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Victoria is home to a number of unique and sensitive landscapes and distinctive places highly valued for their environmental, social, cultural and economic assets. These areas are vital to the functioning of our urban areas, providing people with clean air, drinking water, food, resources and recreational opportunities.

These areas are under increasing pressure for development because of their attractiveness, accessibility and proximity to our cities, and because of environmental factors like the impacts of climate change.

These areas are being protected so they can continue to be enjoyed by current and future generations.

The Distinctive Areas and Landscapes Standing Advisory Committee was appointed to consider and provide advice on matters relating to the Statements of Planning Policy (SPP) for these areas.

Bass Coast Statement Planning Policy Update

The Minister for Planning determined to finalise the preparation of the draft Bass Coast SPP in May 2025 to commence endorsement by responsible public entities (RPEs) and relevant Ministers. This follows an extensive public consultation process, including several phases of community engagement and the Distinctive Areas and Landscapes Standing Advisory Committee (the Committee) process.

In preparing the final draft of the Bass Coast SPP, all public submissions were considered alongside the advice of the Bunurong, Bass Coast Shire Council, other government agencies and authorities, and the committee report.

Download and read the Bass Coast Statement Planning Policy Update

Distinctive Areas and Landscapes legislation

In 2018, the Victorian Government passed landmark legislation to recognise and safeguard the state’s distinctive areas and landscapes and to achieve better coordinated decision-making by government agencies, local councils and other key parties.

This amendment to the Planning and Environment Act 1987, enables the government to declare a distinctive area and landscape subject to meeting strict criteria.

Once declared, a Statement of Planning Policy must be prepared for the area in partnership with Traditional Owners, local councils and the community.

A Statement of Planning Policy will include a long-term vision of at least 50 years, policy objectives and strategies to achieve the vision, and a strategic framework plan for guiding the future use and development of land in the declared areas.

This plan may identify long-term settlement boundaries to ensure development does not inappropriately encroach into valued natural and rural landscapes.

Once implemented, Parliament must ratify any future changes to settlement boundaries. This is the same process in place for Melbourne’s Urban Growth Boundary.

Prior to the passing of the Planning and Environment Amendment (Distinctive Areas and Landscapes) Act 2018 the government prepared Localised Planning Statements for protecting and enhancing the valued attributes of peri-urban areas.

Localised Planning Statements are in place for the Mornington Peninsula, and the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges. The Bellarine Peninsula Localised Planning Statement has been transitioned to a Statement of Planning Policy.

Regions

About the declared area

The Bass Coast is known for its valued rural and coastal landscapes, farmland, and biodiversity. The area is popular with both residents and visitors. Phillip Island attracts tourists with its beaches, wetlands, and wildlife.

Ensuring Victoria’s highest level of planning protection for the Bass Coast, the Minister for Planning determined to finalise the preparation of the draft Bass Coast SPP in May 2025to commence endorsement by responsible public entities and relevant Ministers, including the Bass Coast Shire Council. This follows an extensive public consultation process, including several phases of community engagement and the Distinctive Areas and Landscapes Standing Advisory Committee (the Committee) process.

The endorsement process will take six weeks. Once all endorsements are received, approval of the SPP will be sought from the Governor in Council (GiC).  The Bass Coast SPP will be immediately operational following the publication of the notice of approval in the Victoria Government Gazette.  A planning scheme amendment will be initiated to integrate the SPP into the Bass Coast Planning Scheme.

The final draft Bass Coast SPP was developed in collaboration with Bass Coast Shire Council, the Bunurong, and relevant government agencies and authorities. The draft Bass Coast SPP and supporting documentation was publicly consulted from 3 March to 29 April 2022.

On 26 October 2022, the then Minister for Planning referred submissions to the Distinctive Areas and Landscapes Standing Advisory Committee (the Committee) for independent advice. The Committee hearing concluded on 27 April 2023. The submissions and the Committee’s report is available on the Planning Panels Victoria website.

