FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
27 September 2012
REIGNING IN OF PLANNING SCHEME AMENDMENT PROCESS
A GOOD STEP
HIA, the voice of Australia’s residential building industry, has welcomed the changes
announced today by Planning Minister, Matthew Guy to improve Victoria’s planning
scheme amendment process.
Prepared by Councils and signed off by the Minister for Planning, a planning scheme
amendment is required to accommodate new strategic directions or policies or a
particular type of development in an area.
HIA Victoria’s Executive Director, Gil King said, “Today’s announcement that all
planning scheme amendments, including those required to be considered by a
planning panel, will have a maximum processing timeframe of 12-months is an
important step in creating certainty for everyone in the process. This will substantially
reduce the burden on both industry and land owners seeking changes.”
HIA has long called for the Planning and Environment Act to clearly define timeframes
for the amendment process.
Mr King said that the current process for a Council to make even the most minor of
changes to its planning scheme can take well over a year. Sometimes there seems no
adequate reason for the delays, which makes it even harder for industry to understand
why it can take so long.
HIA also has noted and welcomed other changes to the process recently been
introduced into the Victorian Parliament. If passed, they will see new time frames
applied part of the State Government’s duties in the early stages of amending a
planning scheme.
“If the State Government is also subject to timeframes early in the amendment process
it will help Councils meet this new 12-month time frame,” Mr King said.
“Together these steps to reign in the planning scheme amendment process are much
needed initiatives and should result in a more certain process where changes to a
planning scheme are required.”
Mr King concluded by saying, “These reforms are positive indications that the Victorian
Government is serious about improving planning processes and reducing the
regulatory burden on the housing industry. This can only assist in improving housing
affordability.”
For further information contact:
Gil King
HIA Executive Director – Victoria
0404 000 365
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