Cardinia Shire Council has unanimously called on the state government to pause the implementation of new planning laws, expressing concerns that these reforms prioritize speed over essential safety, transparency, and community input. During a council meeting on December 15, 2023, councillors voted in favor of a motion presented by Cr Trudi Paton, urging the Minister for Planning to halt progress on the recently expedited Planning Amendment (Better Decisions Made Faster) Bill 2025.
The motion emphasizes the need for a collaborative approach between the state government and local councils to revise the planning process. Cr Paton noted that while some late amendments to the bill had improved certain aspects, significant issues remain, particularly for rapidly growing regions like Cardinia. “The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) stated that the bill prioritizes speed over safety, fairness, and community trust, and we at Cardinia agree,” she said.
Concerns were raised about potential risks to environmental and safety safeguards, particularly in light of the region’s vulnerability to floods, fires, and contaminated land. Cr Paton highlighted that Victoria is among the world’s most fire-prone areas, asserting that the removal of environmental protections undermines the state’s planning objectives aimed at ensuring a “safe living and working environment.” She referenced the findings of the 2009 Bushfires Royal Commission, which advocated for stronger safeguards to protect human life.
The council’s Deputy Mayor, Liz Roberts, added that the reforms could place additional pressure on planning staff and diminish opportunities for residents to engage in local development discussions. Councillor David Nickell pointed out that councils should have been consulted prior to the introduction of the legislation, allowing for a thorough assessment of its potential impacts and the securing of necessary funding for implementation. “This is the course that has been chosen; it’s regrettable, and I don’t believe that we as a council should be silent about that,” he remarked.
Cr Jack Kowarzik emphasized the importance of expediting planning approvals to address the housing crisis but argued that growth-area councils like Cardinia should not bear the blame for the shortcomings of outdated laws, which the state government has criticized as “old-fashioned” and “NIMBY.” He asserted that the council’s rapid population growth, with four to five families moving into the shire daily, does not contribute to the problems targeted by the reforms. “Growth area councils should be exempt. When we no longer become a growth area council, then we can consider if this legislation should apply to us,” he said.
Cr Kowarzik attributed any planning deficiencies in Cardinia to resourcing challenges rather than issues of competency or bureaucratic efficiency. The Planning Amendment Bill is scheduled to come into effect in two years. During this interim period, Cr Paton emphasized the importance of robust advocacy from the council, the public, and other agencies to ensure that accelerated approvals do not compromise safety or community involvement.
The motion to pause the bill received unanimous support from the council members. Amendments to the legislation are set to be reviewed by the lower house of Parliament next year, further highlighting the ongoing discussions surrounding the future of planning in Victoria.
