UPDATE: Cardinia Shire Council has unanimously voted to call for an urgent pause on the newly proposed Planning Amendment (Better Decisions Made Faster) Bill 2025, expressing serious concerns over its potential risks to community safety and environmental protections. The decision was made during a heated meeting on December 15, 2023, where councillors voiced their fears that the legislation prioritizes speed over critical safety measures.
The council is appealing directly to the Minister for Planning, insisting that a more collaborative approach is necessary. Councillor Trudi Paton spearheaded the motion, highlighting that the bill was rushed through Parliament during the final sitting days of the year. She stated, “The MAV said the bill put speed ahead of safety, fairness, and community trust, and we at Cardinia agree.”
Councillors raised alarming issues regarding the bill’s implications for fast-growing regions, emphasizing that the removal of environmental safeguards could leave communities vulnerable to disasters such as floods and fires. “Victoria is one of the most fire-prone regions in the world,” Cr Paton noted. She stressed that the bill undermines decades of planning aimed at preserving human life and safety, specifically referencing the 2009 Bushfires Royal Commission.
Deputy Mayor Liz Roberts warned that these reforms would further strain planning staff and limit local residents’ ability to influence development decisions. Councillor David Nickell added that councils should have been consulted before the legislation was introduced, allowing for potential impacts to be evaluated properly.
Councillor Jack Kowarzik emphasized the unique challenges faced by growth-area councils like Cardinia, stating, “When you have four to five families moving into your shire every day, you are not part of the problem.” He argued that growth-area councils should be exempt from the reforms, asserting that any planning shortcomings stem from resource challenges rather than incompetence.
As the Planning Amendment Bill is set to take two years to be implemented, Cr Paton highlighted the crucial need for ongoing advocacy from the council, the public, and other stakeholders to ensure that expedited approvals do not compromise community safety or input. The motion for a pause was carried unanimously, signaling a strong stance from the council.
The amendments to the bill will be reviewed by the lower house next year, and the council’s push for a delay could significantly influence the legislative process. The stakes are high for residents in Cardinia, as the outcome of this legislation could reshape the future of local development and community safety.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
