(Unfortunately, it has not been possible to continue this page beyond September 2001, when Robert Clark ceased to be Shadow Minister for Planning and Major Projects.  However, State Opposition Media Releases and  news releases, articles, speeches etc by Robert Clark are continuing, as well as pages on Robert Clark's current portfolio areas.  See also our News Links page.)

(For other Planning news to Sept 2001, see also below.)

2001

ResCode adds to uncertainty

The Opposition says that, while ResCode has some welcome elements, it has added to planning uncertainty and complexity and failed to address the problem of VCAT second-guessing Councils. (29 Aug)

Draft Parks Strategy released

The Minister for Conservation has released a draft Strategy,   with a "20 year vision" for open space and parkland for Melbourne.  The vision includes four proposed new parks, in Werribee, Melton, Thomastown and Cranbourne. (29 Aug)

Queensbridge Square for Southbank

The Government will close Southbank Boulevard to create a new "Queensbridge Square" pedestrian plaza near Sandridge Bridge and in front of a $750 million private sector residential and commercial development announced for Freshwater Place. (28 Aug)

ResCode commences

ResCode, the Government's new residential planning code, has commenced operation. (24 Aug)

"Bungled" ResCode announcement leaves unanswered questions

The Opposition has pointed out that required Minister's guidelines and the official rules for ResCode under the Building Regulations and the Victorian Planning Provisions have still not been made public, and that questions about the Building Regulation provisions and local variations remain unanswered. (17 Aug)

Last-minute ResCode changes

The Government has announced 13 changes to ResCode and set 24th August as the date for its commencement. (15 Aug)

Opposition calls for ResCode details

The Opposition has called on the Minister for Planning to urgently announce the starting date for the Government's new residential planning code, ResCode, and make public the official ResCode documents. (14 Aug)

Government to fund St Heliers Convent restoration

The State Government will provide $4 million towards the restoration of St Heliers convent, allow Australand to develop the northern part of the precinct and give the Abbotford Convent Coalition and the City of Yarra six months to finalise their proposals for a cultural precinct and confirm funding and tenants needed to restore the site in order to obtain a lease of the southern part of the precinct.  La Trobe University, which owns the site, has agreed to transfer it to the State.  The precinct is to be managed by the Urban Land Corporation, and the gardens and meadows by Parks Victoria. (12 June)

HIH package commences

The legislation passed by Parliament to provide cover for completed homes and partly constructed homes formerly insured with the HIH Insurance group, and to allow the deferral of suspension of registration for builders unable to obtain replacement insurance, has come into operation. (12 June)

Minister makes decision on broiler farms

The Minister for Planning has adopted with amendments recommendations of an Advisory Committee report into poultry broiler farms submitted to the Minister last year. (5 June)

HIH claims "show Premier doesn't understand"

The Opposition says that claims by the Premier that proposed legislation to delay suspending the registration of builders formerly insured with HIH will resolve the difficulties of builders who are unable to work are wrong and show that the Premier understands neither the law nor the needs of small business. (29 May)

Legislation to defer suspension of builders' registrations

In the wake of the HIH Insurance group collapse, a Bill to be introduced into State Parliament will allow the Building Control Commission to defer until 31 July the suspension of a builder's registration for failure to have the required insurance, provided the builder can show that he or she is doing everything possible to obtain replacement insurance. (29 May)

ResCode risks continuing uncertainty

The Opposition says the Government's ResCode model risks continuing - and in some aspects increasing - complexity and excessive subjective decision making in the planning system and also has the potential to turn the building approvals system into a de-facto second planning system, provides limited protection for neighbours if a building surveyor wrongly allows a building in breach of standards to proceed and creates uncertainty about what rights neighbours will have in objecting to single dwellings that don't comply with the building standards. (24 May)

ResCode launched

The Government has launched its new residential planning code, ResCode, which redrafts the Good Design Guide and VicCode 1 to provide tighter numerical standards, extend some standards to single dwellings and confer limited rights on Councils to propose local variations to ResCode requirements. (24 May)

HIH package for homeowners

The Government has announced a $35 million package to provide cover to owners of completed or part-completed homes whose builders were insured with the HIH Insurance group.  The package does not assist builders who cannot start new projects because they cannot obtain replacement insurance, and the Government claims that "by the end of the month almost all builders who need new insurance will have it". (14 May)

Urban Land Corporation to be re-badged

Legislation before Parliament proposes to rename the ULC as the Urban and Regional Land Corporation and expand its functions to include express reference to affordable housing and energy efficient development. (8 May)

Minister proceeds with Queen Victoria car park

The Minister for Planning has accepted the report of a panel which recommended issue of a planning permit for a car park for the Queen Victoria redevelopment, following the Minister's calling in of an appeal to VCAT by local traders against his original decision to issue a permit. (4 May)

New "green" suburb proposed for Epping North

The Minister for Planning has given his support to a proposal for an "environmentally friendly" urban development project to be undertaken by the Urban Land Corporation, the largest ever undertaken by the ULC, creating a new suburb at Epping North for 8000 households, ultimately accommodating 25,000 people. (26 Apr)

Action needed for builders following HIH collapse

The Opposition has called on the Government to help line up temporary global insurance cover for builders formerly insured with the HIH group, so they can keep working while their applications for replacement insurance are being processed. (21 Apr)

