The East of Aberline precinct covers 407ha between Wangoom Road to the north, Dales Road to the south, Aberline Road to the west, and Horne Road to the east. This residential growth area is expected to provide approximately 4,000-4,500 homes to accommodate a population of more than 12,000 people. It will also provide community facilities, local parks, and potentially new schools.
This precinct is planned to be a sustainable, vibrant, green and resilient community that respects the cultural values of the Peek Whurrong and Kirrae Whurrung people of the Eastern Maar Nations.
The precinct will become a diverse, inclusive residential community with higher-density development near shops and parks to encourage walking and cycling. Co-located community, recreation and education facilities within a Civic Precinct and a proposed Neighbourhood Activity Centre are key features of the PSP.
The Victorian Planning Authority (VPA) has been appointed by the Minister for Planning as the Planning Authority for the East of Aberline Precinct Structure Plan (PSP). The VPA has been working collaboratively with council to ensure the PSP considers the local community as well as the environment.
Why does Warrnambool need a Precinct Structure Plan (PSP)?
Plan for Victoria (2025) sets housing targets for each local government area, specifying their share of the additional 2.24 million homes required. Warrnambool’s target is to contribute 7,200 of these homes by 2051.
The East of Aberline Precinct plays a key role in supporting the Victorian Housing Statement: The Decade Ahead 2024–2034, which targets the delivery of 152,000 new homes in regional Victoria. As one of Warrnambool’s key long-term greenfield growth fronts, its contribution is critical to meeting both local housing demand and statewide supply targets, while enabling the delivery of diverse, well-located and potentially affordable housing in a designated regional city.
Feedback on the plan and draft planning amendment
The VPA has prepared a draft PSP and Development Contribution Plan (DCP), as well as an amendment to the Warrnambool Planning Scheme to incorporate the PSP and DCP into the Planning Scheme and make changes to the Planning Policy Framework. The draft Amendment will enable future decisions about the city’s growth within the East of Aberline precinct to be guided by the PSP.
The VPA invites submissions on the Precinct Structure Plan and Development Contributions Plan and accompanying draft planning scheme amendment documents from September 19 to October 20. The VPA will hold online drop-in sessions during the exhibition period, and the project team will be available to speak to interested community members throughout the engagement period during business hours, and at an after-hours online consultation.
All information relating to the project, the draft plan and supporting documents are available on the Engage Victoria website.
What happens next
The VPA will seek to resolve issues raised by submitters that are within the scope of the PSP and planning system. Submissions that are deemed out of scope will not be considered by the VPA.
Issues or matters that are in scope that the VPA deem require further consideration may be referred to the VPA Projects Standing Advisory Committee.
Should the VPA refer matters to the VPA SAC, Planning Panels Victoria will contact affected submitters regarding next steps, process and timings. Planning Panels Victoria will determine the process(es) to be used to resolve issues referred to it.
As required under the VPA SAC Terms of Reference, Planning Panels Victoria will provide its report to the VPA and the Minister for Planning. The VPA will then make recommendations to the Minister for Planning, who will determine the appropriate approval pathway and outcome for an amendment to the Warrnambool Planning Scheme.
Links
East of Aberline PSP full set of draft planning scheme amendment documents.
Residents who cannot access the PSP Plan online can contact City Growth Support on 5559 4800. A hard copy of the exhibition documents is available for viewing at the Civic Centre.