LOCAL COMMUNITIES & ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS CAMPAIGNING FOR THE PRESERVATION OF THE MORNINGTON PENINSULA GREEN WEDGE
Melbourne’s Green Wedges are of incalculable value,
yet they are being tragically and rapidly diminished by inappropriate development
Every year, thousands of planning applications are lodged with the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council. Many of these fall within the Mornington Peninsula Green Wedge. Representing 70% of the total Peninsula, the Green Wedge is subject to overlays, policies and legislation, supposedly designed to protect it.
Regrettably, many of these government directives are inadequate and provide loopholes which are exploited. Without tight, visionary legislation, inappropriate planning applications are approved and our Green Wedges are succumbing to over-development and urbanisation.
community action can drive the changes we need to preserve the precious landscape beyond the Urban Growth Boundary
YOUR GREEN WEDGE NEEDS YOU
We urge you to join us and the many communities who are campaigning to save the Mornington Peninsula Green Wedge from destruction. There is much to be done and your contribution, large or small, brings us one step closer to preserving our landscape for the wellbeing of our communities, our environment and for future generations.
STEP 1
The power of our collective voices can create dynamic and meaningful change. Please sign our petition to Save the Green Wedge.
STEP 2
Curbing inappropriate development will happen by opposing each individual application as it is lodged. View our directory and please .....
the importance of green wedges
The preservation of our Green Wedges is vital to the environment, our economy and our wellbeing.
Rich in significant natural features and assets, our Green Wedges provide crucial green breaks between the ever-intensifying urban development corridors.Comprising unique landscapes, natural bush and fertile agricultural land and more, they deliver essential environmental, cultural, health and economic benefits to Victorians and visitors alike.For more information please visit Peninsula Green Wedge Protection Group
the role of PLANNING APPLICATION WATCH
Our Green Wedges are in rapid decline
Many different groups are working to protect and preserve our unique landscape from inappropriate developments, activities and events.There is a an urgent need for these groups to connect, combine knowledge and resources, and to drive policy change that will secure permanent Green Wedge protection.
Planning Application Watch delivers a platform for community collaboration.
By providing a platform for individuals and groups who wish to oppose inappropriate developments and activities, we are able to provide a directory of concerning planning applications.Each submission comprises a brief outline of the application, a list of concerns, plus links to additional information, resources, group co-ordinators and ways to take action.This is particularly helpful for new community groups navigating the often confusing process of opposing an application.
TOGETHR WE CAN STOP THIS DESTRUCTION
Joining forces on Planning Application Watch creates a one-stop-shop for viewing applications of concern.By working together, support is available from other groups facing similar challenges, campaigns can be organised to have more impact, public awareness increases and achieving support from the wider community is made easier.Planning Application Watch connects not only those who are campaigning against a particular application but those who are advocating for the protection of our Green Wedge as a whole.Our showcase of applications will highlight the variety and increasing volume of potential developments that threaten our Green Wedge and provide clear direction on how to take action.
If you are wanting to find out more or oppose a specific planning application, please go to the WATCH list.
If there is a planning application that concerns you and you would like to lodge it with us, please click here for more information.
WHAT CONSTITUTES AN INAPPROPRIATE PLANNING APPLICATION?
Many applications are lodged that contravene current Green Wedge policy or are clearly not aligned with the original Green Wedge vision. They are fairly easy to identify.Applications for developments that degrade the environment, endanger wildlife, devastate habitat, destroy amenity, irrecoverably alter the character of a location or promote intensive, non-urban land use need to be thoroughly questioned.Many of these applications are better suited to an urban environment. However, land prices in Green Wedge zones provide an attractive alternative for organisations and developers. The loss of our Green Wedge is a high price to pay for convenience and a cheaper development opportunity.
Do you wish to notify us of a potentially inappropriate development, activity or event? Please use the link below.
SOME PROBLEMS WITH CURRENT LEGISLATION
GREEN WEDGE LEGISLATION
In March 2024 the Minister for Planning released the Green Wedge Action Plan.On page 6, the Minister states: "Our precious Green Wedges and peri-urban areas are facing increasing pressure from over development. They are at risk of irreversible change – once they’re gone, they’re gone forever. That’s why we are taking steps to protect our Green Wedges and agricultural land by introducing stronger planning controls. This action plan contains 20 actions which will be implemented in the next three years".Upon review of the action plan, the previously raised concerns regarding exemptions for inappropriate use of the Green Wedge for places of worship and large-scale tourism have NOT been addressed. Exemptions will continue to be granted and further erosion of the Green Wedge will take place.
