Warrnambool City Council is seeking tenders from suitably qualified and experienced consultants able to deliver an overarching City-Wide strategic land use plan that sets a broad, integrated vision for the municipality to manage where and how the future growth and development will take place. The Plan will address key issues such as employment, tourism, housing supply, infrastructure provision and environmental challenges holistically and strategically.

The City-Wide Plan effort is a chance to meaningfully and deeply engage all residents, communities, land owners, interest groups– and the various government departments and agencies that provide critical infrastructure, facilities and services in a significant conversation about what kind of future is plausible for Warrnambool. It is an opportunity to connect and explore, how they strategically get there, considering necessary choices and trade-offs.

While experiencing steady growth, with an estimated population of 35,406 (ABS, 2021), the Municipality of Warrnambool needs to embrace a long-term forward plan to address future challenges and changes in a sustainable and collaborative manner.

To the extent possible, Council should ensure that the form and function of Warrnambool City and its smaller townships (Allansford, Dennington, Bushfield and Woodford) and rural communities are planned and then developed so as to:

• Strike an appropriate balance between accommodating growth and change while preserving the municipality’s unique natural elements, such as productive agricultural lands, and coastal and riparian environments.
• Maximize the quality of life and well-being for community members by providing environments that foster active living, interaction, and communal activities.
• Improve the alignment of infrastructure delivery including transport, and community service facilities with land use and development.
• Mitigate environmental impacts resulting from future developments, especially in terms of carbon emissions, water and energy use, and biodiversity protection, protection of vistas and scenic view lines.
• Facilitate efficient movement for all community members across the city to access amenities and employment centres.

The process of preparing the City-Wide Plan is integral to its success. The development of the plan, along with addressing challenging questions and issues, requires resolution through an open and transparent process. Engaging in genuine dialogue with the community is essential. This approach ensures that future strategic directions and policies are guided by community and stakeholder participation, capturing their visions and aspirations for a shared and sustainable future. The preparation of the plan also demands innovation and imagination.