We support and strengthen local government to fulfill its planning functions and improve the planning system.

Local government has two key roles under the Planning and Environment Act 1987.

As a planning authority, a council sets a strategic policy framework for its municipality through its planning scheme.

Councils, as a responsible authority, also administer and enforce the planning scheme, and make decisions on individual planning permit applications.

Each council prepares a planning scheme for its municipal district. A planning scheme contains a state planning policy framework, local planning policy framework, and zone and overlay provisions that control the use and development of land.

As part of its local planning policy framework, a council prepares a municipal strategic statement and local planning policies. These reflect the community’s priorities and guide planning decisions about specific matters or issues.

STEP planning program

The STEP Planning Process Improvement Program helps member councils examine their strategic, statutory and enforcement planning services on a regular basis to make quality and efficiency breakthroughs.

Review of the Planning Act

The Planning and Environment Act 1987 is currently being reviewed. We have prepared a submission and participated in the state government’s 2010 working group.

Review of planning fees

The Planning and Environment (Fees) Regulations were extended on an interim basis until 23 July 2012 and are in need of review.

Before the extention, we participated in the state government’s reference group along with a number of councils.

New residential zones

New residential zones will help councils enact their structure plans and other local planning policies such as environmentally sustainable development and integrated transport. We are requesting that the minister for planning immediately introduce the new zones.