Planning schemes outline objectives, policies for proposals to be considered against. How we consider land use and/or development in East Gippsland is informed by and must be consistent with state planning objectives. The Minister for Planning issues directions to planning authorities, such as our Council, about the preparation of their planning scheme and amendments.  

Strategic land use planning looks at how we balance future population growth with protecting our natural environment and community needs. By working with developers and landowners, we look to guide appropriate and sustainable use and development of land.

Strategic land use planning primarily relates to shire-wide, township specific or rezoning of land and provides more high-level planning. Whereas statutory land use focusses on the assessment of planning permit applications relating to subdivision, use and/or development on a single parcel of land.  

There are rules for Council to comply with on what can and cannot be included in the planning scheme. When considering planning matters, Council must balance community feedback with the laws and regulations we have to follow.  

More information on how the planning system works is available on the Department of Transport and Planning website or via the following links:

• ‍Planning 101 ‍
• Victoria Planning Provisions Planning Scheme - Ordinance ‍
• Chapter 1: Planning Schemes

‍

The Strategic Planning team are responsible for:

• Monitoring and updating the East Gippsland Planning Scheme.
• Developing structure plans, frameworks and design guidelines.
• Developing planning policies and strategies.

Using our Community Engagement Policy to guide our approach, we listen to feedback and report on how it has influenced decisions about planning.

To view strategic planning projects currently available for community feedback or review, please visit Council’s YourSay page.