The Role of the Planning Department

1. The Role of the Planning Department And What Planners Really Do…

2. Planning Legislation (State Gov) • Planning & Environment Act 1987 • Planning & Environment Regulations • Subdivision Act 1988

3. Planning and Environment Act • Underpins regulation for use and development of land • Responsibilities of various bodies (eg Responsible Authority – often Council, Referral Authorities – such as DSE, Water authority) • Rights of Appeal (third party rights) • Planning permit administrative process Subdivision Act • Sets out procedure of subdivision of land, buildings and the creation of easements • Regulates the management and dealings with common property and body corporates

4. Victorian Planning Provisions (VPPs) • A standard set of provisions for compilation of Planning Schemes across Victoria • Provides consistency in general format, definitions and suite of ordinance (written) • Strategic focus to guide decisions

5. Planning Scheme Framework • State Planning Policy Framework • Local Planning Policy Framework Includes Municipal Strategic Framework (MSS) • Zones (ordinance and maps) • Overlays (ordinance and maps) • Particular Provisions • General Provisions • Definitions • Incorporated Documents

6. State Planning Policy Framework (SPPF) The SPPF sets State Policy and objectives in regard to matters such as:- • Settlement • Environment • Heritage • Housing • Economic Development

7. Local Planning Policy Framework (LPPF) • The LPPF sets local policy (guidelines) and objectives on various matters • Includes the Municipal Strategic Statement (MSS). A local statement detailing where we are now and where we want to be in future. • Developed locally (by LG), but must be consistent with State policy • Considers issues such as • Urban Design • Industrial Development • Heritage • Agriculture • Box Ironbark Forests • Tourism • Strengthening the Regional Role of Maryborough • Enhancing the Lifestyle Qualities of Townships

8. Zones Residential Zones Mixed Use Zone Township Zone Industrial Zones Business Zones Rural Living Zone Rural Conservation Zone Farming Zone Public Use Zone Public Park & Recreation Zone Public Conservation and Resource Zone Road Zone Overlays Environmental Significance Overlay Vegetation Protection Overlay Significant Landscape Overlay Heritage Overlay Erosion Management Overlay Salinity Management Overlay Land Subject to Inundation Overlay Public Acquisition Overlay Environmental Audit Overlay Zones & OverlaysZones and Overlays are use to control use and development on land. • Purpose of the Zone (priority of uses) • Land Use restrictions (table of uses) indicates if no planning permit required, permit required or prohibited use • Overlays are specific controls on selected local areas

9. Zones in Maryborough

10. Overlays in Maryborough

11. Particular Provisions • Public Open Space • Advertising Signs • Car Parking • Native Vegetation • Crematorium • Gaming & Licensed Premises • Broiler Farm • Service Stations • Brothels • Crisis Accommodation • Service Stations • Convenience Restaurant • Rescode provisions • Plus many more…..

12. Planning permit application process • Application lodged with Council • Further information requested (if necessary) • Application referred and/or advertised if determined necessary • Applicant / Objector discussions/meeting held if objections received • Council considers application and determines a position • Appeal process to VCAT

13. Planning Scheme Amendments • Change the content of the Planning Scheme • They are generally initiated by Council or the Minister for Planning • Process includes public consultation as the outcome can impact landowners/occupiers (eg. rezone piece of land, therefore, altering what uses are permitted on the land)

14. President’s AwardPlanning Excellence 2009 Victorian Awards Award to: Central Goldfields Shire Council Project: Maryborough Urban Prospects This inspiring and entrepreneurial project involved the council purchasing four strategically located former education facilities which included heritage buildings and working with developers to deliver quality residential products, community facilities and local employment. The project illustrates how local governments can be catalyst for development whilst also meeting their community’s vision

15. Local Government In-house led Strategy, Project or Policy Initiative Award to: Central Goldfields Shire Council Project: Maryborough Urban Prospects Maryborough Urban Prospects outlines how a rural council seized an opportunity to transform a small town by creating employment opportunities, housing diversity, community facilities, economic growth, open spaces and community pride. Central Goldfields Shire Council took four redundant education sites totaling 11 hectares in strategic locations in the town of Maryborough, all with significant heritage buildings, and managed a process to ensure they were developed in a timely manner, for appropriate uses and with buildings of a fitting scale. Council worked with the community to formulate a vision for each of the sites in an Urban Design Framework study before taking on the substantial and risky responsibility of acquiring ownership of the sites from the State Government to package and reintroduce into the real estate market as a new attractive product.

16. Development of Former Maryborough High School

17. Central Goldfields Shire Heritage ReviewAuthors: Dr. David Rowe & Wendy Jacobs • Heritage areas within the Central Goldfields Shire. • Definitions of levels of significance. • Places outside of heritage areas. • Places recommended for the Victorian Heritage Register. • Demolished places. • Places requiring new citations • Heritage areas in priority order. • Currently 7 Heritage Areas within the Central Goldfields Shire (Bealiba Area, Betley Area, Carisbrook Area, Dunolly Area, Maryborough Area, Moliagul Area, Talbot Area). • In Maryborough alone there were 161 places of significance identified.

18. Heritage Buildings

19. Improve the presentation of the Township’s central area through physical improvements to the main street and Gordon Gardens. Establish pedestrian links to Gordon Gardens and Broadway. Build upon the history and heritage of Dunolly. Restore key historic buildings. Create a living town centre through various initiatives and community-based activities. Develop further events, festivals and township activities to bring together the local community. Improve signage within the main centre and outskirts of Dunolly. Promote Dunolly through the Golden Way Trail and other regional promotions. Develop strong shop mix and a rich cultural environment. Provide an environment in which businesses wish to locate and operate within Dunolly. Dunolly Town Centre Urban Design FrameworkSets a vision and action strategies for the enhancement of the town centre of Dunolly.

20. Dunolly Town Centre Urban Design FrameworkThe framework puts forward concepts and actions for key sites and action areas. • The Bendigo Hotel • Broadway, including traffic and pedestrian safety • The Gordon Gardens • The Historic Displays • The Shop Mix • Historic Buildings and Sites • Business and Industry

21. Current and Ongoing Projects • Whirrakee Rise • Industrial Estate • Kmart/Coles • Residential Development • Heritage Projects • McDonalds • Multi-Unit Development

22. Questions??? • Or Comments???