Support for Royal Exhibition Building World Heritage Listing

The State Government has given its support to World Heritage Listing of the Royal Exhibition Building, something proposed by the Kennett Government in its 1999 election policy. (20 Apr)

Second round of Metropolitan strategy consultation

The Minister for Planning has announced that the second round of public consultation on the Metropolitan Strategy will commence in April, with a draft strategy to be released by late 2001. (30 Mar)

Sandridge bridge shortlist released

The Minister for Planning has released a list of 6 bids shortlisted for the proposed re-development of the Sandridge bridge, with the bids to be placed on exhibit in June for public comment. (30 Mar)

Minister calls in Queen Victoria car park appeal

The Minister for Planning has called in an appeal to VCAT by local traders against his decision to grant a car park permit for the Queen Victoria redevelopment. (26 Mar)

Density target dropped for April ResCode

The Minister for Planning has ruled out an put forward by the ResCode Advisory Committee to achieve a more than five-fold increase of existing density within 400 metres walk of a railway station, shopping centre or tram stop, at the same time announcing that he will "give the Government's response to the ResCode Advisory Committee's report" by April.  In an ureported part of his speech to a planning conference, the Minister nonetheless urged Councils to identify areas of their municipalities suitable for medium density development. (14 Mar)

Decision reached on Craigieburn Bypass

The Government has reached a planning decision on the route for the $306 million 16.7 km Craigieburn Bypass linking the Hume Highway at Craigieburn to the Metropolitan Ring Road at Thomastown, to be funded by the Federal Government.  The Government has decided on Option Y,  recommended by the advisory committee, which the Government says will preserve nationally significant grasslands, protect the Merri Creek, and establish a new regional park. (21 Feb)

Approval given for Queen Victoria project

The Minister for Planning has given the necessary planning approvals to enable the $600 million Queen Victoria project in Lonsdale Street to go ahead, which the Government says will create up to 5000 jobs over the next four years. (20 Feb)

ResCode: vital issues still need resolving

The Opposition says that while the Advisory Committee report has disposed of the unworkable June ResCode draft, vital issues remain regarding the role of case-by-case discretions, the emphasis on urban consolidation, the adequacy of the numerical standards and the role of the proposed Neighbourhood Character Overlays. (Feb)

Report labels ResCode 'unworkable'

The Opposition has pointed out that the Government's draft residential code, ResCode, has been condemned as 'unworkable' and 'impractical and unacceptable' by the Minister's own Advisory Committee. (18 Jan)

ResCode Advisory Committee report released

The Minister for Planning has released the report of the ResCode Advisory Committee, which recommends a new model that the Minister says is to be "fully tested", with the Government "in a position to finalise the new residential code by the middle of the year". (17 Jan)

2000

Government refuses covenant amendments

The Government has refused to accept Opposition amendments which would limit the power of the Minister for Planning to take away the rights of home owners and others who are entitled to the benefit of single dwelling or other restrictive covenants. (30 Nov)

New ResCode model foreshadowed

The Minister for Planning has accepted an interim recommendation of the ResCode Advisory Committee that land subdivision proposals be considered separately to single dwelling and multi-unit developments, and announced that there would be extensive "road testing" of a new model before it "became operational in mid-2001". (20 Nov)

Sandridge bridge interest sought

The Minister for Planning has called for private sector expressions of interest to redevelop the Sandridge rail bridge. (5 Nov)

Review of environmental assessment procedures

The Minister for Planning, Mr John Thwaites, has announced a review of Victoria's environmental assessment procedures and the Environment Effects Act 1978. (1 Nov)

Opposition moves to amend covenant law

The State Opposition will seek to amend a proposed law currently before Parliament so as to provide greater protection for the rights of home owners and residents against developers who seek to override or remove single dwelling or other restrictive covenants. (25 Oct)

Shipwrecks 2005 strategy

The Minister for Planning has launched a  five-year plan which aims to locate hundreds of Victorian shipwrecks and stop maritime looting. (18 Oct)

ResCode: Radical Surgery Needed

The Opposition has called for radical changes to the draft ResCode, saying it is unworkable in its current form and suffers from cost, uncertainty, a "one size fits all" approach, excessive restrictions in some aspects, yet inadequate protections in others. (Sep)

New planning fee structure

The Government has announced a new scale of planning fees which it says will better reflect councils' costs. (7 Aug)

Concerns over ResCode

The Opposition has raised concerns about government proposals to allow two dwellings to be constructed on a single lot without a planning permit, about workloads for councils, neighbours and developers, and about fence height retrictions, under the draft new residential planning code, ResCode. (14 June)

Old rules continue as delay hits new Code

Labor's proposed new residential Code is now running up to six months late, and in the meantime existing planning rules continue to apply to most medium density developments, the State Opposition has said.  The Opposition has also urged that the draft Code be scrutinised carefully by all involved with residential planning to ensure that it achieved fair and reasonable outcomes and provided adequate certainty without creating unnecessary red tape. (7 June)

Draft new Residential Code released

The Government has released a draft of a new single residential housing code, which the Government claims protects neighbourhood character, provides greater certainty for developers and opens the door for more creative housing designs. (7 June)

Housing figures show need for major projects

The State Opposition says that the latest housing finance figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics confirm the downturn in Victoria's housing and construction industry and point to the need for the Bracks Government to identify and commit to new major projects for Victoria. (7 June)

