Comment sought on DCP changes
Developers will have an opportunity to have their say on how Baw Baw Shire’s developer contribution plans can better deliver key infrastructure in Warragul and Drouin.
Council is seeking feedback from developers and community members about existing Developer Contribution Plans (DCP) for Warragul and Drouin as part of a review to bring them better into line with current needs.
The DCPs are aligned with Precinct Strcuture Plans (PSPs) for the two towns and are used to collect payments towards the provision of infrastructure triggered by new development.
The payments received assist with the cost of providing roads, drainage, open space and community infrastructure required to accommodate the needs of a growing population.
The aim is for DCP contributions to offset the contribution from rate revenue.
Each developer within the PSP area is required to contribute financially to the DCP, according to the amount of land they are developing.
A report to council said the two DCPs for Warragul and Drouin had presented challenges to council and developers which had impacted the delivery of infrastructure.
Mesh Planning was engaged to review the DCPs. A review of the 2014 PSPs also is being undertaken concurrently with the DCP review.
Ultimately, officers said, the review aims to improve the affordability of the plans; provide revised funding costs to address funding gaps; update DCP rate; update land budgets; update project costs; and rectify errors.
Mayor Danny Goss said the review would assist council to better capture the infrastructure needs that go along with housing developments in Drouin and Warragul.
Cr Joe Gauci said the DCP provided surety around costs and precinct structure plans.
He said developer contributions were supposed to be reviewed on an annual basis and this review had taken five years.
“The surety is not quite there. We need developers to come on board and give us ideas as well as how they get paid because the DCP is about getting top class infrastructure in our subdivisions,” he said.
Cr Keith Cook said the DCP benefitted the developers, council and the community.
“Costs have changed and the way things are done has changed but the DCP is the same.
“Hopefully with this update we can change the way we do things,” he said.
The report to council said the Warragul and Drouin DCPs were no longer suitable to meet the demands of the shire’s growing development landscape.
“As a result, they are having a non-optimal effect on the delivery of infrastructure and assessment of planning applications in the Warragul and Drouin PSP areas,” the report said.
Developers and residents are encouraged to provide feedback on the Mesh Consulting recommendations using a short online survey available at www.bawbawshire.vic.gov.au/ HaveYourSay
Feedback closes on Friday, June 5.
Any changes to the DCPs will require a full planning scheme amendment which will be subject to council approval and the amendment approval process, including further public exhibition.
Drouin immunisation sessions are moving to Bellbird Park Indoor Centre.
Due to a sudden increase in demand, the current venue of the Drouin Library meeting room is no longer big enough to provide the immunisation service to families whilst maintaining required social distancing measures.
The next immunisation session in Drouin will be held on Monday, June 1 from 9.30am to 11am.
Baw Baw Shire also has sessions at the Warragul Senior Citizens Hall and Community Service Centre in Trafalgar.
To see the full upcoming schedule, bawbawshire.vic.gov.au. visit
An inaugural youth film festival is sparking student creativity during self-isolation.
The Spark Youth Film Festival is encouraging anyone aged 10 to 18 years in Baw Baw Shire to create a short film to enter.
Head of the festival committee Sarah Hurwood said they had an entire promotion and school tour organised to promote the first Spark Youth Film Festival. However, plans had been thrown out the window with COVID-19 restrictions.
Now the festival’s tagline is aptly “Quarantine Create” as the committee encourage youth to explore their passion for art and film whilst self-isolating at home.
“We really think there are a lot of creatives in Gippsland looking for some outlet,” said Ms Hurwood on the decision not to cancel the event and embrace the current situation.
The film festival committee includes Sarah Hurwood from Wonderment Films, Bek Vandyk from Arts and Health Gippsland and Katie Lee from Lavalla Catholic College. The three are passionate about supporting local youth with a passion for art and film.
“I grew up in the area, and as a film student myself, I found that there weren’t many opportunities beyond school to follow these pursuits in Gippsland,” said Ms Hurwood. “There is so much talent in the region, so we wanted to create a space for the students to have their work shown and appreciated.”
Students with all levels of experience are encouraged to apply, with prizes for first and runner-up in each age category. These prizes are sponsored by the Baw Baw Shire Council and FReeZA Springboard.
Entrants do not need access to high-quality or specialised gear; they can use whatever they have available including phones, webcams, digital cameras or video cameras. The film must not be longer than five minutes.
“I hope that youth gain a sense of inclusivity from participating in the Spark Film Festival,” added Ms Hurwood. “We wish to encourage anyone, aged 10 to 18, to follow their passion and create something they can be proud of.” Applications close on Wednesday, May 27. Winners will be announced on Wednesday, May 3 and will have the option to choose from a pool of prizes.
The film festival committee aim to hold a showcase in which all work will be displayed and celebrated after the lifting of restrictions.
For information, creative ideas and to submit a short film, see Facebook and Instagram @sparkyouthfilmfestival, or contact Sarah Hurwood at sparkyouthfilmfestival@ gmail.com or 0418 658 754.