In a submission to the Underwood Review, the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) outlined its argument for a simpler “new generation” planning system with an eye to reduce cost and time consumption.

 

Cr Bill McArthur, MAV President said that while extensive input from local government concluded that Victoria’s planning system is mostly structurally sound, it could benefit from reforms that reduce complexity, simplify processes, and reward good performance.

 

“The ‘new generation’ planning system proposal by the MAV calls for implementation of reforms that maximise benefit for everyone – communities, developers, industry, councils and the State Government,” Cr McArthur said.

 

“The MAV has called for stronger articulation of State Policy through spatial maps and instructions for Planning Authorities. This could resolve policy conflicts and the growing number of competing State policy objectives that add time and complexity to councils’ planning permit decision-making.”

 

Cr McArthur said that local government offered critical insight into the operation of Victoria’s planning system, and councils supported the need for reforms to improve performance.

 

“A program of self-reform is already underway through the MAV STEP Planning Process Improvement Program, which was launched in August 2010 and currently has 21 councils involved.

 

“We hope the views and suggestions of local government - as a critical partner in both strategic and statutory land use planning - will be strongly reflected in the State’s review outcomes,” Cr McArthur said.