The Green Wedges Coalition has been working tirelessly to bring about legislative reform. Please visit their website to find out how you can help.
BUSHFIRE PLANNING CHANGES
Mornington Peninsula Council are seeking a review of the Bushfire planning strategy.In its current state, areas zoned as Bushfire Management overlay (BMO) have allowed complete removal of vegetation and tree canopy within the required distance. This has led to significant habitat loss. The Council are looking to refine the strategy to stop this blanket vegetation removal approach. - Please Refer to 52.2 Mornington Peninsula Planning Scheme (MPPS)
The Council is seeking a community response to assist with their submission to the Minister of Planning, The Hon. Sonya Kilkenny. Please visit the MPSC Website to have your say.
APPROVAL OF EVENTS
Requests for large scale events can be approved by council with limited assessment of the impacts upon environment and wildlife. This process has caused community concern and widespread backlash, e.g. The Briars Harry Potter event. Event assessment and approval processes require urgent review.
Please write to the Mayor, Councillor Simon Brooks to express your concerns.
Government and communities must work together to retain our Green Wedges for NON-URBAN purposes.
We urge you to join us in opposing each application that threatens our Green Wedge.
APPLICATION WATCH LIST
PLANNING APPLICATIONS OF CONCERN
What is a "planning application of concern"?
Community and environmental groups across the Mornington Peninsula are opposing individual planning applications which are not in line with Green Wedge policy nor the original Green Wedge Vision.Some of these campaigns are are listed here.
PEARCEDALE
LARGE-SCALE
PLACE OF WORSHIP
ACTION REQUIRED
BONEO
ACCOMODATION
& ACTION SPORTS
decision pending
FINGAL
367% INCREASE IN CAR PARKING
ACTION REQUIRED
MOUNT MARTHA
THE BRIARS
SOUND & LIGHT EVENT
INADEQUATE RESOLUTION
LOCATION
DO YOU HAVE AN APPLICATION TO SHARE?
INFORMATION REQUIRED
LOCATION
DO YOU HAVE AN APPLICATION TO SHARE?
INFORMATION REQUIRED
View currently advertised Planning Applications and associated documents at Mornington Peninsula Shire - Planning Application Search.
Do you know of a planning application within the Mornington Peninsula that is of community concern? If you would like to bring this application to the attention of the wider public, please use the contact form provided.
DISCLAIMER
Planning Application Watch is a platform whereby local communities and environmental groups can spread awareness about a planning application they are campaigning against. Information about each application is supplied by the campaigning group and, whilst due diligence is undertaken, Planning Application Watch takes no responsibility for the accuracy of content and does not necessarily endorse the views of the campaigning group nor the content supplied.
This page was last updated on 8 July 2024
PEARCEDALE
PLACE OF WORSHIP
URGENT COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE REQUIRED
OPPOSITION CO-ORDINATOR:
PENINSULA GREEN WEDGE PROTECTION GROUP
1915 DANDENONG-HASTINGS ROAD, PEARCEDALE
APPLICATION # P21/3507
status
7 WEEKS UNTIL VCAT
DONATIONS REQUIRED TO FUND LEGAL REPRESENTATION
Following significant community backlash and over 300 objections, Mornington Peninsula Council unanimously rejected this proposal in October 2023. A final decision will be reached at a VCAT hearing scheduled for September 2024.
APPLICATION OVERVIEW
The applicant proposes to construct a large place of worship on 10-acres of environmentally classified Green Wedge land. The development comprises multiple structures including an extensive podium with temple and prayer rooms, a double story food hall, bathing pool, 22 toilets, light and bell towers and parking for 60 cars.
The above image was sourced from a You Tube 3D Walkthrough of the proposed development. Below are images of the actual site.
CONCERNS
• Clearing of native vegetation and loss of wildlife habitat. This block has a high level of biodiversity and carries Environmental Significance Overlays.• Runoff concerns due to high intensity land use: site falls within the catchment area of the RAMASR listed Yaringa Marine National Park.• Size and scale of build would irreversibly destroy the character and amenity of the area.• Noise and light pollution from activities conducted at the site would negatively impact wildlife, residents and stock.• Significant increase in traffic causing noise, light, fumes, congestion and safety issues.
how can you help?
The Peninsula Green Wedge Protection Group will be attending VCAT in September 2024 to oppose this development. We urgently need donations to fund legal representation. This is the first application of it's type in the Mornington Peninsula Green Wedge. If approved, it will not be the last.
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK
SIGN OUR PETITION
DONATE
TODAY
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM
The Mornington Peninsula is a beautiful place! Follow us on Instagram to see what our amazing Green Wedge has to offer!
