Local Federal MP Libby Coker has called for Council to reverse a decision to develop rural land in Drysdale until the outcome of the state governments Distinctive Areas and Landscape report is finalised.

Ms Coker said the decision disrespected the community and flew in the face of their wishes.

This is totally the wrong decision. It will fundamentally change the landscape of Drysdale, she said.

Out of 71 written submissions concerning the plan, 64 objected to the proposal. Its clear the council did not come to this conclusion with the interests of the community front of mind.

This development, and all others to be considered by the Council on the Bellarine, should be put on hold until DEWLP hands down its Final Statement of Planning Policy.

The call was echoed by Mercedes Drummond, the head of the Drysdale, Clifton Springs, Curlewis Community Association. The current structure plan for Drysdale and Clifton Springs is out of date. There was supposed to be a ten-year review but when we asked Council as to why they did not undertake the review, we were told it would be a waste of rate payers money to double up on the DEWLP report, she said.

Therefore, the Council should wait until the state government hands down its final report before making any planning decisions.

Its incredibly frustrating the Council would go against its own policy and approve this development.

They are not considering the cumulative impact the development and the three other areas earmarked for future development.