30 years, based on the Required new homes in SASP population target described (for 21,750 people) 8.5 dph* 10 dph* 13 dph* c
i in Chapter A. The region may pl 9063 @ 2.4 people per home 1066 906 697 experience a higher growth rate e and so reach this target sooner.10 10,357 @ 2.1 people per home 1218 1036 797 s a The role of Limestone Coast
n 12,083 @ 1.8 people per home 1422 1208 929 Region Plan is to ensure that d p future land use can support the * Dwellings per hectare. o target population, at whatever l
i growth rate. c ie Table D1 illustrates the number of With an ageing population, the Further investigations of intra- and s dwellings that would be required, region’s occupancy rates (which in inter-regional migration patterns depending on occupancy rate Mount Gambier, for example, are and residential occupancy rates (that is, the average number of around 2.4 people per dwelling unit) will be necessary to inform this Plan people living in each dwelling) are likely to decrease while dwelling through the future review process. and the land area necessary to density may increase as ageing The region currently has a significant accommodate them, depending people move into smaller homes. amount of undeveloped, ready on the overall density (that is, This potentially could increase the zoned land suitable for residential the average number of dwellings number of new homes required to development, which includes per hectare). For comparison, accommodate the target population. around 1329 hectares (ha) zoned the region currently has around These factors should be considered residential and 3048 ha zoned rural 29,000 dwellings. when reading the table above. living. A further 225 ha of deferred There is also likely to be additional urban land could in part be used for demand for new homes in centres residential development, as shown across the region, as retirees living in Table D2. in rural areas move closer to health and community services and aged care facilities available in those centres.
10 During the past five years around 460 new dwellings have been approved per year in the region. This is more than the 336 new dwellings per year required to achieve the 9063 dwellings needed to accommodate the target population (as per Table D2). If this level of growth were to continue, the target population for the region could be reached in around 20 years.
46 Population and settlements Map D3
47 Chapter D Chapter Table D2 – Residential land supply in key towns
Residential zones Deferred urban zones Rural living zones P Town a a a r Area (ha) Dwell est. Area (ha) Dwell est. Area (ha) Dwell est. in
c Bordertown 65 650 – – 360 144 i pl Kingston 27 270 128 1088 476 238 e s a Millicent 194 1940 – – 672 336
n Greater Mount b 942 9420 – – 197 394 d p Gambier Naracoorte 101 1010 97 825 1343 2686 o l i Total 1329 13,290 225 1913 3048 3798 c ie s a Dwelling estimates are based on: residential zones = 10 dwellings per hectare; deferred urban zones = 10 dwellings per hectare less 15 per cent (to factor in land used for non-residential purposes); rural living zones = the average rural living allotment for each council.
b The Greater Mount Gambier Master Plan provides specific detail regarding the city’s growth (covering both Mount Gambier and adjacent areas in DC Grant). The land area and dwelling estimate is derived from the figures in the Master Plan (based on areas identified as ‘land for residential development in the short to medium term’ plus ‘land for residential development in the longer term’).
Table D2 shows that the Limestone Social infrastructure needs include To guide land use in response Coast region has a significant increased housing in the major to growth pressures, the Plan’s supply of land identified for regional centres, as well as in principles and policies aim to future residential/urban use in remote locations where attracting ensure that: all the major towns, which could and retaining staff - especially there is a supply of zoned provide for more than 17,000 new professional staff - is vital for land suitable for residential dwellings. This capacity should development. Social infrastructure development be sufficient to support the growth includes education and childcare necessary to achieve the SASP facilities to service young families, growth occurs according to the population target. as well as access to good health roles and functions of towns While this Plan seeks to prepare for services. Broadband access growth is directed towards an ageing population, policies are outside major centres is essential towns with health, education, also needed to attract and retain to deliver distance learning and community and aged care young and working-age people. for business development and services/facilities growth; it also facilitates social interaction and helps make remote locations more desirable places in which to live.
48 there is a diversity of housing Reinforce the primary service (including affordable housing) and commercial roles of the Principle 11 that is adaptable to changing major towns. Strategically plan and preferences Undertake an audit of existing manage the growth of town growth is managed to housing supply to determine towns preserve areas of primary whether the needs of older production significance and people and other vulnerable The Plan supports the consolidation environmental sensitivity groups in the housing market of population growth in existing are being met. settlements in order to: Priorities for councils Address the housing needs limit development in places Undertake demographic analysis of lower income workers and difficult to adequately service of the region’s population, ensure an affordable housing (for example, household waste including growth projections and supply keeps pace with demand. collection, water supplies/ treatment and energy movement patterns to provide a Identify the desired character transmission) clear picture of future occupancy of towns (and parts of towns) to rates, dwelling sizes and types guide design of buildings and facilitate the treatment and and consequent land needs. public places. re-use of wastewater and Undertake detailed analysis stormwater of capacity for residential preserve councils’ financial development in towns that have viability been identified for growth. Ensuring these towns have build on existing and planned sufficient suitable land zoned business, service and for residential development to infrastructure investment cater for population growth also reduce the population’s requires detailed analysis of future vulnerability to increased fuel demand (see also Policy 13.1). and transport costs Develop urban design protect important scenic and frameworks for the major towns natural landscapes and areas to ensure new development of environmental and primary is well designed and provides production significance. attractive places in which to live and invest.
