The role of planners
A planner’s role, whether it is strategic or statutory, is to undertake integrated decision making in favour of net community benefit and sustainable development as outlined in Clause 71.02-3 of the Victoria Planning Provisions.
Decisions made by planners at local government level greatly influence the delivery of the Regional Catchment Strategy vision and targets. Most decisions about how privately owned land is used and developed are made by planners working in local government. The planning scheme also sets out how publicly-owned land managed by organisations such as the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) and Parks Victoria should be protected or used and developed.
The Regional Catchment Strategy
The Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 establishes a link between the Regional Catchment Strategy and the planning system. It states “An Authority that prepares a regional catchment strategy may recommend to a planning authority under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 amendments to a planning scheme to give effect to the strategy.”
The Victoria Planning Provisions further identify that a Regional Catchment Strategy is a policy document to be considered in matters of biodiversity protection (12.01-1S), erosion and landslip (13.04-2S, 44.01), salinity (13.04.3S), catchment planning and management (14.02-1S) and rural zones (35.03, 59.12, 59.13).
However, these are not necessarily obvious links for planners and in practice there has been limited application of such provisions over the past 20+ years and therefore limited influence of the Regional Catchment Strategy in planning processes. Further, the Regional Catchment Strategy is developed for use by audiences far broader than statutory and strategic planners and, as a result, it contains a great deal of information that is not necessarily relevant for planners to make local decisions and it is not set out in a structure that aligns with the order in which planners make decisions.
Strengthening the links and making it easier for planners
The guidance below provides ‘shortcuts’ for planners to identify:
- What sections of the Regional Catchment Strategy provide regional-scale information and targets that should be considered when a strategic planner is developing local policy and planning or dealing with major applications
- What sections and targets of the Regional Catchment Strategy should be considered when a statutory planner is dealing with a planning permit application for development or use that is relevant to natural resource management in this region.
Summary of planning regions for each Council
From a natural resource management viewpoint, there are 10 ‘catchment management regions’ that cover Victoria. These are the basis for the Regional Catchment Strategies across Victoria. For this Port Phillip & Western Port Regional Catchment Strategy, the region is described using ‘Local Areas’ that are generally groups of Councils with similar landscapes, geography and ecological systems.
However, from a planning perspective, there are eight ‘planning regions’ across Victoria (different to the catchment management regions). Most of the Councils in and around Melbourne are in the Metropolitan Melbourne planning region. However, parts of the Gippsland planning region, G21 planning region (Geelong), Loddon Mallee South planning region and Central Highlands planning region are also within the Port Phillip & Western Port catchment management region.
The table below summarises the relevant Local Area and planning region for each Council, and also identifies which contain Growth Corridors and/or Green Wedges (for which particular State planning policy applies).
| Regional Catchment Strategy Local Areas | Councils | Planning region | Peri-urban / Green wedge | Growth area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bass Coast, South Gippsland & islands | Bass Coast (including Phillip Island) | Gippsland | Peri-urban | |
| South Gippsland | Gippsland | Peri-urban | ||
| French Island (Unincorporated) | Gippsland | Peri-urban | ||
| Casey, Cardinia & Baw Baw | Casey | Metropolitan Melbourne - Southern | Westernport Green Wedge (part) Southern Ranges Green Wedge (part) South East Green Wedge (part) | South East Growth Corridor |
| Cardinia | Metropolitan Melbourne - Southern | Southern Ranges Green Wedge (most) Westernport Green Wedge (most) Yarra Valley and Yarra and Dandenong Ranges Green Wedge (part) | South East Growth Corridor | |
| Baw Baw | Gippsland | Peri-urban | ||
| Mornington Peninsula | Mornington Peninsula | Metropolitan Melbourne - Southern | Mornington Peninsula Green Wedge (most) | |
| Yarra Ranges & Nillumbik | Yarra Ranges | Metropolitan Melbourne - Eastern | Yarra Valley and Yarra and Dandenong Ranges Green Wedge (most) Southern Ranges Green Wedge (part) | |
| Nillumbik | Metropolitan Melbourne - Northern | Nillumbik Green Wedge (most) | ||
| Urban Melbourne | Melbourne | Metropolitan Melbourne - Inner | ||
| Port Phillip | Metropolitan Melbourne - Inner | |||
| Yarra | Metropolitan Melbourne - Inner | |||
| Bayside | Metropolitan Melbourne - Inner South East | |||
| Boroondara | Metropolitan Melbourne - Inner South East | |||
| Glen Eira | Metropolitan Melbourne - Inner South East | |||
| Stonnington | Metropolitan Melbourne - Inner South East | |||
| Knox | Metropolitan Melbourne - Eastern | Yarra Valley and Yarra and Dandenong Ranges Green Wedge (part) Southern Ranges Green Wedge (part) | ||
| Manningham | Metropolitan Melbourne - Eastern | Manningham Green Wedge Nillumbik Green Wedge (part) | ||
| Maroondah | Metropolitan Melbourne - Eastern | Yarra Valley and Yarra and Dandenong Ranges Green Wedge (part) | ||
| Monash | Metropolitan Melbourne - Eastern | |||
| Whitehorse | Metropolitan Melbourne - Eastern | |||
| Frankston | Metropolitan Melbourne - Southern | South East Green Wedge (part) Mornington Peninsula Green Wedge (part) | ||
| Greater Dandenong | Metropolitan Melbourne - Southern | Southern Ranges Green Wedge (part) South East Green Wedge (part) | ||
| Kingston | Metropolitan Melbourne - Southern | South East Green Wedge (part) | ||
| Brimbank | Metropolitan Melbourne - Western | Sunbury Green Wedge (part) | ||
| Hobsons Bay | Metropolitan Melbourne - Western | Werribee South Green Wedge (part) | ||
| Maribyrnong | Metropolitan Melbourne - Western | |||
| Moonee Valley | Metropolitan Melbourne - Western | |||
| Banyule | Metropolitan Melbourne - Northern | |||
| Darebin | Metropolitan Melbourne - Northern | |||
| Moreland | Metropolitan Melbourne - Northern | |||
| Macedon Ranges, Hume, Mitchell & Whittlesea | Macedon Ranges | Loddon Mallee South | Peri-urban | |
| Hume | Metropolitan Melbourne - Northern | Sunbury Green Wedge (most) | North Growth Corridor Sunbury Growth Corridor | |
| Mitchell | Metropolitan Melbourne - Northern Hume | Peri-urban | North Growth Corridor (part) | |
| Whittlesea | Metropolitan Melbourne - Northern | Whittlesea Green Wedge, Nillumbik Green Wedge (part) | North Growth Corridor | |
| Moorabool, Melton, Wyndham & Greater Geelong | Moorabool | Central Highlands | Peri-urban | |
| Melton | Metropolitan Melbourne - Western | Western Plains North Green Wedge Western Plains South Green Wedge (part) | West Growth Corridor Sunbury Growth Corridor (part) | |
| Wyndham | Metropolitan Melbourne - Western | Western Plains South Green Wedge (part) Werribee South Green Wedge (most) | West Growth Corridor | |
| Greater Geelong | G21 | Peri-urban | ||
| Port Phillip Bay | Metropolitan Melbourne G21 | |||
| Western Port | Metropolitan Melbourne Gippsland |
Regional Catchment Strategy links to the Victoria Planning Provisions
This table has been prepared to help planners understand how the content in the Regional Catchment Strategy aligns with the Planning Policy Framework at a State and regional level. Strategic Planners and Environment Planners can use this table to quickly understand the aims and targets set out in the Regional Catchment Strategy and how they currently link with the planning scheme. The table can also be used as a reference to guide where planning policy should be located to help deliver the Regional Catchment Strategy at a local level.
