State & local planning policy

We believe sustainable built environments can be supported and strengthened by effective planning policy.

Weaving sustainable built environment targets through a number of policy areas provides better support for planners in negotiating sustainability outcomes with applicants. This can be achieved through:

State planning policy frameworks
Local policy planning frameworks – ESD Policy
Geographic policies
Municipal strategic statements
Councils’ strategic plans

Victorian State Planning Policy

CASBE advocates for Victorian Government policy changes that focus on improving the sustainability assessment process for developments.

Local planning policy framework – Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) Planning Policy

In 2009, a number of Victorian councils coordinated their efforts to introduce a consistent Environmentally Sustainable Development (ESD) policy into their planning schemes. Six councils – Banyule, Moreland, Port Phillip, Stonnington, Whitehorse and Yarra – successfully had an ESD Local Planning Policy gazetted in November 2015. A joint Planning Panel and Advisory Committee was established for this amendment.

Other councils have since pursued a similar approach with numerous policies now gazetted.

The local ESD policies represent significant planning policy reform and are already having positive outcomes. Permit applications are being received demonstrating significantly improved sustainability outcomes in daylight and natural ventilation, stormwater management and energy efficiency.

You can find a summary of the triggers in the ESD Local Policies here.