Land Use Planning
Land Use Planning Overview
Strategic Objective: To support and strengthen local government to fulfil its planning functions and to improve the planning system, processes and practices, for improved natural and built-form outcomes in Victoria.
The land use planning system is the primary mechanism for controlling land use and development in Victoria. The relevant legislation is the Planning and Environment Act 1987, as amended in 2000.
The system prescribed in the Act relies heavily on local government. Land use planning forms a critical part of council activities and contributes actively to sustainability objectives, economic development, heritage and environmental conservation, as well as guiding development for long-term community benefit.
All councils and land in Victoria are covered by land use planning controls which are prepared and administered by the State and local government. In many planning matters councils require support, resources and collaboration with the State to effectively implement, responsibly administer and address issues for a sustainable future.
Victoria's planning system is complex and presents some significant challenges for elected councillors and for councils. The MAV plays an important role in ensuring that councils' role in the planning portfolio is adequately recognised and supported.
The MAV's website provides up-to-date resources on a range of planning issues and programs relevant to local government. The land use planning area of the MAV website comprises four parts;
- Planning System
- Rural Planning
- Urban Planning
- Built Environment
The MAV recognises the need to assist councillors and council officers in performing their role in the planning system and to provide them with sources of further information and support.
The MAV's strategic objective for land use planning is: To support and strengthen local government to fulfil its planning functions and to improve the planning system, processes and practices, for improved natural and built-form outcomes in Victoria.
Initiatives
Planning System
The Planning System looks at roles and functions under the Act; key tools such as the Victoria Planning Provisions, policy development and scheme amendments, as well as council administration and permit assessment processes.
Find out more about Planning System>
Urban Planning
Urban Planning deals with the design of the built environment from the municipal and metropolitan perspective. It encompasses a range of matters associated with urban areas – land use, transportation, housing, open space and recreation, physical and community infrastructure, as well as the conservation of environmental and heritage resources. Melbourne 2030 provides the regional policy framework. There are 31 local councils in the Melbourne metropolitan area.
Find out more about Urban Planning>
Rural Planning
The planning and management of rural land involves land use planning but also natural resource management, economic and regional development, transport planning and local community based planning, facilitation, mediation and conflict resolution. Rural areas are experiencing pressures from population change, drought and changing agricultural production. Victoria's primary rural land use planning tools - the rural suite of zones - were changed in June 2004.
Find out more about Rural Planning>
Built Environment
The urban fabric, design and built form of Victoria's cities and towns are the tangible product of our planning and building policy and approvals systems. The built environment affects people's health, access to work, transport and services, and quality of life.
Find out more about Built Environment>