MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire is imploring the state government to halt its fast-tracked planning reforms, warning the proposed changes could shut communities out of critical decisions about development in their own neighbourhoods.
The planning amendment, the Better Decisions Made Faster Bill 2025, was introduced to parliament on 28 October and is now being debated with the aim of updating the Planning and Environment Act 1987.
According to the state government, this would create a “modern, fit-for-purpose planning system for Victoria” that would also accelerate housing delivery.
Councils across the state including the shire argue they were not consulted on reforms that would directly affect how planning decisions are made.
At the shire’s unscheduled meeting on 17 November, councillors voted unanimously to endorse the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) position paper, which is calling for the Bill to be referred to a parliamentary inquiry.
If a parliamentary inquiry is not established, councils will advocate for significant improvements to the Bill through parliamentary debate, as outlined in the MAV position paper.
Mayor Cr Anthony Marsh said communities risked losing transparency, safeguards and any meaningful chance to participate in shaping local development.
“Meaningful reform can’t happen without local government at the table. Councils are on the front line of the planning system; we know what works and what does not across our communities. Consultation is essential before any major change,” he said.
“The Bill risks creating more problems than it solves. Council welcomes reform that improves planning efficiency and delivers more homes faster – provided it is done in partnership. We all want an effective and fair planning system.
“If the government works with councils and community, we can achieve reforms that are better informed, faster and deliver quality homes, which is better for communities, the environment and Victoria.”
In its letter to MPs outlining their concerns, the council backed recommendations from the MAV, urging the state government to amend the Bill to restore transparency and parliamentary oversight; protect safety and environmental standards; and ensure appropriate consultation and resourcing for councils.
According to a shire report, “while some proposed changes have merit, many are very concerning, especially those that significantly reduce the ability for communities to know or have their say about planning decisions”.
It also noted it would remove parliamentary oversight of planning system changes, as well as “prevent consideration of environmental risks, set impractical timeframes for important decision-making, and fail to deliver funding mechanisms for affordable and social housing”.
The council is also encouraging residents to write to their MPs to support the council’s advocacy efforts.
In a statement to The News, The Nepean Ratepayers Association, which advocates for the residents of Blairgowrie, Portsea, Rye, Sorrento and Tootgarook, said it supported the council’s position.
“Broadly, the planning reforms proposed will introduce a ‘one size fits all’ for residential areas in Victoria, tick the box and get you development approved, with no allowance for neighbourhood character,” the statement said.
“We are not Camberwell, Brighton or Williamstown and we have our own special set of neighbourhoods, environmental and township characters that should be recognised and protected.
“The ability of local communities to have their say or be informed about potential developments will be reduced.”
According to the association, building height limits could go up to ten storeys for medium rise and density apartments in Frankston and potentially three storeys in peninsula townships such as Flinders, Sorrento, Portsea, Blairgowrie and Rye.
“This could potentially open the door for more three level short stay holiday apartments on the peninsula, which will do nothing to improve or speed up the availability of affordable housing to buy or rent, which is the aim of the Bill.”
Cr Max Patton said it was the most significant overhaul of the Act in nearly 40 years, with the shire overseeing more planning decisions than most other local governments “so we really should have been partners in shaping a reform of this magnitude”.
First published in the Mornington News – 25 November 2025
