NEW GOV’T PLAN FOR ALCOA SITE
THE State Government hopes a new plan for Anglesea’s Alcoa site will protect the area from urban development.
Environment minister Lily D’Ambrosio yesterday released a land use framework for the site, following three years of community feedback.
Ms D’Ambrosio said existing town boundaries would remain under the framework, while new areas would be opened up to the public for the first time in 50 years.
She said a range of improvements were also in the pipeline, including better infrastructure, facilities, trails, and opportunities for eco and adventure tourism.
“The new framework will maintain the natural beauty of this area and open it up for future generations to enjoy and explore,” she said.
One of the more contentious issues — the existing Anglesea bike park — re- mains up in the air, with Surf Coast Shire continuing to discuss future site options.
Anglesea resident and campaigner Andrew Laird said he had identified several concerns in his first read of the 100-page document.
“The changes to Area 10 away from urban type residential development are welcome but disappointingly the Final Plan still sits on the fence re. the future of the much-loved community bike park,” he said.
“Anglesea is a small coastal community sur- rounded by National Park with an economy that depends on that environment. It is not and should never be a vulgar theme park type destination.”
He also noted that the report failed to mention plans for the “smoke stack”, saying it needed immediate demolition.
Community drop-in sessions will be held in the coming weeks to answer questions on the framework.
For more information, visit engage.vic.gov.au/angleseafutures