| Regional Catchment Strategy Themes | Regional Catchment Strategy aims/targets/directions relevant to planning | Relevant provisions of the Planning Policy Framework |
|---|---|---|
| Water supply and use | Safe, sustainable and productive water resources Increase in Victoria’s water security Implementation of the Sustainable Water Strategy and Healthy Waterways Strategy and achievement of their aims and objectives including ensuring adequate and stable water supplies for urban and agricultural uses, increasing environmental water flows and increasing water for Traditional Owners The water and lands are recognised as ‘living and integrated natural entities‘ and Traditional Owners are recognised as the ‘voice of these living entities’ ‘Catchment stewardship’ is encouraged to achieve public benefit and go beyond basic duty of care to leave natural resources in better condition for the future | No direct link in the Planning Policy Framework |
| Waterways | The environmental condition of waterways supports environmental, social, cultural and economic values Implementation of the Healthy Waterways Strategy and achievement of its aims and objectives including increasing the scores across the region for fish, waterway amenity and vegetation extent and quality along waterways The water and lands are recognised as ‘living and integrated natural entities‘ and Traditional Owners are recognised as the ‘voice of these living entities’ ‘Catchment stewardship’ is encouraged to achieve public benefit and go beyond basic duty of care to leave natural resources in better condition for the future | 12.03-1S River corridors, waterways, lakes and wetlands – Entire clause 14.02-1S Catchment planning and management – Entire clause 19.03-3S Integrated water management – Entire clause |
| Wetlands | Implementation of the Healthy Waterways Strategy and achievement of its aims and objectives including increasing the scores across the region for wetlands water regime, wetlands vegetation and wetlands water quality Maintain or improve the ecological conditions of Ramsar wetlands in the region The water and lands are recognised as ‘living and integrated natural entities‘ and Traditional Owners are recognised as the ‘voice of these living entities’ ‘Catchment stewardship’ is encouraged to achieve public benefit and go beyond basic duty of care to leave natural resources in better condition for the future | 12.03-1S River corridors, waterways, lakes and wetlands – Entire clause 14.02-1S Catchment planning and management – Entire clause 19.03-3S Integrated water management – Entire clause |
| Groundwater | Protect the condition of Victoria’s groundwater resources Ensure sustainable groundwater supply Maintain groundwater quality at sufficient standard to enable ongoing use The water and lands are recognised as ‘living and integrated natural entities‘ and Traditional Owners are recognised as the ‘voice of these living entities’ ‘Catchment stewardship’ is encouraged to achieve public benefit and go beyond basic duty of care to leave natural resources in better condition for the future | 13.04-3S Salinity Strategies: – Promote vegetation retention and replanting in aquifer recharge areas contributing to groundwater salinity problems. – Prevent inappropriate development in areas affected by groundwater salinity. Policy guidelines: – Consider as relevant any applicable regional catchment strategy and any associated implementation plan or strategy (particularly salinity management plans and regional vegetation plans), and any special area plan approved under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994. |
| Native vegetation | Victoria’s biodiversity is healthy, valued and actively cared for A net gain in the overall extent and condition of habitats across terrestrial, waterway and marine environments No vulnerable or near-threatened species will become endangered Significant areas of additional new parks established across this region Significant areas of new permanently protected vegetation established on private land When vegetation loss or reduction of quality must occur or is allowed, it is preferred that offsets be established as quickly as possible and be as close as possible to the site of the vegetation loss Significant revegetation established in the region Numerous major biolinks established in priority locations across the region Establishment of new native vegetation is encouraged for many locations including in suburban gardens, on farms and rural properties, on public land and riversides, and in new urban developments Opportunities are encouraged for capture and storage of ‘blue carbon’ in the wetland, coastal, estuarine and marine habitat of the region Significant pest herbivore and weed control undertaken in priority areas All threatened native vegetation species and ecological communities in the region are retained and are self sustainable, secure, healthy and resilient The water and lands are recognised as ‘living and integrated natural entities‘ and Traditional Owners are recognised as the ‘voice of these living entities’ ‘Catchment stewardship’ is encouraged to achieve public benefit and go beyond basic duty of care to leave natural resources in better condition for the future | 12.01-1S Protection of Biodiversity – Entire clause 12.01-2S Native vegetation management – Entire clause 52.17 Native vegetation – Entire clause 19.02-6S Open space – Entire clause 12.02-1S Protection of coastal areas – Strategy: Encourage revegetation of cleared land abutting coastal reserves |
| Native animals | Victoria’s biodiversity is healthy, valued and actively cared for No vulnerable or near-threatened species will become endangered Maintain the diversity of native animal species in the region and ensure the populations are sustainable, secure, healthy and resilient Wild populations of all threatened native animal species in the region are retained and their populations are self-sustainable, secure, healthy and resilient Significant pest predator control undertaken in priority areas The water and lands are recognised as ‘living and integrated natural entities‘ and Traditional Owners are recognised as the ‘voice of these living entities’ ‘Catchment stewardship’ is encouraged to achieve public benefit and go beyond basic duty of care to leave natural resources in better condition for the future | 12.01-1S Protection of Biodiversity – Entire clause 12.01-2S Native vegetation management – Entire clause 52.17 Native vegetation – Entire clause |
