Phone: (03) 5482 1111
Campaspe Shire mayor Peter Williams has welcomed the Victorian Government's new strategy to support future population growth and planning across the state.
Regional population growth was enshrined into state-wide planning provisions with the gazettal of planning scheme Amendment VC66 on Wednesday.
Announcing the updated Victoria Planning Provisions, Planning Minister Justin Madden said the amendment gave statutory effect to the government's $631 million Ready for Tomorrow: A Blueprint for Regional and Rural Victoria.
``Population in regional Victoria is growing at its highest rate since 1982 and is expected to reach 1.7 million by 2026,'' Mr Madden said.
``Incorporating this strategy into the planning provisions gives councils in regional and rural Victoria up-to-date policies to respond to growth, land supply, services, infrastructure and transport issues.
``It supports sustainable development of regional cities and centres and will protect their way of life for future generations.''
Cr Williams said the scheme reinforced the shire's approach to attracting more people to live in the area.
``It is consistent with our views for regional Victoria to expand,'' he said.
``We're not anticipating major changes in the near future (but) . . . in a lot of ways, it's about setting goals for the future.''
Mr Madden said the scheme was a strategic investment to drive a new era of opportunity and prosperity in regional Victoria.
``This blueprint establishes a collaborative approach to regional planning and development,'' he said.
``It guides the way government works with local communities to ensure the sustainable, prosperous economic and social growth of Victoria's regions.''
Amendment VC66 is available for inspection in person at all municipal offices and at the Department of Planning and Community Development in Ballarat, Epsom, Geelong, Mildura, Traralgon Wangaratta and Warrnambool.
The amendment is also available online at www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/planning/publicinspection