Draft guidelines for Basslink assessment

The Government has released for public comment draft guidelines for the Integrated Impact Assessment Statement (IIAS) for the Basslink proposal for electricity grid connection between Tasmania and Victoria, incorporating a Victorian Environment Effects Statement, which will be run in conjunction with the Tasmanian and Commonwealth Governments. A Joint Advisory Panel has been appointed to assess submissions on the draft guidelines. (31 May)

Planning - Metropolitan Strategy to be developed

The Government will spend $1.5 million for a plan to develop a new integrated land use and transport Metropolitan Strategy for the whole of Melbourne, addressing  major development issues facing the metropolitan area and the state over the next 20 to 30 years, to be developed in partnership with the Transport Minister. (30 May)

Heritage Strategy launched

The Minister for Planning has launched the Victorian Heritage Strategy, a five year strategy to identify, protect and manage the state's cultural assets including private collections, heritage gardens, shipwrecks, archaeological artefacts, precincts, machinery and houses. (26 May)

Neighbourhood character reference inserted in planning rules

TheGovernment has made an interim change to planning rules to recognise neighbourhood character, which the Opposition says is a belated response to criticism. (16 May)

Opposition victory on demolition loophole

The Government has accepted the validity of Opposition criticism of a loophole in its planning legislation, which threatened to allow developers to tear down the facades and other heritage features of potential heritage classification buildings and has moved amendments to close the loophole, according to the Shadow Minister for Planning. (10 May)

Planning Bill loophole to open way for heritage demolitions

The State Opposition has pointed out that the Government's proposed legislation requiring councils to be notified of proposed demolitions only applies in cases where more than 50 per cent of the volume of a building is being demolished within a three year period, thus allowing the legislation to be avoided by demolishing only the facade of buildings, thereby destroying their heritage value and clearing the way for subsequent total demolition. (30 Apr)

Planning and building permits Bill introduced

The Government has introduced a bill which provides that a building permit may not be issued until any necessary planning permit has been obtained, requires building surveyors by law to notify councils of proposed demolitions with opportunity for councils to seek interim planning restrictions, and requires that building permits are checked for consistency with planning permits. (14 Apr)

1999

State Planning Agenda announced

The Minister for Planning, Mr John Thwaites, has announced the new Government's "State Planning Agenda", which the Opposition has described as "much ado about very little". (13 Dec)

Changes on 7 km rule, single dwelling permits

The Minister for Planning, Mr John Thwaites, has announced two interim planning measures - one relating to the "7km rule"  and the other to allow councils to require planning permits to be obtained for single dwellings on lots of up to 500 square metres. (7 Dec)

Thwaites overrules council on Bayside heritage controls

The Minister for Planning, Mr John Thwaites, has extended Interim Demolition Controls in the Bayside Planning Scheme to 31 March 2000, contrary to the wishes of Bayside Council. (26 Nov)

Urgent measures needed on setbacks, overlooking, overshadowing

The Shadow Minister for Planning, Mr Robert Clark, has called on the Minister to act quickly to introduce urgent interim measures to provide greater requirements for minimum setbacks on residential development and to provide greater protection against overlooking and overshadowing. (10 Nov)

Basslink EES details announced

The Planning Minister, Mr John Thwaites, has announced details of the Environment Effects Statement (EES) process for the Basslink project. (10 Nov)

Single housing code proposed

The Minister for Planning, Mr John Thwaites has proposed a single housing code for both single dwellings and medium density development, while releasing a panel report of the Standing Advisory Committee on Local Variations to the Good Design Guide. (27 Oct)

Shopping centre review to cut red tape

As part of the Government’s continuing industry sector regulation review program, a review of red tape and impediments impacting on retail shopping strips is to be undertaken, according to the Minister for Small Business and Tourism, Ms Louise Asher, and the Minister for Planning and Local Government, Mr Robert Maclellan. (27 Aug)

$9m funding for urban facelifts

The Minister for Planning and Local Government, Mr Robert Maclellan, has launched Pride of Place 1999-2000, a $9 million program to improve Victoria’s cities, towns and suburban centres. (11 Aug)

Work to begin on University Square

Minister for Planning and Local Government Mr Robert Maclellan has announced the start of preparation work on the Melbourne University Square Campus in Carlton.

New system for builders’ skills recognition

A new Domestic Builders’ Registration System has been established for domestic builder registration.

New transport, infrastructure and planning projects in Budget

The Victorian Government has announced new transport, infrastructure and planning projects worth $743 million.

Planning issues a joint responsibility

Discussions between the Minister for Planning and Local Government, Mr Maclellan, and the President of the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV), Cr Brad Matheson, have resulted in a joint approach to planning issues by State and local governments.

New hearing rooms, report service, for VCAT

The State Government has opened additional hearing rooms and also launched a new "loose-leaf" report service for the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).

Gaming venues restricted in strip shopping centres

The Minister for Planning and Local Government, Mr Maclellan, has approved a list of 361 strip shopping centres across metropolitan Melbourne and Geelong as locations where new gaming venues will either be restricted or excluded.

Telecommunications Code of Practice

Victorian is to get a Code of Practice for telecommunications that will provide a single set of performance based planning principles for the whole State.

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.

