Localised Planning Statements
Fact Sheet
What are Localised Planning Statements?
Localised Planning Statements (LPS) are new policies which recognise areas of special
significance in state-level planning policy. They will apply to distinctive areas of environmental
and recreational significance in close proximity to Melbourne, and will identify the valuable
qualities of these areas. The statements are being drafted by selected Victorian councils in
partnership with local communities and State Government. Once developed, they will form
part of State Planning policy within local planning schemes, and will guide future planning
decisions.
Where will the Localised Planning Statements apply?
Statements will be developed and applied to four distinctive areas: the Bellarine Peninsula, the
Mornington Peninsula, the Yarra Valley and the Macedon Ranges. The policy area is centred
around Mount Macedon and will apply to much of the southern half of the shire including
Gisborne, Riddells Creek, Romsey, Lancefield, Woodend and Bullengarook.
Why are the statements needed?
The four identified areas have significant geographic and environmental features which
contribute to quality of life in local communities. They are also enjoyed by Melburnians and
Victorians more broadly. However because of their attractiveness and proximity to Melbourne,
they are coming under increasing pressure for growth and change, which could undermine
key features and land uses in these locations.
What will the Macedon Ranges Localised Planning Statement do?
Once the Macedon Ranges statement is adopted by Council, it will be included within the
State Policy section of the Macedon Ranges Planning Scheme. The statement will then
provide policy guidance for planning permit applications affecting land within the policy area. It
will also guide future amendments to the Planning Scheme to ensure that they respect the
objectives of the policy statement. Land use, development and subdivisions will continue to be
regulated by the planning zones and overlays that apply to that land.
Isn’t there already a high-level planning policy statement for the
Macedon Ranges?
A policy called ‘Statement of Planning Policy No.8 – Macedon Ranges and Surrounds’ was
adopted in 1975 to establish the State government’s broad approach to future planning and
development of the Macedon Ranges. The key principles of this policy have since been
translated into local planning policy at Clause 22.10 of the Planning Scheme.
The development of the new LPS provides an opportunity to build on and update the policy
goals of the original 1975 statement and have them reaffirmed at the state policy level by the
current government. Copies of the Statement of Planning policy No.8 and the existing clause
22.10 are on Council’s website and also available in hard copy at Council service centres.
How can I provide input into the new LPS?
Throughout May, Council conducted a range of consultation activities to gather community
input into the new policy statement. An online community survey was also made available on
Council website asking residents what they value about the natural and recreational areas of
the Macedon Ranges and how these features should be managed/protected into the future.
In June/July, Council will develop a draft LPS based on community feedback received from
the community survey, feedback forms, the drop-in session and the workshop held in May.
The draft policy statement will be made available for public comment for one month
commencing in July. The draft statement will be advertised in local papers, Council’s
newsletter and community newsletters. You are encouraged to review the draft and provide a
submission either in support of the draft or with any suggested changes.
What happens next?
Once the draft statement has been released for community comment, submissions will be
assessed and incorporated as appropriate into the draft. The draft will then be considered at
the September 2014 Council meeting, before being provided to the Victorian Government for
inclusion in the Macedon Ranges Planning Scheme. For more information, visit Council's
website or a Council service centre, or contact Council’s Policy Development unit on 5422
0333 or mrsc@mrsc.vic.gov.au.