| Land use | Land use and management is sustainable with the condition of soil, biodiversity and vegetation improved Protect agricultural land and support agricultural production in Melbourne’s green wedges and peri-urban areas Protect and restore natural habitats Melbourne is a city in nature with a flourishing and valued network of public open space that is shared and accessible by everyone The extent and quality of native vegetation, significant landscapes, cultural heritage values and environmental assets are retained in the region Water supply catchments, state significant infrastructure, extractive resources, open space areas and agriculture are carefully planned for and protected Sufficient extent and quality of native vegetation and agriculture is retained, including in the Green Wedges, to support healthy ecosystems and agricultural industries The water and lands are recognised as ‘living and integrated natural entities‘ and Traditional Owners are recognised as the ‘voice of these living entities’ ‘Catchment stewardship’ is encouraged to achieve public benefit and go beyond basic duty of care to leave natural resources in better condition for the future | 12.01-1S Protection of Biodiversity – Entire clause 12.01-2S Native vegetation management – Entire clause 52.17 Native vegetation – Entire clause 14.01-1S Protection of agricultural land – Entire clause 14.01-2S Sustainable agricultural land use – Entire clause 11.01-1R Green wedges – Metropolitan Melbourne – Entire clause (Note, applies to metropolitan Melbourne only) |
| Soil health | Australia’s soil is recognised and valued as a key national asset Soil is sustainably managed to benefit and secure our environment, economy, food, infrastructure, health, biodiversity and communities Increased numbers of farmers adopt practices to reduce the risk of soil and nutrient loss and acidification The proportion of exposed soil in the region remains in the range 10% to 15%, or less, each year The water and lands are recognised as ‘living and integrated natural entities‘ and Traditional Owners are recognised as the ‘voice of these living entities’ ‘Catchment stewardship’ is encouraged to achieve public benefit and go beyond basic duty of care to leave natural resources in better condition for the future | No direct link in the Planning Policy Framework (there are links to manage existing problems) |
| Sustainable agriculture | Victoria’s agricultural systems adapt to significant changes in climate and markets Protect agricultural land and support agricultural production in Melbourne’s green wedges and peri-urban areas Support the adoption of sustainable farming techniques across all agricultural industries Increased numbers of farmers adopt practices to reduce the risk of soil and nutrient loss and acidification, and improve carbon retention and biodiversity protection on farm Minimise the impacts of nearby urban populations on farming systems This region’s farms and agricultural industries are recognised as leaders in agri-ecological sustainability and resilience Annual agricultural production in the region grows steadily with an increasing trend in employment levels The water and lands are recognised as ‘living and integrated natural entities‘ and Traditional Owners are recognised as the ‘voice of these living entities’ ‘Catchment stewardship’ is encouraged to achieve public benefit and go beyond basic duty of care to leave natural resources in better condition for the future | 14.01-1S Protection of agricultural land – Entire clause 14.01-2S Sustainable agricultural land use – Entire clause 11.01-1R Green wedges – Metropolitan Melbourne – Entire clause (Note, applies to metropolitan Melbourne only) |
| Coasts | A healthy, dynamic and biodiverse marine and coastal environment benefitting the Victorian community now and in the future Promote the resilience of marine and coastal ecosystems, communities and assets to climate change Net gain in extent and condition of coastal habitats Native vegetation continues to occupy around 90% of the area of the coastal zones around the region and supports coastal stability and healthy coastal ecosystems Opportunities are encouraged for capture and storage of ‘blue carbon’ in the wetland, coastal, estuarine and marine habitat of the region The water and lands are recognised as ‘living and integrated natural entities‘ and Traditional Owners are recognised as the ‘voice of these living entities’ ‘Catchment stewardship’ is encouraged to achieve public benefit and go beyond basic duty of care to leave natural resources in better condition for the future | 12.01-1S Protection of Biodiversity – Entire clause 12.02-1S Protection of coastal areas – Entire clause 12.02-2S Coastal Crown land – Entire clause 12.02-3S Bays – Entire clause 14.02-1S Catchment planning and management – Entire clause 11.03-4S Coastal settlement- Strategy: Minimise the quantity and enhance the quality of stormwater discharge from new development into the ocean, bays and estuaries 14.02-2S Water quality – Strategy: Maintain the natural drainage patterns, water quality and biodiversity in and adjacent to coastal estuaries, wetlands and waterways |
| Estuaries | A healthy, dynamic and biodiverse marine and coastal environment benefitting the Victorian community now and in the future Implementation of the Healthy Waterways Strategy and achievement of its aims and objectives including increasing the scores across the region for estuarine flow regime and estuarine vegetation Opportunities are encouraged for capture and storage of ‘blue carbon’ in the wetland, coastal, estuarine and marine habitat of the region The water and lands are recognised as ‘living and integrated natural entities‘ and Traditional Owners are recognised as the ‘voice of these living entities’ ‘Catchment stewardship’ is encouraged to achieve public benefit and go beyond basic duty of care to leave natural resources in better condition for the future | 12.01-1S Protection of Biodiversity – Entire clause 12.02-1S Protection of coastal areas – Entire clause 12.02-2S Coastal Crown land – Entire clause 12.02-3S Bays – Entire clause 14.02-1S Catchment planning and management – Entire clause 19.03-3S Integrated water management – Entire clause 11.03-4S Coastal settlement- Strategy: Minimise the quantity and enhance the quality of stormwater discharge from new development into the ocean, bays and estuaries 14.02-2S Water quality – Strategy: Maintain the natural drainage patterns, water quality and biodiversity in and adjacent to coastal estuaries, wetlands and waterways |