1998

Report on competitive tendering processes

In 1997-98, a total of $1777 billion of local-government work was market tested, representing 60.9% of total council operating expenses, according to the Minister for Planning and Local Government’s report, "Competitive Tendering: Competition and Quality Services" released in December 1998.

Whitehorse amendment to curb 'Rogue Developers'

The Minister for Planning and Local Government, Mr. Maclellan, has approved amendment L42 to the Whitehorse Planning Scheme to prevent an ‘inappropriate’ development at 5 Delaney Ave. Burwood and to also discourage other ‘rogue developers’ in future.

New Heritage Controls approved for Boroondara

The Minister for Planning and Local Government, Mr Maclellan, has approved Amendment L35 to the Boroondara Planing Scheme which will provide heritage protection to 23 sites within the City.

Completion of Government Heritage Restoration Program

The 'Renewing Victoria's Past' Report, a review of the Government Heritage Restoration Program during 1997-98, was released on September 21.  This year marked the final year of the $16 million program, which began in 1994.

Melbourne's new riverside park

Planning has commenced on Melbourne’s new riverside park adjoining the new Federation Square.

Response on Labor's Planning Policy

The Victorian Labor Party's planning policies would strip local councils of many of their legitimate planning powers, according to the Minister for Planning and Local Government, Mr Maclellan.

Panel to consider proposed Boroondara planning scheme

The Minister for Planning and Local Government, Mr Maclellan, has appointed an independent panel to consider submissions on a proposed new planning scheme for the City of Boroondara.

Annual Planning Statement by Minister Maclellan

The Minister for Planning, Mr Maclellan, reviews Victoria's planning regime and announces a 25 per cent increase in private building work over the past 12 months.

Working group to consider overshadowing issues

A working group has been established to consider issues arising from overlooking and overshadowing created by new housing developments.

New tools for improved urban design

The Minister for Planning and Local Government, Mr Maclellan, has launched a new information package of tools, legal documents and projects designed to give residents and councils greater involvement and accountability in the planning of their neighbourhood.

Standing Committee to consider local variations to the Good Design Guide

A Standing Advisory Committee has been appointed to consider proposed local variations to the Good Design Guide from councils throughout the state.

New planning initiatives

The Minister for Planning and Local Government, Mr Robert Maclellan, has outlined five initiatives for inclusion into the Victorian planning system.

2001

The Minister for Planning has released the independent panel report on the proposed upgrade of the 20 kilometre stretch of the Calder Highway between Kyneton and Faraday and decided that there should be further work and consultation on the proposed route. (30 Aug)

The Minister for Planning has launched plans for a $140 million low-rise development, SP15, on Port Melbourne's foreshore. (29 Aug)

The Government has released results of feedback from 1908 people, of whom a majority supported a low profile for any building on Sandridge Rail Bridge. (26 Aug)

The Minister for Consumer Affairs has urged consumers to "do their homework" and use  registered builders for domestic construction work. (22 Aug)

The Government has launched a "media blitz" to notify the owners of an estimated 10,000 cooling towers of the need to register their towers by 31 August under legionella legislation passed in March.  Only 3000 registrations had been received. (14 Aug)

A record $2.9 billion of building work was approved in the quarter to June 2001, according to Building Control Commission figures. (31 July)

The Minister for Planning says that "controlling the suburban sprawl" was the number one issue for people attending public forums on the Metropolitan Strategy, but with views divided between "pro" and "anti" development. (25 July)

The Minister for Planning has granted a planning permit for a $300 million development at Casselden Place, a site bounded by Lonsdale Street, Spring Street, and Little Lonsdale Street. (24 July)

The Minister for Environment and Conservation has announced a "vision" for a Werribee Precinct, an "integrated recreation and tourism destination precinct of regional, national and international significance", and has committed $2 million to initiate projects connected with the precinct. (20 July)

Free ResCode training sessions are being provided to Victorian councils and peak industry bodies prior to ResCode commencing in "late August". (19 July)

A Metropolitan Strategy forum has been held for local government mayors, chief executive officers and senior planners (18 July)

The Minister for Planning has made Amendment C30 to the Mornington Peninsula Planning Scheme to allow the Rosebud Life Saving Club's new clubhouse to go ahead, bypassing a Supreme Court decision requiring VCAT to reconsider the issue. (17 July)

The Ministers for Planning and Energy have welcomed an announcement by Henley Properties Group, that all their new homes will meet the five star energy rating under the Energy Smart Builders program. (17 July)

Six proposals for the redevelopment of Sandridge Rail Bridge have been placed on exhibit for public comment at Flinders Street Railway Station. (11 July)

The Minister for Planning has called for submissions on Basslink to the Basslink Joint Advisory Panel under the Basslink Integrated Impact Assessment Statement (IIAS), which incorporates a Victorian Environment Effects Statement.  The panel will make recommendations to the Minister, the Premier of Tasmania and the Commonwealth Minister for the Environment and Heritage.  The Minister will make an assessment under the Environment Effects Act 1978 advising whether the Basslink project should be approved. (29 June)

Building Control Commission building industry statistics show that $1.2 billion of construction was approved in May, the highest monthly level ever recorded, with a number large permits issued, including  Knox Shopping Centre, Wantirna South, $88M,  Residential Building (Bourke View Apartments), Bourke Street Melbourne, $62.7M (Stage 1 of project), Royal Womens Hospital, Grattan Street Parkville, $35.2M (Stage 1 of project), Residential Building, Docklands, $27M (Stage 5 of project) and Residential building (Liberty Tower), Collins Street Melbourne, $16.9M (Stage 4 of project) (27 June)

