The panel’s report, due to be released by Corangamite Shire today, comes after nine months of public consultation and a hearing in Camperdown late last year.

The council had earmarked 20 sites across the shire as preferred locations for future tourist facilities in a bold move to increase visitor numbers and entice them to stay for more than a day trip.

Many of the properties were along the coast, where a tourism opportunities study had suggested new and expanded facilities could include hotels, camping and caravan parks, resorts, group accommodation and restaurants.

The shire sought to rezone the land in a controversial planning scheme amendment that attracted 99 submissions — many of them objections that were lodged after the closing date, but still accepted.

The panel, appointed by Planning Minister Matthew Guy, heard from five people in favour of the amendment and 20 people against it at the public hearing.

Panel chairman Michael Kirsch and co-member Kevin Breen have supported the rezoning of 14 of the sites to allow development to go ahead and two sites that needed some changes.

But Corangamite mayor Matt Makin said the panel recommended the council abandon four of the selected coastal sites. They are believed to include a property two kilometres west of Port Campbell and the Peterborough airfield.

The airfield is owned by Cr Steve Cumming, who declared a pecuniary interest in proceedings at all council meetings and withdrew from discussions.

Cr Makin said he was concerned the panel had not supported some coastal sites.

“This project is critical to our long-term strategic vision to drive population growth, create more jobs, retain young people in communities, attract investment and secure our towns’ futures,” Cr Makin said.

“While council is still to consider the panel report, I am pleased that it has acknowledged the intent of this project and our efforts to support our economy through the delivery of an even better and more sustained tourism experience for our visitors.”

He expects the report will come back for discussion at the February meeting, with shire officers making a recommendation to council.

“We’ll certainly be working through the panel’s recommendations to make sure we make the best decision for our communities,” he said. “It will then go to the minister, who has the ultimate say.”

The panel report is available on the shire’s website at www.corangamite.vic.gov.au from 9am today.