GT Alliance in Torquay, Victoria | Community organisation

GT Alliance

Locality: Torquay, Victoria

Address: Gilbert Street 3228 Torquay, VIC, Australia

Website: http://www.greatertorquayalliance.org/

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24.01.2022 The Protect Spring Creek team is very pleased to have Swell Cafe supporting the campaign to protect the Spring Creek valley. If the community stands together we can do great things and shape Torquay into how we want it, not how those with vested interests want it! If you have a spare 5 minutes, please write a submission by January 22nd for Option 2 via www.protectspringcreek.org/learn-more This will fix the town boundary at Duffields Road and prevent urban development in the Spring Creek valley west of Duffields Road. It’s our opinion that the green coloured advertising is misinformation and you shouldn’t let it confuse you. And don’t forget to support your local businesses!

24.01.2022 Lets get this 5 Storey Hotel knocked on the head once and for all! This needs to be on the agenda of Council’s last meeting next Tuesday. After that they go into shut down because of the upcoming election, then the VCAT hearing has been confirmed for November. We received a letter from the Council late on Friday implying the Councillors aren’t planning on raising a motion to ask the Planning Minister to use his powers to reject the proposal. This is despite them voting unanim...ously against it last year! This current crop of Councillors will be responsible if this goes ahead at 5 storey’s with the RACV building will be used by the developer as a precedent at the VCAT hearing. It will be a dangerous precedent for the rest of Torquay & Jan Juc and this (along with the minimum garden area which VCAT ruled does not apply) is a trigger for the Minister to call it in under the VCAT Act. We have it on very good authority that the Minister is very unlikely to overrule the Council (who voted against it unanimously). Having the Council make the request is a key criteria for the Minister to call it in but they won’t ask him. We ask why? Can everyone please write to the Councillors requesting they write to the Minister asking that he call in the matter & refuse the application in it’s current form? A 3 storey development with complying setbacks, parking, noise controls and site coverage would be far more appropriate. Councillor’s email addresses are. Rose Hodge (Mayor): [email protected] Clive Goldworthy; [email protected] David Bell: [email protected] Martin Duke: [email protected] James McIntyre: [email protected] Brian McKiterick: [email protected] Tony Revell: [email protected] Margot Smith: [email protected] Heather Wellington: [email protected] Please also write to the Planning Minister Hon. Richard Wynne at [email protected] requesting that he call it in. Thanks to everyone that has written in so far. The councillors have received lots of emails about this but obviously they need more! Image by Surf Coast Times, Oct 2018 Damien Cole Darren Cheeseman MP Andy Meddick MP Stuart Grimley MP

24.01.2022 We did a presentation to GORRSAC today which is the state government panel assessing the proposed Winki Pop platform. The presentation outlined a lot of the reasons why the platform is not necessary and at the end we were asked what a good alternative to the platform would be. Our answer was to fix the cracks in the concrete footpath that are used as a reason for building the platform. The panel was a bit shocked at the simplicity of the answer!

23.01.2022 Don't Miss Out! You need to enrol by 4pm today to have your say in the upcoming council elections. You can enrol or change your details here

23.01.2022 BREAKING: The 5 storey hotel case was dismissed by VCAT today! Finally, after hearing the developer was struggling to fund their case, the bank wanting to sell the land and the vacant lots being sold, we have some clarity on what’s happening. The developer didn't respond to a deadline in December to advise if they could run their case and didn’t attend today's hearing so VCAT has dismissed the application with no further action to be taken. We also learned the developer is in administration. So, a happy day for Torquay because something like this would have been so grossly outside the bounds of the planning scheme. Well done to everyone who was involved in objecting to the proposal!

23.01.2022 For anyone wanting to write a submission on the Torquay - Juc Distinctive Area & Landscape, this page has some useful information https://www.protectspringcreek.org/comment-now it's a starting point but keep an eye on the website and Protect Spring Creek for more elements of the DAL to be fleshed out. If you're not sure what the DAL is, it's about establishing permanent legislated town boundaries for Torquay & Jan Juc along with building height and density limits. It's our big opportunity to prevent development of Spring Creek west of Duffields Road. And for your submission to count, don't copy & paste, write it in your own words.

