Victorians could be stripped of third-party planning appeal rights as the state government prepares for what it has called the “biggest planning shake-up in decades”.
Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny introduced the Planning Amendment (Better Decisions Made Faster) Bill 2025 into the Victorian Parliament on October 28 in a bid to speed up planning processes.
Under the changes, Victoria’s new homes, duplexes, townhouses and low-rise apartments will require no notice and no third party appeals.
For higher density apartments, only those who are directly impacted – like neighbours in the area – will get notice and be able to appeal.
“We’re fixing a planning system that’s been slowing things down – this new Bill is creating clearer rules, faster decisions, and fewer delays for people trying to build a home,” Ms Kilkenny said.
Information released stated on average a planning permit currently took 140 days to get approved “– and if there is an objection, it blows out to more than 300 days”.
The state government’s proposal aims to reduce timelines for stand-alone homes and duplexes to 10 days, townhouses and low-rise development to 30 days, and larger apartment buildings to 60 days.
Planning has been a sore point in the Macedon Ranges in recent years as the shire prepares for growth but aims to keep each town’s individual character.
The state has set a housing target for Macedon Ranges of an additional 13,200 houses by 2051.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s director of planning and environment, Rebecca Stockfeld, told the Express the council wanted the community to have a voice in planning.
“At this early stage, our initial concerns (with the state government’s Bill) relate to changes in community involvement in planning processes and the proposed removal of third-party rights,” she said.
“Council wants to ensure local voices are not lost in the planning scheme amendment process and that community input continues to play a pivotal role.”
The Municipal Association of Victoria is leading development of a sector-wide position and will provide detailed information, advice and opportunities for councils to provide feedback.
MAV president Cr Jennifer Anderson said local councils had not been consulted on the legislation that would dictate how communities were shaped now and into the future.
“The state government has chosen to impose those new provisions without testing them,” she said.
“The Bill aims for faster decisions and greater certainty, but the closed-shop approach to reform risks inefficiency and mistakes. Ultimately, it risks the erosion of public trust in planning decisions and in government.”
The MAV is concerned proposals to wind back notice provisions would remove a critical quality control mechanism, with local communities often providing important local knowledge.
“We’re calling for state and local governments to pull together as genuine partners, to ensure housing happens faster, better, and – most importantly – with community support,” Cr Anderson said.
The Bill has been introduced but not yet adopted. Local councils will continue to work with the MAV and monitor developments closely.
