Planning Practice Notes now available

The Minister for Planning and Local Government, Mr Maclellan, has launched a package of Planning Practice Notes designed to improve understanding and provide guidance for more effective use of Victoria's planning system.

The package includes practice notes on the use of the Victorian Planning Provisions and new format planning schemes, on the Good Design Guide for Medium-density Housing, and on other fundamental aspects of planning in practice such as decision-making processes, consultation and mediation.

"The practice notes will help State and Local Government, industry, residents and other stakeholders to have a common understanding of the state's planning system," Mr Maclellan said.

The planning practice notes have been developed in close consultation with Local Government, professional bodies, industry groups and other key stakeholders. The Victorian Planning and Environmental Law Association (VPELA) has also worked with the department to produce the Good Design Guide series of Practice Notes.

The series deals with topics such as responding to neighborhood character, designing for trees and achieving better privacy. Energy Efficiency Victoria has also included a practice note on energy efficient design.

The Practice Notes are the first in an on-going series with new Notes, additions, updates and replacements being developed as the need arises. They are available on the Department of Infrastructure's web site (www.doi.vic.gov.au/planningnotes) or at the DoI Customer Service Centre (Upper Plaza, 80 Collins St, Melbourne, Tel: (03) 9655 8830)

(News Release, Office of the Minister for Planning and Local Government, February 10,1999)