Secretive planning reforms expected to silence local voices

Published on 19 September 2025

Council is raising alarm bells about a secretive set of planning reforms set to be introduced by the Victorian Government in October.

Mayor Cr Steve Rabie said there had been a total lack of consultation with local communities over the proposed changes to the Planning and Environment Act, and that Council had been prevented from accessing information on the changes.

“We’re really concerned about the proposed planning reforms set to go to parliament in less than a month,” he said.

“What’s most concerning is that the changes have been kept secret from us, so Council can’t even provide feedback on behalf of our community.”

The new reforms follow other recent changes to planning regulations, including removal of the right for local communities to be notified about development applications and to appeal decisions and the undermining of local planning controls in favour of state-level decision-making.

“We know how important the rural character of our little Shire is to our community. It’s the reason so many people want to live here in the first place,” Cr Rabie said.

“Council’s role as a local decision-maker is absolutely critical for allowing local community members to have a say on developments that they will have to live with and on what kind of place their township will become.

“We’ve seen several reforms already where the Victorian Government has taken away the voice of local communities in the planning process. If they’re determined to push ahead with even more new laws while keeping them secret, how bad does that mean it’s going to be?

“Mansfield Shire Council is not opposed to planning reform. We want to be part of the conversation so we can help make sure the changes are right for our community.

“But we haven’t been given any information on what changes might be coming in October – changes that might permanently damage the ability of councils to plan for the specific needs of their communities. Until there is a proper consultation process including the people impacted by the proposed planning reforms, we can’t support them.

“If you’re also concerned about having your voice taken away by the government through secretive new laws, the best you can do is contact your member of parliament to let them know,” said Cr Rabie.

Community members can contact the following members of parliament to voice their concerns.

Cindy McLeish MP, Member for Eildon

(03) 9730 1066

cindy.mcleish@parliament.vic.gov.au

The Hon. Sonya Kilkenny MP, Minister for Planning

(03) 9773 2727

sonya.kilkenny@parliament.vic.gov.au

The Hon Nick Staikos MP, Minister for Local Government

(03) 9579 7222

nick.staikos@parliament.vic.gov.au

The Hon. Jacinta Allan MP, Premier of Victoria

(03) 5443 2144