An introduction to planning
What is planning?
A community is made up of individuals with different needs, interests and lifestyles. Some needs, however, are common to all: sanitation, fresh air, clean water, open space for recreation, access to services, and so on. Some form of overall planning is necessary to make sure these basic needs are met and community resources are used effectively and equitably.
Urban and rural planning is vital for the orderly development of housing, industry and community services into areas best suited for them. Our most productive agricultural land needs to be protected, as does the quality of the natural and urban environment. Protection of scarce resources, preservation of coastal and rural areas, conservation of historic country towns and urban precincts, public access to State and regional facilities, distribution of business centres and general social equity are important considerations in the urban and rural planning process.
At the local neighbourhood level, urban and rural planning is concerned with the use of land, and the buildings and other developments that go on the land. There are not many actions that owners can undertake on their land which do not affect others in some way. Some regulation of land uses is essential to avoid the inevitable conflicts that would occur if everyone did as they pleased, especially in heavily populated areas.
Today, all municipalities in Victoria are covered by land use planning controls which are prepared and administered by State and local government authorities. The legislation governing such controls is the Planning and Environment Act 1987.
The bodies controlling land-use planning are planning authorities and responsible authorities.
A planning authority, which may be a local council or the State Government, conceives land-use planning schemes and devises appropriate controls.
A responsible authority, which is usually the local council, administers the scheme. This involves:
- Considering proposals to use or develop land, and giving notices and issuing permits in accordance with the planning scheme.
- Making sure that the land is not used or developed in conflict with the scheme's requirements. Those who do not obey the laws about the land and development can be prosecuted.
- Issuing Planning Certificates about the scheme.
More information about Victoria's Planning System
Using Victoria's Planning System is a technical guide to the operation of the Victorian planning system. It can assist both regular and occasional users of the system.
Planning: a Short Guide is a simple guide to the most common planning processes (permits and amendments):
Planning - a Short Guide (PDF - 669 KB)Planning and the Department of Planning and Community Development
In an economic and social environment characterised by rapid change, it is essential that our planning system is flexible to respond to and manage this change. But it needs to be prescriptive enough to provide certainty and consistency.
The Government's strategic land-use planning is based on a sound analysis of issues and trends that can be monitored and reviewed regularly, with an integration of the transport, environmental and social aspects of development.
Such strategies are reflective of the broader community and are therefore based on extensive community consultation and debate. The Government's approach relies on creative and effective partnerships with local government, local communities, business, industry and other organisations and interest groups.
One of the key roles of the DPCD is to provide statutory and strategic guidance to the planning of Victoria. This is administered through the Planning and Local Government section and five regional offices. For more information see Planning in DPCD.
Please note: Document(s) on this page are presented in PDF format. If you do not have the Adobe Reader, you can download a copy free from the Adobe web site.