49 Chapter D Chapter Population growth in the region Millicent, Penola and other towns with oil and gas exploration in has chiefly occurred in the within commuting distance the Otway Basin may also be larger towns and urban areas, of Mount Gambier are likely required. Coastal settlements particularly in Mount Gambier. to experience development should be rationalised and
P Planned economic expansion pressures as economic properly planned, but not r
in in Mount Gambier is likely to opportunities expand there and expanded. c be accompanied by continued in the lower Limestone Coast in A planned approach to i pl interest in housing development in general. Penola is an important development seeks to balance e the lower Limestone Coast. cultural/heritage and tourist hub, a range of competing interests. s a As the main city for the region and so future development needs to This regional plan supports n western Victoria, Mount Gambier be carefully managed to preserve development in existing d p will experience significant growth its attributes. Millicent is the area’s settlements and towns to build on principal centre outside of Mount o in the future. The Mount Gambier current and planned business, l Gambier and has capacity to
i Master Plan identifies capacity for service and infrastructure c accommodate additional growth. ie up to 9420 additional dwellings investment while protecting Residential growth should be s on 942 hectares of land identified scenic and coastal landscapes, for short-, medium- and long-term accommodated principally environmental assets and rural residential development; any land through development within land of importance to industry. uses that might impede this, such existing town areas, while growth in rural living should be avoided. Identifying and effectively as rural living, should be avoided. managing suitable sites for waste If additional land is required for Bordertown is the Limestone facilities to meet the needs of residential purposes in the longer Coast’s northernmost supporting residents and tourists is essential term, Mount Gambier should commercial/service centre and to creating healthy communities expand to the north. Medium has capacity to accommodate and protecting the environment. density opportunities close to the further growth in this area of the city centre, including for aged region. Environment Protection Authority guidelines and codes provide care accommodation, should be The natural coast and wetland encouraged. guidance on the management environments surrounding Port of waste and wastewater and Naracoorte has a major role as a MacDonnell, Beachport, Robe stormwater to prevent risk to commercial and service centre for and Kingston provide a unique public and environmental health. the central and upper parts of the environmental and recreational region, and should be a focus for experience. Development in these delivering facilities and services, southern ports should retain Policies as well as accommodating and protect coastal features and 11.1 Focus growth and population growth. characters while service and development in existing infrastructure support for the towns and settlements based region’s fishing industry should on their roles and functions, be developed in harmony with the as described in Principle 10 coastal environment. Sensitive and shown on Map D3. development of export and processing facilities associated
50 11.2 The expansion of towns `` locate land for rural living 11.8 Manage waste in accordance should: in towns in such a way with the Zero Waste that opportunities for SA hierarchy of waste `` ensure new areas are future town expansion are management practices (from continuous with and form retained the most preferred to least compact extensions of preferred: avoid, reduce, existing built-up areas, `` retain a functional and re-use, recycle, recover, treat, and prevent linear visual separation between dispose) by ensuring that development along the towns settlements and developments coast and arterial roads `` allow for the incorporation have appropriate space, `` not encroach upon of WSUD features to enable facilities, access and areas of importance to treatment and re-use of construction methods. economic development wastewater and stormwater 11.9 Restrict ad hoc construction `` not encroach on 11.3 Development in areas of isolated rural dwellings environmentally sensitive remote from infrastructure and subdivision of areas should be self-sufficient in rural lands through the energy, water supplies and planned expansion of `` support the cost-effective wastewater management. towns, increasing density provision of infrastructure within town boundaries, and services such as Retain the coastal living, 11.4 appropriate intensification health and education, fishing and holiday appeal of of existing rural living zones, avoiding unnecessary Kingston, Robe, Beachport and strategic designation expansion or duplication and Port MacDonnell. of new rural living zones of existing regional Build on the cultural/heritage outside areas of primary infrastructure and services 11.5 tourist focus of Robe, production significance. `` promote strong linkages Beachport, Penola and Prevent the expansion and/or between all parts of the Mundulla by strengthening 11.10 intensification of existing, or town, particularly between heritage and town character. creation of new, rural living residential areas, town Provide a range of aged care zones in areas of primary centres, sporting and 11.6 accommodation (locating production significance. recreational facilities, and supported aged care open space Manage the interface accommodation in towns 11.11 between primary production `` promote development with health services). activities and urban on vacant land, surplus Provide opportunities for areas and towns through government land and infill 11.7 lifestyle/retirement village appropriate separation sites, and renew existing type accommodation. buffers, screening vegetation developed areas (where and appropriate alignment of it does not compromise allotment boundaries. town character or heritage) in preference to broadacre or greenfield sites
51 Chapter D Chapter Policies 12.7 Encourage active lifestyles Principle 12 by providing: 12.1 Reinforce those elements Design towns to (natural and built) that `` a range of open space, contribute to the unique sport and recreation
P provide safe, healthy, r character and identity of facilities in towns and
in accessible and appealing towns, including landscapes, throughout the region c environments building design, streetscape i pl design and built heritage. `` walking and cycling
e The way in which towns across facilities in towns, giving s a the Limestone Coast region are 12.2 Establish and retain distinct consideration to the needs and attractive entrances to n designed influences not only of people of different d p how they look, but also how well towns. ages and physical and they function. The ease and intellectual abilities o 12.3 Retain town centres as the l safety of getting around town, i focus of retail, commercial, Develop safer towns by c the accessibility of services 12.8 ie recreation, entertainment, incorporating the principles and facilities, and a sense of s community and civic activities set out in Designing Out community and civic pride are all in accordance with the role Crime: Design Solutions for influenced by the way a town is and function of the town. Safer Neighbourhoods,11 designed. Locate health, community using Crime Prevention Towns and parts of towns can 12.4 and education facilities Through Environmental develop a strong identity and and services where the Design (CPTED) principles sense of place built around local community will have and consulting with the history, unique natural features (for equitable access. South Australia Police. example, the coastline and Mount Design all developments Gambier’s Blue Lake) and future 12.5 Provide strong links between 12.9 aspirations. coastal town centres and to minimise their visual and the coast and between other physical intrusiveness and Features such as building ensure they are sympathetic height, rooflines, scale, materials town centres and key sites of tourism interest. to cultural and landscape and building setbacks in new features and contribute to the developments can contribute to, 12.6 Manage interfaces between desired character of the area. rather than detract from, town and residential, town centres landscape character. and industrial areas to avoid 12.10 Apply WSUD principles to potential conflicts. all new development and public open spaces, and encourage their application in existing development.
11 Planning SA, Designing Out Crime: Design Solutions for Safer Neighbourhoods (2004)
52 Strategies are required to 13.5 Ensure that land is made Principle 13 ensure a range of housing available for public and Provide residential land options, including affordable social housing in towns with housing, to maintain the region’s a service role. for a supply of diverse, attractiveness as a place to Encourage provision of rental affordable and sustainable live and help retain young and 13.6 housing and accommodation working-age people. housing to meet the needs for temporary workers in of current and future locations where there is high residents and visitors Policies demand, including from 13.1 Ensure a 15-year zoned professionals, tradespeople Considered planning is required supply of land for residential and labourers employed in to ensure a supply of housing development in towns/centres various local industries. identified for growth (refer to meet the needs of people Provide for 15 per cent Principle 11 and Map D3). 13.7 who live and work in the region, affordable housing, including taking into account demographic 13.2 Ensure that appropriately a 5 per cent component for changes such as higher numbers serviced towns provide a high needs housing, in all of older people. Population range of housing types and new housing developments, growth will be driven primarily by densities to enable people in accordance with the local and regional employment to stay in their community as Housing Plan for South opportunities. their housing needs change Australia (2005). Retirees and holiday home and to cater for the region’s Actively involve Aboriginal owners, including from western changing demographics. 13.8 people and newly arrived Victoria, could add to overall Provide opportunities for overseas migrants in planning housing demand. 13.3 higher density housing near for housing supply to ensure Housing for seasonal and the centre of towns identified their needs are met. low-income workers needs to for growth, in particular Retain caravan parks and be considered to support the Mount Gambier, Naracoorte, 13.9 support the use of some livestock processing, forestry, Millicent, Bordertown and parks for affordable rental viticulture and horticulture Kingston. industries, and fishing. Towns may housing, particularly for experience localised pressure 13.4 Provide a range of temporary accommodation. for rental accommodation from accommodation for older temporary workers. people and people with a disability, and focus high- level care accommodation in towns with health services.
53 54 infrastructure and service provision
Chapter E
55 infrastructure and service provision
Chapter E Chapter E inf Chapter This chapter discusses the The Strategic Infrastructure Further, infrastructure provision implications of the Limestone Plan for South Australia (2005) should link with the Limestone Coast Region Plan for the is the first step in developing a Coast Region Plan to ensure provision and coordination of coordinated long-term approach industrial and commercial land infrastructure and services in the to infrastructure and service is ready when needed, and that
ras region. provision throughout the state. It appropriate services are provided Government agencies are provides a strategy for planning to support industrial/commercial t required to use the Plan to identify and delivery of infrastructure and operators, residents and visitors. ruc infrastructure priorities, such as services by all government and This is crucial to ensure that private sector providers. funding is not prematurely
t health and education centres, and ur are encouraged to identify clear The priorities identified for the invested in infrastructure and services that will be under-used. e a trigger points, such as population Limestone Coast in the Strategic growth in a particular town, to Infrastructure Plan are listed on the It also reinforces the need for n ongoing information gathering and d s indicate when new infrastructure is following pages. The Limestone needed. Coast Region Plan confirms liaison with the private sector and e local government on industry and r The state government recognises these priorities, further clarifies vi community needs. the importance of integrating land where specifically in the region c e pr use and infrastructure planning. these infrastructure and services This approach aims to build are most required, and identifies other potential demands on ovi strong and healthy communities and ensure industrial and infrastructure and services. s ion commercial land activities remain Infrastructure, with the exception competitive by making the best of major works, is generally the use of existing infrastructure responsibility of the landowner. capacity and ensuring new Given the long lead times infrastructure and services are associated with industrial strategically planned for and development, the state government proceed in a timely manner. and other infrastructure providers need to plan, budget for, and coordinate the development of infrastructure. This is particularly important for larger parcels of land that have been identified as key future supply sites but have significant constraints.
