MSS and Local Policy review

Timeframe: Policies updated as projects are completed - ongoing throughout the program.

The majority of the content in the Baw Baw Planning Scheme comes from the Victorian Planning Provisions, which provides a uniform set of requirements that apply across the State (The State Planning Policy Framework). However local policy, tailored exclusively for the needs of the Baw Baw Shire area is set out in the Municipal Strategic Statement, the Local Planning Policy Framework, in local schedules to zones, and in Overlays.

The Municipal Strategic Statement and Local Policy review will ensure the Shire’s own policies and objectives are included in the Baw Baw Planning Scheme.

BawBaw 2050 community vision and its key vision and ‘future directions’ will guide the development of new local planning policy. Other key inputs into revising local policy will come from the other Shaping the Future projects.

Any changes to the planning scheme involve a formal planning scheme amendment process, which usually involves a public exhibition period for any person to make a submission.

Phase 1 – Policy Neutral Review

In 2010 the Municipal Strategic Statement was re-drafted without any change in policy to accommodate a new layout. Major improvements included the use of plain English and grouping subjects under easy-to-navigate headings.

This has created a ‘clean slate’ for subsequent updates to the MSS as part of putting in to action the key messages of the BawBaw 2050 Vision and as the other projects in the Shaping the Future program are completed.

Phase 2 – New policy content

This involves taking the outcomes of BawBaw 2050 and adapting the Municipal Strategic Statement to accommodate them. Council is currently writing a planning scheme amendment to do this very thing. It is envisaged that the amendment will be on exhibition during 2012.

Phase 3 – Renovating the Local Planning Policy, Overlays and Provisions

The final step in this cycle of review is to look at the remainder of the local policy instruments in the planning scheme. The overall aim is to update local policy to focus Council’s planning efforts and resources on areas and issues identified as important, through BawBaw 2050 and each of the projects within the Shaping the Future program. As this is a 4 year program, the work will be done incrementally as each project is completed.

For more information contact Strategic Planning on 5624 2411