FAQ

A development plan sets a 10 to 20 year vision to guide the future planning of an area.

Development plans are prepared with the involvement of the local community, businesses, investors, government agencies and technical experts.

A development plan sets appropriate directions and opportunities for change that ensures an area will be environmentally, socially and economically sustainable.

Development plans include:

• A clear vision for the area.
• Plans to guide future land uses.
• Locations of community hubs (schools, health centres, kindergartens, etc.).
• Plans to grow and improve local town centres.
• Mobility plans which cover traffic, car parking, walking, cycling, public transport and freight transport routes.
• Guidance about the design of new buildings in key locations.
• Plans to enhance open space, town entrances, public gathering spaces, parks and gardens.
• Ways to attract and develop stronger economic growth, business and tourism development.
• Protection and enhancement of key landscape and heritage assets.

Issues that can be considered during the development plan process vary according to the place. They may include: 

• The shared vision for the town
• Town centre & public space design
• Shops, businesses and employment provision
• Housing provision
• Heritage and neighbourhood character
• Community infrastructure (such as schools, health services, kindergarten)
• Open space (active sports, playgrounds, parks)
• Roads and connections
• Public transport, cycling and walking connections
• The environment & areas of conservational value
• Utilities & services

A development plan will identify the important things that should be protected, and things that need to be improved. 

We invite the community and interested parties to register for future engagement activities. How we engage with community members is different for every town and place because of differences in local residents and their requirements. Things we have done in the past have included focus groups, community representative groups, workshops, drop-in sessions, information booths and trader door-knocks.

However, Council will always provide a minimum of 4 weeks for wider public engagement during key project milestones, and use this time to go out and meet community members, explain the stage of the process and seek oral or written submissions when feedback is being sought.

Our project websites will provide up-to-date information on published or draft documents, and also be used to notify residents of upcoming engagement activities. The websites will also provide a central location for online surveys, forums and discussion boards to allow an ongoing conversation between interested members of the public.

And finally, contact can always be made with Council’s Strategic Planning Department on (03) 5734 6200.