56 Priorities for the Limestone Upgrade Community Energy Wastewater Management Strengthen and augment the Coast Region, as Systems (CWMS) servicing identified in the Strategic electricity supply network particular towns by undertaking transmission Infrastructure Plan for Collect and analyse data to network upgrades and sub- South Australia, Regional determine if the Eight Mile station upgrades Overview, 2005-06–2014-15 Creek Catchment should Build gas laterals from SEA and could provide an Gas pipeline to Katnook Land (economic development) environmentally sustainable and Naracoorte to provide Establish new headquarters for yield of water an alternative supply of gas Forestry SA (now completed) to Katnook gas users and Transport At Cape Jaffa develop a industrial businesses at combined public/commercial Work with the Victorian Naracoorte Government to facilitate the marina and upgrade Investigate the viability of use of rail to transport freight recreational facilities to cater for biomass power generation from between SA and Victoria aquaculture and recreational/ timber waste commercial fishing activities (Portland) Investigate the potential Develop plans to manage Information and communication location of future industrial sites growth in freight, including technologies (ICT) road improvements and heavy Develop a business case that Develop an industrial estate at vehicle detours of key towns identifies sufficient aggregated Mount Gambier e.g. Penola, Mount Gambier demand to justify installation of broadband Water and wastewater Leverage Australian Government funding to Complete drainage program in provide additional transport Upper South East infrastructure Implement the South East Upgrade the Riddoch Highway Catchment Water Management and the Princes Highway Board Plan (now completed) section along the Coorong At Tantanoola, develop options Identify the preferred site for a to harvest and re-use KCA’s regional intermodal facility as wastewater resource part of a state-wide intermodal strategy
57 Chapter E inf Chapter Health Education and training localised pressures to upgrade Provide additional residential Rejuvenate the existing built aerodromes and air services, aged care facilities through asset base of schools to especially at Robe, Naracoorte redevelopment of hospital support improved utilisation, and Mount Gambier facilities at Millicent and integration of services and potential increase in demand ras Bordertown future education provision for public transport services, particularly to improve access
t Establish an Aboriginal Undertake planned capital ruc Wellbeing Centre in Mount works at Mount Gambier to local, regional and Adelaide- Gambier high school and Kalangadoo based health services and t education/training facilities
ur preschool Continue to upgrade hospital potential pressure on recreation e a facilities to better meet acute service requirements and Further issues related to and sporting facilities due to n infrastructure and services growing resident and tourist d s support the co-located delivery of primary health care services provision as identified through numbers. e
r including general practice, the process of the developing vi allied health, mental health and the Limestone Coast Region c e pr Aboriginal health programs Plan are: the need for improved north- ovi Housing south access between Increase the supply of communities and for freight s ion affordable and adaptable vehicles during harvest periods, housing in Naracoorte and and for the management of other centres potential conflicts between cars and large freight vehicles Arts, culture and heritage increasing pressure on Upgrade the Sir Robert wastewater facilities associated Helpmann Theatre at Mount with residential development Gambier and tourist facilities
58 appendices
59 appendix 1 How the Plan was developed EN APP Figure 3 – The Limestone Coast Region Plan process
D Compile background data I Stage C DPLG compiled input from Limestone Coast E
S councils and regional development, natural resources management and state 1 government bodies.
Interpret and analyse discussion with councils and regional Stage development, natural resources manage- DPLG met with councils to confirm issues ment and state government bodies and priorities Workshop – SWOT analysis and vision map Output 2 Synthesis and analysis – DPLG in SWOT summary, vision maps, areas of focus
Stage Test and refine Output Draft Limestone Coast Region Plan DPLG met councils to refine the spatial (including maps representing the future vision and determine priorities, and test vision for the region and strategic priorities to them against strategic objectives and key guide actions) 3 government directions
Stage Prepare draft Output Draft Limestone Coast Region Plan DPLG presented draft Limestone Coast forwarded to Minister for Urban Development Region Plan to workshop participants and Planning for consideration to release for and sought feedback 4 public consultation
Stage Release and consult Output Feedback from community consultation DPLG released draft Limestone Coast considered Region Plan for public consultation and sought feedback from community and 5 industry
Stage Finalise and release Output Final Limestone Coast Region Plan DPLG refined Draft Limestone Coast forwarded to Minister for Urban Development Region Plan based on feedback 6 and Planning for approval and release
60 61 appendix 2 Information about the limestone coast region EN APP COMMUNITIES AND Towns with less than 1000 people Permanent population figures may together accommodate only not reflect the additional demands CHANGING SETTLEMENT 4.7 per cent of the population; of visitors on local and regional D
I PATTERNS 29 per cent of the population live facilities. For example, Robe C
E on farms or in small settlements of experiences high levels of visitors S A changing region fewer than 200 people. during peak tourist periods; in The needs of residents and While the larger towns grew during 2006 43.5 per cent of the town’s communities throughout the 1996–2006, many smaller towns, dwellings were considered region are a driving force for the including Beachport, Kalangadoo, ‘unoccupied’, indicating a high preparation of the Limestone Lucindale, Nangwarry, Port proportion of holiday houses. Coast Region Plan and associated MacDonnell, Tantanoola and However, this proportion fell strategic priorities for the region. Tarpee, experienced small from 50.2 per cent in 1996 (refer declines (refer Figure 5). Given the Figure 6), indicating that holiday In 2006 the combined population accommodation is increasingly for the seven council areas that larger labour markets and better services in the larger centres, this used for extended occupation. make up the region was 61,098 Overall, the region’s occupancy 12 trend is expected to continue. persons. The population for the rate is around 85 per cent, region increased by 2.6 per cent leaving 15 per cent of dwellings between 1996 and 2006. unoccupied. Mount Gambier has 38.1 per cent of the region’s total population (23,273 at the 2006 Census). It sustained the region’s highest Figure 4 – Towns with population > 1000, Limestone Coast Region per annum growth rate (1.06 per cent) during 1996–2006. A further 25,000 17,230 people (28.2 per cent)
live in towns: Naracoorte (4816), 20,000 Millicent (4641), Bordertown (2550), Kingston (1546), Robe (1286), Penola (1266) and Keith eople 15,000 (1125) (refer Figure 4). 10,000 Number of P
5000
0 Mount Naracoorte Millicent Bordertown Kingston Robe Penola Keith Gambier S.E.
1996 2006 12 2006 Census Basic Community Profile released Sept 2007.
