Council is urging the Victorian Government not to rush through major planning reforms that will reduce the ability of communities to have their say or even know about planned developments in their neighbourhood.
The proposed Planning Amendment (Better Decisions Made Faster) Bill 2025 was introduced to Parliament and supported by the Lower House last week and will now progress to the Legislative Council for debate.
Councils and local communities will be significantly impacted by the changes but have not been engaged or asked for feedback.
Council has written to local MPs raising urgent concerns about the Bill and urging it to be referred to a Parliamentary Inquiry. The letter sent to local MPs last week, highlights the need to balance speed with quality, fairness and safety.
In the letter, Mayor Councillor Anthony Marsh requested MPs to support amendments recommended by the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV), which would:
- restore transparency and parliamentary oversight
- safeguard community safety and environmental standards
- ensure proper consultation and resourcing for councils across Victoria.
Without these changes, the Bill risks undermining community trust and the very outcomes it seeks to achieve.
Good planning delivers homes that are safe, sustainable and supported by infrastructure. Rushed changes that sideline councils and community and weaken oversight will only make things harder for everyone.
Council's letter outlines key areas for testing and improvement, including:
- reinstating transparency and notice requirements for certain development applications
- maintaining Parliament's power to review planning scheme amendments
- reinforcing safety provisions for areas at risk of flood, fire or contamination
- introducing stronger mechanisms for affordable and social housing contributions
- establishing a joint state–local government advisory body to guide future reforms.
Community members are encouraged to write to your local MP, to support the concerns raised by Council.
Quotes attributable to Mayor Councillor Anthony Marsh:
"Meaningful reform can't happen without local government at the table. Councils are on the front line of the planning system - we know what works and what does not across our communities. Consultation is essential before any major change.
"The Bill risks creating more problems than it solves. Council welcomes reform that improves planning efficiency and delivers more homes faster — provided it is done in partnership. We all want an effective and fair planning system.
"If the Government works with councils and community, we can achieve reforms that are better informed, faster and deliver quality homes, which is better for communities, the environment and Victoria."
