Planning Scheme Review

Consultation process - now closed

We're conducted a review of our planning scheme and invited community feedback to ensure it reflects the diverse perspectives and needs of our community while balancing our heritage and environmental obligations.

Why did we consult?

Under section 12B of the Act, a municipal council must review its planning scheme no later than one year after each date by which it is required to approve a Council Plan under section 125 of the Local Government Act 1989; or within such longer period as is determined by the Minister for Planning.

This generally works out to be every four years, aligned with the local government election cycle. Generally, local policies of a planning scheme should reflect the goals and aspirations of the council and the community it represents – expressed through the Council Plan.

Planning Scheme Reviews are conducted to ensure that planning schemes remain up to date and responsive to changing circumstances, including shifts in government policy, community aspirations, and land use patterns.

Until this review, we’d been unable to commence one as we'd been awaiting the implementation of the State Government's Smart Planning Reforms at a local level.

What did we find out?

We received 59 survey responses and through these, as well as the community drop-in sessions, stakeholder one-on-ones and councillor workshops, some key themes emerged, including:

• Encouraging tourism and encouraging employment and providing new industrial development
• Consider climate change issues.Housing availability and affordability. Infrastructure provision. Flood mitigation.
• Need to review application and requirements of Bushfire Management.
• Clear growth policies directing growth and urban development of settlements.
• Protect the character of the townships through;
  • Road management (bypasses/wider roads)
  • Appropriate subdivision patterns
  • Town-specific controls (using schedules)
  • Heritage asset protection
  • Accessibility/pedestrian crossings
  • Larger lots
• Infrastructure delivery for supporting a growing community including;
  • Stormwater
  • Parks and community infrastructure
  • Road networks
  • Sewer and water upgrades
  • Subdivision controls that have high ESD principles
• Procedural issues, concerns statutory planning processes including;
  • Faster approvals
  • Reduce restriction/red tape
  • Policies are old and outdated

What happens next?

Council endorsed the Indigo Planning Scheme Review (2023), with all feedback noted, at its December 2023 meeting and authorised the CEO to forward the review to the Minister for Planning in accordance with section 12B (5) of the Planning and Environment Act 1987. Work will now commence on a shire-wide strategy to guide future land use planning and development.