22.01.2022 Just a reminder everyone, if you could please write to the councillors about this? They will be discussing it at their briefing session this Tuesday

22.01.2022 A great outcome for the community, by the community! Barnes Capital probably didn't 'bank' on having so much community opposition that delayed his plans. Go Torquay! Geelong Advertiser

21.01.2022 The Protect Spring Creek team is very pleased to have XTM Performance supporting the campaign to protect the Spring Creek valley. If the community stands together we can do great things and shape Torquay into how we want it, not how those with vested interests want it! If you have a spare 5 minutes, please write a submission by January 22nd for Option 2 via www.protectspringcreek.org/learn-more This will fix the town boundary at Duffields Road and prevent urban development in the Spring Creek valley west of Duffields Road. It’s our opinion that the green coloured advertising is misinformation and you shouldn’t let it confuse you. And don’t forget to support your local businesses!

21.01.2022 The Protect Spring Creek team is very pleased to have Torquay Gallery supporting the campaign to protect the Spring Creek valley. If the community stands together we can do great things and shape Torquay into how we want it, not how those with vested interests want it! If you have a spare 5 minutes, please write a submission by January 22nd for Option 2 via www.protectspringcreek.org/learn-more This will fix the town boundary at Duffields Road and prevent urban development in the Spring Creek valley west of Duffields Road. It’s our opinion that the green coloured advertising is misinformation and you shouldn’t let it confuse you. And don’t forget to support your local businesses!

20.01.2022 The Surf Coast Shire Council is working with World Surf League to push for a 60 metre ELEVATED WALKWAY along the track to Winki Pop. There are already ample viewing platforms at Winki Pop... why would you build another one that will destroy the viewscape along the Winki heathland? Please write, email, phone, fax the World Surf League and let them know what you think about these crazy plans. WSL Australia / Asia Ph: 61 7 5599 1550 Fax: 61 7 5599 3550 [email protected]

20.01.2022 A new message from communities at the west end of the Great Ocean Road, In a time of great uncertainty ... one thing the 12 Apostles Tourism and Business Group are certain they don’t want is the type of visitors that disrespect the environment, don’t stay long and don’t support local businesses, declares the statement announcing the new approach."

19.01.2022 C'mon Surf Coast Shire Council and DELWP BarwonSouthWest do the right thing. The World Surfing League have listened to community concerns about the planned elevated walkway at Winki Pop... why can't you?

19.01.2022 Bells... a special part of our coast with a special place in the culture and history of our town.

18.01.2022 It is fascinating to see experts representing the developers trying to justify development of Spring Creek. One of their current arguments is that the landscape values in Spring Creek are only of local significance. Not sure about that... Spring Creek Valley on its day provides a stunning vista that one could argue is of regional and state significance. Adding houses won't improve its viewscape!

16.01.2022 Fundraising is going well to raise money for our legal representative for the 5 storey hotel fight. We’re up to $3,700 on the Go Fund me plus there have been commitments of $11,000 made directly to 3228 RA. So we’re well on the way, now’s the time to chip in if you can to give it our best shot at VCAT. https://www.gofundme.com/f/surfcoastnotthegoldcoast This article from today’s Geelong Advertiser Please note, we are not against this development because it is a hotel, we are against this development in it's current form because of it's height. If a hotel was proposed on this site that complies with the planning scheme (ie 3 storeys on the car wash site and 2 storey on the residential land and complied with setbacks, site coverage and parking requirements etc. we would not object.

16.01.2022 We are stoked to announce that the World Surf League have listened to the community and withdrawn their support for the elevated pathway at Winki Pop. This is a... fantastic outcome for Winki Pop and the Bells Beach Surfing Reserve. The spotlight now falls on the Surf Coast Shire Council and DELWP BarwonSouthWest. Will they listen to the community or continue with their plans to destroy the viewscape along Winki Pop with this elevated pathway? See more

16.01.2022 Developers are frothing at the chance to get into Spring Creek with their bulldozers. For over 10 years our community has stood against the development of Spring Creek, west of Duffields Road. Our next council must show strong leadership in protecting 'the valley' enhancing its natural environment and protecting rural vistas.

