Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has joined forces with 23 other Victorian councils to push for more sustainable design within planning requirements.
The Shire has lodged a planning scheme amendment with the State Government, seeking to introduce planning controls that elevate sustainability requirements for new buildings and encourage a move towards net zero carbon development.
The amendment seeks to build on the current Environmentally Sustainable Development (ESD) requirements for new developments and better protect the natural environment, reduce resource and energy consumption, and support the health and wellbeing of future occupants.
To strengthen its call, the Shire collaborated with councils from across the state, sharing the project with Ballarat, Banyule, Bayside, Boroondara, Darebin, Frankston, Glen Eira, Greater Bendigo, Greater Dandenong, Greater Geelong, Hobsons Bay, Knox, Maribyrnong, Mitchell, Moonee Valley, Moreland, Port Phillip, Stonnington, Strathbogie, Warrnambool, Whitehorse, Whittlesea, and Yarra.
These 24 councils represent about half the Victorian population and planning activity.
Under the proposed changes, new developments would:
- Produce net zero carbon emissions.
- Reduce household bills by making buildings more energy efficient.
- Provide a healthier and more comfortable environment for building occupants.
- Better manage water quality, use and collection.
- Protect and enhance greening and biodiversity.
- Be more resilient to changing climate impacts.