62 Figure 5 – Towns with population < 1000, Limestone Coast Region
700
600
500 eople 400
300
Number of P 200
100
0 Port NangwarryTarpeena Mount Kalangadoo Beachport Lucindale Tantanoola MacDonnell Burr
1996 2006
Figure 6 – Occupied and unoccupied dwellings 1996 & 2006
12,000 11,000 10,000 9000 8000 7000 6000 5000 4000
Number of Dwellings 3000 2000 1000 0 6
2006 t 1996 a 2006 be 1996 t an an tiar tiara 1996 Robe 2006Ro Gr Ta Ta Gr Kingston 200Kingston6 1996 ttle Range 2006ttle Range 1996 Gambier 200t Gambier 1996 te Lucindalete 200 Lucindale6 1996 un Wa Wa o oor coor Mount M Occupied Nara Narac Unoccupied
Source: ABS Census 2006.
63 EN APP An ageing region Figure 7 – Population by age, Limestone Coast region 1996–2006
Of the 64,615 persons living in 18,000
D the region in 2006, 8309 (13.6
I 16,000 C per cent) were aged over 60. E
S The number of people over 60 is 14,000 projected to increase for South Australia as a whole, and similar 12,000 eople trends are expected in this region. 10,000
The population of the region is 8000 already ageing. Between 1996 6000
and 2006 there was an increase Number of P of 1.2 per cent in the number of 4000
people aged 65–74; however, the 2000 increase in people aged 75 and 0 over was far more pronounced, at 0–14 15–2425–34 35–4445–64 65–74 75+ 37.4 per cent. Conversely, the major family- 1996 2006 Age Group creating cohorts of 25–34 years of age declined (by 13.5 per cent), Source: ABS Census 1996, 2001 and 2006 . as did the 35–44 age cohort (by 4.4 per cent) over the period 1996–2006, as did the number Housing demand and expected to triple statewide within the next few years, with the region of children (the 0-14 age cohort affordability declined by 6.5 per cent). likely to be strongly affected. Australian Bureau of Statistics Considerable shifts in the (ABS) data on the population This trend should be taken into demographic balance as the distribution in the region indicates account in planning for the provision population ages and people move that most local government areas of suitable and appropriately located from farms into towns to retire will have experienced population housing to meet the needs of an have implications for the provision growth, with only Kingston ageing population. of community services and remaining fairly static and Wattle Attracting and retaining young facilities. Range experiencing some people will remain a challenge. decline. ABS data shows that between ABS data also indicates that the 1996 and 2006 the number of number of aged persons as a people in the 0–14 age group percentage of the total population declined by more than 800. in the region is likely to increase Similarly, the young working age faster than the region’s overall group declined by over 1400 population growth. The number of during the same period. people over the age of 70 years is
64 Table 4 – Demographic summary, Limestone Coast
Mount Naracoorte Wattle Limestone Population Grant Kingston Robe Tatiara Gambier Lucindale Range Coast Region
0–14 22.6% 19.9% 21.1% 21.0% 20.2% 23.1% 22.1% 21.6%
15–24 10.9% 10.4% 13.8% 12.4% 9.8% 11.4% 10.5% 12.1%
25–34 10.5% 9.6% 13.0% 12.4% 10.4% 12.2% 11.4% 12.0%
35–44 17.1% 12.4% 14.5% 15.2% 14.2% 15.2% 15.6% 15.1%
45–64 28.6% 30.0% 23.8% 25.4% 27.7% 25.0% 25.9% 25.5%
65–74 6.0% 10.1% 6.7% 6.5% 9.3% 6.6% 7.5% 6.9%
75+ 4.3% 7.6% 7.0% 7.0% 8.4% 6.6% 7.0% 6.7%
Indigenous 0.8% 1.3% 1.6% 1.2% 0.6% 0.9% 1.2% 1.3%
Workforce 69.3% 61.9% 63.2% 68.6% 50.8% 69.8% 62.3% Participation
Unemployment 3.5% 3.8% 7.1% 3.2% 3.2% 1.9% 5.2% Rate
Median Weekly $1063 $706 $816 $925 $796 $939 $823 Household Income
Total Population 7692 2238 23273 7900 1716 6806 11,473 61,098
0–14 1737 446 4920 1662 346 1574 2533 13218
15–24 838 233 3220 980 169 773 1207 7420
25–34 807 214 3024 983 179 827 1306 7340
35–44 1319 278 3373 1200 243 1033 1789 9235
45–64 2202 671 5545 2004 476 1701 2977 15576
65–74 460 227 1566 516 159 450 855 4233
75+ 329 169 1625 555 144 448 806 4076
Indigenous 65 29 373 95 11 63 141 777
65 EN APP Figure 8 – Industry of Employment, 1996–2006
6000 D I C 5000 E S eed 4000
3000
2000 Number of Employ 1000
0 g s y ade ade et tr tr aining Mining tr facturin rehousing e services t services nstruction Retail aste service Co food serviceswa ance services tion & saf tion services Manu ea Other services restry & fishing Wholesale cr eal estat technical services ucation & re er & w tion & & suppor telecommunications Ed re & social assistance wat , postal & ific & tive ts & s, rt nt ra Ar ga nancial & insurhiring & r Agriculture, fo y, , scie commoda anspo Fi al , Public administra Health ca Ac Tr nt tion media & Re Administ Electricit essional of Informa Pr
Mount Gambier 1996 Mount Gambier 2001 Mount Gambier 2006
Rest of Limestone Coast 1996 Rest of Limestone Coast 2001 Rest of Limestone Coast 2006
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2006 Census of Population and Housing, ABS, Canberra, 2007.
