Retail Policy Review
The Minister for Planning released the Retail Policy Review Discussion Paper for public comment in October 2008.
Retail Policy Review Discussion Paper (PDF - 974 KB) Retail Policy Review Information Sheet (PDF - 287 KB)
The overarching objective of the review is to inform development of a clearer, whole-of-retailing policy and statutory framework for Victoria.
It has been 12 years since the last major review of retail planning in Victoria. The retail industry is one of Victoria’s most important industry sectors in terms of its contribution to employment and economic activity. It represents approximately 12 per cent of all jobs in the State, and is second only to manufacturing. In addition to providing job opportunities and wages, it also generates significant indirect economic effects as a result of employment and income multipliers.
Research commissioned by DPCD, as part of this review, indicates that there will be a significant demand for retail floorspace both in metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria over the next 25 years. We need to manage and accommodate the likely growth required across the network in appropriate locations. This will be critical to maintaining a competitive retail sector.
Retail Policy Review - Submissions
Public submissions were invited as part of the Victorian Retail Policy Review, with the submission period closing on 27 February 2009.
Over 60 submissions were received from a range of stakeholders - retailers, investors and property managers, councils, peak bodies, associations, and individuals.
View the submissions received.
Where can I get more information?
For further information on the Retail Policy Review:
Phone: 1300 366 356 (8.30am – 5.00 pm Monday – Friday)
Email: retailpolicy.review@dpcd.vic.gov.au
On our website: www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/retailpolicy
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Case studies
Thomas Consultants November 2007 Retail-Commercial Planning Policy Review Report (PDF - 1.9 MB)
This paper examines six case studies of retail-commercial planning policies from across Australia, Canada, the UK and the USA.
Background Reports
A number of background papers have been prepared covering a range of retail related topics and issues. These papers have been prepared by consultants and will inform the review. Information or views expressed within these papers are those of the consultants and do not represent Government or Departmental policy or views.
Essential Economics March 2007 Retail Floorspace Forecasts for Metropolitan Melbourne 2006 to 2030 (PDF - 436 KB)
Essential Economics, August 2006, Retail Policy Futures (PDF - 140 KB) Essential Economics Sept 2007 Retailing in Regional Victoria (PDF - 685 KB)
Graeme Davison, December 2006, From the Market to the Mall (PDF - 166 KB)
MCPS Town Planning Services October 2007 Summary of VCAT Decisions, Planning Panel Reports and PDP Reports in Respect to Retail Policy (PDF - 154 KB)
MCPS Town Planning Services September 2007 Past Reviews (PDF - 98 KB)
Out of Centre Retail Activity Assessment Criteria Final Report Pages1-28 (PDF - 2.0 MB)
Out of Centre Retail Activity Assessment Criteria Final Report Pages 29-82 (PDF - 1.5 MB)
Peter McNabb & Associates, June 2006, Past Policy Settings for Retailing (PDF - 107 KB)
Ratio Consultants, March 2007, The Royal College Symposium Retail Futures (PDF - 200 KB)
Ratio Consultants, September 2006, Policy Considerations for Sustainable Activity Centres (PDF - 129 KB)
Ratio Consultants, September 2006, The changing retail scene in Australia (1950-2006) (PDF - 200 KB)
SGS Economics & Planning, November 2006, Retailing Futures and Activity Centres Planning (PDF - 194 KB)
The Buchan Group, August 2006, The future direction of retailing in Victoria (PDF - 852 KB)
Additional background papers will be made available as they are finalised.
Terms of Reference
Retail Policy Review-Terms of Reference (updated Sept 07) (PDF - 508 KB)
The Terms of Reference for the review provide greater detail on the overall purpose, objectives and scope of the project. The Terms of Reference also outline membership of the Retail Policy Review Reference Group.
Published Design Guidelines
The Department has prepared a number of guidelines to assist those responsible for delivering our urban environment:
- Activity Centre Design Guidelines - provide advice to developers, planners and place managers on what constitutes best-practice in developing high quality activity centres.
- Guidelines for Higher Density Residential Development - help facilitate improved design of residential and mixed use buildings by assisting architects, designers, developers, and Local Government to produce better quality design solutions.
- Safer Design Guidelines - help facilitate the planning and design of safer urban environments for all Victorian communities.
- Interim Design Guidelines for Large Format Retail Premises - provide advice to developers, designers and planners on what constitutes best-practice in developing vibrant, high quality large format retail centres.
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 website.
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