Northern Victoria Liberal MP Wendy Lovell is questioning the lack of action on two planning scheme amendments in the Macedon Ranges.
Macedon Ranges council adopted the Romsey Structure Plan and the Gisborne Futures Structure Plan in May 2024 and July 2024 respectively.
The Romsey plan would help guide and manage the sustainable development of the town, as it grows into a large district town by 2036.
The Gisborne plan would guide the future development of housing, transport, shops, parks, landscapes and infrastructure, as part of the wider Gisborne Futures project.
Both structure plans were sent to Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny for approval, and requested an amendment to the Macedon Ranges Planning Scheme and changes to the Macedon Ranges Statement of Planning Policy to include Protected Settlement Boundaries for the Romsey and Gisborne settlements.
Mayor Dom Bonanno said council has been advocating to the state government for over 12 months for them to implement protected settlement boundaries for Romsey and Gisborne, which he called an important first step for both towns.
“Council has sent multiple letters on the matter, as indicated by Wendy Lovell MLC, and we received acknowledgement from the minister in September 2024,” he said.
“It is frustrating watching a decision being made separately on the Amess Road Precinct Structure Plan in Riddells Creek, which council and the community had opposed, while we continue to await updates on our endorsed structure plans, which had extensive research and community consultation.”
Ms Lovell expressed her frustration with the lack of approvals to Ms Kilkenny in parliament.
“Planning in Victoria is becoming chaotic under the Allan Labor Government, which it totally failing to meet its own housing targets,” she said.
“The minister must stop the delay, prepare the planning scheme amendments, and establish an advisory committee to hear from experts and consult widely among the community regarding these proposals.”
A state government spokesperson said these requests from council are the first of its kind under the Distinctive Areas and Landscapes Program.
“We thank the Macedon Ranges Shire Council and the Romsey and Gisborne communities for their patience while we carefully work through the proposals,” the spokesperson said.
The Department of Transport and Planning is working to provide certainty around the process to cater for the requests and is currently accessing both plans.
