If your environmental issue relates to land use, housing, or development then it is likely that you will need to consider the land use planning controls governed by the Planning and Environment Act 1987 (Vic). The Planning and Environment Act 1987 (Vic) contains some of the most useful parts of Victoria's environmental and planning law. Including:
The Planning and Environment Act 1987 (Vic) is administered by the Department of Planning and Community Development (www.dpcd.vic.gov.au), under the direction of the Minister for Planning and Community Development.
If someone is undertaking a development or changing the way they use land in Victoria, they will most likely be required to consider and meet requirements contained in their local planning scheme. They may also be required to apply for a planning permit.
This process is very important because it allows for other people to receive notice of a proposal, make submissions and objections, and potentially use their right to appeal.
The State standard provisions (which every planning scheme must contain) are called the Victorian Planning Provisions (‘VPPs’). This does not prevent planning schemes from accounting for the different land uses and requirements that exist in different Municipalities (Part 1A of the Planning and Environment Act 1987). The Victorian Planning Provisions (‘VPPs’) are simply the standard planning provisions that apply throughout the State.