Following the introduction of the Victorian State Government's new suite of Rural Zones, it was necessary for Council to review its current rural policies and determine how the new zones should be applied.
In January 2008 Council adopted the Golden Plains Rural Land Use Strategy, which will guide future land use and development across the Shire's rural areas. The strategy has provided Council with an opportunity to ensure planning policies are responsive to the economic, environmental and social needs of the Shire's rural areas.
The preparation of the strategy involved a review of current rural land use related issues, existing policies, planning scheme zoning and overlays; in addition to consultation with community members and authority stakeholders. Council considered a number of submissions received to the draft strategy as part of preparing the final report. Key outcomes of the strategy include the application of the new rural zones, including the new Rural Activity Zone and changes to the Municipal Strategic Statement and Local Planning Policies.
Council prepared a planning scheme amendment (C40) to include the recommended zoning and policy changes into the Golden Plains Planning Scheme. The amendment was exhibited during 2008 to provide an opportunity for community members, landholders and other stakeholders to lodge submissions and make comment. After consideration of the submissions the amendment was split and Part 1 was approved by the Minister for Planning on 11 June 2009. Part 1 included a range of policy and zoning changes which can be viewed at Planning Scheme Amendments Online. It is expected further parts of the amendment will lead to a panel hearing process, which is an independent panel of professionals who will consider submissions and the proposed amendment.
Copies of the Golden Plains Rural Land Use Strategy (2008) can be downloaded from the links provided below, or obtained by either visiting or calling the Bannockburn or Linton Customer Service Centres.
Golden Plains Rural Land Use Strategy (Parsons Brinckerhoff 2008)
If you have any questions about the Golden Plains Rural Land Use Strategy 2008, please contact us
**Please note that the structure plans included at Clause 21.03 (part of Attachment F - MSS Changes) have not been changed and are not included in the download due to their size.