Phillip Island Conservation Society

The Phillip Island Conservation Society endorses the entitlement for citizens to participate in the planning process, which is set out in the Victorian Planning and Environment Act. The Society supports not only the right for citizens to contribute to planning issues, but believes individuals have a responsibility to do so.

This section of the website will be used from time to time to provide information on issues related to planning and conservation on Phillip Island.

Linfox Verdict | Planning Scheme Review |

Linfox — the verdict!

VCAT has just handed down its determination on the Linfox golf resort application for the south coast of Phillip Island. They have affirmed the decision of the Bass Coast Council to refuse the application.

The Conservation Society is pleased that VCAT has recognized the landscape importance of this coastal area, and the sensitivity of the coastline, as we do. This is a beautiful, wild section of coastline that is recognized by the National Trust and deserves to be protected.

VCAT's reasons for refusal included the following wording:

"In essence the group accommodation component is too big and too intrusive in the landscape, whilst the golf course is too close to the coast."

The Society has spent a tough three years fighting this case. We have been supported throughout by the legal expertise of Annette Jones at the Environment Defenders Office. Barristers Emily Porter and Jim McKenna generously donated their time and expertise.

But it was the determination of those community members who raised money, attended meetings, or stood up to speak at the various forums and the final hearing that inspired us to persevere. We congratulate the Bass Coast Council for the strong stand they took on this issue.

We encourage others who are passionate about their coastal environment to stand up and be counted where it matters. Our message is: "This is an Island worth conserving, not exploiting."

The article by Cameron Huston that appeared in The Age on 19 April 2008 reported the VCAT decision.

Marg Johnson, PICS Secretary

Planning Scheme Review

"Timing is all!"

There is a chance to tackle the core of many of our planning problems. Right now, Bass Coast Council are reviewing the Bass Coast Planning Scheme, and we the public actually have a chance to say something.

Well — having just sat through the Linfox VCAT appeal stage, where 95% of the legal debate centred on planning laws and regulations, it is ironic to say the least that we now have this chance. PICS, in the person of committee member Greg Johnson, is compiling a lengthy submission focusing on Tourism policy in particular. Funny that!

The closing date is Friday, March 21 but I am sure an extension of time could be negotiated.

Contact the Strategic Plan Co-ordinator at Bass Coast Shire Council, or go to the Council's website for details.

Marg Johnson

Home About Events Newsletter Issues Contact Links

Site Management: piconsoc@yahoo.com


	The Phillip Island Conservation Society endorses the entitlement for citizens to participate in the planning process, which is set out in the Victorian Planning and Environment Act. The Society supports not only the right for citizens to contribute to planning issues, but believes individuals have a responsibility to do so. This section of the website will be used from time to time to provide information on issues related to planning and conservation on Phillip Island. Linfox Verdict \| Planning Scheme Review \| Linfox — the verdict! VCAT has just handed down its determination on the Linfox golf resort application for the south coast of Phillip Island. They have affirmed the decision of the Bass Coast Council to refuse the application. The Conservation Society is pleased that VCAT has recognized the landscape importance of this coastal area, and the sensitivity of the coastline, as we do. This is a beautiful, wild section of coastline that is recognized by the National Trust and deserves to be protected. VCAT's reasons for refusal included the following wording: "In essence the group accommodation component is too big and too intrusive in the landscape, whilst the golf course is too close to the coast." The Society has spent a tough three years fighting this case. We have been supported throughout by the legal expertise of Annette Jones at the Environment Defenders Office. Barristers Emily Porter and Jim McKenna generously donated their time and expertise. But it was the determination of those community members who raised money, attended meetings, or stood up to speak at the various forums and the final hearing that inspired us to persevere. We congratulate the Bass Coast Council for the strong stand they took on this issue. We encourage others who are passionate about their coastal environment to stand up and be counted where it matters. Our message is: "This is an Island worth conserving, not exploiting." The article by Cameron Huston that appeared in The Age on 19 April 2008 reported the VCAT decision. Marg Johnson, PICS Secretary back to top Planning Scheme Review "Timing is all!" There is a chance to tackle the core of many of our planning problems. Right now, Bass Coast Council are reviewing the Bass Coast Planning Scheme, and we the public actually have a chance to say something. Well — having just sat through the Linfox VCAT appeal stage, where 95% of the legal debate centred on planning laws and regulations, it is ironic to say the least that we now have this chance. PICS, in the person of committee member Greg Johnson, is compiling a lengthy submission focusing on Tourism policy in particular. Funny that! The closing date is Friday, March 21 but I am sure an extension of time could be negotiated. Contact the Strategic Plan Co-ordinator at Bass Coast Shire Council, or go to the Council's website for details. Marg Johnson back to top













	Home About Events Newsletter Issues Contact Links

	© Phillip Island Conservation Society 2008
	Site Management: piconsoc@yahoo.com