Our history

Environmentally Sustainable Development is a keystone principle in Victoria’s planning system, embedded in the strategic objectives of State and Local Planning Provisions. However, there is often a disconnect between these higher order objectives and achieving on the ground ESD outcomes.

In 2004, a group of local government agencies responded to this challenge by initiating a grassroots reform of planning policy with the aim of achieving improved sustainability outcomes in the built environment.

As a result, CASBE was established in 2009 to lead and represent these councils. Since then it has grown to become a self-funded organisation, with a growing membership of councils as well as permanent staff and a prominent role in the industry through submissions and newsletters.

We started with 10 member councils in 2010 and continue to grow every year.

Photos from top:
General construction photo.

Bendigo Soldier’s Memorial Institute. Architect: Lovell Chen. Photography: City of Greater Bendigo