The Minister for Planning has claimed that recent Victorian building industry statistics show the industry has continued to do well despite the collapse of the HIH Insurance group. (7 June)

The Minister for Housing has announced that social housing projects in Windsor, Kensington, Port Melbourne, Richmond and Carlton are being developed according to environmental design principles that reduce energy consumption. (5 June)

The Minister for Planning has issued an interim heritage protection prohibiting the preventing the dismantling of the Slade Knitwear neon sign in Dover Street, Richmond. (2 June)

After promising in December 1999 to table in Parliament every 12 months a report on Ministerial interventions in planning decisions, the Minister for Planning has tabled the first report, showing a reduced number of interventions but not giving reasons for the interventions or decisions. (31 May)

The Minister for Planning has said he will initiate ministerial design awards for new homes, multi-unit developments and extensions that lifted the standards of housing design. (29 May)

A report, Melbourne and Regional Victoria, has been released as part of the development of the Metropolitan Strategy. (17 May)

The Opposition has criticised the Government's delay in recognising the need for action to assist the building industry and consumers following the HIH Insurance group collapse. (12 May)

OECD urban design experts are to assist in developing the Metropolitan Strategy. (7 May)

The Minister for Planning has announced a change to planning regulations so that all of a retirement village no longer has to be in the one ownership. (7 May)

The Minister for Planning has confirmed that under recent legislation, by 1 September this year, all of Victoria's 10,000 cooling towers need to be registered. Inspections have begun to ensure new maintenance requirements introduced last month are being met. (27 Apr)

The Minister for Planning has granted interim heritage controls for precincts in Ballarat, Learmonth and Buninyong. (27 Apr)

The EcoCentre, a council and community-run facility that promotes environmentally-friendly living in St Kilda, is to receive an $80,000 grant from the State Government to demonstrate ways that building design can conserve water, recycle waste and use solar power. (22 Apr)

The Opposition has called on the Government to declare where it stands on the future of Waverley Park, following reports that the AFL is planning to advertise Waverley Park for sale. (18 Apr)

Twenty-two heritage assets will share in $1.3 million under the latest round of Public Heritage grants. (11 Apr)

The Minister for Planning has claimed "Ballarat's building industry saw one of the highest levels of activity in rural Victoria", "Bendigo recorded one of the highest levels of building activity in rural Victoria", "Gippsland's building industry saw strong levels of building activity compared to recent years" and "Geelong recorded the highest level of building activity in rural Victoria" in four separate news releases. (5 Apr)

The Opposition has re-affirmed its support for World Heritage Listing for the Royal Exhibition Building. (3 Apr)

The Opposition has called on the Minister for Planning to take the initiative in order to resolve the concerns of  residents over Powercor’s plans to site a substation in Rochester close to a residential area in Pascoe Street. (2 Apr)

The Minister for Planning has invited public comment on two alternative plans submitted for further development at Beacon Cove, including building on Princes Pier or demolishing the pier beyond the gatehouse. (2 Apr)

Figures in Building Victoria show that home building in Victoria declined 5.5 per cent in 2000, while commercial and industrial building rose 28.2 per cent and 27.4 per cent. (29 Mar)

The Government has made amendments to the Victoria Planning Provisions to allow Councils to seek to amend their planning schemes to require permits for restaurants in a Business Zone 1. (28 Mar)

The Minister for Planning has launched the new website for Metropolis, an international association of major world cities.  The website was developed in Melbourne. (16 Mar)

The Government will provide a $100,000 Urban Improvement Grant  to redevelop Bacchus Marsh's retail and commercial area. (14 Mar)

The Minister for Planning has announced a $25,000 grant to complete urban design work for the shopping village precinct and foreshore at Point Lonsdale. (9 Mar)

The Minister for Planning has announced he has accepted an independent panel's recommendation to amend the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme to allow for a $65 million   residential, office and retail development the former Rippleside shipyard site on Corio Bay, subject to obtaining a planning permit. (8 Mar)

The Minister for Planning has announced that more than $3 million dollars has been allocated in this financial year to fund Pride of Place projects, with 70 per cent of the funds going to rural and regional Victoria. (6 Mar)

The Minister for Planning has claimed that the Commonwealth Government has cut funding for shipwrecks in Victoria. (28 Feb)

The Minister for Planning has approved a 19 storey redevelopment on the Yarra Northbank at Flinders Wharf , having backed down on supporting earlier proposals for a 31-storey tower on the site. (28 Feb)

On request by the City of Ballarat, the Minister has 'called in' a planning application for the construction of two bores and a water treatment plant to improve the water supply to Clunes. (23 Feb)

The Government has announced a $100,000 grant for the Queenscliff Town Hall under the $15 million Public Heritage Program administered by Heritage Victoria, to urgently repair, restore and conserve the state's public assets. (21 Feb)

The Minister for Planning has approved Amendment C13 providing interim heritage protection to precincts and individual properties in the City of Bayside pending a decision on proposed Amendment C6 which would provide ongoing protection. (8 Feb)

