Key findings from desktop assessment:

• The concentration of landscape character and visual values are located within the northern portion of the Avalon Corridor including FZ and GWZ agricultural areas the You Yangs Regional Park and the concentration of dry stone walls around Little River.
• Key view corridors exist along the Princes Freeway Melbourne-Geelong rail line a number of minor roads around Wurdi Youang (the You Yangs) and from the edge of the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) in WCC.
• Much of the western portion of the Avalon Corridor is covered by an Environmental Significance Overlay (ESO). While the intention of the ESO is primarily to protect environment and habitat areas deemed significant enough to require environmental protection often also provide valuable landscape character.
• Identified landscape character and visual values are relatively limited within the southern portion of the Avalon Corridor though include a significant stretch of coastline as a Public Conservation and Resource Zone (PCRZ) some areas of Rural Conservation Zone (RCZ) and a Heritage Overlay (HO) associated with Geelong Grammar.
• The South West Victoria Landscape Assessment Study (DELWP 2013) previously considered a portion of the Avalon Corridor and identified two landscape character areas of note:
  • Western Volcanic Plain:

Volcanic activity has shaped much of South West Victoria’s landscape. This extensive Character Type is formed by a flat to undulating basaltic plain scattered with volcanic features including stony rises old lava flows numerous volcanic cones and old eruption points which together create a unique visual landscape. This is a place of big skies long views with volcanic rises that punctuate the horizon. Shelterbelts of cypress and pine were planted to protect crops and livestock from the winds that sweep the plain and are now a defining characteristic of the Type. Many paddocks and roadsides are edged with beautifully formed dry stone walls that were created when early pastoralists cleared the land of rocks for agricultural purposes.

• Uplands:

Defined by topography this diverse Character Type rises dramatically to the north of the flat volcanic plain stretching from near the Grampians Ranges in the west to the edge of the study area at Bacchus Marsh in the east. Granitic intrusions have formed steeply sloping peaks and ridges some of which are carpeted in vegetation at higher elevations. While the Uplands are largely cleared for agriculture they also support numerous large areas of public land including Parks Reserves and State Forests which contain a wealth of vegetation including wet and dry forests Box- Ironbark woodlands and endangered grasslands.

• The You Yangs Regional Park is also identified as a state significant landscape defined as:

the designation of a particular landscape as special or important arising from its cultural landscape values including aesthetic values (both visual and non-visual) historic environmental scientific social or other values.

Following the desktop assessment fieldwork was undertaken to confirm landscape character areas and significant visual amenity values within the Avalon Corridor. Landscape character areas can be described as areas of similar patterns of elements in the landscape such as landform vegetation waterbodies features and land use. The Avalon Corridor contains a number of landscape character areas including:

• Agricultural Plains
• Township
• Rural Dwelling
• Airport
• Former Salt Works
• Active Industry
• Wastewater Treatment
• Education
• Coastal Fringe

A number of landscape character areas adjacent to the Avalon Corridor have also been identified including:

• Granite Hills
• Bushland Foothills
• Cleared Foothills
• Elevated Plains
• Recreation
• Small Scale Agriculture

A number of key views associated with Wurdi Youang (the You Yangs) were identified within the Avalon Corridor including:

• Landmark journey segments on the Princes Freeway and Melbourne-Geelong rail line as identified in the South West Victoria Landscape Assessment Study (DELWP 2013).
• Major viewline from the Wyndham UGB as identified in the Wyndham Landscape Context Guidelines (WCC 2013).
• Local views from You Yangs Road Little River-Ripley Road and Branch Road as identified in the South West Victoria Landscape Assessment Study (DELWP 2013).

These views were verified through fieldwork recognising that views in the northern portion of the Avalon Corridor have a key relationship to the You Yangs. Given the prevalence of the You Yangs in views from the Avalon Corridor it was also considered of high importance to also consider views to the Avalon Corridor from the You Yangs.

The proposed amendment to SLO1 recommended by the 2013 South West Victoria Landscape Assessment Study includes a series of decision guidelines that address how to consider impacts on landscape character view points and vegetation conservation and how to minimise intrusion of built form. Of note to the Avalon Corridor is the consideration of the visible impact of building or works from Flinders Peak.

The Landscape Character Assessment for the Avalon Corridor sought to understand the extent of views from Flinders Peak in the You Yangs. This is illustrated by Diagram 5 and 6 which include photos taken from the Flinders Peak viewpoint. The landscape between the You Yangs and the Princes Freeway forms the middle ground of this view from Flinders Peak with the You Yangs bushland foothills in the foreground. While the coastline of Port Phillip Bay and the Bellarine Peninsula can be seen in the distance they do not form a prominent view from Flinders Peak.

Significant views associated with the You Yangs are further illustrated on Figure 13.

The background Landscape Character Assessment (Hansen Partnership 2021) identified significant landscape qualities and views for the Avalon Corridor. Areas of high moderate and low landscape value were identified along with areas with a visually sensitive relationship to the You Yangs.

The Agricultural Plains landscape character area contains high overall landscape value and is of importance to the setting for the You Yangs. There is a strong inter-relationship of views between these two areas.

Important landscape character values and views are currently protected in part by the Significant Landscape Overlay (SLO1) in the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme for the Foothills of the You Yangs. SLO1 contains the following objectives:

• To protect and enhance the open character contrast and scenic quality of the landscape.
• To maintain an open view path to the regionally significant You Yangs.
• To protect the landscape from visual intrusion by inappropriate buildings and works and their siting design or materials.
• To encourage the siting design and landscaping of buildings and works to be responsive to the landscape values of the area.
• To facilitate the rehabilitation of extractive industries when they reach the end of their economic life.

The northern portion of the Avalon Corridor has open and expansive views to the You Yangs due to the flat landscape that prevails over much of the Avalon Corridor. This includes portions of the Avalon Corridor determined to have moderate or low overall landscape value in their own right. It is recommended that views to and from the You Yangs are considered in the development of the Framework Plan.

The key recommendation of the Landscape Character Assessment is to investigate the potential expansion of SLO1 to accommodate the landscape setting and views to and from the You Yangs. This recommendation aligns with recommendations of the CVA to expand SLO1 to protect areas of Wadawurrung cultural significance. Relevant government agencies should work with WTOAC to consider the potential extent of SLO1 and should consult with affected landowners on any proposed changes.

The Landscape Character Assessment further notes opportunities for rehabilitation restoration and regeneration of former quarry and landfill sites to complement the cultural environmental and landscape values of the Avalon Corridor.