MEDIA
BACK TO WATCH LIST
BONEO
ACCOMODATION & ACTION SPORTS
OPPOSITION CO-ORDINATOR:CONTACT US
application # P04/0289.03*
Source: Google Earth
THE RANCH. 810 BONEO ROAD, BONEO
status
OBJECTION WINDOW HAS CLOSED
AWAITING COUNCIL DECISION*P04/0289.03 Original Planning Application for 60 caravan sites. Please contact MPSC for current application #.
APPLICATION OVERVIEW
The applicant seeks to develop a world-class mountain boarding / mountain biking facility, indoor and outdoor skateboarding facilities, wakeboarding lake with electric cable system, snowboarding facility, dry slope airbag training facilitator plus provisions for various other action sports.Accommodation (50 cabins) and 397 car park spaces are planned for this 80-hectare property which is set within an idyllic Morning Peninsula landscape of rolling green hills and Coastal Moonah Woodland.
CONCERNS
• Size and scale of the proposed development and volume of attendees.• Noise and light spillage from venue.• Significant increase in traffic to area and especially on Boneo Road, which is a small rural road.• Proximity to Greens Bush reserve - the largest remnant National Park bushland on the Mornington Peninsula containing extensive flora and fauna. Concerns include impact to Koalas, Eastern Grey Kangaroos and birdlife.• Disruption to the ongoing establishment of the Greens Bush to Arthur's Seat Biolink. This essential project aims to restore connectivity between areas of remnant vegetation via revegetation, invasive weed management and vegetation protection to benefit numerous threatened fauna including Powerful Owls and Swamp Skinks.
how can you help?
No action required at this stage.
BACK TO WATCH LIST
FINGAL
CARPARK EXTENSION
OPPOSITION CO-ORDINATOR:
CONTACT US
Source: Google Earth
PENINSULA HOT SPRINGS. 170 DEVONPORT DRIVE, FINGAL
APPLICATION # P23/2107
status
OBJECTIONS URGENTLY REQUIRED
APPLICATION OVERVIEW
The applicant seeks to extend the existing carpark from 184 spaces to 852 spaces.This “Overflow Car park Extension” Permit is a ‘back door entry’ for The Peninsula Hot Springs to reapply for their Festival and Concert Permit (P22/1910) which has temporarily been withdrawn.
CONCERNS
• Extending the Urban Growth Boundary into the Green Wedge.• Impact to wildlife due to the significant amount of indigenous vegetation and habitat areas. This area is well populated by native fauna, including microbats, owls and terrestrial animals, which would be adversely affected by further noise and light pollution.• Significant increase in traffic on Springs Lane, resulting in difficulties entering and exiting properties and concerns regarding emergency vehicle access. Entry onto Brown’s Road has already become dangerously congested.• Impact to amenity if regular festivals are held at the site.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Objections should be submitted as soon as possible to meet council deadlines.
Submitting an objection is not difficult but there a few guidelines to follow which will make it easier. Click here for more information.
BACK TO WATCH LIST
MOUNT MARTHA
SOUND & LIGHT EVENT
OPPOSITION CO-ORDINATOR:
SAVE THE BRIARS SANCTUARY
Image: supplied
450 NEPEAN HWY, MOUNT MARTHA
status
EVENT IN PROGRESS.
APPROVAL PROCESSES REQUIRES INVESTIGATION
EVENT OVERVIEW
In August 2023, councillors voted to approve a Harry Potter: Forbidden Forest Experience event to run for three months from April 2024 in The Briars fenced wildlife sanctuary. This light and sound show spectacular was to be a 2km walk through the heart of the protected sanctuary. Public information advised that up to 3,000 ticket holders would traipse through the sanctuary from dusk until 11pm each day.Due to significant community and wildlife group pressure and bad publicity, the event company - Warner Bros Discovery Global Themed Entertainment – decided to relocate the event to another location within The Briars property.
ONGOING CONCERNS
Significant concerns have been raised regarding the approval process and roll out of an event which could have disastrous impacts to wildlife. There are lessons to be learnt about how the approval process for events of this scale and type could be improved to avoid this happening in the future.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Over 22,000 wonderful members of the community have signed the Save The Briars petition, requesting that the location be changed. This huge show of support reflects the outrage felt by those by who care for our environment and wildlife, and understand the detrimental impact of events such as this.
Please check out the Save Briars Sanctuary website and stay in touch via the Facebook page.
MEDIA
BACK TO WATCH LIST
LOCATION
WHAT
OPPOSITION CO-ORDINATOR:
SAVE THE BRIARS SANCTUARY
THE RANCH. 810 BONEO ROAD, BONEO
EVENT IN PROGRESS.
