Changes coming in 2027 to planning lodgements

Council is committed to continually improving the way we deliver services to our community. From January 1 2027, all planning permit applications are required to be lodged via Council’s online portal, helping to streamline processes and provide a more efficient and consistent lodgement experience for our community. 

The following lodgements WILL still be accepted via email due to temporary portal limitations: 

  • Plans for Endorsement applications,  
  • S173 Agreement Applications 
  • Pre Application Meeting Requests 
  • Certificate of Compliance 

This change is part of Council’s ongoing commitment to improving service delivery and providing a smoother experience for applicants and the community. Support during this transition will be readily available via phone, email and in person at our Drouin Customer Service Centre. 

Support with lodging your application
If you need assistance lodging your application, a member of the Planning Team will be available to assist you during business hours at our Drouin Customer Service Centre.   

SPEAR applications

  • As of January 1, 2027 Council will no longer be accepting planning permit applications lodged through SPEAR. This includes joint planning permit and certification applications.  
  • Applications for Certification and Statements of Compliance (i.e. after a planning permit is issued) for new subdivisions will continue to be processed through SPEAR.
  • Please note, there are no changes to current SPEAR applications, which will continue to be processed and finalised via SPEAR. The change only applies to new applications lodged as of January 1 2027.  


Questions
If you have questions about the changes, please contact the Planning Team via planning@bawbawshire.vic.gov.au or 03 5624 2411. 

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