Land Use Framework Plans – A new level in Melbourne’s strategic planning framework

The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) is currently seeking public feedback for newly released draft Land Use Framework Plans.

Feedback for the Land Use Framework Plans is open until 24 October 2021 and be done using the following methods by visiting this link.

What are Land Use Framework Plans?

The Land Use Framework Plans will create a new regional level within Melbourne’s strategic planning framework, sitting between the overarching State plans and policies contained in Plan Melbourne 2017-2050 and the Local Council planning schemes.

Many of the principles contained in the Land Use Framework Plans will be familiar to developers and others working within the planning industry (i.e. activity centres and health/education precincts, transport networks, public open space), and it is the intention that the Land Use Framework Plans will build upon and provide a greater level of specificity to the existing policies contained in State planning documents such as Plan Melbourne and the Growth Corridor Plans.

However, the Land Use Framework Plans are proposing to introduce some new concepts including cooling and greening initiatives and tree canopy cover targets intended to combat the heating of our suburbs and respond to climate change at a regional level.

What areas will be affected by the new Land Use Framework Plans?

There are six Land Use Framework Plans corresponding to each Victorian metro region:

1. Inner (Melbourne, Port Phillip and Yarra Local Government Areas);
2. Inner South East (Bayside, Boroondara, Glen Eira and Stonnington);
3. Eastern (Knox, Manningham, Maroondah, Monash, Whitehorse and Yarra Ranges);
4. Southern (Cardinia, Casey, Frankston, Greater Dandenong, Kingston and Mornington Peninsula);
5. Western (Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Melton, Moonee Valley and Wyndham); and
6. Northern (Banyule, Darebin, Hume, Mitchell, Moreland, Nillumbik and Whittlesea).

Key themes and strategies

Each Land Use Framework Plan will focus on six key themes and includes region specific directions, strategies and accompanying plans for each of those themes:

1. Productivity – aims to ensure that Melbourne is a productive city that attracts investment, supports innovation and creates jobs.
2. Housing Choice – aims to ensure that Melbourne provides housing choice in locations that are close to jobs and services.
3. Integrated Transport – aims to ensure that Melbourne has an integrated transport system that connects people to jobs and services and goods to market.
4. Liveability – aims to ensure that Melbourne is a distinctive and liveable city with quality design and amenity.
5. Strong Communities – aims to ensure that Melbourne is a city of inclusive, vibrant and healthy neighbourhoods.
6. Sustainability and Resilience – aims to ensure that Melbourne is a sustainable and resilient city.

Once finalised, the Land Use Framework Plans will be incorporated into Victorian planning schemes. Specific action items contained in each plan will be implemented over a five year period by a lead agency (i.e. Local Councils, DELWP and other Government agencies). These action programs will be reviewed and renewed every five years throughout the life of the Land Use Framework Plans.

Future implications for affected land

The Land Use Framework Plan will set 30-year land use and infrastructure guidelines which will inform the development planning schemes on the local/council level.

This is relevant to developers and stakeholders who are reliant on government approval for projects as the Land Use Framework Plans will set the long term tenor of development in metropolitan Victoria.

How can I make a submission?

People and organisations wanting to influence these future Land Use Framework Plans should make submissions using the guidelines below.

Feedback for the Land Use Framework Plans is open until 24 October 2021 and be done using the following methods by visiting this link:

Detailed survey

A detailed survey for any of the individual Land Use Framework Plans is available to the public. These are suited for industry stakeholders (including developers) wanting to provide more specific feedback.

Written submissions

Written submissions for any, or all, of the Land Use Framework Plans is available to the public. These are suited for stakeholders wanting to provide thorough and persuasive feedback.

If you require assistance preparing written submissions, please contact Andrea Towson or your usual Gadens contact.

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Authored by:

Andrea Towson, Partner
Rachel Yard, Associate
Eric Chen, Lawyer