The Andrews Labor Government has released a new plan to protect the former Alcoa coal mine and power station site in Anglesea from Matthew Guy and his push to turn Victoria’s Surf Coast into the Gold Coast.

Minister for Environment Lily D’Ambrosio today released a Land Use Framework that lays out a future for the site free from urban development, without any change to township boundaries.

The framework also incorporates Anglesea Heath into the Great Otway National Park, ensuring it continues to be a beautiful part of Victoria’s natural heritage for generations to come.

Under the new framework, new areas will be opened up to the public for the first time in 50 years – with better infrastructure, facilities and trails, and opportunities for eco and adventure tourism to support jobs in the future.

The Messmate Track will only be accessible for emergency, utility services access and park management purposes.  Parks Victoria will install barriers as part of the works to realign Coalmine Road.

Surf Coast Shire Council is currently consulting with stakeholders on future options for the bike park, but the Labor Government supports retaining a bike park in the area and will provide an alternate site if needed.

The framework is the product of three years of community engagement on rehabilitation, management and future land use options. It does not rezone or approve any development on the land.

The Framework complements the recent announcement that a re-elected Andrews Labor Government will declare both the Surf Coast and Bellarine Peninsula a Distinctive Area and Landscape under the Planning and Environment Act – enshrining planning protection this beautiful part of Victoria in law.

Community drop-in sessions will be held in the coming weeks to answer questions on the Framework. For more information and to view the Framework in full, visit engage.vic.gov.au/angleseafutures.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“We want to protect his beautiful area from Matthew Guy and the out-of-control-development he wants to see here and across regional Victoria.”   

“The new framework will maintain the natural beauty of this area and open it up for future generations to enjoy and explore.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Planning Richard Wynne

“We won’t let Matthew Guy turn the Surf Coast into the Gold Coast – that’s why we’ve set out this long term plan for this site and will legislate planning protection for the Bellarine and Surf Coast if re-elected.”