Hepburn Planning Scheme amendments to be exhibited

Published on 18 March 2021

The review of the Hepburn Planning Scheme is one of the most significant projects Council has undertaken recently.

Throughout the life of the project, Council has engaged with the community in different ways.

The project is now nearing the next stages.

The independent panel hearing for Amendment C80hepb (Planning Scheme Review) has now been completed and the final recommendations of the panel have been received. The panel’s report is available on Council’s website at www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/hepburn-planning-scheme-exhibition/.

Council will consider the panel's recommendations within 40 days of its receipt as required under Ministerial direction and make a determination on the progression of the Amendment at a proposed Special Council Meeting on 29 March.

The Planning and Environment Act 1987 establishes the procedure that Council must follow in connection with the preparation and exhibition of amendments to the Hepburn Planning Scheme.

This includes a strict procedure for how Council invites and considers submissions from the public in respect of those amendments.

If Council acts outside this prescribed process, it risks having to start it again. This means that Council cannot engage further with the community on Amendment C80hepb without risking the validity of its final decision on it.

Once Council’s role in the Amendment process is complete, it will undertake further community engagement activities to ensure that the effect of its decision on the Amendment is fully understood by those affected by it. This is intended to balance Council’s statutory obligations with its desire to be open with its community in relation to the Amendment.