Victorian Planning Minister Matthew Guy has announced a review of the Victorian planning system with a view to improving its transparency, simplicity and the certainty of its outcomes.

The review was announced on 15 June 2011 and an advisory committee has been appointed pursuant to Part 7 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 (Vic) to review the operation of the Victoria Planning Provisions and planning schemes.

The six committee members are individuals with expert knowledge and experience of the statutory planning system and the VPPs. The members are:

  • Geoff Underwood - Chair
  • Catherine Heggen
  • David Keenan
  • Terry Montebello
  • Jane Nathan
  • Leigh Phillips.

The committee is to advise on ways of improving the planning system, including:

  • the legislative base
  • the structure of planning schemes, including the structure of state and local policy provisions
  • regulations under the Planning and Environment Act.

The committee will undertake a three step process by calling for submissions, analysing and prioritising the issues revealed by the submissions, and preparing a Priorities and Recommendations Report, which must be submitted to the Minister. A preliminary report must be provided to the Minister by 30 November this year.

This is an important opportunity for all stakeholders in the system to have input into its reform.

Submissions can be made by any person who wishes to make a comment about improving the VPPs and planning schemes. The Committee Terms of Reference provide that submittors should be invited to identify their issues of concern and suggest options for improvement.

We will be hosting workshops and discussion sessions to identify key issues and alternative approaches. Please let us know if you are interested in being involved.

DLA Piper's experienced Planning team can assist you to:

  • understand the Victorian planning system
  • identify areas that require reform
  • assist in the preparation of a submission to the committee.

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