The Government is providing $230,000 to fund nine rural councils to undertake heritage studies to help councils catalogue places of architectural and historical significance or of other special importance, under the Public Heritage Program. (1 Feb)

The Minister for Planning has launched Suburbs in Time, a 15-year analysis of Melbourne's social and economic trends. (25 Jan)

The Minister for Planning has claimed that by 2002, all new homes in Victoria would have to meet a four-star energy efficiency rating. (24 Jan)

The Minister for Planning has decided that the original plans submitted for Stage 2 of the Beacon Cove development, including a 20-storey tower and a residential development up to nine storeys along the pier, are not acceptable. (18 Jan)

The Minister for Planning has backed down on proposals to allow a 31-storey development on the Yarra next to the World Trade Centre, following an independent panel recommendation to abandon Amendment C28 to the Melbourne Planning Scheme. (18 Jan)

The Planning Minister has approved planning scheme amendments allowing work to begin on the selected route of the Eastern Freeway extension announced by the Government in October 2000. (11 Jan)

The Opposition says that ABS figures challenge the Government's claim that Victoria's construction sector is booming. (5 Jan)

2000

The Minister for Planning has released the Review of Development Contributions in Victoria Report and Recommendations. (21 Dec)

The Minister for Planning has approved an interim amendment to the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme to require in residential areas that any construction or extension work on a dwelling higher than 7.5 metres above ground level must have a planning permit. (8 Dec)

The Ballarat and Moorabool Planning Schemes would be changed to allow the upgrading of the Western Highway to a freeway at Woodmans Hill, the Planning Minister has announced. (6 Dec)

The Minister for Planning has launched the City of Port Phillip Community Guide to Planning. (5 Dec)

The Minister for Planning has announced $742,000 of funding under the fourth round of the Government's $15 million Public Heritage Program. (3 Dec)

The Minister for Planning has released Housing Melbourne - Residential Forecast 2000. (1 Dec)

The Planning Minister has issued a planning permit for the development of the Blairgowrie Safe Boat Harbour. (17 Nov)

The Planning Minister has launched Planning Scheme Amendments ONLINE, which provides status information of amendments to planning schemes for each municipality across Victoria. (8 Nov)

The Planning Minister has issued his assessment that the proposal for the Big Hill open cut mine in Stawell should not go ahead. (6 Nov)

The Government has voted in Parliament against Opposition amendments requiring Councils and the Minister for Planning to give consideration to the rights of neighbouring owners and occupiers before agreeing to any proposed planning scheme amendment which would remove or vary a covenant on a property. (1 Nov)

The Minister for Planning has announced that amendments to building and planning law regarding demolitions and consistency between planning and building permits have come into operation on 1 November. (1 Nov)

The Minister for Planning has released a discussion paper, Challenge Melbourne, which he says poses key questions for the future of Melbourne and its links with regional Victoria. (25 Oct)

The Planning Minister, John Thwaites, has appointed an independent Advisory Committee to consider submissions on the proposed Craigieburn Bypass that would link the Hume Freeway at Craigieburn with the Metropolitan Ring Road. (16 Oct)

The Opposition has criticised the Planning Minister, John Thwaites, for failing to make a decision on the final route for the western option of the Shepparton bypass. (13 Sep)

The Minister for Planning has announced that the number of town planners needed now and in the future would be assessed as part of a review into local government services. (13 Sep)

The Minister for Planning has launched the Hanover Welfare Services design project for Yarra's northbank. (8 Sep)

The Government has signed a Camp Street Heads of Agreement with the City of Ballarat and the University of Ballarat for the development of the historic civic project, to which the Government is committing a total of $17 million. (24 Aug)

The Opposition has listed some key problems and concerns with the Government's draft residential code, ResCode. (23 Aug)

The Planning Minister has announced a review of payment practices in the building and construction industry. (22 Aug)

The Planning Minister has called for submissions on the Environment Effects Statement for the proposed upgrade of the Calder Highway between Kyneton and Faraday. (17 Aug)

The Government has announced $3 million of  Pride of Place funding for 2000/2001, with 70 per cent to be allocated to rural and regional Victoria. (15 Aug)

The Government has announced an advisory committee and a first phase of public consultation for the development of the Metropolitan Strategy. (9 Aug)

The Minister for Planning has approved interim planning controls to for the Cowes foreshore at Phillip Island under which there is a preferred building height of two to three storeys at the street front, five storeys further back from the street, and approximately eight storeys for a landmark site, with the Isle of Wight hotel site being the only landmark site identified. (8 Aug)

The Planning Minister has introduced interim measures to protect significant trees and selected vegetation in the City of Banyule through Amendment C4 to the Banyule Planning Scheme which was requested by the Council and will introduce an Environmental Significance Overlay to 530 sites. (17 July)

The Government has announced $1.4 million for 19 projects under round three of the Government's $15 million Public Heritage Program. (13 July)

Objections by Labor-controlled councils are putting the proposed Craigieburn deviation of the Hume Freeway at risk, according to the Opposition. (13 July)

The latest building approvals figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics confirm Victoria's housing and construction industry downturn is continuing, and reinforce the need for the Bracks Government to identify and commit to new major projects for Victoria, according to the Shadow Minister for Major Projects. (3 July)

Mr Tony Arnel has been announced as the new head of the Building Control Commission, taking up his position as Commissioner in mid-August. (29 June)

