Liberal Planning Policy released (2006 election)

Today (1/5/2006) the Liberal Party (Vic) released their Planning Policy. Download it!

SOS Analysis

Overall, we are impressed with key core parts of the policy, particularly the commitment to appoint a statutory, independent, Board of Review to completely review Melbourne 2030.

Starting with the high level summary, with the italics being our comments –
Key features of the policy include:

  • A full-time Minister;
    SOS agrees, planning is too important to only have a Ministers attention part time – a key problem with the present and last two planning ministers.
  • Withdrawal of the flawed strategy ‘Melbourne 2030’;
    SOS agrees – while still committed to many of the ‘principles’ in M2030, in practice the implementation is so flawed we need to start again with a statutory and transparent process that guarantees the inclusion of input from the community and independent experts.
  • Development of a Metropolitan Growth Strategy which has the confidence and support of all;
    SOS agrees – and while it would be difficult to get the confidence and support of all, the new Strategy must be a process which transparently balances key issues while also meeting basic principles of democracy, residential amenity, and environmental sustainability.

  • Restoration of longstanding designated Growth Areas;
    SOS needs more detail on this topic, and input from other community groups.
  • Local decision making;
    SOS agrees, councils should have control over town planning matters but be more accountable (via reform of VCAT).
  • Investment in the protection and upgrading of Green Wedges and Public Open Space;
    SOS needs more detail on this topic, and input from other community groups.
  • A reduced role for the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) and a fair go for councils;
    SOS agrees in principle to this, but does not agree to the detailed proposal in this paper. VCAT should be a court of law, with powers to oversight council process, but not (as present) being able to take over the role of the planning authority .
  • A more accountable, integrated and consistent system of Heritage protection
    SOS needs more detail on this topic, and input from other community groups.
  • Help to upgrade strata title properties.
    Not within the SOS terms of reference .