Victorian Consolidated Legislation

Planning and Environment Act 1987 - SECT 4

Objectives

4. Objectives



(1) The objectives of planning in Victoria are-

   (a)  to provide for the fair, orderly, economic and sustainable use, and
        development of land;

   (b)  to provide for the protection of natural and man-made resources and
        the maintenance of ecological processes and genetic diversity;

   (c)  to secure a pleasant, efficient and safe working, living and
        recreational environment for all Victorians and visitors to Victoria;

   (d)  to conserve and enhance those buildings, areas or other places which
        are of scientific, aesthetic, architectural or historical interest, or
        otherwise of special cultural value;

   (e)  to protect public utilities and other assets and enable the orderly
        provision and co-ordination of public utilities and other facilities
        for the benefit of the community;

   (f)  to facilitate development in accordance with the objectives set out in
        paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e);

   (g)  to balance the present and future interests of all Victorians.

(2) The objectives of the planning framework established by this Act are-

   (a)  to ensure sound, strategic planning and co-ordinated action at State,
        regional and municipal levels;

   (b)  to establish a system of planning schemes based on municipal districts
        to be the principal way of setting out objectives, policies and
        controls for the use, development and protection of land;

   (c)  to enable land use and development planning and policy to be easily
        integrated with environmental, social, economic, conservation and
        resource management policies at State, regional and municipal levels;

   (d)  to ensure that the effects on the environment are considered and
        provide for explicit consideration of social and economic effects when
        decisions are made about the use and development of land;

   (e)  to facilitate development which achieves the objectives of planning in
        Victoria and planning objectives set up in planning schemes;

   (f)  to provide for a single authority to issue permits for land use or
        development and related matters, and to co-ordinate the issue of
        permits with related approvals;

   (g)  to encourage the achievement of planning objectives through positive
        actions by responsible authorities and planning authorities;

   (h)  to establish a clear procedure for amending planning schemes, with
        appropriate public participation in decision making;

        (i)    to ensure that those affected by proposals for the use,
               development or protection of land or changes in planning policy
               or requirements receive appropriate notice;

   (j)  to provide an accessible process for just and timely review of
        decisions without unnecessary formality;

   (k)  to provide for effective enforcement procedures to achieve compliance
        with planning schemes, permits and agreements;

   (l)  to provide for compensation when land is set aside for public purposes
        and in other circumstances.

_______________