The Planning Minister has approved Amendment C20 to introduce interim height controls to certain areas on the Peninsula generally adjacent to Port Phillip Bay, especially on hillsides, cliff tops and high sand dune areas, in the Mornington Peninsula Shire, which will be in place until the end of next year. (26 June)

The Government has claimed a continuing strong performance of Victoria's construction industry following the release of building approval figures from the Building Control Commission (BCC), comparing $811 million of building activity in April 2000 with $659.5 million of building work for April 1999. (26 June)

Noel Laidlaw has been appointed as Victoria's new mining warden. (26 June)

The Planning Minister has called for submissions on proposed changes to the law affecting restrictive covenants, which has been held over until the Spring sittings following delays in its introduction into Parliament. (26 June)

The Government will commission next month a long-term study of statewide training needs to address the shortage of planners in rural and regional areas.  The Government also says it has supported two new graduate courses to begin next semester in regional planning at La Trobe University's Bendigo campus. (26 June)

The Minister for Planning has refused an application for a permit to demolish the signal box and waiting room at Ringwood Railway Station, accepting a Heritage Council recommendation that the permit be refused. The future of the buildings will now be considered in a $1 million Masterplan for the Ringwood Transport Interchange project. (20 June)

The Minister for Environment and Conservation has released the Williamstown Foreshore Strategic Plan prepared by Parks Victoria and Hobsons Bay City Council. (16 June)

The State Government has provided $50,000 under the Pride of Place program towards a link between the Moreland Civic Precinct and Pentridge Village, and demolition of a wall of Pentridge Prison has commenced. (15 June)

The Planning Minister has released a brochure, the Guide to Body Corporate Information, which gives details of agencies and industry bodies that can assist with various body corporate matters and provides answers to some frequently asked questions. (8 June)

The Minister for Transport hasannounced a $40,000 grant for a study into the feasibility of establishing a Heritage Transport Complex at the Ballarat railyards. (30 May)

The Minister for Transport has announced a $150,000 grant to help reconnect the historic rail link between Echuca Railway Station and the Port of Echuca Wharf. (29 May)

The Government must increase funding to 60 outstanding small town sewerage schemes to ensure they all go ahead, according to the Shadow Water Resources Minister. (25 May)

The Opposition has called on the Premier to release the Ballarat very fast train feasibility study. (24 May)

The Minister for Planning has approved plans for outdoor sports lights at the State Netball and Hockey Centre at Royal Park and approved amendment of the Melbourne Planning Scheme to allow installation and operation of the lights. (5 May)

The Minister for Planning has accepted a planning panel's recommendation to halve the size of a boatshed at Portsea sought to be built by Mr Lindsay Fox. (16 Apr)

The  Government's proposed new residential code is running up to six months late, while poor scheduling has prevented many residents from taking part in the Government's public consultation workshops, according to the Opposition. (5 Apr)

The Minister for Planning has announced a "new planning framework" for the Mt Buller Alpine Resort. (4 Apr)

The Minister for Planning has appointed a technical lighting expert, Norman Disney of Young Lighting Design, to review proposed lighting arrangements for the State Netball and Hockey Centre. (27 Mar)

The Opposition has pointed out that more than four months after taking office, the State Government has still not made any actual changes to planning rules to address problems with medium density and single dwelling housing, although promised by both sides of politics during last year's State election. (25 Feb)

The Minister for Planning has opened an Urban Planning Summit which he convened with support of the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) and the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), attended by more than 125 council delegates representing more than 50 councils. (25 Feb)

The Government has backed the Camp Street Precinct project in Ballarat, established by the previous Government, with a further $950,000 in funding to assist with the move of the University of Ballarat's School of Arts into Camp Street. (22 Feb)

The Government has launched a public education campaign calling on Victorians to only ever use licensed plumbers to carry out plumbing work on their property. (21 Feb)

The Minister for Local Government has praised the new format Planning Schemes, initiated by the previous Government, of 5 councils in South West Victoria, saying the "document clear local policies, and provide the basis for councils to make decisions on how land should be used and developed to achieve these objectives." (17 Feb)

The building industry is fundamental to the economic health of Victoria and the Government fully supports and encourages its growth, the Planning Minister has said. (11 Feb)

The Government has announced the awarding by Land Victoria of a contract for maintenance and management services for Vicmap Digital (Roads and Topographic) to LANDINFO, the spatial division of consulting firm, Sinclair Knight Merz. (27 Jan)

The Premier has announced that the Government has approved a $300,000 contribution to Ballarat's St Patrick's Cathedral Restoration Appeal. (12 Jan)

1999

The Government has announced projects to be funded under the latest round of the Public Heritage Program established by the previous Government. (21 Dec)

The Government has welcomed the announcement that the Grocon Group has been named by Melbourne City Council as the preferred developer for a $500 million redevelopment of the historic Queen Victoria site. (16 Dec)

The Minister for Planning has announced details for the Independent Panel considering the permit application for a boatshed at 7 Merrylands Avenue, Portsea, continuing the process adopted by the previous Minister. (14 Dec, republished in HTML format 21 Dec)

The Minister for Planning, Mr John Thwaites, said he accepted the broad thrust of the recommendations of an independent Panel the proposed Blairgowrie Safe Boat Harbour under the Environment Effects Act 1978 and agreed that the proposal should be approved, subject to certain conditions. (14 Dec)

