Planning panels allows the public to participate in the planning and environmental decision making process.
They independently assess planning proposals by considering submissions, conducting hearings and preparing reports.
Planning panels provide advice and make recommendations. The final decision is made by the appropriate statutory bodies, or the Minister.
Planning panels are established either under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 or the Environment Effects Act 1978.
Planning panels are administered by Planning Panels Victoria, located within the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.
Below is a comprehensive list of guides produced by Planning Panels Victoria on their processes and hearings.
Guides
What is a Panel?
Common questions about panel procedures, for anyone attending a panel hearing for the first time.
Guide to the public hearing
What is likely to happen at a hearing.
Guide to expert evidence
How expert evidence is to be prepared, circulated and presented.
Guide to recording hearings
How requests to record the hearings are generally dealt with.
Guide for planning authorities
An overview of what is required from planning authorities during a panel.
Guide to pre-set hearing dates
The process that planning and responsible authorities need to follow when setting panel hearing dates for Planning Scheme Amendment Panels.
Guide to privacy at PPV
How Planning Panels Victoria deals with information collected during the panel process.
Guide to committees and inquiries
Types of advisory committees and environment effects inquiries that can be appointed by the Minister for Planning.
More information
If you still have a query about planning panels and hearings, visit our frequently asked questions page.
☎ Phone: (03) 8392 5116
✉ Email: planning.panels@delwp.vic.gov.au
Post: GPO Box 2392, Melbourne, 3001
Planning Panels Victoria is located at 1 Spring Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000