THE state government has unveiled its “Economic Growth Statement” providing a “ten-year pipeline of industrial land” that includes reviewing the zoning of surplus port-zoned land at Hastings. The announcement promised a review of “up to 3,300 hectares at Altona North and Hastings – currently restricted under Special Use Zoning” and was part of sweeping reforms designed to stimulate the economy.
The Committee for Frankston and Mornington Peninsula told The News they are “encouraged” by the announcement and called on the government to act quickly. “Surplus port-related land should be made available for broader industrial and commercial uses to support local industry, encourage investment and create and retain local jobs alongside the establishment of the proposed Renewable Energy Terminal,” said the CEO of the Committee for Frankston and Mornington Peninsula, Josh Sinclair. “As of 2021, there were 43.3 hectares of vacant Industrial 3 and Commercial 2 zoned land within the Mornington Peninsula Shire.
“Based on current industrial land exhaustion rates, this supply is estimated to last 3.4–4.3 years. Additionally, 19.6 hectares of vacant Industrial 3 Zone land is subject to overlays that may delay development in the short term due to planning constraints. “This indicates that there may be as little as 1.9–2.4 years of remaining developable industrial land in the Mornington Peninsula Shire. Further consumption of industrial land since 2021 has exacerbated the already critical situation.”
The 2018 Port of Hastings Strategy identified 585 hectares as surplus to port needs and recommended those areas be investigated for industrial uses. “The committee urges local and state governments to act now in addressing these rezoning proposals to support local industry and retain jobs on the Mornington Peninsula,” said Sinclair.
The move to review the zoning of port-related land in Hastings follows the decision to build a container port at Bay West in Geelong, negating the need for vast land holdings for “port related purposes” in Hastings (Plan to ‘unlock’ port-protected land, The News 2/8/22). At the time, the state government set a two-year time limit on reviewing how much of the “port-related” land should be kept and how much “unlocked”.
Mayor Cr Anthony Marsh told The News “We welcome the news that the state government is reviewing surplus port land zoning for industrial development, but we also have broader aspirations for its use. Council has advocated for several years for some of this land to be used for new housing”. “We also seek clarity on how much of the 3,300 hectares is in Hastings and whether other uses are being considered. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver homes and jobs for the region. Of course, we must also ensure that Western Port Bay’s unique environment is fully protected.”
First published in the Mornington News – 17 December 2024