Minister for Planning, Mr John Thwaites, has extended the Terms of Reference of the Standing Advisory Committee appointed to review existing housing codes to include car parking and density issues.  The Standing Advisory Committee’s final report, incorporating the extended Terms of Reference, is to be submitted to the Minister by March 31, 2000. (2 Dec)

The Minister for Planning, Mr John Thwaites has welcomed the findings of a Property Council of Australia Report that good urban design provides substantial economic returns to property investors as well as providing enjoyable places to live and work. (1 Dec)

The Minister for Planning, Mr John Thwaites has approved the final development plans for the Melbourne University Square Campus project in South Carlton, claiming the new Government had been able to make significant improvements to the original design of the project. (24 Nov)

In a speech stating that he will continue to approve Councils' new format planning schemes, but will require schemes to support the new Government's planning agenda, the Minster for Planning, Mr John Thwaites, commented "This Government does not believe in a quick-fix approach to planning. The emphasis for this Government is on consultation and balance. To get the improvements right from the outset the approach must be considered and consultative – and not reactive or rushed.” (19 Nov)

The Minister for Planning and Local Government, Mr Rob Maclellan, said that Labor’s proposal to impose more prescriptive controls on a whole range of dwelling and building proposals was insulting to councillors, council officers and the community for their hard work in formulating rules for their local areas. (4 Sep)

The $500,000 Residential Design and Development Fund announced last year by the Minister for Planning and Local Government, Mr Robert Maclellan, has now been fully allocated to councils, industry bodies and related professionals across Victoria. (5 August)

The Minister for Local Government and Planning, Robert Maclellan, has announced that he is broadening the role of the Building Advisory Council to enable it to advise the State Government on consumer protection issues relating to the building and construction industry. (20 July)

Victoria's Minister for Planning and Local Government, Mr Robert Maclellan, has announced funding of $1.22 million to help councils implement their new-format planning schemes. Each of the State's 78 municipalities to receive $15,000. (30 June)

The 135-year-old Lorne landmark and tourist icon, Erskine House, is set to undergo a $50-million restoration and redevelopment following approval of Amendment L57 to the Surf Coast Shire Planning Scheme. (22 June)

The Minister for Planning and Local Government, Robert Maclellan, has released an overview report on the State's new format planning schemes, providing an insight into how Victoria Planning Provisions are being used, and where improvements may be made. (19 May)

The 1999 Consumer Satisfaction Survey of 30,000 residents has indicated that 80% of Victoria's 78 local councils have improved their performance over the last 12 months. (5 May)

Over the next two years, a further $1 million funding will be made available for local communities to develop StreetLIFE projects to help Victoria's traditional shopping strips. (19 April)

Amendment VC5 to the Victoria Planning Provisions (VPPs) has been gazetted. Amendment VC5 contains a number of operational improvements to the VPPs and various schemes designed to empower the council, as the Responsible Authority, to make the final decision about development proposals within its municipality. (25 Mar)

The Minister for Planning and Local Government, Robert Maclellan, has approved Melbourne City Council's new format planning scheme. (4 Mar)

1998

The State Government has granted planning approval to  the University of Melbourne's $250 million Melbourne University Private scheme as a project of State significance. (30 Dec)

The State Government has granted planning approval for a 560 metre, 120 storey building as part of the Grollo group proposal for the Batman's Hill Precinct in Docklands. (7 Dec)

Ms Catherine Heggen has been appointed the new Chair of the Heritage Council. (14 July)

The Minister for Planning and Local Government has appointed an independent panel to consider submissions on a proposed new planning scheme for the City of Whitehorse. (22 May)

Page last changed Saturday, 05-Jun-2004 05:39:54 EDT

News Releases prior to the October 1999 change of government by the Minister for Planning

The Planning section of the Department of Infrastructure site has material on planning projects including ResCode and a What's New page

Heritage Victoria has a good range of materials on heritage matters including media releases and newpaper article listings, as does the National Trust of Australia (Victoria), including media releases

The Building Control Commission regulates the building industry in Victoria and also publishes building activity statistics.

Docklands Authority

Municipal Association of Victoria has news releases and other material on planning, as does the Victorian Local Governance Association

Royal Australian Planning Institute (Victorian Division)

The Town and Country Planning Association, a "community organisation for the advocacy of urban and rural planning"

The Save Our Suburbs (Melbourne) site has recently been updated and contains press releases, submissions, etc.

Local Planners Association - Victoria  has a variety of documents and links on-line

Australian Institute of Urban Studies - Victoria has some information on-line

Property Council of Australia has an extensive collection of news, position papers, news releases, etc on property matters, including planning, and has a Victorian Division section with Victorian media releases

Master Builders Association of Victoria, including news releases

See this site's Box Hill pages for planning news and issues in the Box Hill Electorate.

Australian

Royal Australian Planning Institute

Australian Heritage Commission, a Commonwealth statutory authority which advises on the National Estate and Australia's heritage

The Australian Institute of Building, an association of building professionals

The Royal Australian Institute of Architects

Housing Industry Association

The Save Our Suburbs national site provides links to Melbourne and Sydney SOS.

International

Metropolis is an international association of major cities which "works towards developing solutions to issues affecting large cities such as urban planning and development, the economy, the environment, transport, infrastructure and communications"