FAQs

In accordance with Section 12B of the Planning and Environment Act 1987, the purpose of the review is to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the Baw Baw Planning Scheme in achieving:

• The objectives of planning in Victoria
• The objectives and strategies of the Planning Scheme

A Planning scheme review also provides an opportunity to:

• Align Council’s policy position with the planning scheme.
• Update out of date or redundant information.
• Educate and inform stakeholders about how the planning scheme works and the process by which to improve it.

Council is required to undertake a review of the Scheme every four years, in accordance with Section 12B of the Planning and Environment Act 1987. The Act states the review must evaluate a planning scheme to ensure:

• Is consistent with Ministerial Direction on the Form and Content of Planning Schemes.
• Sets out the policy objectives for the use and development of land.
• Makes effective use of state and local provisions to achieve state and local planning policy objectives.

Amendment C157bawb proposes to implement the recommendations of the Baw Baw Planning Scheme Review 2026 (PSR) by revising local content in the Municipal Planning Strategy and the Planning Policy Framework, by amending the schedules to zones, overlays, particular provisions, general provisions and operational provisions, and by making changes to the mapping of the Heritage Overlay.

The majority of the proposed changes are administrative in nature, ensuring the Planning Scheme conforms with the Ministerial Direction on the Form and Content of Planning Schemes.

The amendment proposes to: 

• Update local Schedules to align with the Ministerial Direction on the Form and Content of Planning Schemes.
• Alters text to improve clarity.
• Make policy neutral changes to the Schedule to Clause 43.01 Heritage Overlay to ensure the heritage overlay is kept up-to-date and relevant.
• Update the Schedule to Clause 72.03 to insert reference to planning scheme maps.
• Update the Schedule to Clause 72.08 to ensure the schedule refers to the most up-to-date version of a document.
• Make administrative corrections to the schedule to Clause 74.01.
• Make minor wording changes to the Schedule to Clause 53.01 to provide clarity.
• Update the Schedule to Clause 66.04 to remove unnecessary referral triggers.
• Update Clause 74.02 to identify further strategic work determined by this review.

A Planning Scheme sets out the Regional, State and Local planning policy requirements for the use, development and protection of land in accordance with the Planning and Environment Act 1987.

Every local government area in Victoria has a Planning Scheme, which contains content relevant to that area.

The Planning Scheme is used to inform and assess planning permit applications for land use and development within Baw Baw Shire.

While Amendment C157bawb introduces new content in the Baw Baw Planning Scheme – this has only occurred where it has been drawn from Council adopted policies, strategies or plans. On this basis there should be no new content that hasn’t already been considered by Council and or community previously.

If you would like your position on this planning scheme amendment received by Council, you must make a written submission. 

Written submissions must include;

• reference to the planning scheme amendment number, C157bawb
• set out your view on the amendment, such as your reasons for supporting or opposing the amendment
• outline any changes you would like to see with this amendment
• provide your contact details - including postal address, email address, name. These details are required to consider your submission and provide you with updates to the amendment. 

The documents for the Planning Scheme Review (planning scheme amendment C157bawb) can be viewed online, via the Department of Transport and Planning's webpage.

Documents are also available to view in person on request at:

• Drouin Customer Service Centre, 33 Young Street, Drouin
  Between 8.30-5pm
• West Gippsland Arts Centre, Box Office, Corner of Smith and Albert Street Warragul
  Between 10am-4pm.

A written submission received by the closing date will be; 

• Reviewed and considered by Council Officers as to inform changes to the planning scheme amendment.
• Provided to the Council Meeting and published on the website. For this meeting your personal information will be removed.
• Your submission will also be made available at the Council Offices. Your personal information will be removed.
• Shared with Planning Panels Victoria, if a Planning Panel Hearing is required, at which time they will liaise with you regarding participation.