| Marine environments | A healthy, dynamic and biodiverse marine and coastal environment benefitting the Victorian community now and in the future Promote the resilience of marine and coastal ecosystems, communities and assets to climate change Water quality in Port Phillip Bay and Western Port continues to attain the relevant Environment Reference Standard The 4 Marine National Parks and 4 Marine Sanctuaries in Port Phillip Bay and Western Port remain in excellent condition and protected The extent and health of the various marine habitat types in Port Phillip Bay and Western Port is retained or improved including mangrove, seagrass, rocky reef and kelp forests Existing damaging marine pest infestations in Port Phillip Bay and Western Port are controlled or reduced and no significant new marine pests have become established The diversity of fish species in Port Phillip Bay and Western Port is retained and their populations, including those targeted for recreational and commercial fishing, remain healthy and sustainable Opportunities are encouraged for capture and storage of ‘blue carbon’ in the wetland, coastal, estuarine and marine habitat of the region The water and lands are recognised as ‘living and integrated natural entities‘ and Traditional Owners are recognised as the ‘voice of these living entities’ ‘Catchment stewardship’ is encouraged to achieve public benefit and go beyond basic duty of care to leave natural resources in better condition for the future | 12.01-1S Protection of Biodiversity – Entire clause 12.02-1S Protection of coastal areas – Entire clause 12.02-3S Bays – Entire clause 14.02-1S Catchment planning and management – Entire clause 19.03-3S Integrated water management – Entire clause 11.03-4S Coastal settlement – Strategy: Minimise the quantity and enhance the quality of stormwater discharge from new development into the ocean, bays and estuaries 14.02-2S Water quality – Strategy: Ensure that land use activities potentially discharging contaminated runoff or wastes to waterways are sited and managed to minimise such discharges and to protect the quality of surface water and groundwater resources, rivers, streams, wetlands, estuaries and marine environments |
| Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Victorians | Traditional Owners are the strong and respected voice for Country, with fundamental roles and influence in planning, decision making and action across the region in land, biodiversity and water management The value of traditional ecological knowledge held by the region’s Traditional Owners is embraced and influential in modern decisions and practices Cultural heritage sites in this region are formally registered and intact sites are effectively protected | 15.03-1S Heritage conservation – Strategy: Identify, assess and document places of natural and cultural heritage significance as a basis for their inclusion in the planning scheme |
| Communities | Support and foster a sustainable, modern, effective and valued environmental volunteering sector in Victoria ‘Catchment stewardship’ is encouraged to achieve public benefit and go beyond basic duty of care to leave natural resources in better condition for the future | No direct link in the Planning Policy Framework |
| Climate change | Victoria on a path to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 From the natural resource management sector, all water corporations on a path to achieve net zero emissions and the agriculture sector on a path to contributing to the achievement of this economy-wide net zero emissions target Total tree canopy and shrub cover for metropolitan Melbourne areas significantly increased Government, organisations, communities and individuals have responded effectively to the challenges of climate change, minimising the negative impacts on ecological, social and economic well-being | Some indirect links to 11.01-1S Settlement, 15.02-1S Energy and resource efficiency and 19.01-1S Energy supply |
Guidance for planners regarding strategic planning and major applications
This table is designed for:
- Strategic planners who are preparing strategic plans or policies such as Activity Centre Structure Plans, Precinct Structure Plans, Urban Greening Strategies and Land Use Strategies
- Statutory planners who are assessing major developments such as large subdivisions, large industrial developments, major infrastructure such as hospitals or education facilities.
This table identifies the relevant parts of the Planning Policy Framework and which parts of the Regional Catchment Strategy are either required or encouraged to be considered by planners.
The following clauses include consideration of the Regional Catchment Strategy in the policy guidelines for the clause or include the Regional Catchment Strategy as a policy document. This means that the Regional Catchment Strategy must be considered as relevant for these clauses.
- 12.01-1S Protection of biodiversity (policy document)
- 13.03-1S Floodplain management (policy guideline)
- 13.04-2S Erosion and landslip (policy guideline)
- 13.04-3S Salinity (policy guideline)
- 14.02-1S Catchment planning and management (policy guideline).
Numerous other clauses address matters that are dealt with in the Regional Catchment Strategy, and planners may utilise the information in each of the Themes and Local Areas sections of the Regional Catchment Strategy to assist with forming a view and making decisions on these matters (in line with the overarching Clause 71.02-3).
Community members can also use this table to understand the links between the State and Regional Policy Framework and the Regional Catchment Strategy. This may assist community members in working with Councils, State government and statutory authorities to improve environmental outcomes.
