Grant District Council has revealed measured future growth scenarios in a draft Strategic Land Use Priorities Project document and is now inviting community feedback.
With the assistance of town and country planning consultants MasterPlan, hypothetical growth scenarios have been generated indicating where and how a significant population increase could be accommodated in relation to residential living and industrial areas.
Council’s chief executive Darryl Whicker said initial engagement with key industry stakeholders over the last 12 months had helped align modelling with industry needs.
“This work provides growth opportunities for our district by proposing zoning amendments,” h e said.
“The Strategic Land Use Priorities Project’s purpose is to identify future residential and industrial growth areas within the district. It also outlines how council may accommodate future growth without impacting the existing character of townships and protecting valuable agricultural land.
“Council now presents a document for consultation which considers the needs of our district now and into the future. Council is seeking feedback from all segments of our community and stakeholders with a keen interest.
“It should be noted that this work does not guarantee that a significant population increase will occur, however should growth occur it in the future, council will be in a comfortable position to prepare appropriately.”
Mayor Kylie Boston said the Strategic Land Use Priorities Project will allow council to advocate for planning policy zoning amendments.
“This process is exciting as the intention is for this project to influence the Limestone Coast Regional Plan being created by the State Planning Commission,” she said.
“That’s an important document which will give a long-term vision for our region as a whole and guide land use planning over a 15 to 30 year period.
“Though no Regional Plan engagement dates have been announced, we want to ensure Grant District Council is at the forefront of discussions.”
For more information about the Strategic Land Use Priorities Project, visit council’s online community engagement platform Your Say DCG at yoursaydcg.com.au
Hard copy documents can be reviewed at council’s Principal Office at 324 Commercial Street West, Mount Gambier and the Port MacDonnell Community Complex at 5-7 Charles Street, Port MacDonnell.
Feedback will be accepted until April 29.
