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Planning Scheme generates massive community response

Nillumbik Shire Council received a record 744 community submissions to its new Planning Scheme, which formally came into operation in June.

Four years in the making, the New Format Nillumbik Planning Scheme reflects Council's desire to protect and preserve the Shire's natural environment and heritage.

Like all Victorian Planning Schemes, it sets the strategic direction for future land use.

Nillumbik Shire prides itself as a green wedge within metropolitan Melbourne.

With a mix of urban townships, rural communities, agricultural land and bushland environments, appropriate planning and land use control are crucial to retaining the character of the municipality.

The State Government appointed panel that reviewed the Nillumbik Planning Scheme was highly impressed by the Council's extensive consultation process.

It acknowledged the process for preparing and reviewing the scheme as one of the most comprehensive undertaken by any Council in Victoria.

In its report, the Panel commended Nillumbik Council as having 'responded appropriately to issues arising during preparation of the scheme by commissioning or planning further strategic studies'.

It also praised the sophisticated understanding of planning issues demonstrated by residents and reflected by the record number of submissions.

"I am very proud of the way Council went about developing this new planning scheme," said Nillumbik's Mayor, Councillor Margaret Jennings

"A great deal of work and effort went into consultation and review and the final New Format Nillumbik Planning Scheme truly reflects a partnership between residents and Council."

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