Land values in the region are people in the region, particularly THE ECONOMY AND rising. Job creation and growing seasonal workers and workers in economies, combined with the lower income occupations. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES region’s natural features and the Higher building costs compared affordability of housing relative to the metropolitan area, coupled to Adelaide, make the Limestone with difficulties in obtaining finance Employment Coast attractive for new residents. due to the unpredictability of the With a regional unemployment rate rural economy, are contributing to that is consistently lower than the Rental accommodation the shortage of housing in most state average and a participation A shortage of affordable rental parts of the region. rate that is higher than the state housing is, however, affecting the average, the region’s strong region’s ability to attract and retain economic activity may be retaining
66 young people in employment and construction industry is now higher Agriculture and fishing reducing the need for them to go than the state average. There In 2006, 18.8 per cent of the elsewhere to find employment. was a major percentage increase region’s workforce was engaged in employment in government The ABS Population Census 2006 in primary industry; it continues to administration and defence at the - Labour Force Participation Rates be one of the largest employment same time, although the numbers is a key indicator of how well the sectors in the Limestone Coast. local economy is faring. With a of people affected were smaller. PIRSA’s Food Scorecard Summary participation rate of 64.2 per cent, Despite the significant decline estimated that in 2005–06 the which is more than 5 per cent in employment in agriculture, gross food revenue for the higher than the state average, it forestry and fishing between 2001 region was $919 million. This is clear that the Limestone Coast and 2006, it remains the region’s takes into account the value of has not experienced the negative largest employing sector. Overall farm production, food value- changes that have affected much employment increased by 4.2 per adding, processing, packing of regional South Australia over the cent (1219 jobs) between 2001 and distribution, as well as food past 30 years. and 2006. service and retail sales, but does While more than a third of the Regional employment data reflects not include revenue derived from region’s population is employed in a very diverse and self-reliant local viticulture. economy. Continuing employment the agriculture and manufacturing While there has been a greater growth in the construction, sectors, the construction, wholesale focus on viticulture in more transport, tourism, health and and retail sales, and tourism recent times, livestock production education sectors suggests that sectors also contribute strongly to (primarily sheep and cattle) the regional economy continues the regional economy, with around remains the single largest primary to diversify and is adapting to 30 per cent of the workforce now industry in the region. In 2005–06, changing economic conditions. employed in these sectors. livestock production was valued As the region’s industries adapt to As can be seen in Figure 8, at $277 million in farm gate terms changing environmental conditions employment in the Limestone and represents about 31 per cent and adopt new technologies, Coast is dominated by of the total value of the South practices and policies, enterprises agriculture, forestry, fishing and Australian livestock industry. manufacturing, with these sectors will require new skills and skill In addition, the region is also employing people in greater combinations from their existing known for its horticultural proportions than the state average. workforce, or new workers with activities, particularly potato Retail trade is the third largest appropriate skills. production with about 2,500 employer in the region, which, In summary, the Limestone Coast hectares producing 130,000 combined with accommodation, region has a strong and diverse tonnes of potatoes annually, and cafes and restaurants, reflects base which will underpin future supporting 300 full time jobs. in part the region’s continuing growth. Its natural resources Carrot and onion production is attraction to tourists. coupled with being positioned increasing in the region. Between 2001 and 2006, there was midway between the markets The Limestone Coast supports a strong increase in employment in of Adelaide and Melbourne will one of regional South Australia’s health and community services and continue to realise opportunities if key dairy industries. Around construction. Employment in the forward thinking and good planning outcomes are achieved. 20,000 hectares from 128 farms
67 EN APP produces around 300 million litres In 2007 the Limestone Coast had products sector is $759 million of milk annually. This has a farm 300 winegrape growers with a total per annum or 28 per cent of GRP gate value of $80 million, and of around 15,000 hectares (ha) (2003–04 figures). The sector D
I $247 million wholesale supporting of winegrapes under cultivation, employs more than 7000 people C
E around 750 full time jobs. which accounts for 21 per cent or 22 per cent of the workforce. S Field crops including grains and of South Australia’s plantings. There are over 108,000 seed production contribute over The largest wine regions by area ha of softwood plantation $100 million to the local economy. planted are Coonawarra (5860 ha), (predominantly Pinus Radiata) Padthaway (4010 ha) and and over 42,000 ha of hardwood The region’s active agricultural Wrattonbully (2550 ha). sector and generally reliable plantation (predominantly rainfall have encouraged the The Limestone Coast produces Eucalyptus globulus). The relocation of agricultural activities 20.5 per cent of Australia’s premium softwood plantations were from other parts of the State, wine. Its wine industry has a farm originally started in the early particularly to the Tatiara Council gate value of approximately $250 1900s followed by major area. This trend is expected to million and a value-added worth expansion in the 1930s, 1960s continue throughout the region. of around $1.5 billion. The industry and 1970s. The hardwood supports 1200 full time jobs. plantations have been established The region produces some of the during the past decade. best seafood in Australia and is Future opportunities for vineyard renowned for its rock lobsters. planting and wine production are A comprehensive value-adding Each year, over 1,890 tonnes likely to occur in the lower south industry produces structural of lobsters are sent to markets east, particularly considering water timber, dressed timber products, throughout Australia and abroad, allocations. PIRSA’s investigations engineered timber products earning valuable income for suggest that the area south of and paper pulp. Almost all the the region. Overall, the region’s Mount Gambier is well suited to biomass residue is used by the seafood industry earns around viticulture, while areas around Mt industry in timber processing or $63 million in farm gate terms. Benson and Robe may be suitable for soil improvement. for expansion. The hardwood plantations are nearing the end of their first Viticulture Forestry rotation. It is envisaged that The Limestone Coast has contracts will be secured to supply a number of wine regions: The forest and forest products industry sector in the Limestone overseas companies with export Padthaway in the north, Robe and wood chip through Portland. Cape Jaffa and Mount Benson Coast is significant. Since the on the north west coast; and introduction of forestry to the region A paper pulp plant, a potential Wrattonbully and Coonawarra in a century ago, this industry sector major investment project, has the centre. Bordertown and Mount now has over 150,000 ha of timber been facilitated by the passage of Gambier also produce wine but currently under plantation with one indenture legislation through the are recognised as wine regions in five jobs in the region directly State Parliament. If it proceeds, by the Geographic Indication (GI) related to this area of employment. this project may generate Committee of the Australian Wine The direct and indirect contribution significant demand for hardwood and Brandy Corporation. to the Gross Regional Product plantation products to meet input (GRP) by the forest and forest requirements of the plant.
68 During the period 2009–2014 Tourism Visitors range from grey nomads the volume of wood harvested to young activity seekers wanting Tourism is a key element of the in the Green Triangle Region is to explore new recreational and regional economy, with more expected to nearly double as nature-based activities. than 5700 associated jobs in the hardwood plantations come retail, accommodation, cafes on stream. This will require rapid and restaurants. Employment in expansion in workforce capacity. Mining and mineral the accommodation, café and processing restaurant sector rose by 7.9 per The region is not part of a cent in the five years to 2006 Industry geological province and has a and should continue to provide Although the regional economy relatively low prospect for mineral employment growth throughout is dominated by agriculture resources, with mining largely the region. and timber processing, general limited to low value agricultural, industries servicing these sectors The region has a number of industrial and construction are also located throughout iconic natural tourist attractions, materials, such as sand and road the region. Several emerging including the Naracoorte Caves base materials (for example, industries are establishing in the and Mount Gambier’s Blue Lake. crushed limestone). Prospects region, including a biomass plant The natural beauty of the region are also attached to the proposed near Tarpeena and meatworks coupled with a growing food and Hybrid Energy Coal project at at Bordertown and Naracoorte, wine industry continue to draw a Kingston (which could potentially which provide significant significant number of visitors each generate enough diesel fuel to employment opportunities and year. Historic fishing ports, coastal supply South Australia for the next generate export earnings. The holiday destinations and the 30 years). region also has resources and national and conservation parks features that may facilitate the also attract visitors. Proximity development of renewable energy to Adelaide and Melbourne INFRASTRUCTURE AND opportunities on a large scale. encourages visitors travelling SERVICES The region’s proximity to between the two to explore the A wide range of infrastructure and infrastructure, transport networks, region. services support the community available water and proximity to It is estimated that there were and economy. important markets will continue around 525,000 overnight visits to make it attractive for new and to the region in 2008, with an Road and rail relocating industries. average stay of three nights. The main corridors in the Limestone This directly contributes around Coast region are as follows: $230 million to the local economy and provides employment National Land Transport opportunities for many local Network corridor is the Dukes residents. Highway, which transverses the region and is the major corridor linking to Victoria
69 EN APP State and local roads provide Air Public transport access throughout the region The Mount Gambier Airport is the Most regional centres have daily and to other regions and states.
