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Today (1/5/2006) the Liberal Party (Vic) released their Planning Policy. Download it! See the press release.
SOS Analysis
Overall, we are impressed with key core parts of the policy, particularly the commitment to appoint a statutory, independent, Board of Review to completely review Melbourne 2030.
Starting with the high level summary, with the italics being our comments -
Key features of the policy include:
- A full-time Minister;
SOS agrees, planning is too important to only have a Ministers attention part time - a key problem with the present and last two planning ministers.
- Withdrawal of the flawed strategy ‘Melbourne 2030’;
SOS agrees - while still committed to many of the 'principles' in M2030, in practice the implementation is so flawed we need to start again with a statutory and transparent process that guarantees the inclusion of input from the community and independent experts.
- Development of a Metropolitan Growth Strategy which has the confidence and support of all;
SOS agrees - and while it would be difficult to get the confidence and support of all, the new Strategy must be a process which transparently balances key issues while also meeting basic principles of democracy, residential amenity, and environmental sustainability.
- Restoration of longstanding designated Growth Areas;
SOS needs more detail on this topic, and input from other community groups.
- Local decision making;
SOS agrees, councils should have control over town planning matters but be more accountable (via reform of VCAT).
- Investment in the protection and upgrading of Green Wedges and Public Open Space;
SOS needs more detail on this topic, and input from other community groups.
- A reduced role for the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) and a fair go for councils;
SOS agrees in principle to this, but does not agree to the detailed proposal in this paper. VCAT should be a court of law, with powers to oversight council process, but not (as present) being able to take over the role of the planning authority .
- A more accountable, integrated and consistent system of Heritage protection
SOS needs more detail on this topic, and input from other community groups.
- Help to upgrade strata title properties.
Not within the SOS terms of reference .
More analysis shortly.
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