Tara Murray
Brimbank council will voice its objection to the apparent weakening of local government planning controls for land use and urban planning.
The council will write to Planning Minister Richard Wynne along with local MPs expressing its “strongest concerns” with the current direction of planning reform in Victoria.
The letter will also express concern about the removal of community rights to object, appeal or be notified about developments.
Councillor Virginia Tachos said for many years both the planning authority and authority roles under the Planning Environment Act, have predominately sat with local government.
“These roles and responsibilities are a fundamental obligation of local government which is the closest level of government to the community,” she said.
“Current planning reforms weaken council’s planning controls for land use and planning by removing the community’s rights to object to certain proposals, to appeal certain proposals, to know about proposals [and] prevent communities from having a say on shaping city and places.”
Cr Tachos highlighted social housing developments, public schools and the current proposal for the development of the old Albion Explosives factory in Cairnlea as projects which are affected.
“Once again they are removing the rights of residents,” she said.
“It’s a real concern for this council and as well as our community and we need to make it clear to the minister we don’t support such an approach.”
Councillors Maria Kerr and Victoria Borg said this was an autocratic style of leadership that didn’t benefit the community.
Mayor Jasmine Nguyen said the reduction of local councils’ planning powers and controls is worrying.
“We’re also extremely concerned at the removal of the community’s rights to object or appeal or be notified about development.
“This would allow developments to happen with little to no consultation with residents. This will prevent communities from being consulted about shaping their cities and places.”