D Limestone Coast region’s only services to and from Adelaide,
I Important state roads include C regular passenger airport. Growth but services connecting towns are
E the Riddoch Highway and the
S in passenger numbers over the mostly limited to once or twice a Princes Highway. The importance 14 years between 1990–91 and week. As a result, the population of the Riddoch Highway to the 2004–05 is equivalent to an annual is highly reliant on private motor national economy has been average growth rate of 5.5 per vehicles. identified by the Victorian and cent. Projecting this to 2020 would South Australian governments Larger centres have taxi and see passenger numbers increase in the Green Triangle Region small passenger vehicle (hire car) to around 224,700. The airport Freight Action Plan (2009) and services, enabling subsidised currently does not have capacity to recommendations regarding travel through the SA Transport cater for larger planes. its inclusion in the national Subsidy Scheme (SATSS), which network have been made to the Other aerodromes include: is funded by the state government Commonwealth. Heavy vehicle Naracoorte, Bordertown, through the Department movements are expected to Kingston and Millicent , which for Transport, Energy and increase, placing significant have sealed strips with pilot- Infrastructure. demands on the network. activated lights suitable for An integrated transport service Efficient transportation links to RFDS, firefighting, aerial is provided in the Tatiara area cater for economic growth will agriculture and charter services by a commercial operator under be a priority, particularly in regard service contract with the Minister Keith aerodrome, used for to providing effective local road for Transport. This provides aerial agriculture and the RFDS and lower order state road links to regular services for students, major freight routes Lucindale and Padthaway, specific services for the South The rail link between Adelaide used for aerial agriculture and East Regional Health Service and Melbourne generally follows available for RFDS use and general community services between Keith, Bordertown, the Dukes Highway corridor. Penola aerodrome, used for Mundulla, Padthaway, Serviceton It facilitates the export of grain aerial agriculture and fire fighting from the region to Port Adelaide. and Wolseley. Robe aerodrome, used by Road connections to the Port of general aviation light aircraft Portland provide the region with for tourism purposes. an export port and competitive advantages.
70 The Department for Transport, Health services management with Naracoorte Energy and Infrastructure, also having an agricultural, wine The South East Regional Health through the Public Transport and rural focus. A number of Service funds, supports and Division, funds a Community universities – Flinders, University oversees a group of six publicly- Passenger Network (CPN) to of South Australia and Deakin funded hospitals and a regional provide information, coordination (Melbourne-based) – operate from community health service, which and direct transport services Mount Gambier. operates over eight sites. for people who are transport disadvantaged. The CPN is Public hospitals are situated at based in Mount Gambier and Bordertown, Kingston, Millicent, Community wastewater covers the council areas of Wattle Mt Gambier, Naracoorte and management systems Range, Tatiara, Robe, Naracoorte, Penola while privately-funded (CWMS) hospitals are located in Mount Kingston and Grant. Local governments operate 13 Gambier and Keith. Health Despite these services, lack of CWMS schemes throughout the services are located at Lucindale. access to transport is a major region. In addition, several new cause of social isolation in the schemes such as Beachport, region. Education facilities Donovans, Blackfellows Caves, The region has 49 government Carpenter Rocks and Nene Valley are being planned or are currently Cycling and non-government schools and 16 childcare facilities. under construction. The region’s relatively low traffic Existing schemes at Robe, volumes, wide streets and The demand for childcare Bordertown, Penola, Kalangadoo compact towns make cycling facilities may increase due to the and Southend are currently being and walking attractive transport region currently experiencing upgraded to supplement existing and recreation options. Many higher than normal birth rates, water supplies through increased towns have strategic Local Area and higher proportions of single recycling of reclaimed wastewater. Bicycle Plans and most have parents, compared to the past. extensive footpaths and are This increased demand could The Local Government Association developing cycling networks. accelerate given the trend of SA is facilitating applications on Opportunities exist to further for people to seek off-farm behalf of South Australian councils develop cycling tourism. Highway employment as a means to under the Commonwealth’s routes, including for heavy vehicle supplement household income. Water Smart Australia Program traffic, pass through many towns, TAFE SA has campuses located for funding to upgrade individual creating barriers to connectivity. in Mount Gambier, Millicent schemes identified by individual Specific allocated space, such as and Naracoorte. TAFE learning councils as a priority. bicycle lanes or shared-use paths, centres are also located at Wastewater (and stormwater) can help address this problem. Bordertown, Kingston and recycling, and other water- Lucindale. The Mount Gambier sensitive initiatives (such as urban campus offers a wide range of design measures) will provide courses whilst the Millicent and an opportunity to reduce water Naracoorte campuses both consumption. focus on business, finance and
71 EN APP Water Electricity Natural gas Water in the South East not only The electrical interface with Adelaide The Katnook area gas field
D supports industry and settlements, is a meshed network of 275 kV and supplies natural gas to industrial, I C but also the region’s distinctive 132 kV transmission lines with an residential and other customers E
S ecosystems (including significant additional two 275 kV lines providing in the Mount Gambier region wetlands) and environment. interconnections to Victoria. with spur lines delivering gas SA Water supplies 33 towns in Three distillate-fuelled gas to Kimberley-Clark Australia’s the upper area of the Limestone turbine generators are installed at processing plant at Tantanoola Coast via the Tailem Bend to Keith Snuggery, and the Ladbroke Grove and the SA Fries factory and the pipeline and the remaining areas gas turbines near Penola provide Nangwarry timber mill. served mostly from underground around 107 MW respectively into The SEA Gas pipeline passes within water supplies and rainfall runoff. the network. 8 km of Naracoorte continuing to The Limestone Coast has significant Wind farms are operational at the south-west of Keith. groundwater resources, comprising Canunda (23 turbines producing two extensive aquifer systems: 46 MW) and Lake Bonney (46 Information and The unconfined aquifer – the turbines producing 80MW). Other communications technology wind farms being constructed and principal resource for municipal, (ICT) industrial, rural residences and planned in the lower section of the The region has broadband irrigation water use Limestone Coast will further boost generation. services in the major urban The confined aquifer – utilised centres. Wireless opportunities The high deep water wave energy mainly for municipal and may exist along the Riddoch that occurs naturally off the coast agriculture needs. highway route from Bordertown to in the lower Limestone Coast is Mount Gambier following recent The South East Natural Resource attracting significant interest from back haul infrastructure build. Management Board has produced the energy sector for its potential a number of Water Allocation Plans to develop base load renewable The state government's project to to carefully manage this important energy. There are also potential provide microwave backhaul from resource. These strategies include opportunities for future geothermal Mount Gambier to Bordertown the Blue Lake Management Plan energy in the lower south east, includes specific provision aimed at ensuring clean safe with reasonable proximity to the for connections at Mount water for Mount Gambier and power grid. Burr, Penola, Naracoorte and Bordertown. This enables more surrounding districts. While generally reliable, electricity competitive broadband services The implications of diminished supply in some towns and areas in various forms at those locations rainfall projected for the region can fluctuate, which impacts on including ADSL and WiMax through climate change (and communities, while the availability wireless broadband services. associated impact on aquifer of three-phase power in some recharge rates), together with locations has affected industry increased population and economic development. growth targeted through SASP, will increase competition for the available water.