14.01.2022 60 years ago Bells Beach was under threat from development. The surfing community came together to protect this special part of the coast and the Bells Beach Surfing Recreation Reserve was born. Sometimes it's okay to oppose development.... the community, environmental and economic benefits can be enormous.

14.01.2022 Today on ABC Radio and ABC News tonight, hear about the problems facing the Karaaf Wetlands on the eastern edge of Torquay. Expert evidence and a state government report in the DAL process state that these internationally significant wetlands are losing habitat because of urban runoff and will not be able to withstand any additional freshwater runoff from the hard surfaces that come with urban development. However, additional volumes of runoff are locked in because of future ...stages of upstream residential estates that are still to be constructed. This construction happens under an 11 year old stormwater management plan which is not based on ensuring no runoff into the wetlands, but instead allows urban runoff into the wetlands at a slower rate and with pollutants only partially treated. And to rub salt into the wound, runoff that has for many years been pumped into flower farm dam that failed last year, will now have to be discharged into the Karaaf Wetlands via The Sands resort as there is nowhere else to store it. Add to this problem the issue of stormwater treatment measures in the upstream estates being choked with sediment, weeds and litter, to the point that they have significantly lost their ability to treat stormwater, we have a cluster of significant issues that are presently impacting the Karaaf Wetlands, borne out by the present algal bloom and ingress of weeds.

13.01.2022 Spring Creek valley provides an important green belt between Torquay and Bellbrae. There is enormous community and environmental benefit in preserving this green zone for future generations to enjoy.

13.01.2022 Spring Creek and the Karaaf Wetland threats on ABC News last night. Starts at the 12 minute mark. https://iview.abc.net.au/video/NU2133V014S00

13.01.2022 Waiting for a coffee at Ocean Grind ? Why not have a chat to Pete from the team and he'll help you do your submission on Spring Creek while you wait, yep, it only takes a few minutes!

12.01.2022 There Is Still Time To Have Your Say! The consultation website is still open so if you haven’t done one yet there is still time to write a submission. The Torquay Jan Juc Comprehensive Plan 1996 says the decision regarding urban development to the west of Duffields Road, should not be automatic, but should only occur after a review of the overall and a review of community attitudes (at that time) about the desirability of development extending to the west of Duffields R...oad. It says nothing about finding out about what the developers want. Good planning is done with the aspirations of the community in mind, so tell the government planners what you think! Make a submission at https://engage.vic.gov.au/dalsac before website shuts down. You don't have to live in Torquay or Jan Juc and it can be as short and as simple as you like.

09.01.2022 So much talk about sustainable development and balancing environment with 'progress', but really, if it’s not good for the community, local ecologies and our livability and coastal character then it shouldn’t go ahead. Great to see Spring Creek and the Karaaf Wetlands getting the attention they deserve on ABC News

09.01.2022 Barnes Capital are hell bent on destroying Torquay's skyline with their 5 storey hotel in Bell Street. Our community are currently engaged in the DAL process which has seen very strong community support for a 3 storey height limit in Torquay across commercial zones. We invite Barnes Capital to respect the current height limits in the Planning Scheme (3 storey max) and the DAL process. Work with the community... not against them.

08.01.2022 Submissions close soon on Spring Creek and the DAL process! Writing a submission is easy and only takes a few minutes, it doesn’t need to be long or complicated and you don’t need to be a resident of Torquay or Jan Juc to take part. Head to the submissions page at https://engage.vic.gov.au/dalsac or go via the community information page www.protectspringcreek.org/learn-morewhich has a lot of ideas on what you could write about. Remember, it must be written in your own words. ... In addition to advocating for the town boundary at Duffields Road and preventing urban development in the Spring Creek valley, other issues worth considering in your submission are, 2 storey height limit in residential areas, 3 storey height limit in commercial areas, no increase building density within the town boundary, no development of the Torquay North East area (impacts upon the Karaaf Wetlands) no train line to Torquay, and landscapes and viewsheds from the water and surf zone to be included especially around Bells Beach and Winki Pop. Remember, your submission must be written in your own words. If it is copied from a website or from someone else’s submission it will not be counted. Message us on this page or email us at [email protected] if you have any questions

