Council MAV Motion on Keeping Community Voice in Planning Passed
Published on 20 October 2023
Council was pleased to see the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) State Council pass Mansfield Shire’s consolidated motion to retain and protect the community voice in planning.
The motion submitted by Mansfield Shire was consolidated with another similar motion proposed by Yarra City Council, with both addressing recent State Government planning scheme amendments which include a raft of changes affecting local communities and councils.
The State Government recently released its Housing Statement on housing supply and affordability. Following the release of the statement amendments were made to all planning schemes in Victoria, without consultation.
Concerningly, these changes remove a significant amount of democratic process, with community input and third party rights of appeal removed for planning matters listed in the amendments, and planning decisions to be made in Spring Street rather than locally.
Mayor Cr James Tehan said Council is committed to supporting the delivery of housing and has undertaken significant strategic planning work to ensure that this occurs in a way that aligns with community need and the existing character of the Shire.
“For any core changes to the planning system to be effective, there must be consultation and collaboration between the tiers of government,” he said.
“Mansfield Shire Council was pleased to see its motion passed, together with a further comprehensive motion from the MAV Board, which called on the State Government to uphold democratic process and work with local councils on the way Victoria is planned.”
At the meeting on 13 October 2023, Councils from across Victoria supported the resolution, expressing serious concerns regarding the Housing Statement and a disconnect from the Operation Sandon report recommendations; supporting the need for integrity, transparency, and accountability in the planning system.
The resolution recognised the importance of the special report by IBAC and highlighted that these planning changes were introduced and gazetted without prior notice.
Mayor Cr Tehan said it was important to retain and protect community voice in the planning system.
“Removing local decision-making removes Council’s accountability to the community on planning matters,” he said.
“It also leaves communities thinking they can influence decisions through Council when they cannot, and we would prefer a collaborative approach with the state government in improving planning systems,” he said.
You can view the full motion on MAV’s website - https://www.mav.asn.au/. For more information on this matter please contact Council at 5775 8555 or by email council@mansfield.vic.gov.au.