| Clauses of the Victoria Planning Provisions relevant to natural resource management | Relevant objectives/strategies of the Clause | Councils/planning areas for which the Clause applies | Is consideration of the Regional Catchment Strategy required? | Relevant Regional Catchment Strategy Themes that planners are required or encouraged to consult and consider |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 Settlement | Planning is to recognise the need for, and as far as practicable contribute towards … Prevention of pollution to land, water and air … Protection of environmental sensitive areas and natural resources. | All | Consideration of the RCS is not mandatory under the VPP. However, it is encouraged to inform planning and decision making. | Water Supply and Use, Waterways, Wetlands, Groundwater, Native Vegetation, Native Animals, Land Use, Soil Health, Coasts, Estuaries, Marine Environments, Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Victorians, Communities, Climate Change |
| 11.01-1S Settlement | Deliver networks of high-quality integrated settlements that have a strong identity and sense of place, are prosperous and are sustainable by … Preserving and protecting features of rural land and natural resources and features to enhance their contribution to settlements and landscapes. | All | Consideration of the RCS is not mandatory under the VPP. However, it is encouraged to inform planning and decision making. | Waterways, Wetlands, Groundwater, Native Vegetation, Native Animals, Land Use, Soil Health, Sustainable Agriculture, Coasts, Estuaries, Marine Environments, Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Victorians, Communities |
| 11.01-1R Green wedges – Metropolitan Melbourne | To protect the green wedges of Metropolitan Melbourne from inappropriate development. | Green wedge councils | Consideration of the RCS is not mandatory under the VPP. However, it is encouraged to inform planning and decision making. | Native Vegetation, Native Animals, Land Use, Soil Health, Sustainable Agriculture |
| 11.03-3S Peri-urban areas | To manage growth in peri-urban areas to protect and enhance their identified valued attributes. | Peri-urban councils | Consideration of the RCS is not mandatory under the VPP. However, it is encouraged to inform planning and decision making. | Native Vegetation, Native Animals, Land Use, Soil Health, Sustainable Agriculture |
| 11.03-4S Coastal settlement | To plan for sustainable coastal development. | Greater Geelong, Wyndham, Hobsons Bay, Port Phillip, Bayside, Kingston, Frankston, Mornington Peninsula, French and Sandstone Islands, Casey, Cardinia, Bass Coast | Consideration of the RCS is not mandatory under the VPP. However, it is encouraged to inform planning and decision making. | Coasts |
| 11.03-5S Distinctive areas and landscapes | To recognise the importance of distinctive areas and landscapes to the people of Victoria and protect and enhance the valued attributes of identified or declared distinctive areas and landscapes. Planning should protect, restore and enhance sites and features of nature conservation, biodiversity, geological or landscape value. | Greater Geelong, Macedon Ranges, Mornington Peninsula, Yarra Ranges, (Bass Coast to come) | Consideration of the RCS is not mandatory under the VPP. However, it is encouraged to inform planning and decision making. | Native Vegetation, Native Animals, Land Use, Soil Health, Sustainable Agriculture, Coasts |
| 12 Environment and landscape values | Planning should help to protect the health of ecological systems and the biodiversity they support (including ecosystems, habitats, species and genetic diversity) and conserve areas with identified environmental and landscape values. | All | Consideration of the RCS is not mandatory under the VPP. However, it is encouraged to inform planning and decision making. | Waterways, Wetlands, Native Vegetation, Native Animals, Land Use, Sustainable Agriculture, Coasts |
| 12.01-1S Protection of biodiversity | To assist the protection and conservation of Victoria’s biodiversity. | All | Yes, mandatory under the VPP. | Waterways, Wetlands, Native Vegetation (including threatened species and communities), Native Animals (including threatened species), Land Use, Estuaries, Marine Environments |
| 12.01-2S Native vegetation management | To ensure that there is no net loss to biodiversity as a result of the removal, destruction or lopping of native vegetation. | All | Consideration of the RCS is not mandatory under the VPP. However, it is encouraged to inform planning and decision making. | Native Vegetation, Native Animals, Land Use |
| 12.02-1S Protection of the marine and coastal environment | To protect and enhance the marine and coastal environment. | Greater Geelong, Wyndham, Hobsons Bay, Port Phillip, Bayside, Kingston, Frankston, Mornington Peninsula, French and Sandstone Islands, Casey, Cardinia, Bass Coast | Consideration of the RCS is not mandatory under the VPP. However, it is encouraged to inform planning and decision making. | Waterways, Land Use, Coasts, Estuaries, Marine Environments |
| 12.02-2S Marine and coastal Crown land. | To ensure the use and development of marine and coastal Crown land is ecologically sustainable, minimises impacts on cultural and environmental values, and improves public benefit for current and future generations. | Greater Geelong, Wyndham, Hobsons Bay, Port Phillip, Bayside, Kingston, Frankston, Mornington Peninsula, French and Sandstone Islands, Casey, Cardinia, Bass Coast | Consideration of the RCS is not mandatory under the VPP. However, it is encouraged to inform planning and decision making. | Coasts, Estuaries, Marine Environments, Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Victorians, Communities, Climate Change |
| 12.03-1S River corridors, waterways, lakes and wetlands | To protect and enhance river corridors, waterways, lakes and wetlands. | All | Consideration of the RCS is not mandatory under the VPP. However, it is encouraged to inform planning and decision making. | Water Supply and Use, Waterways, Wetlands, Groundwater, Native Vegetation, Native Animals |
| 12.03-1R Yarra River protection | To maintain and enhance the natural landscape character of the Yarra River corridor. | Banyule, Boroondara, Manningham, Nillumbik, Stonnington, Yarra | Consideration of the RCS is not mandatory under the VPP. However, it is encouraged to inform planning and decision making. | Waterways, Native Vegetation, Native Animals |
| 12.05-1S Environmentally sensitive areas. | To protect and conserve environmentally sensitive areas. These areas include the Dandenong and Macedon Ranges, the Upper Yarra Valley, Western Port and Port Phillip Bay and their foreshores, the Mornington Peninsula, the Yarra and Maribyrnong Rivers and the Merri Creek, the Grampians, the Gippsland Lakes and its foreshore, the coastal areas and their foreshores, Alpine areas and nominated urban conservation areas, historic buildings and precincts. | All | Consideration of the RCS is not mandatory under the VPP. However, it is encouraged to inform planning and decision making. | Water Supply and Use, Waterways, Wetlands, Groundwater, Native Vegetation, Native Animals, Land Use, Soil Health, Coasts, Estuaries, Marine Environments, Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Victorians |
| 12.05-2S Landscapes | To protect and enhance significant landscapes and open spaces that contribute to character, identity and sustainable environments. | All | Consideration of the RCS is not mandatory under the VPP. However, it is encouraged to inform planning and decision making. | Water Supply and Use, Waterways, Wetlands, Groundwater, Native Vegetation, Native Animals, Land Use, Soil Health, Sustainable Agriculture, Coasts, Estuaries, Marine Environments, Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Victorians |
