UPDATE: Cardinia Shire Council has just announced a unanimous decision to urge the state government to pause the controversial Planning Amendment (Better Decisions Made Faster) Bill 2025. This decision comes amid growing concerns that the new laws prioritize speed over crucial safety measures, transparency, and community input.
During a critical meeting on December 15, 2025, councillors rallied behind a motion led by Cr Trudi Paton, calling on the Minister for Planning to halt the implementation of the bill, which was rushed through Parliament in the final days of the year. The council emphasized the need for a revised, cooperative planning process that involves local authorities in decision-making.
Cr Paton expressed serious reservations about the bill, stating that despite some late amendments, significant risks remain for fast-growing councils like Cardinia. “The MAV (Municipal Association of Victoria) indicated the bill prioritizes speed at the expense of safety, fairness, and community trust. We at Cardinia fully agree,” she declared.
The proposed legislation poses potential threats to essential environmental and safety safeguards, particularly concerning natural disasters like floods and fires. Cr Paton highlighted that Victoria is among the world’s most fire-prone regions, and the removal of environmental protections undermines the state’s planning objectives aimed at ensuring a “safe living and working environment.”
In addition to these worrying trends, Deputy Mayor Liz Roberts pointed out that the reforms would place increased pressure on planning staff, further diminishing residents’ opportunities to voice their opinions on local development decisions. “This will significantly reduce community input, which is vital for maintaining trust and accountability,” she warned.
Concerns were echoed by Cr David Nickell, who criticized the lack of consultation with councils before introducing the legislation. He stressed that a thorough assessment of potential impacts and funding needs should have been prioritized.
Meanwhile, Cr Jack Kowarzik argued that while expediting planning approvals is essential to tackle the ongoing housing crisis, growth-area councils like Cardinia should be exempt from these new rules. “With four to five families moving into our shire every day, we are not part of the problem,” he asserted. He believes that any deficiencies in Cardinia’s planning stem from resource challenges rather than bureaucratic inefficiencies.
The Planning Amendment Bill is set to take two years to fully come into effect, which means the coming months will be critical for the council, residents, and advocacy groups to ensure that expedited approvals do not compromise safety or community engagement.
The council’s unanimous motion signals a strong commitment to protecting the interests of its residents and maintaining high standards in planning processes. As the amendments to the bill await consideration in the lower house next year, all eyes will be on the developments that follow this urgent call to action.
Residents and community members are encouraged to stay informed and participate in upcoming discussions, as the implications of this legislation could significantly impact Cardinia’s future.
