Macedon Ranges Shire Council has flagged major concerns with the Planning Amendment (Better Decisions Made Faster) Bill 2025 (the Bill) in its current form.
The Bill has been introduced without consulting local government, or the community, despite the Bill proposing to wind back public notice provisions and fast track many housing decisions down to 30 days.
Deputy Mayor Kate Kendall articulated Council's deep concern.
"As councillors, we know these reforms are not about cutting red tape, they're about cutting communities out. While Council understands the need for more housing across the State of Victoria, we do not agree that the Planning and Environment Act needs the extent of reform sought by the Bill to achieve more certainty and faster housing development,'' she said.
"In our Shire, the Government has not acted to implement the Gisborne and Romsey Structure Plans for over 12 months. Approval of the adopted settlement boundaries would unlock 2,200 homes in Romsey and 4,500 in Gisborne-critical to meeting housing needs. These plans were developed transparently, with extensive stakeholder and community consultation. Timely State action is essential to build trust and deliver the housing our Shire urgently requires."
"Council is deeply concerned that the rewritten objectives of the Act omit key principles, including a "safe working, living and recreational environment for all Victorians," recognition of "ecological processes," and the concepts of "fair" and "efficient." Council believes fairness must remain a guiding principle in land use and environmental planning and urges that these elements be reinstated."
"Council fears this Bill will erode trust and certainty in Victoria's planning system while adding significant regulatory burdens to Council. We are alarmed that the Government thinks it is appropriate to place such a heavy burden at the feet of Council without due consultation and expose us to heavy risk, pathways and timelines."
"We implore the Government to focus on better decisions, and not prioritise speed over quality, fairness or accountability in decision making. We ask the State to pause and work with local government to design a sustainable process."
Council has written to the Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny, Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas, and Shadow Minister for Planning and Housing Richard Riordan to voice our strong concern with the Bill.
Council urges the Government to pause, consult meaningfully with local government, and design reforms that deliver housing without sacrificing trust, sustainability, fairness, or our rural character.