| 13 Environmental risks and amenity | Planning should strengthen the resilience and safety of communities by adopting a best practice environmental management and risk management approach. Planning should identify, prevent and minimise the risk of harm to the environment, human health, and amenity through: … Land use and development compatibility … Effective controls to prevent or mitigate significant impacts. Planning should identify and manage the potential for the environment and environmental changes to impact on the economic, environmental or social wellbeing of society. Planning should ensure development and risk mitigation does not detrimentally interfere with important natural processes. Planning should prepare for and respond to the impacts of climate change. | All | Consideration of the RCS is not mandatory under the VPP. However, it is encouraged to inform planning and decision making. | Water Supply and Use, Waterways, Land Use, Soil Health, Sustainable Agriculture, Coasts, Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Victorians, Communities, Climate Change |
| 13.01-1S Natural hazards and climate change | To minimise the impacts of natural hazards and adapt to the impacts of climate change through risk-based planning. | All | Consideration of the RCS is not mandatory under the VPP. However, it is encouraged to inform planning and decision making. | Land Use, Coasts, Communities, Climate Change |
| 13.01-2S Coastal inundation and erosion | To plan for and manage coastal hazard risk and climate change impacts. | Greater Geelong, Wyndham, Hobsons Bay, Port Phillip, Bayside, Kingston, Frankston, Mornington Peninsula, French and Sandstone Islands, Casey, Cardinia, Bass Coast | Consideration of the RCS is not mandatory under the VPP. However, it is encouraged to inform planning and decision making. | Coasts, Climate Change |
| 13.02-1S Bushfire planning | To strengthen the resilience of settlements and communities to bushfire through risk-based planning that prioritises the protection of human life. | All within a Bushfire Prone Area | Consideration of the RCS is not mandatory under the VPP. However, it is encouraged to inform planning and decision making. | Land Use, Communities, Climate Change |
| 13.03-1S Floodplain management | To assist the protection of … Life, property and community infrastructure from flood hazard, including coastal inundation, riverine and overland flows … The natural flood carrying capacity of rivers, streams and floodways … The flood storage function of floodplains and waterways … Floodplain areas of environmental significance or of importance to river, wetland or coastal health. | All | Yes, mandatory under the VPP. | Water Supply and Use, Waterways, Wetlands, Native Vegetation, Native Animals, Land Use, Coasts, Climate Change |
| 13.04-2S Erosion and landslip | To protect areas prone to erosion, landslip or other land degradation processes. | All | Yes, mandatory under the VPP. | Land Use, Soil Health |
| 13.04-3S Salinity | To minimise the impact of salinity and rising water tables on land uses, buildings and infrastructure in rural and urban areas and areas of environmental significance and reduce salt load in rivers. | All | Yes, mandatory under the VPP. | Waterways, Wetlands, Groundwater, Native Vegetation, Native Animals, Land Use, Soil Health |
| 14 Natural resource management | Planning is to assist in the conservation and wise use of natural resources including energy, water, land, stone and minerals to support both environmental quality and sustainable development. Planning should ensure agricultural land is managed sustainably, while acknowledging the economic importance of agricultural production. | All | Consideration of the RCS is not mandatory under the VPP. However, it is encouraged to inform planning and decision making. | Water Supply and Use, Waterways, Wetlands, Groundwater, Native Vegetation, Native Animals, Land Use, Soil Health, Sustainable Agriculture, Coasts |
| 14.01-1S Protection of agricultural land | To protect the state’s agricultural base by preserving productive farmland. | Green wedge councils, Peri-urban councils | Consideration of the RCS is not mandatory under the VPP. However, it is encouraged to inform planning and decision making. | Land Use, Sustainable Agriculture |
| 14.01-1R Protection of agricultural land – Metropolitan Melbourne | Protect agricultural land in Metropolitan Melbourne’s green wedges and peri-urban areas to avoid the permanent loss of agricultural land in those locations. | Casey, Cardinia, Mornington Peninsula, Yarra Ranges, Nillumbik, Maroondah, Macedon Ranges, Hume, Mitchell, Whittlesea, Melton, Wyndham | Consideration of the RCS is not mandatory under the VPP. However, it is encouraged to inform planning and decision making. | Land Use, Sustainable Agriculture |
| 14.01-2S Sustainable agricultural land use | To encourage sustainable agricultural land use. | Green wedge councils, Peri-urban councils | Consideration of the RCS is not mandatory under the VPP. However, it is encouraged to inform planning and decision making. | Land Use, Sustainable Agriculture |
| 14.01-3S Forestry and timber production | To facilitate the establishment, management and harvesting of plantations and the harvesting of timber from native forests. | Councils with forestry. | Consideration of the RCS is not mandatory under the VPP. However, it is encouraged to inform planning and decision making. | Native Vegetation, Native Animals, Land Use, Soil Health, Sustainable Agriculture |
| 14.02-1S Catchment planning and management | To assist the protection and restoration of catchments, waterways, estuaries, bays, water bodies, groundwater, and the marine environment. | All | Yes, mandatory under the VPP. | Water Supply and Use, Waterways, Wetlands, Groundwater, Native Vegetation, Land Use, Soil Health, Coasts, Estuaries, Marine Environments |
| 14.02-2S Water quality | To protect water quality. | All | Consideration of the RCS is not mandatory under the VPP. However, it is encouraged to inform planning and decision making. | Water Supply and Use, Waterways, Wetlands, Groundwater, Land Use, Estuaries, Marine Environments |
| 14.02-3S Protection of declared irrigation districts | To plan and manage for sustainable change within irrigation districts declared under Part 6A of the Water Act 1989. | Councils with declared irrigation districts. | Consideration of the RCS is not mandatory under the VPP. However, it is encouraged to inform planning and decision making. | Water Supply and Use, Waterways, Groundwater |
| 14.03-1S Resource exploration and extraction | To encourage exploration and extraction of natural resources in accordance with acceptable environmental standards. | All | Consideration of the RCS is not mandatory under the VPP. However, it is encouraged to inform planning and decision making. | Waterways, Wetlands, Groundwater, Native Vegetation, Native Animals, Land Use, Soil Health |
| 15 Built environment and heritage | Planning should ensure all land use and development appropriately responds to its surrounding landscape and character, valued built form and cultural context. Planning should promote development that is environmentally sustainable and should minimise detrimental impacts on the built and natural environment. | All | Consideration of the RCS is not mandatory under the VPP. However, it is encouraged to inform planning and decision making. | Water Supply and Use, Waterways, Wetlands, Groundwater, Native Vegetation, Native Animals, Land Use, Soil Health, Sustainable Agriculture, Coasts, Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Victorians, Communities, Climate Change |
