Macedon Ranges council has flagged its concerns with the state government’s new Planning Amendment (Better Decisions Made Faster) Bill 2025 in its current form, and has asked the government to pause its implementation.
The bill plans to create a modern, fit-for-purpose planning system in Victoria, according to the state government.
The reforms seek to provide a more effective and efficient statutory planning framework to support the delivery of Victoria’s Housing Statement and the actions of Plan for Victoria.
This includes the aim to build 2.24 million homes across Melbourne and regional cities and towns over the next 30 years.
Council said the bill was introduced without consulting local government or the community, despite its proposal to wind back public notice provisions and fast track housing decisions down to 30 days.
Acting mayor Kate Kendall said she was concerned with the bill.
“As councillors, we know these reforms are not about cutting red tape, they’re about cutting communities out,” she said.
“While council understands the need for more housing across the state of Victoria, we do not agree that the Planning and Environment Act needs the extent of reform sought by the bill more certainty and faster housing development.”
Cr Kendall also noted that council was still waiting on the state government to implement the Gisborne and Romsey Structure Plans for over 12 months.
“Approval of the adopted settlement boundaries would unlock over 2200 homes in Romsey and 4500 in Gisborne – critical to meeting housing needs,” she said.
“These plans were developed transparently, with extensive stakeholder and community consultation. Timely state action is essential to build trust and deliver the housing our shire urgently requires.”
As reported by Star Weekly, the state government said it is still currently accessing both plans.
Cr Kendall said there were multiple parts of the bill that council had an issue with.
“Council fears this bill will erode trust and certainty in Victoria’s planning system while adding significant regulatory burdens to council,” she said.
“We are alarmed that the government thinks it is appropriate to place such a heavy burden at the feet of council without due consultation and expose us to heavy risk, pathways and timelines.
“We implore the government to focus on better decisions, and not prioritise speed over quality, fairness or accountability in decision making. We ask the state to pause and work with local government to design a sustainable process.”
