The amendment process is a legal process that happens according to the rules set out in the Planning and Environment Act 1987. There are several key stages that usually take 12 to 18 months to complete, but sometimes longer. The process generally involves:
- Strategic work: Council, with the community and experts, identifies local needs and develops strategies, plans or policies to address these needs (e.g. a housing strategy).
- Amendment preparation: Council prepares a draft amendment which outlines the proposed changes to the planning scheme to implement the strategic work.
- Authorisation: The Minister for Planning authorises Council to start the process and consult the community on the draft amendment.
- Public Exhibition: Council releases the draft amendment for community comment.
- Planning panel: An independent planning panel considers community feedback, conducts hearings and prepares a report with recommendations for Council to consider.
- Council decision: Council considers all community feedback and the panel’s report before deciding whether to adopt, change or abandon the amendment.
- Ministerial approval: The Minister for Planning decides whether to approve the amendment.
- Gazettal: If approved by the Minister, the planning scheme is officially changed.
To find out more about the amendment process, visit the State Government’s website.
To find out more about planning panels, visit Planning Panels Victoria.