APPROVAL PROCESSES REQUIRES FURTHER DISCUSSION.
EVENT OVERVIEW
how can you help?
tips for lodging an objection
THE PROCESS
MPSC has specific requirements that must be adhered to when lodging an objection. These, and additional information, can be found on their website on the 'lodge an objection' page. Please read them.Here is a brief summary of the process:
1) Objections can be lodged online via the council’s website or via regular mail.2) Have the application number handy.3) All objections will be given to the applicant.4) Objections will require your name and address, but that information will not be supplied to the applicant.5 Keep your objections relevant to the application and keep them factual.6) Short and to the point is preferred by Council.7) Where possible, your objections should be relevant to YOU, i.e. how that application will affect you personally (traffic / noise / loss of amenity / environmental concerns etc).8) After you have lodged your objection you will receive an email confirmation of your successful lodgement. You won't receive a copy of your objection so make a copy before you send it.9) You may add to your objection any time until closing date. You may wish to add something that you have just thought of or remembered, or, if additional information or revised plans become available you can add to your objection based on those.10) No matter how many separate objections you lodge, it is only counted as one objection when council tallies the number of total objections.
SOME OBJECTION EXAMPLES
Here are a few objection points that may be relevant to your campaign:• Inappropriate urban use of Green Wedge land.• Non-conformance to the Mornington Peninsula Planning Scheme.• Noise and light spillage – traffic / music / festivals / car parking etc.• Traffic congestion.• Intensity of land use.• Visitor or patron numbers exceeding policy guidelines.• Breech of Environmental Significance overlays.• Severe effects on flora and fauna at proposed site.• Loss of habitat.• Precedence – will approval of this application pave the way for more of this type?• Loss of amenity.• Is the character of the proposed development / event at odds with the surrounding area?• Safety issues e.g. bushfire management, traffic, evacuation etc.
GROUPS AND RESOURCES
LOCAL COMMUNITIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE FOR MELBOURNE'S GREEN WEDGES
"160 community & environment groups across Melbourne have formed a coalition to protect Melbourne's green wedges. We regard maintaining the green wedges for future generations as a yardstick for our generation's commitment to developing a sustainable city in a sustainable world". (Extract from website)
PENINSULA GREEN WEDGE PROTECTION GROUP
"Peninsula Green Wedge Protection Group supports and advocates for the preservation of our natural landscape, wildlife, wildlife habitat, agriculture, agritourism, appropriate industry and rural amenity. We align our values with the Green Wedges Coalition who advocate for the permanent protection of Melbourne’s Green Wedges. Planning Application Watch is a PGWPG initiative established to provide an overview of concerning planning applications and to unite like-minded community groups across the Mornington Peninsula".
"The Mornington Peninsula and Western Port Biosphere Reserve is part of UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves. It is one of only five Biosphere Reserves in Australia. Established in 2003 the not-for-profit Mornington Peninsula and Western Port Biosphere Reserve Foundation has worked with the community to create a sustainable future for Western Port – environmentally, socially, and economically". (Extract from website)
Southern Peninsula Indigenous Flora and Fauna
"We promote a scientific approach to biodiversity conservation and support the preservation of existing habitat and the systematic restoration of environmental values, habitat and biodiversity on both public and private lands through encouraging consultation and providing information, education and training". (Extract from website)
"We are an influential voice for the Victorian landcare movement, supporting landcare communities to achieve integrated sustainable agriculture and environmental outcomes". (Extract from website)
SOUTH WEST MORNINGTON PENINSULA LANDCARE
(SWaMP)
"Informing, educating and inspiring our local community on environmental, conservation, heritage, cultural, indigenous and best practice sustainable land management issues". (Extract from website)
"A proactive community group protecting the values and fragility of the Westernport Bay".
Westernport Peninsula Protection Council
"Established for 50 years, WPPC are long term activists in protecting Westernport Bay and surrounds".
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Planning Application Watch acknowledges the Bunurong / Boon Wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation, the Traditional Custodians of the land and waters on which we live. We recognise their continuous connection to culture, community and country, and we pay respect to their Elders past, present and future.
Contact
If you wish to contact us, please use the contact form below and we will reply as soon a possible.If you would like us to add a planning application of concern to this website please ensure that your message includes the address and a brief description of the proposed development or event, the planning application number, your major concern/s and your phone number, so we can contact you for more details.Before filling out this form, please read the POLICY page for more information about what may constitute an inappropriate application.
PLANNING APPLICATION WATCHforPENINSULA GREEN WEDGE PROTECTION GROUP
Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia