Key amendments to Planning and Environment Act 1987 to streamline planning applications
State Government amendments to the Planning and Environment Act 1987 come into effect from 25 November 2025.
The amendments are designed to streamline planning processes and support the State Government's initiative to deliver 800,000 homes over the next decade.
Among the key changes, new provisions regarding 'incomplete applications' will be implemented, allowing Council to notify applicants in situations where essential information is missing. Missing information could include the application fee, required documentation, and any relevant restrictive covenants. Under these new amendments Council can now notify applicants of an incomplete application within five business days of an application being received, giving applicants at least five business days to respond. Failure to comply will result in the application being deemed void, with any fees refunded.
Additionally, amendments under the new section 52A will empower the Minister to issue guidelines clarifying when notification of an application is required, enhancing consistency in the planning process.
The amendments also extend permit expiry timeframes from two to three years for commencement, and from four to five years for completion, providing applicants with more flexibility.
To support the new streamlined process, Council is making a key change to the planning application process. Council is moving towards a new system where applicants must lodge all planning-related applications, responses to further information requests, and associated documentation via Council's ePlanning portal. This transition aims to improve efficiency ,efficiency, enhancing tracking, and ensuring secure document management.
Cardinia Shire Council is committed to supporting applicants during this transition. Comprehensive fact sheets and checklists are available on Council's website to guide users on application requirements, and Council Duty Planners are available during office hours of 8:30am to 5pm Monday to Friday to assist with pre-lodgement inquiries.
Council encourages all applicants to familiarise themselves with the upcoming changes and ensure they are prepared for the new processes.
For more information, please visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/planning