Overview
Victoria is home to a number of unique and sensitive landscapes and distinctive places that are highly valued for their environmental, social, cultural and economic assets. These areas are vital to the functioning of our urban areas, providing people with clean air, drinking water, food, resources and recreational opportunities.
These areas are under increasing pressure for development because of their attractiveness, accessibility and proximity to our cities, and because of environmental factors like the impacts of climate change.
These areas are being protected so that they can continue to be enjoyed by current and future generations.
The Distinctive Areas and Landscapes Standing Advisory Committee has been appointed to consider and provide advice on matters relating to the Statements of Planning Policy (SPP) for these areas.
Regions
Macedon Ranges
The Macedon Ranges region is important for its strong environmental and cultural heritage values, contributing to its unique character, the production of some of the best food and wine in Victoria, and its attractive tourist destinations such as Hanging Rock. However, its proximity to Melbourne and its popularity with tourists and new residents places it under a unique set of pressures.
On 16 August 2018, the Macedon Ranges became the first area to be declared under the Planning and Environment Amendment (Distinctive Areas and Landscapes) Act 2018.
Following significant community input, a Statement of Planning Policy was prepared by The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) in partnership with Macedon Ranges Shire Council and the Traditional Owners of the Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Wurundjeri peoples.
The Statement of Planning Policy was approved on 10 December 2019 and came into effect on 12 December 2019.
Read the Statement of Planning Policy for the Macedon Ranges (PDF, 10.8 MB)
Bass Coast
The Bass Coast is known for its valued rural and coastal landscapes, farmland and biodiversity. The area is popular with both residents and visitors. Phillip Island attracts tourists with its beaches, wetlands and wildlife.
Bass Coast has been decalred a ‘distinctive area and landscape’ to protect the environment, landscape and lifestyle.
DELWP is currently developing a draft Statement of Planning Policy for the area. Developed in collaboration with Bass Coast Shire Council, the Bunurong and relevant government agencies and authorities.
Phase 3 public consultation on the draft Bass Coast SPP and proposed landscape planning controls is now closed.
For more information and to subscribe for updates, visit:
Bellarine Peninsula
The Bellarine Peninsula is known for its coastal setting, rural hinterland and artisan producers. Given its proximity to both Geelong and Melbourne, it has long been a place to live and visit. With its excellent beaches and historic towns, it is a popular tourist destination.
Because of this, the area is now under significant pressure from urban development. Alongside the growing threat of climate change risks, the Bellarine Peninsula needs protection.
The Bellarine Peninsula has been declared a ‘distinctive area and landscape’. This declaration offers protection for the environment, landscapes and lifestyle of the area.
DELWP has developed a final draft Statement of Planning Policy following community feedback. In collaboration with the:
- Borough of Queenscliffe,
- the City of Greater Geelong,
- the Wadawurrung, and;
- relevant government agencies and authorities.
As required by legislation, the Minister for Planning will now ask responsible public entities (RPEs) and ministers responsible for those entities, to endorse the final draft Bellarine Peninsula SPP. Once approved, the Bellarine Peninsula SPP will immediately come into operation and form part of the Victoria Planning Provisions.
For more information and to subscribe for updates, visit:
Surf Coast
The Surf Coast is renowned for its excellent beaches, coastal biodiversity, and a wealth of recreation and tourism opportunities. It is also the gateway to the Great Ocean Road, a national heritage site.
The Surf Coast has experienced significant urban development pressure, particularly in Torquay-Jan Juc.
Areas of the Surf Coast have been declared a “distinctive area and landscape’ to protect the environment, landscape and lifestyle. DELWP prepared the Surf Coast Statement of Planning Policy for the declared area in collaboration with the Wadawurrung, the Surf Coast Shire, the City of Greater Geelong, relevant government agencies and authorities and with significant input from communities and key stakeholders.
The final draft Surf Coast SPP has been endorsed by all responsible public entities and ministers responsible for those entities. It has been finalised and approved by the Governor in Council.
The Surf Coast SPP is now operational and forms part of the Victoria Planning Provisions that guide land use and development decision-making in Victoria.
For more information and to view a copy of the Surf Coast SPP, visit:
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Legislation
Distinctive Areas and Landscapes Legislation
In 2018, the Victorian Government passed landmark legislation to recognise and safeguard the state’s distinctive areas and landscapes and to achieve better coordinated decision-making by government agencies, local councils and other key parties.
The Planning and Environment Amendment (Distinctive Areas and Landscapes) Act 2018, enables the government to declare a distinctive area and landscape subject to meeting strict criteria.
Once declared, a Statement of Planning Policy must be prepared for the area in partnership with Traditional Owners, local councils and the community.
A Statement of Planning Policy will include a long-term vision of at least 50 years, policy objectives and strategies to achieve the vision, and a strategic framework plan for guiding the future use and development of land in the declared areas.
This plan may identify long-term settlement boundaries to ensure that development does not inappropriately encroach into valued natural and rural landscapes.
Once implemented, Parliament must ratify any future changes the settlement boundaries. This is the same process in place for Melbourne’s Urban Growth Boundary.
Distinctive Areas and Landscapes Legislation Fact Sheet (PDF, 135.8 KB)
Localised Planning Statements
Localised Planning Statements
Prior to the passing of the Planning and Environment Amendment (Distinctive Areas and Landscapes) Act 2018 the government prepared Localised Planning Statements for protecting and enhancing the valued attributes of peri-urban areas.
Localised Planning Statements are in place for the Bellarine Peninsula, the Mornington Peninsula, and the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges. The Bellarine Peninsula Localised Planning Statement will be updated and transitioned to a Statement of Planning Policy once the area is declared as a distinctive area and landscape under the Planning and Environment Act 1987.