06.01.2022 We Need A Barrister! We are on the lookout for a planning and environment barrister experienced in planning panels who can represent us at the upcoming DAL hearings in March. If you or anyone you know fits that description please get in touch at [email protected] or send us a message on this page. We don’t have any funding at this stage so we are looking for someone local who may wish to do it pro bono.... We expect the Option 1 enthusiasts will have legal reps and expert witnesses to persuade the panel why urban development of the Spring Creek valley is a good thing, so we need to put up a good case to counteract that. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Please share this!

06.01.2022 Winki Pop already has 5 viewing platforms and areas. The shire want to build another that will destroy the coastal viewscape to keep the WSL happy. We think it is a stupid idea. Keep the Bells reserve natural!

04.01.2022 The last stage of consultation on the Torquay Town Boundaries started yesterday. "Save Spring Creek valley from the developers, not just for the next 5 or 10 years but for good. We have a never-to-be-repeated opportunity to succeed. We need your help. Go to the engage.vic.gov.au website and say "No to development west of Duffields Road".

04.01.2022 The Surf Coast needs environmental and planning policies with a clear priority on improving environmental outcomes NOT further bending our landscape and native wildlife towards profit driven developers.

04.01.2022 Hear The Candidates Speak. After the recent ward boundary changes, there are now residents in the 3228 postcode that are in the Anglesea and Winchelsea Wards, as well as the Torquay Ward. In the next few days the ballot packs will be sent out and we wanted to make sure all 3228 residents were able to see and hear the candidates speak.... 3228 RA have organised 2, Surf Coast Shire Council candidates’ forums using the zoom webinar platform. There is no need for the audience (attendees) to register. Depending on time we hope there will be the opportunity to ask questions after all the candidates have spoken. The combined Angelsea/ Winchelsea ward forum is on tomorrow night at 7.00pm and is expected to last 90 minutes. The Chairperson will be Damien Cole. The link to this forum is https://zoom.us/j/91486565857 The Torquay ward forum will be on Wednesday night (7th) at 7.00pm and expected to last 90 minutes. The Chairperson will be John Foss. The link to this forum is https://zoom.us/j/98349793288

04.01.2022 Congratulations to Libby Stapleton on becoming Mayor and Liz Pattison as deputy Mayor. With seven new Councillors we see a great opportunity for positive change within Council.

03.01.2022 With very little mention of Bellarine Yellow Gums in the DAL documents, we thought it timely to repost our video about them from 2018. We encourage the community of Torquay and Jan Juc to make submissions on the DAL in favour of Option 2. This option is about setting a permanent legislated Settlement Boundary at Duffields Road. In December last year protections for rare Bellarine Yellow Gums came into force. We have received emails from Surf Coast Shire sent to the developer...s explaining the situation and stating it will be very difficult to accommodate the new regulations, giving a figure of 30 to 50 hectares needing to be revegetated if they use the new laws. This is required as an ‘offset’ for the many Bellarine Yellow Gums that are earmarked for removal. What about altering the plan so that the trees can remain? We all know that you can’t replace the habitat that old growth provides with seedlings. See more

02.01.2022 Brilliant Work Torquay, 3159 Submissions! It’s been a massive effort by everyone involved, to all those who wrote submissions, helped with the campaign, made & put up signs, sporting the bumper stickers, sending us your ideas, attending events, letting your friends and family know, a massive well done! The submissions can be checked out here https://engage.vic.gov.au/dalsac/submissions But it’s not over yet, we still have panel hearings coming up and we still want to see heap...s of signs and bumper stickers during the hearings into April. And here’s an article in The Age yesterday

