Craig Comments

CRAIG COMMENTS

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One of the most difficult areas of government, particularly Local Government, is the planning of future needs of a community; the strategic planning, long-term, forward thinking that goes well beyond the next three to four year election cycle.

The planning of land use and directing the future growth of a region is relatively simple, but is a fine balancing act that requires Local Government to be consistent with skilled staff, a reasonably thick skin, and appropriate planning tools. Planning needs to reflect the character of the district and town and the expectations of the local community, whilst ensuring that the development is sustainable and does not overly impose or restrict the rights of land owners.

This state has many examples of inappropriate land use, unsustainable and poorly thought-out developments and poor planning decisions. Some are unfortunately still going on. The continual residential and rural residential spread into highly productive agricultural land on the outskirts of our metropolitan areas and rural cities places agriculture and other rural industries in direct conflict with the new land use and poses the question where will Australia generate its agriculture produce in the next century.

The sea change phenomenon has brought a new dimension and challenge to coastal planning and has led to unprecedented development in Gippsland. Much of this development pressure is well in front of Local Government's policy direction and the consultation and, in some cases, public discussion is coming after the horse has bolted.

As a community, what do we want our towns and communities too be like in 20 or 50 years time? I am sure that most of Lakes Entrance's population would question the necessity of developments like “Number 1” on the Esplanade and what the rush of multiple story building applications will look like in the next decade.

Before I was elected, the previous government directed local councils to conduct planning and development strategies looking at everything from health services, environmental and land use issues, education and transport links. East Gippsland 's strategy is now well past its use by date. Many findings are now obsolete and the report has arguably been left on the shelf with successive governments, councils and other agencies providing mere lip service to its recommendations and direction.

Current development has often overridden the planning controls, with projects being fast tracked before the reviews on coastal planning and other proposed planning controls are implemented. The Victorian Civil Administrative Tribunal provides another layer, leaving both developers and community uncertain on outcomes.

One thing is clear. Lack of an articulated, publicised direction costs our community dollars and potentially impedes projects which may or may not have broad community support.