| 15.01-3S Subdivision design | To ensure the design of subdivisions achieves attractive, safe, accessible, diverse and sustainable neighbourhoods … Creating landscaped streets and a network of open spaces to meet a variety of needs with links to regional parks where possible … Protecting and enhancing native habitat … Creating an urban structure and providing utilities and services that enable energy efficiency, resource conservation, integrated water management and minimisation of waste and air pollution. | All | Consideration of the RCS is not mandatory under the VPP. However, it is encouraged to inform planning and decision making. | Waterways, Wetlands, Native Vegetation, Native Animals, Land Use |
| 15.01-6S Design for rural areas | To ensure development respects valued areas of rural character. | Green wedge councils, Peri-urban councils | Consideration of the RCS is not mandatory under the VPP. However, it is encouraged to inform planning and decision making. | Native Vegetation, Native Animals, Land Use, Sustainable Agriculture |
| 15.02-1S Energy and resource efficiency | To encourage land use and development that is energy and resource efficient, supports a cooler environment and minimises greenhouse gas emissions. | All | Consideration of the RCS is not mandatory under the VPP. However, it is encouraged to inform planning and decision making. | Land Use, Climate Change |
| 15.03-2S Aboriginal cultural heritage | To ensure the protection and conservation of places of Aboriginal cultural heritage significance. | All | Consideration of the RCS is not mandatory under the VPP. However, it is encouraged to inform planning and decision making. | Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Victorians |
| 16.01-3S Rural residential development | To identify land suitable for rural residential development. | Green wedge councils, Peri-urban councils | Consideration of the RCS is not mandatory under the VPP. However, it is encouraged to inform planning and decision making. | Land Use, Sustainable Agriculture |
| 19.02-6S Open Space | To establish, manage and improve a diverse and integrated network of public open space that meets the needs of the community. | All | Consideration of the RCS is not mandatory under the VPP. However, it is encouraged to inform planning and decision making. | Waterways, Wetlands, Native Vegetation, Native Animals, Land Use, Coasts |
| 19.02-6R Open space – Metropolitan Melbourne | To strengthen the integrated metropolitan open space network. | Metropolitan Councils | Consideration of the RCS is not mandatory under the VPP. However, it is encouraged to inform planning and decision making. | Native Vegetation, Land Use |
| 19.03-3S Integrated water management | To sustainably manage water supply, water resources, wastewater, drainage and stormwater through an integrated water management approach. | All | Consideration of the RCS is not mandatory under the VPP. However, it is encouraged to inform planning and decision making. | Water Supply and Use, Waterways, Wetlands, Groundwater, Estuaries, Land Use, Marine Environments, Climate Change |
| 19.03-5S Waste and resource recovery | To reduce waste and maximise resource recovery so as to reduce reliance on landfills and minimise environmental, community amenity and public health impacts. | All | Consideration of the RCS is not mandatory under the VPP. However, it is encouraged to inform planning and decision making. | Land Use, Climate Change |
| 52.17 Native vegetation | To ensure that there is no net loss to biodiversity as a result of the removal, destruction or lopping of native vegetation. | All | Consideration of the RCS is not mandatory under the VPP. However, it is encouraged to inform planning and decision making. | Native Vegetation, Native Animals, Land Use, Coasts, Climate Change |
Guidance for planners dealing with planning permits
The following table has been developed to assist statutory planners in determining what part of the Regional Catchment Strategy should be considered for various uses and development.
Planners are encouraged to consider the relevant parts of the Regional Catchment Strategy to assess whether:
- The use or development will support the achievement of the Regional Catchment Strategy vision and targets.
- Any conditions that might be required to help meet the objectives and targets.
Planners should also consider overlay controls that may apply to the land. Many have linkages to issues addressed in the Regional Catchment Strategy. The content of each schedule will be different, and planners should consider whether the Regional Catchment Strategy should be assessed under the overlays that apply to the land.
| Type of buildings, works or activities associated with the development | Trigger for consideration | Regional Catchment Strategy Themes that planners are encouraged to consult and consider in the decision-making process |
|---|---|---|
| Earthworks | If proposed development is in a Farming Zone, Rural Living Zone, Rural Conservation Zone, Rural Activity Zone or Green Wedge Zone, then there is an explicit trigger for a planning permit application. If proposed earthworks are in other zones, then Clause 65.01 of the Victoria Planning Provisions (Approval of an application or plan) may be relevant. | Waterways, Wetlands, Native Vegetation, Native Animals, Soil Health, Coasts, Marine Environments |
| For buildings and works within 100 metres of a waterway, wetland or designated flood plain. | If proposed development is in a Industrial 1 Zone, Industrial 2 Zone, Rural Living Zone, Green Wedge Zone, Green Wedge A Zone, Rural Conservation Zone, Farming Zone, Rural Activity Zone, Urban Growth Zone or Priority Development Zone, then there is an explicit trigger for a planning permit application. | Waterways, Wetlands, Coasts, Marine Environments |
| For buildings and works within 100 metres of public land. | Clause 65.01 of the Victoria Planning Provisions (Approval of an application or plan) may be relevant. | Native Vegetation, Native Animals |
| Effluent systems | If proposed development is in a Low Density Residential Zone, Green Wedge Zone, Green Wedge A Zone, Rural Conservation Zone, Farming Zone, Rural Activity Zone, then there is an explicit trigger for a planning permit application. | Waterways, Wetlands, Land Use, Sustainable Agriculture, Marine Environments |
| Vegetation clearing | Clause 65.01 of the Victoria Planning Provisions (Approval of an application or plan) may be relevant. | Native Vegetation, Native Animals, Coasts |
| Uses that may create a high level of water runoff (e.g. truck cleaning) | Clause 65.01 of the Victoria Planning Provisions (Approval of an application or plan) may be relevant. | Waterways, Wetlands, Native Vegetation, Native Animals, Soil Health, Marine Environments |
| Rain gardens, vertical gardens, roof gardens | Clause 65.01 of the Victoria Planning Provisions (Approval of an application or plan) may be relevant. | Native Vegetation, Native Animals |
| Development that may impact on cultural heritage | The trigger for consideration of the need for a Cultural Heritage Assessment and potentially a Cultural Heritage Management Plan is under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006. VicPlan has a spatial layer (Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Sensitivity) to assist in identifying areas that may be of significance. | Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Victorians |
| Proposed Use | Relevant Zones (ie. Zones for which it is a Section 2 use and therefore requires a permit) | Regional Catchment Strategy Themes that planners are encouraged to consult and consider in the decision-making process |
|---|---|---|
| Abattoir | Urban Growth Zone | Waterways, Wetlands |