02.01.2022 The amount of support in the community to Protect Spring Creek from all the discussions we've had out the front of supermarkets, in shops and at events has been very heartening. Very few people have been against protecting Spring Creek! Now, submissions on Spring Creek and the DAL process closes on Friday 22nd January at 4pm. Have you got yours in yet? Writing a submission is easy and only takes a few minutes, it doesn’t need to be long or complicated and you don’t need to b...e a resident of Torquay or Jan Juc to take part. Head to the submissions page at https://engage.vic.gov.au/dalsac or go via the community information page www.protectspringcreek.org/learn-more which has a lot of ideas on what you could write about. Remember, it must be written in your own words. In addition to advocating for Option 2 with the town boundary at Duffields Road and preventing urban development in the Spring Creek valley, other issues worth considering in your submission are, 2 storey height limit in residential areas, 3 storey height limit in commercial areas, No increase building density within the town boundary, No development of the Torquay North East area (impacts upon the Karaaf Wetlands) No train line to Torquay, and Landscapes and viewsheds from the water and surf zone to be included especially around Bells Beach and Winki Pop. Remember, your submission must be written in your own words. If it is copied from a website or from someone else’s submission it will not be counted. Torquay - You've Got This! Message us on this page or email us at [email protected] if you have any questions

02.01.2022 This is probably our last chance to stop the 5 Storey hotel in Torquay. This letter from the Planning Minister's office indicates he is open to calling in the matter and making his own decision, which would be better than rolling the dice with VCAT in November. The Minister advises the Surf Coast Shire Council hasn’t asked him to call it in, but also that they believe it would be beneficial to the economy, despite the councillors unanimously voting against it! Please write to... the Surf Coast Councillors and request that they pass a motion at the next Council meeting requesting the Planning Minister to call it in. Here are the email addresses of the councillors, Rose Hodge Mayor: [email protected] Clive Goldworthy; [email protected] David Bell: [email protected] Martin Duke: [email protected] James McIntyre: [email protected] Brian McKiterick: [email protected] Tony Revell: [email protected] Margot Smith: [email protected] Heather Wellington: [email protected] Please share this far and wide! Darren Cheeseman MP Andy Meddick MP Stuart Grimley MP Surf Coast Times Geelong Advertiser The Age Geelong Indy

02.01.2022 3228 RA are compiling questions for an election candidate questionnaire and are seeking your input. What’s important to you? Fixing the planning scheme and preventing over development, Transparency and governance, Saving the Spring Creek valley, ... Representing the community rather than the developers, Protecting our environment, Preserving town character, Recruiting a CEO who facilitate the directions of the Councillors, Overhauling the Bells Beach Committee to stop proposals of unnecessary development in the Bells reserve, Calling for an impact study on the pressures of new residential areas in Torquay & surrounds and a study into the carrying capacity of the coast. Establish a register of meetings between Council officers and developers, Rates? Send your questions to [email protected] This image shows answers to some questions put to candidates in the 2016 election.

01.01.2022 Help us save the Surf Coast from turning into the Gold Coast! Stand with us as we stand up for Torquay by donating to our legal fight against the proposed 5 storey hotel in our coastal community, (and please share this widely). The proposed 5 storey hotel at 2-4 Geelong Rd, Torquay flies in the face of any concept of town character and shows a complete disregard for our community who call it home. It reeks of greed! This development, if approved by VCAT in November, will set ...a precedent for Torquay to become the Gold Coast of the south; The high-rise capital of the Surf Coast. We are not opposed to development on the site, a hotel that has a maximum of three storeys that fits the intent of the planning scheme could be appropriate. The proposed development is significantly higher than the current Planning Scheme and if permitted will be a flashing beacon to other developers that Torquay is now accepting high rise buildings. But we will not allow this to happen and we need your help to fight it! The council refused the permit for this development last year because it doesn’t comply with the Surf Coast Shire Planning Scheme. There were 11 grounds for refusal. The Greater Torquay Alliance (GTA) along with community members have since written to the Planning Minister, The Hon Richard Wynne, asking him to call this application in and knock it on the head. Sadly, our voices have not been heard and now the developer is going to VCAT. This issue is critical to the future of Torquay, so we are going to stand up to these developers and contest it at VCAT. This is an expensive process, it means employing legal representation who can challenge the legal team which Barnes Capital is bringing to the table.