Mansfield continuing to advocate for local planning needs

Published on 30 May 2025

Dramatic planning amendments were made by the state government which took power away from local government.

The Victoria Planning Provisions Amendments VC257, VC267 and VC274 were the focus of a Select Committee, which conducted an Inquiry into the amendments. The report was tabled officially in the upper house.

Mansfield Shire Council has been vocal in its opposition to the amendments, which are part of a package of planning powers that have been progressively taken from local government and placed with state government.

Mayor Cr Steve Rabie said he was pleased that the Inquiry had found the same issues with the amendments that Council had been saying were highly concerning.

“We work really hard to listen and act in the best interests of our community,” said Cr Rabie.

“Yet, when it comes to the issues that matter the most from the state government, we are not consulted and we are not heard. We had our planning powers stripped away from us and we are gravely concerned about how this will impact the future of our community.

“The committee found that the Minister for Planning ‘inappropriately exempted herself from expected consultation.’

“Here at Mansfield Shire Council, we believe that community consultation is critical. We don’t make big decisions that impact on our community or use our community’s money without asking and listening. When the State Government exempts themselves from community consultation when considering changes to planning regulations, it can appear that all levels of government, including local government, doesn't want to listen – and this is not the case. We want to be able to give due consideration to our communities views and the changes that have been made will not allow us to do that.

“The Inquiry also supported our protest for ensuring we can avoid the removal of existing trees.

“More housing zoned does not equal more housing. The state government has come in with a one-size-fits-all approach that doesn’t work for Mansfield Shire and won’t work for many councils who are already investing in planning for the future,” said Cr Rabie.

“Council firmly believes that local government is the right level of government to make local planning decisions.

“We are pleased that the state government are doing something about housing. We just want to be consulted and listened to so we can ensure our community gets what it needs.”

Read more about how Mansfield Shire Council has been advocating for the right to plan for its community on our website: https://www.mansfield.vic.gov.au/Community/Latest-News/Planning-powers-removed-along-with-local-voices

The parliamentary inquiry into the amendments has a report and a media release which can be found at https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/vppams