Published on 24 June 2026
We have updated our concept plan for the Messmate Road Growth Area in Torquay, as we seek to influence a carefully coordinated approach to the precinct’s development. Planning for the growth area is under consideration by the Victorian Government’s Development Facilitation Program, a new accelerated pathway for priority development projects. The initial concept plan was adopted by our Council in October last year in response to landowner proposals to develop the land. It has been used to represent our preferred outcomes for the Messmate Road area. The concept plan details our aims for the new precinct, and is designed to influence its development as a highly liveable community, with well-planned facilities and open space, environmental protections, traffic and movement networks, and a mix of housing types. Importantly, we are seeking a coordinated approach between the north and south ends of the growth area, so that key community facilities and infrastructure are delivered when they’re needed. Updates to the plan reflect discussions with the state government and landowners since October last year, and seek to strengthen our position on:
Councillor Joel Grist said planning the whole growth area as one precinct would help achieve the best outcomes for the community, including future residents. “We need to see clear staging and timely delivery of the infrastructure across the precinct, so that people in new homes don’t get left waiting for things such as roads, paths, open space and community facilities,” Cr Grist said. “The concept plan makes Council’s position clear on those matters and hopefully will have a positive influence on the state government’s planning process.” The growth area is on the north-western side of Messmate Road, between Coombes Road at the south end and Surf Coast Highway in the north. It has been identified as a future urban area suitable for accommodating further growth in Torquay, to help meet the Victorian Government’s target of 8000 extra homes in the Surf Coast Shire by 2051. The updated concept plan retains our six core principles for development of the area, which are: Integrated water management Protect the environment and local waterways, with no stormwater run-off to the sensitive Karaaf Wetlands. Environment Protect remnant vegetation and mitigate impacts to native fauna. Create tree-lined streets and walkable neighbourhoods. Recognise and protect Aboriginal cultural heritage. Housing Meet the strategic need for a diversity of housing and lot sizes to suit differing residents’ needs, while maintaining Torquay’s coastal character. Movement Create a safe and interconnected street network suitable for all users, including walkers and cyclists, with road and intersection upgrades to cater to traffic volumes. Open space and community facilities Community services that meet local needs, and open space distributed across the growth area (within 400m of all homes). Employment Create local jobs with employment land along Messmate Road and a centrally located neighbourhood activity centre featuring shops and services. The concept plan aligns closely with our Council Plan 2025-29 strategic direction of ‘Sustainable Communities,’ as well as our Urban Futures Strategy, which guides future growth in the shire. At this stage there is no set timeframe for the start of development in the precinct. More information about the Messmate Road Growth Area, is on our concept plan webpage.