| Accommodation | Farming Zone, Rural Living Zone, Rural Conservation Zone, Rural Activity Zone, Green Wedge Zone, Green Wedge A Zone | Waterways, Wetlands, Native Vegetation, Native Animals, Coasts, Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Victorians, Communities |
| Agriculture | Rural Living Zone, Rural Conservation Zone | Waterways, Wetlands, Groundwater, Native Vegetation, Native Animals, Land Use, Soil Health, Sustainable Agriculture, Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Victorians, Communities |
| Animal production | Farming Zone, Green Wedge A Zone, Urban Growth Zone | Waterways, Wetlands, Soil Health, Sustainable Agriculture |
| Broiler farm | Rural Living Zone, Farming Zone, Green Wedge A Zone, Rural Conservation Zone, Urban Growth Zone | Waterways, Wetlands, Soil Health, Sustainable Agriculture, Coasts |
| Car park | Rural Living Zone, Farming Zone, Green Wedge A Zone, Rural Conservation Zone, Urban Growth Zone | Waterways, Wetlands, Groundwater, Land Use, Soil Health, Coasts, Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Victorians, Communities |
| Camping and Caravan Park | Farming Zone, Green Wedge A Zone, Urban Growth Zone | Waterways, Wetlands, Native Vegetation, Native Animals, Land Use, Soil Health, Coasts, Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Victorians, Communities |
| Cattle feedlot | Farming Zone | Waterways, Wetlands, Land Use, Soil Health, Sustainable Agriculture |
| Cemetery or crematorium | Urban Growth Zone | Waterways, Wetlands, Land Use, Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Victorians, Communities |
| Dependent Person’s Unit | Rural Living Zone, Green Wedge A Zone, Urban Growth Zone | Waterways, Wetlands, Land Use |
| Domestic animal boarding | Farming Zone, Urban Growth Zone | Land Use, Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Victorians, Communities |
| Freeway service centre, service station | Rural Living Zone, Urban Growth Zone | Waterways, Wetlands, Land Use, Soil Health, Coasts, Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Victorians, Communities |
| Bar, Restaurant, Hotel | Rural Living Zone, Green Wedge A Zone, | Land Use, Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Victorians, Communities |
| Leisure and recreation | Rural Living Zone | Waterways, Wetlands, Native Vegetation, Native Animals, Land Use, Soil Health, Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Victorians, Communities |
Opportunities for future improvement
There is significant scope for further work that can strengthen the links between the Regional Catchment Strategy (and integrated natural resource management in general) and the planning system. Opportunities include:
Planning scheme reform
Planners have multiple matters they must consider when making decisions. There is a clause in the planning scheme (65.01 Approval of an application or plans) that sets out the matters that must be considered in decision making. At present, the decision guidelines contain a general reference to environmental values and risks, however there is not an explicit link to considering the relevant Regional Catchment Strategy.
Regional Catchment Strategies would be much more effectively embedded into planning schemes by including them as a Decision guideline under Clause 65.01 Approval of an application or plan. This would mean that the strategy would be considered, as appropriate, for every application for development. It would give a great deal more weight to a Regional Catchment Strategy than they currently have under the Victoria Planning Provisions.
Collaboration between Catchment Management Authorities and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning could be pursued to amend the Victoria Planning Provisions in this way.
Other improvements to the planning scheme
If the planning scheme reform outlined above cannot be achieved, there are opportunities to improve the link between the Regional Catchment Strategy and planning schemes such as:
| Earthworks | There is an opportunity to look at zone schedules for extent of earthworks, and an opportunity to create Policy Planning Framework content relating to soils. Currently there is an absence of planning scheme content. |
| Gaps in the Planning Policy Framework | There are some areas of the Regional Catchment Strategy that are planning related but are not yet addressed in the State Planning Policy Framework. For example, water supply and use in relation to environmental water reserves, some aspects of waterway health (eg. instream connectivity), some aspects of wetland protection and some aspects of soil health (eg. minimising the area of exposed soil). Work could be undertaken collaboratively between Catchment Management Authorities and the Department of Environment, Land Water and Planning to develop potential policies for the State Planning Policy Framework, and/or work with Councils to prepare a Regional Planning Policy Framework policy for Metropolitan Melbourne, and Local Planning Policy Framework policies for municipalities in other areas (these could be the same policy, just introduced at different levels). An important part of the work developing policies around these matters is to focus on what a planner is able to influence when making a decision either at the strategic planning level or the development approval (statutory) level. |
Content and detail of the next Regional Catchment Strategy
The Regional Catchment Strategy contains directions and targets for the region that are often set a high level. However, it may not be obvious to a planner what actions they need to take when assessing an application or preparing a strategic plan to achieve the broad targets that have been set. Without this extra, more specific layer of guidance in the Regional Catchment Strategy, it is difficult for a planner to know what decisions they need to make on an application basis, or even a strategic planning basis, to achieve the targets.
In the time before the next Regional Catchment Strategy, there is opportunity to place a ‘planning lens’ on how to achieve the visions and targets. The focus could be on matters that the planner can influence when assessing applications for use and development (including earthworks and subdivision) and be linked to Clauses 11, 12, 13, 14 and 19 of the planning scheme, the Rural Zones, the Urban Growth Zone and the Native Vegetation provisions. This work could form the basis of regionally applied Planning Policy Framework policies that would then apply to all relevant decisions being made across the catchment and lead to more consistent outcomes.
Integrated land management guidelines
A ‘guideline’ is regularly referred to in the planning scheme (decision guidelines) in the following way – “Consider any integrated land management plan that has been prepared”. However, there is currently no catchment management sector guidance in place and the opportunity therefore exists for the development of integrated land management guidelines. Examples of guidance prepared for other matters in the scheme, that can be a reference point for the catchment management sector include:
- Land capability assessment – EPA (SEPP) Code of practice – onsite wastewater management
- Technical guide – bushfire management assessment – DEECA.
Guidance of this nature would make it easier for planners to understand and achieve the Regional Catchment Strategy vision and targets from a planning perspective. There could also be opportunity to incorporate this guidance into the planning scheme which would mean it must be considered for decision making in due course.
A specific integrated land management template for culturally significant areas for areas, particularly where they exist along waterways and urban development would also assist planners in protecting cultural heritage
