Scope for growth as Council updates land strategy

Published on 25 February 2026

Updated Surf Coast Shire Council guidelines for commercial land use and development in Jan Juc and Torquay provide scope for retail and industrial growth.

Council resolved at its February meeting to adopt an addendum to its 2021 Torquay-Jan Juc Retail and Employment Land Strategy (RELS).

The addendum updates on significant policy, economic and demographic changes from across the past five years and focuses on specific implications for Jan Juc, north Torquay, and Torquay’s Baines Crescent, West Coast Business Park and Messmate Road precincts.

Key directions include:

• Raising the north Torquay commercial floor area cap from 8,000 sqm to 10,000, acknowledging population growth and need for neighbourhood level retail opportunities for residents, while preventing development of a large discount store.
• Recommended priority rezoning of land between West Coast Business Park and Messmate Road to accommodate demand for industrial land. The business park is recognised as a key location for investment and job creation..

• Support for 11 additional hectares of commercial land within the Messmate Road growth area.

• Recommendation that a specific precinct plan should be prepared to guide the future evolution and development of the Baines Crescent precinct.

The key policy directions will be incorporated into the Surf Coast Planning Scheme.

Cr Liz Pattison: “Much has evolved since the 2021 adoption of the Torquay-Jan Juc Retail and Employment Land Strategy, including Council’s adoption of the Urban Futures Strategy and Surf Coast Shire Economic Development Strategy, delivery of the Victorian Government’s Plan for Victoria and Housing Statement, and findings from the 2021 Australian census.

“Implementation of the RELS policy directions into the Surf Coast Planning Scheme was also impacted due to uncertainty created by the Covid pandemic, and the delayed introduction of the Distinctive Areas and Landscapes Statement of Planning Policy.

“With our growing population and accompanying strong demand for commercial and industrial land, it is important to have these directions in place in preparation for future planning permit applications and proposed planning scheme amendments.”

“Proactive planning such as this for efficient land use can help ensure we maintain our vibrant townships while responding to economic demands and community needs.”