The Committee's report and feedback received during several public consultation and engagement phases were considered in finalising the final draft Bass Coast SPP.

Consideration of a revised Cape Paterson Protected Settlement Boundary

Before the final draft Bass Coast SPP was prepared, the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) undertook community consultation on a proposed revised Cape Paterson Protected Settlement Boundary (PSB) from 18 December 2024 to 29 January 2025 (with some permitted extensions).

Based on the feedback received during this consultation, the additional landscape assessment completed for DTP in January 2024, and information from the previous consultation, the final draft Bass Coast SPP includes the revised Cape Paterson PSB which excludes the land located north of Seaward Drive, Cape Paterson.

For more background on the consultation process undertaken to develop the final draft Bass Coast SPP, including the consultation reports visit the Bass Coast Engage Victoria consultation page.

The Bellarine Peninsula is known for its coastal setting, rural hinterland, and artisan producers. Given its proximity to Geelong and Melbourne, it has long been a place to live and visit. Its excellent beaches and historic towns make it a popular tourist destination.

The Bellarine Peninsula SPP was prepared in collaboration with the Borough of Queenscliffe, Greater Geelong City Council, the Wadawurrung, and relevant government agencies and authorities. It includes a vision and integrated plan to guide land use, management, and development within the Bellarine Peninsula for the next 50 years.

Following extensive community feedback, the Bellarine Peninsula SPP for the declared area was endorsed by all responsible public entities and Ministers responsible for those entities. It was approved by the  Governor in Council and finalised in July 2023.

The Bellarine Peninsula SPP is operational and forms part of the Victoria Planning Provisions that guide Victoria's land use and development decision-making.

For more background on the consultation process undertaken to develop the final draft Bellarine SPP, including the consultation reports, visit the Bellarine Peninsula Engage Victoria consultation page.

The Surf Coast is renowned for its excellent beaches, coastal biodiversity, and a wealth of recreation and tourism opportunities. It is also the gateway to the Great Ocean Road, a national heritage site.

The Surf Coast SPP for the declared area was prepared in collaboration with the Wadawurrung, Surf Coast Shire, Greater Geelong City Council, relevant government agencies and authorities, and with significant input from communities and key stakeholders.

Following extensive community feedback, the Surf Coast SPP for the declared area was endorsed by all responsible public entities and Ministers responsible for those entities. It was approved by the Governor in Council and finalised in July 2023.

The Surf Coast SPP will help protect the area from urban development pressure, particularly in the Torquay-Jan Juc areas of the Surf Coast, and ensure that the area's environment, landscape, and lifestyle are preserved for future generations.

The Surf Coast SPP is operational and forms part of the Victoria Planning Provisions which  guide land use and development decision-making in Victoria.

For more background on the consultation process undertaken to develop the final draft Surf Coast SPP, including the consultation reports, visit the Surf Coast Engage Victoria consultation page.

The Macedon Ranges region is important for its strong environmental and cultural heritage values, which contribute to its unique character. It also produces some of the best food and wine in Victoria and has attractive tourist destinations such as Hanging Rock.

On 16 August 2018, the Macedon Ranges became the first area to be declared a Distinctive Area Landscape.  A Localised Planning Statement for the Macedon Ranges was publicly exhibited and received a significant community engagement response.

The Macedon Ranges Statement of Planning Policy (SPP) was prepared in partnership with Macedon Ranges Shire Council and the Traditional Owners of the Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung, and Wurundjeri peoples. This consultation satisfied the consultation requirements for a SPP under transition provisions for the Macedon Ranges in the Planning and Environment Act 1987.

The Macedon Ranges SPP was endorsed by all responsible public entities and Ministers responsible for those entities. It was approved by the Governor in Council and subsequently finalised in December 2019.

The Macedon Ranges SPP is operational and forms part of the Victoria Planning Provisions which  guide land use and development decision-making in Victoria.

Page last updated: 04/06/25

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