The Planning and Environment Act 1987, Victoria

Planning and development in Victoria is primarily regulated under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 and the Planning and Environment Regulations 2015.

In terms of doing your own VicSmart planning application, knowledge of the Planning and Environment Act is not usually required. VicSmart permit applications are done in accordance with local planning schemes, which are ‘enabled’ by the Planning and Environment Act, but created and presided over by local councils.

The Planning and Environment Act 1987 is primarily the ‘enabling’ legislation that sets out the legal framework for the planning system in Victoria. It provides for the preparation of Victoria Planning Provisions and (local) planning schemes. It also establishes procedures for:

• • mending planning schemes;
  • obtaining planning permits under planning schemes;
  • settling disputes;
  • enforcing compliance;
  • collecting development contributions;
  • compensating for land required for public purposes;
  • appointing planning panels and advisory committees;
  • opportunities for review to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal;
  • state significant projects

 Derived from An Introduction to Victoria’s Planning System by the State of Victoria