72 THE ENVIRONMENT The coast’s dunes, limestone Managing climate change cliffs, sandy beaches, rocky The Living Coast Strategy and the The region has experienced shores and coastal springs and Natural Resources Plan provide a diminished rainfall corresponding lakes are unique to the region. range of mechanisms to maintain with drought conditions in recent and enhance the environmental The near shore marine years. environment is dominated by qualities of the Limestone Coast Climate change predictions indicate numerous intertidal and sub- region. there may be a higher frequency tidal reef systems interspersed Much of the region is made up of poor years in the future. The with seagrass meadows, kelp of a series of stranded dunes ongoing drought reducing rainfall forests and sandy bottoms. This that rise 20–50 metres above in recent years and the predicted environment provides habitats for interdunal plains. These plains impacts of climate change are various marine organisms. can be inundated with water having widespread impacts on during the winter months and are Rainfall varies from approximately agricultural, horticultural and part of internationally recognised 440mm in the region’s northern pastoral activities and have the wetland systems that include the parts to around 900mm in potential to affect the tourism 3200 hectare Ramsar-listed Bool the south. The temperate, industry. A new climate regime and Hacks lagoons. Mediterranean-type climate brings means past weather experiences average summer temperatures The region also has an extensive are an imperfect guide to the future. that range from 21°C in Cape network of limestone sink holes The possible negative effects Northumberland to 29°C in and caves, including the World caused by climate change Bordertown. Cold days and chilly Heritage-listed Naracoorte Caves. on the sustainability of some nights are usually associated with primary production areas should The 300-kilometre south-east the winter months, especially in be monitored and climate risk coast is also a dominant feature inland areas. of the region. It extends from the management plans developed in A natural resources management Victorian border in the south to the a timely manner. plan, due to be implemented internationally acclaimed Coorong in 2010, will identify the National Park in the north. This environmental issues that need coastline features a number of to be managed with appropriate towns, including Kingston, Robe, forward planning to ensure Beachport and Port MacDonnell. economic activity remains A number of small settlements ecologically sustainable. south of Lake Bonney such as Carpenter Rocks, Blackfellows Caves and Nene Valley, as well as Donovans on the Glenelg River are attracting prospective investors and potential residents.
73 appendix 3 Contribution of the Plan to South Australia’s Strategic Plan targets EN APP Table 3.1 – Linkages with South Australia’s Strategic Plan
D Limestone Coast Region Plan Principles South Australia’s Strategic Plan Target I C E S Environmental and cultural assets
1. Recognise, protect and restore the region’s T3.1 Lose no species, T3.2 Land biodiversity, T3.3 Soil environmental assets Protection, T3.4 Marine biodiversity, T3.7 Ecological footprint, T3.9 Sustainable water supplies, T3.10 River Murray
2. Protect people, property and the environment from T2.4 Healthy South Australians, T2.7 Psychological wellbeing exposure to hazards
3. Indentify and protect places of heritage and cultural T1.15 Tourism industry, T2.7 Psychological wellbeing, significance, and desired town character T6.1 Aboriginal wellbeing, T5.9 Regional population levels
4. Create the conditions for the region to adapt and T3.5 Greenhouse gas emissions reduction, T3.7 Ecological become resilient to the impacts of climate change footprint, T3.9 Sustainable water supply, T3.13 and T3.14 Energy efficiency—dwellings and government buildings
Economic development
5. Protect and build on the region’s strategic T1.1 Economic growth, T1.14 Total exports, T1.21 Strategic infrastructure infrastructure, T3.7 Ecological footprint, T3.8 Zero waste
6. Retain and strengthen the economic potential of T1.1 Economic growth, T1.10 Jobs, T 1.14 Total exports, the region’s primary production land T1.17 Minerals exploration, T3.9 Sustainable water supply
7. Strengthen local commercial fishing and aquaculture T1.1 Economic growth, T1.10 Jobs, T 1.14 Total Exports industries
8. Reinforce the region as a preferred tourist destination T1.10 Jobs, T1.15 Tourism, T1.5 Business Investment, T1.21 Strategic infrastructure
9. Provide and protect serviced and well-sited industrial T1.1 Economic growth; T1.2 Competitive business climate land to meet projected demand ; T1.5 Business investment; T1.10 Jobs; T 1.14 Total exports; T1.21 Strategic infrastructure
10. Ensure commercial development is well sited and T1.5 Business Investment, T.10 Jobs, T1.21 Strategic designed to support the role and function of towns infrastructure
74 Limestone Coast Region Plan Principles South Australia’s Strategic Plan Target
Population and settlements
11. Strategically plan and manage the growth of towns T1.21 Strategic infrastructure, T3.7 Ecological footprint, T3.8 Zero waste, T5.9 Regional population levels
12. Design towns to provide safe, healthy accessible T2.4 Healthy South Australians, T2.7 Psychological and appealing environments wellbeing, T2.8 Statewide crime rates
13. Provide residential land for a supply of diverse, T5.9 Regional population levels, T6.7 Affordable housing, affordable and sustainable housing to meet the needs T6.8 Housing stress, T6.9 Aboriginal housing, T6.10 Housing of current and future residents and visitors for people with disabilities, T1.24 Overseas migrants
75 appendix 4 Related reports, strategies and plans EN APP Various plans, strategies and DEH (2004) Living Coast Department of Housing and research have been considered Strategy for South Australia, DEH Urban Development (1994) during the development of the Government of South Australia. Human Services Planning Kit, D
I Limestone Coast Region Plan. 2nd edn, South Australian Urban C DEH (2006) Marine Planning E Many of these reports were Framework for South Australia, Land Trust, DHUD, Government of S developed in consultation with DEH, Government of South South Australia. industry and the local community. Australia. Department of Human Services The detailed research and and Environment Protection analysis contained in these DEH (2003) NatureLinks— Implementing the Wild Country Agency (1999) South Australian documents underpin and Reclaimed Water Guidelines, complement this Plan. Philosophy in South Australia, DEH, Government of South DHS, Government of South Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australia. Australia. 2006 Census of Population and Department of Justice Housing, ABS, Canberra, 2007. DEH (2007) No Species Loss - A Nature Conservation Strategy for (various), Crime Prevention Coast Protection Board (2003) South Australia 2007–2017, DEH, Through Environmental Design Coastline: A Strategy for Government of South Australia. Program, refer Crime Prevention Implementing CPB Policies on Unit, Department of Justice, Coastal Acid Sulfate Soils in South DEH River Murray-South Government of South Australia, Australia, DEH, Government of East NatureLink Plan, DEH,
76 Environment Australia (2001) A Government of South Australia Government of South Australia Directory of Important Wetlands in (2009) Economic Statement – (2006) State Natural Resources Australia, Third Edition South Australia’s Prospects for Management Plan. Environment Protection Authority Growth. Government of South Australia (EPA) (2006) Code of Practice Government of South Australia (2005) Strategic Infrastructure for Vessels Management, EPA, (2009) Guidelines for Plantation Plan for South Australia: Regional Government of South Australia. Forestry in South Australia. Overview 2005-06–2014-15. EPA (2001) Environmental Government of South Australia Government of South Australia Guidelines: Resource Recovery (2005) Housing Plan for South (2009) Water for Good—A Plan to and Waste Transfer Depots, EPA, Australia. Ensure our Water Future to 2050 Government of South Australia. Government of South Australia Government of South Australia EPA (1998) EPA Guidelines: Major (2009) Managing the Water (2007) Tackling Climate Change: Solid Waste Landfill Depots, EPA, Resource Impacts of Plantation South Australia’s Greenhouse Government of South Australia. Forests: A Statewide Policy Strategy 2007-2020. EPA (2003) Environment Framework. Government of South Australia Protection (Water Quality) Policy Government of South Australia (2004) Unlocking South Australia’s and Explanatory Report, EPA, (2004) Prosperity Through People: Mineral and Energy Potential: A Government of South Australia. A Population Policy for South Plan for Accelerating Exploration. EPA (1997) Stormwater Pollution Australia. Green Triangle Regional Plantation Prevention—Code of Practice Government of South Australia Committee (2001) South East for Local, State and Federal (2004) South Australia’s Forest Industry Development Government, EPA, Government of Broadband Strategy. Strategy. South Australia. Government of South Australia Limestone Coast Regional EPA (1999) Stormwater Pollution (2003) South Australia’s Draft Development Board (LCRDB) Prevention—Code of Practice for Transport Plan. (2007) 2007–2012 Strategic Plan the Building and Construction Government of South Australia LCRDB (2009) 2009–2010 Action Industry, EPA, Government of (2004) South Australia’s Strategic Plan South Australia. Plan: Creating Opportunity. LCRDB (2001) A Regional Profile EPA (1997) Stormwater Pollution Government of South Australia Prevention—Code of Practice for LCRDB (2005) Limestone Coast (2005) South Australia’s Strategic Plantation Timber 2005 and Beyond the Community, EPA, Government Plan: Preliminary Community of South Australia. Engagement Report. Lothian A (2005) ‘Coastal EPA (2003) The State of Our Viewscapes of South Australia’, Government of South Australia report prepared for DEH, Environment: State of the (2001) State Food Plan 2001–2004. Environment Report for South Government of South Australia. Australia 2003, EPA, Government of South Australia.
