Provision of data and State policy spatially Proactive drafting support from DPCD. Significant effort is required to develop Support the introduction of proven local policies local policies and amend planning regionally through a simple collaborative process. schemes to include. This is still the case For example the broadband local policy. even if a policy has been strategically justified and could have broader applications 5. Support ongoing review of planning processes Planning scheme amendment processes Stream amendments according to which process in DPCD are complex for all amendments. steps are required. There is little recognition of ‘fix up’ Align the level of strategic justification and timelines amendments, local amendments, with each stream (based on existing strategic amendments where there is well resolved context). policy and when the amendment is a follow through, or where an existing Review how Panels role may be more effective and proven policy or concept (Activity Centre the role of other agencies in the panel process. Zone) Permit processes are overly complex, Support councils to fully participate in the STEP applications are pushed through rather planning program as the results are compelling. than pulled through and there is a high level of failure demand. There are no incentives to improve Introduce incentives for councils and “AAA” “AAA” performance in the planning system. referral authorities insurance risk assessment; – authorisation thresholds; business planner concept. There are a range of issues associated Increased penalties available for fines issued by with enforcement of planning schemes councils. including limited resources, cost of taking action. VCAT Limit scope of consideration to the application (& plans) at the time of council decision and only the issues that are in dispute.
Provision of data and State policy spatially Proactive drafting support from DPCD. Significant effort is required to develop local policies and amend planning schemes to include. This is still the case even if a policy has been strategically justified and could have broader applications Support the introduction of proven local policies regionally through a simple collaborative process. For example the broadband local policy. 5. Support ongoing review of planning processes Planning scheme amendment processes in DPCD are complex for all amendments. There is little recognition of ‘fix up’ amendments, local amendments, amendments where there is well resolved policy and when the amendment is a follow through, or where an existing proven policy or concept (Activity Centre Zone) Stream amendments according to which process steps are required. Align the level of strategic justification and timelines with each stream (based on existing strategic context). Review how Panels role may be more effective and the role of other agencies in the panel process. Permit processes are overly complex, applications are pushed through rather than pulled through and there is a high level of failure demand. Support councils to fully participate in the STEP planning program as the results are compelling. There are no incentives to improve performance in the planning system. Introduce incentives for “AAA” councils and “AAA” referral authorities – insurance risk assessment; authorisation thresholds; business planner concept. There are a range of issues associated with enforcement of planning schemes including limited resources, cost of taking action. Increased penalties available for fines issued by councils. VCAT Limit scope of consideration to the application (& plans) at the time of council decision and only the issues that are in dispute.
Submission-on-SMART-Planning-Reforming-the-Victorian-Planning-Provisions-Dec-2017.docx