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Blueprint for regional Victoria

New planning blueprint for regional Victoria

The Brumby Labor Government’s new strategy to support future population growth and planning was enshrined into state-wide planning provisions with the gazettal of planning scheme Amendment VC66.

Announcing the updated Victoria Planning Provisions, Planning Minister Justin Madden said the amendment gave statutory effect to the government's $631 million Ready for Tomorrow: A Blueprint for Regional and Rural Victoria.

“Population in regional Victoria is growing at its highest rate since 1982 and is expected to reach 1.7 million by 2026,” Mr Madden said.

“Incorporating this strategy into the planning provisions gives councils in regional and rural Victoria up to date policies to respond to growth, land supply, services, infrastructure and transport issues.

“It supports sustainable development of regional cities and centres and will protect their way of life for future generations.

Mr Madden said the Brumby Labor Government's $631 million Ready for Tomorrow: A Blueprint for Regional and Rural Victoria was a strategic investment to drive a new era of opportunity and prosperity in regional Victoria.

“This blueprint establishes a collaborative approach to regional planning and development,” Mr Madden said.

“It guides the way Government works with local communities to ensure the sustainable, prosperous economic and social growth of Victoria’s regions.”

Regional and Rural Development Minister Jacinta Allan said the Brumby Labor Government would continue to work with local government and communities to ensure councils had the tools needed to cater for sustainable growth.

“Eight regional leadership groups are developing tailored plans to respond to the opportunities and challenges of their particular region,” she said.

“These plans will draw on the local knowledge and expertise that is vital to maintaining our prosperous and sustainable regions.”
Mr Madden said the updated planning provisions were complemented by $58.9 million in investment including:

* $17.2 million for land-use planning to manage urban growth in our major regional cities of Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo and the La Trobe Valley, and the surrounding regions;
* $13.6 million for land use planning to cope with climate change impacts in coastal areas;
* $5.5 million for statutory planning work across towns and communities; and
* $7.8 million to build the economic development capability of councils so they can attract investment and jobs to their region.


Mr Madden said the new planning provisions also provided clear direction to manage growth pressures on Melbourne’s Hinterland.

“Melbourne’s Hinterland contains complex ecosystems and landscapes that support water catchments, agriculture, national and regional parks, and recreation and tourism activities,” he said.

“A special planning focus is needed to address the challenges facing this special area and this is acknowledged in the updated planning provisions.”

Amendment VC66 is available for inspection in person at all municipal offices and at the Department of Planning and Community Development in Ballarat, Epsom, Geelong, Mildura, Traralgon Wangaratta and Warrnambool.