Draft Alpine Shire Land Development Strategy out for consultation

Alpine Shire Council's draft Alpine Shire Land Development Strategy (LDS) is now out for consultation. 

Late last year, Council ran a number of workshops with Community Reference Groups and key stakeholders, as well as pop-ups at markets and a detailed survey for all community members.  

Alpine Shire Mayor, John Forsyth, said the draft LDS has been prepared to ensure population growth and change in our towns are managed in a way that preserves our valued historic, cultural, and natural landscapes for future generations, and contributes to the wellbeing and prosperity of our residents.  

"The draft LDS considers projected population growth, and future housing and employment needs, focusing particularly on the four towns already serviced with water and sewerage, being Bright, Mount Beauty/Tawonga South, Myrtleford and Porepunkah, which will accommodate the majority of the municipality’s future growth," he said. 

"It also acknowledges the constraints to growth including bushfire risk, flood prone land, and infrastructure and servicing needs." 

Cr Forsyth said the draft document highlights the key trends that have shifted demand for housing, and identifies key actions and objectives to deliver planning outcomes that are respectful of the unique character of Alpine Shire.  

"As detailed in the draft Strategy, there is a strong likelihood that there will be significant development in the area within the next two decades.” 

"Planning for future growth is essential, and the community holds valuable insight and understanding to help Council plan for the future," he said. 

“Accommodating population growth can be exciting, but we want to ensure the community has had every opportunity to share their views on what they want to see over the coming years." 

Cr Forsyth strongly encouraged anyone who wants to shape the future of the Shire and its four main towns to take this chance to have their say on the draft Strategy. 

"Whether you've already provided input, or you're yet to have a say, your views are important," he said. 

"Now is the time to have your say on whether the draft Strategy gets the balance right for our communities." 

Key findings from the draft LDS: 

The Alpine Shire population is projected to grow to 15,890 people by 2041, an increase of around 2,734 people in 20 years.  It is expected there will be a need for an additional 2,167 houses across the Shire to 2041 to accommodate growth.  75% of the expected demand for housing (1,625 homes) will be provided in urban areas.   There is currently capacity for 1,266 of the 1,625 homes needed by 2041 in areas already zoned for urban use.  Short term rental and vacant properties continue to put a significant strain on long term housing outcomes for local residents.  The Alpine Shire is significantly constrained by flooding, bushfire, topography and vegetation considerations with 92% of the Shire being public land.  Servicing constraints including North East Water’s capacity to provide potable water and accommodate wastewater treatment will continue to affect urban development in Bright, Mount Beauty/Tawonga South, Myrtleford and Porepunkah. 

To view the draft Strategy, head to Engage Alpine

Feedback on the draft Strategy can be submitted online at engage.alpineshire.vic.gov.au/lds, in writing to [email protected] or sent to PO Box 139, Bright, VIC 3741. 

Submissions close Friday, 15 December 2023.