PLANNING SCHEME AMENDMENT (PSA) GAZETTED FOR BELSAR-YUNGERA AND HATTAH LAKES

Progress for Victorian Murray Floodplain Restoration Project

The Victorian Murray Floodplain Restoration Project (VMFRP) is pleased to share progress in the project’s planning and approval efforts as the team work to get much-needed water back onto high-value floodplains along the Murray River.

In May 2023, the Minister for Planning has delivered her assessment of the Environmental Effects Statement (EES) for Belsar-Yungera and Hattah Lakes. The project team is now actively working to address the Minister’s recommendations.

Now the Planning Scheme Amendments for these central sites have been gazetted, which accompanies approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act received earlier this year. These project-enabling milestones will help the project’s pursuit of environmental outcomes and responsible development.

Planning Scheme Amendments are common for the construction and operation of infrastructure projects within Victoria. The amendment to the Mildura and Swan Hill planning schemes made by the Minister for Planning for these sites will allow VMFRP to progress in a streamlined manner, providing conditions are met as set out in the Incorporated Document.

All local councils in Victoria have planning schemes in place. A planning scheme is a statutory document which sets out the objectives, policies and provisions for the use, development and protection of land in the area to which it applies. They prescribe how land can and cannot be used and developed, including what permits are required for particular uses or development.

Changes to the Planning Schemes in this context apply for the purpose of delivering the VMFRP only and does not otherwise change the use and development controls determined by the zones, overlays and other provisions that apply to land affected by the amendment.

The VMFRP team will now focus on implementing the conditions of the approvals and advancing the project planning approvals across remaining VMFRP sites to bring these iconic landscapes the water they desperately need to survive and thrive.

ENDS ––

For more information on the Project, please visit www.vmfrp.com.au

For specific information on Planning Scheme Amendment Process, please visit https://www.vmfrp.com.au/psa/

Victorian Government Gazettal re the Mildura and Swan Hill Planning Schemes under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 can be found online here:  https://planning-schemes.app.planning.vic.gov.au/All%20schemes/amendments/GC202?schemeCode=mild