A planning scheme amendment is a change to the Mount Alexander Planning Scheme.
Council can undertake a planning scheme amendment to:
• Rezone land;
• Apply or remove a planning overlay to land;
• Change or introduce a local policy; and/or
• Make minor changes to a zone or overlay through a schedule to the zone or overlay.
Only Council or the Minister for Planning can undertake a planning scheme amendment, however other individuals, companies, or authorities can request Council (or the Minister for Planning) undertake a planning scheme amendment on their behalf.
An amendment follows a statutory process which involves a number of steps. More information about requesting a planning scheme amendment is available here. In general a Planning Scheme amendment will take 12-18 months from when Council commences the statutory process, until it comes into effect.
When can I have input?
There are three key stages for public input.
The first opportunity is when Council is undertaking a study or preparing a planning scheme amendment.
The second and key opportunity is at public exhibition. All amendments undertaken by Council are exhibited for at least one calendar month.
Members of the public can make a submission:
• Supporting the amendment;
• Supporting the amendment subject to changes being made;
• Opposing the amendment.
Your submission must be in writing, and include contact details. If we receive submissions opposing the amendment or requesting changes, Council must change the amendment to satisfy those submissions, or refer the amendment to a planning panel.
The planning panel process is the final stage for public input. Only submitters are able to participate (although the public may attend and observe) and present to the panel. The panel will also consider all written submissions.
Can I get land rezoned or the Planning Scheme changed?
Only Council or the Minister for Planning can undertake a planning scheme amendment. Landowners and residents can request Council undertake an amendment on their behalf, and if supported, the requestor will need to prepare all amendment documentation at their expense.
An amendment proposal must have strong strategic justification and be in accordance with Council planning policy and the Mount Alexander Planning Scheme. There is no guarantee that the amendment will be adopted by Council or approved by the Minister for Planning.
Privacy Disclosure
A planning scheme amendment is a public statutory process. All documents regarding the amendment are public, including submissions and objections. We must make all submissions available for viewing upon request from the date the submission is lodged, until two months after the amendment has come into effect or lapsed.