New requirements have been introduced that enable EPA Victoria to provide greater support to planning authorities in undertaking land use planning in Victoria.
Minister for Planning Hon Richard Wynne MP has approved a new Ministerial Direction and a new Ministerial Requirement to ensure that planning authorities seek early advice from EPA Victoria when undertaking a range of strategic planning activities.
The new requirements, which implement the Victorian Government’s response to recommendations of the Independent Inquiry into the EPA, apply to the preparation of land use strategies and plans, and preparation of planning scheme amendments that may result in significant impacts on the environment, amenity and human health due to pollution and waste.
Planning authorities will be required to seek the advice of the EPA when undertaking a range of strategic planning activities and include this advice with their application for authorisation to prepare a planning scheme amendment.
EPA CEO Dr Cathy Wilkinson said the early assistance would streamline the planning process by identifying and addressing any issues in initial discussions.
“EPA’s reform process is about moving toward a more proactive authority which works to prevent harm from pollution and waste before it occurs, and this Ministerial Direction and Requirement will really assist us to achieve this vision,” she said.
The new requirements will be supported by a new DELWP Planning Advisory Note and dedicated information on the EPA Victoria
website