Council calls for better outcomes from State’s planning reforms

Published on 22 May 2026

The City of Whittlesea will raise concerns with the Victorian Government about key aspects of recent and continuing changes to the planning system.

As one of Victoria’s fastest growing municipalities, the planning system is critical for supporting Council to ensure that growth occurs in a sustainable and orderly manner, delivering high-quality neighbourhoods.

The Planning Amendment (Better Decisions Made Faster) Act 2026, which comes fully into effect next year, will, in conjunction with other reform initiatives, substantially change the way the state’s planning system operates.

Councillors resolved at Tuesday’s Council Meeting to have the Mayor, Councillor Lawrie Cox, write to the Minister for Planning and local Members of Parliament

While Council supports aspects of the reforms, which remove inefficiencies in the system, it holds concerns about the implications other changes will have on the liveability of current and future neighbourhoods, as well as on the community and their role in planning.

Some of Council’s concerns include:

• the impact on the character of residential areas and design quality of new buildings as a result of streamlined planning approvals
• potential safety impacts associated with new development being exposed to risks and hazards such as bushfire, flooding and soil contamination
• the decision to streamline the planning permit application process through the introduction of measures that limit residents' ability to have a say on developments in their area
• the reduction of environmental standards for new homes, meaning higher costs for residents to make their homes comfortable to live in.

In addition, it is noted that limited consultation and engagement with councils was undertaken by the Victorian Government prior to the draft legislation being debated in parliament.

Together with the Municipal Association of Victoria, Council continues to advocate to the Victorian Government to commit to greater consultation and engagement regarding the reforms.

Quotes attributable to City of Whittlesea Mayor, Councillor Lawrie Cox:

“The reforms introduced by the Victorian Government will have significant impacts on Council and the community,” he said.

“Council supports the Victorian Government’s goal to improve the planning system, but it should not be done at the expense of due process or outcomes.

“At the recent developers forum, we heard that our systems are respected and timely in the delivery of planning.”

“We’re concerned that the changes to the Act significantly reduce community input into decision-making and the rights to appeal.

“It is our view that these changes also have the potential to negatively impact the character of some of our existing and future neighbourhoods and create environmental and safety issues.

“That is why I will be writing to the Minister for Planning and our local Members of Parliament to advocate for a better outcome for Council and the community."