The Cardinia Shire Council has unanimously passed a motion urging the state government to pause the implementation of the new Planning Amendment (Better Decisions Made Faster) Bill 2025. Concerns were raised that the legislation prioritizes speed over crucial factors such as safety, transparency, and community input. The motion, led by Cr Trudi Paton, was supported during the council’s meeting on December 15, 2023.
Councillors expressed apprehension that the rushed nature of the Bill, which recently passed through both houses of Parliament, could have detrimental effects on fast-growing regions like Cardinia. Cr Paton emphasized that while some amendments had addressed certain issues, significant concerns persisted. “The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) stated that the bill puts speed ahead of safety, fairness, and community trust, and we at Cardinia agree,” she noted.
Concerns Over Environmental and Safety Protections
The council’s concerns extend to potential risks associated with environmental and safety safeguards, particularly regarding natural disasters such as floods and fires. Cr Paton pointed out that “Victoria is one of the most fire-prone regions in the world,” and the removal of these protections undermines the planning objectives aimed at ensuring a “safe living and working environment.” She referenced the findings of the 2009 Bushfires Royal Commission and decades of planning policies designed to preserve human life.
Deputy Mayor Liz Roberts warned that the proposed reforms would place additional pressure on planning staff and limit opportunities for residents to engage in local development decisions. Councillor David Nickell highlighted the lack of consultation with councils prior to the introduction of the legislation, suggesting it limited the ability to assess potential impacts and secure necessary funding for implementation. “It’s regrettable, and I don’t believe that we as a council should be silent about that,” he stated.
Challenges Faced by Growth-Area Councils
Cr Jack Kowarzik noted the importance of expediting planning approvals to address the housing crisis but argued that growth-area councils like Cardinia should not bear the brunt of the issues attributed to the old laws. “When you have four to five families moving into your shire every day, you are not part of the problem,” he asserted. Kowarzik proposed that growth-area councils should be exempt from the new legislation until they no longer qualify as growth areas.
The Planning Amendment Bill is set to take two years to come into effect, during which time Cr Paton emphasized the need for strong advocacy from the council, the public, and other agencies. This is essential to ensure that the push for faster approvals does not compromise safety or community input. The motion to pause the Bill was carried unanimously, and amendments will be considered by the lower house next year.
As the council grapples with the implications of these new laws, the focus remains on advocating for a planning process that prioritizes community safety and engagement.