77 EN APP Marine and Estuarine Steering Planning SA (2007) Report on SATC (2002) South Australian Committee (1998) Our Seas and Outcomes of Focus groups for Tourism Plan 2003–2008: Inspiring Coasts: A Marine and Estuarine the SA Ageing Atlas: Age and Partnerships for Sustainable D
I Strategy for South Australia, its Implications for Social and Tourism, SATC, Government of C
E prepared by the Marine and Planning Policy, prepared by South Australia. S Estuarine Steering Committee, AHURI, Planning SA, Government State of Victoria and Government Adelaide. of South Australia. of South Australia (2009) Green McInnes KL, Suppiah R, Whetton Primary Industries and Resources Triangle Region Freight Action PH, Hennessy KJ and Jones RN SA (PIRSA) (2001) State Dryland Plan: A joint initiative of the (2003) Climate Change in South Salinity Strategy and Directions Victorian and South Australian Australia—Report on Assessment for Managing Salinity in South Governments. of Climate Change, Impacts and Australia, PIRSA, Government of Zero Waste SA (2005) South Possible Adaptation Strategies South Australia. Australia’s Waste Strategy 2005– Relevant to South Australia, South East Natural Resources 2010, Zero Waste SA, Government CSIRO Atmospheric Research. Management Board (SENRMB) of South Australia. Planning SA (1999) Good (2001) Tatiara Water Allocation Plan. Residential Design SA: A SENRMB (2007) Water Allocation Resource for Planning, Designing Plan for the Lower Limestone and Developing Neighbourhoods Coast Prescribed Wells Area: Pre- and Homes, Planning SA, draft for A2 consultation. Government of South Australia. SENRMB (2009) Padthaway Water Planning SA (2001) Planning Allocation Plan. Bulletin: Development in Rural Areas, Planning SA, Government South Australian Tourism of South Australia. Commission (SATC) and DEH (2003) Responsible Nature-based Planning SA (2003) Planning Tourism Strategy 2004–2009, Bulletin: Extractive Industries, SATC and DEH, Government of Planning SA, Government of South Australia. South Australia. SATC (2005) Design Planning SA (1998) Planning Guidelines for Sustainable Bulletin: Industrial Development, Tourism Development, Draft for Planning SA, Government of consultation, SATC, Government South Australia. of South Australia. Planning SA (2000) Planning SATC (2008) Limestone Coast Bulletin: Waste Infrastructure— Regional Tourism Profile 2008. Resource Recovery Centres, Planning SA, Government of South Australia.
78 glossary
79 glossary g l o Acid sulfate soils The common name given to naturally occurring soils containing iron sulfides ssar (predominantly pyrite). When exposed to oxygen due to drainage, excavation or disturbance, they produce sulfuric acid and trigger the release of iron, aluminium y and heavy metals. Once mobilised, the acid and minerals can kill vegetation, destroy building materials and seep into wetlands, killing fish and other aquatic organisms.
Affordable housing Affordable housing is housing that is appropriate to the needs of households with low and moderate incomes (that is, up to 120 per cent of gross annual median income). The indicative affordable house purchase price for these groups— currently $225,000—is determined by the affordability indicators gazetted on 8 October 2009 (p. 4818) or in the Development Act 1993 and South Australian Housing Trust (General) Regulations 1995.
Biodiversity The variety of life in all its forms and at all levels of organisation, as well as the ecological and evolutionary processes through which genes, species and ecosystems interact with one another and with their environment.
Climate change A change in the state of the climate that can be identified by changes in the mean and/or the variability of its properties, and that persists for an extended period, typically decades or longer (The Garnaut Climate Change Review, 2008).
Community A system or scheme that is installed and operated by an individual council for Wastewater the collection, treatment and disposal (including by recycling) of wastewater. Management System (CWMS)
Density Density is a measure of the population (persons) or the number of dwelling units in a given area.
Development Development Plans should seek to promote the provisions of the Planning Strategy Plans and may set out to include planning or development objectives or principles. They are the principal document in South Australia used to assess development.
Distributed Where a generating unit is connected to a distribution network and not having or embedded direct access to the transmission network. generation
80 Employment lands Concentrated areas where people are employed on a full- or part-time basis in a wide range of employment industry categories including: agriculture; mining; electricity; construction; wholesaling; communication; finance; property; government; cultural and personal services; education, health and community services; manufacturing; retailing; accommodation; and cafes and restaurants.
Freight corridors Road or rail corridors for the movement of freight.
Green industry Green industries are primarily concerned with the supply of energy from renewable sources such as wind, solar and water (including waste), and those industries concerned with assisting other sectors of the economy to meet the climate change challenge by reducing their reliance on carbon-based energy supply.
Greenhouse gas Polluting carbon substances released into the atmosphere. emissions
Gross state Gross state product is the measurement of economic output of the state. It is the product (GSP) sum of all value added by industries in the state.
Indigenous Land An Indigenous Land Use Agreement is a voluntary agreement between a native Use Agreement title group and others for the use and management of the land and/or water (ILUA) covered by the agreement.
Rural living Large residential allotments outside towns that allow for minor primary production activity.
Strategic The Local Government Act 1999 requires councils to apply a strategic approach Management Plans in all actions they undertake through the preparation of Strategic Management Plans. These plans articulate council goals and objectives and the vision for the community and are intended to complement the regional volumes of the South Australian Planning Strategy, that is, the Limestone Coast Region Plan.
Sustainable Forms of development that meet the needs of the present without compromising development the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
Water demand Water demand is taken to be the measurement of all water uses in the region from all water sources for the purposes of essential human needs, the economy and the environment.
81 g l o Water Water infrastructure includes treatment systems (including wetlands), pumps, ssar infrastructure pipelines, storages (including aquifers) and other natural or constructed means of transferring water of appropriate quality from its source to the demand point. y Water security Water security has been taken to mean the availability of an appropriate quantity of water at an appropriate quality to meet the needs of the community. This includes the provision of potable and fit-for-purpose water supplies, collection and treatment of wastewater and the management of stormwater and groundwater resources.
Water-sensitive Water-sensitive urban design (WSUD) is an approach to urban planning and urban design design that integrates the management of the total water cycle into the urban (WSUD) development process. It includes: the integrated management of groundwater, surface run-off (including stormwater), drinking water and wastewater to protect water-related environmental, recreational and cultural values the storage, treatment and beneficial use of run-off the treatment and re-use of wastewater using vegetation for treatment purposes, water-efficient landscaping and enhancing biodiversity using water-saving measures inside and outside domestic, commercial, industrial and institutional premises to minimise requirements for drinking and non-drinking water supplies.
WSUD incorporates all water resources, including surface water, groundwater, urban and roof run-off, and wastewater.
82