Gippsland › Latest news › Bass Coast Local News
RACV Inverloch Resort extension approved pending climate change-induced sea level rise and flood risk management
West Gippsland Catchment Authority flood risk concerns must be addressed. The $13.66m development includes accommodation, car spaces, and a wedding deck.
RACV Inverloch Resort extension can go ahead if they fix flooding risk. Bass Coast Shire Council today voted to approve a planning application to extend RACV Inverloch Resort subject to the RACV satisfying the local catchment management authority that the risk of climate change-induced sea level rises and flooding can be managed safely. The West Gippsland Catchment Authority objected to the proposed $13.66m development to build an extra 44 accommodation rooms and 39 extra car spaces at the site at 70 Cape Paterson-Inverloch Rd.
The $13.66M plan for 44 rooms, 39 car spaces, villa relocation, and a new wedding deck faced objections from West Gippsland Catchment Authority
Tourism expansion awaits
The development includes the relocation of an existing villa and the construction of a new wedding deck with views to Bass Coast. Council said the development could go ahead if the RACV can convince the West Gippsland Catchment Authority the plans address its concerns around the flooding risk.
Bass Coast Shire Council Mayor Cr Michael Whelan said council supports more tourism development in Bass Coast such as RACV Resort's extension to help boost the economy and local job numbers. But Cr Whelan said the planning framework has highlighted the lack of clarity that currently exists for landholders and developers seeking to build on the coast due to the confusion around coastal flooding rules," Cr Whelan said.
Cr Whelan said the council has been strongly advocating for urgent intervention by the state government to clarify climate change-induced coastal inundation planning. "The planning rules in flood-prone areas require an all-of-state approach," he said.
Risk hinders development
Current Victorian government policy recommends that coastal communities should plan for an average anticipated sea level rise of at least 0.8m by the year 2100. The RACV development was required to be assessed on the risk of a 1-in-100-year flooding event. The West Gippsland Catchment Authority advised that the development would "increase the amount of people and property exposed to the flood hazard" because the plans do not allow safe vehicle evacuation from the site during a flood event.
"The proposal relies on a low-level access without an alternative ingress/egress point, which in a major flooding event would present unsafe conditions for visitors, vehicles and emergency services personnel," the authority warned.
The proposed development was "not consistent with the Municipal Planning Strategy, which seeks to protect life, health, safety, and community wellbeing from environmental hazards and ensure development does not increase the risk of an environmental hazard".
Pictures from Google Maps.
Source: www.gippsland.com
Published by: news@gippsland.com
Latest News
Baw Baw Shire Council welcomes Victorian government grants aiding Noojee transition from timber harvestingDarren Chester calls for stop to rural health merger citing risks to Gippsland services due to lack of consultation, secrecy and autonomy loss
Nicholson Primary School students get chance to discuss Parliament while receiving certificates from Darren Chester
Russell Broadbent urges government budget accountability to alleviate cost-of-living pressure to tackle inflation and alleviate cost-of-living pressures following the Reserve Bank decision
Senators to reject Fresh food tax after report reveals lack of clarity and adverse impact on farmers and families
Baw Baw Shire Council continues advocacy for key unfunded projects despite limited aid from 2024/25 Victorian State Budget
APS Drainage and Civil selected for culvert relining on Loch-Kernot Road in Bass Coast Shire from 13 May 2024 with $750,000 budget
Inspections identify maintenance needs for Cypress trees in San Remo as part of pioneering Bass Coast Urban Forest Strategy
Feedback wanted on draft Master Plan for Alex Goudie Native Park in Drouin by 2 June 2024
Victorian government budget supports safer regional roads with $11.5M for Princes Highway East and $10.7M for Sale Alternative Truck Route upgrades