Table of Contents - Nillumbik Shire Council

Hurstbridge Township Strategy2. Planning Policy ContextThis section provides a brief overview of the major planning policies affecting Hurstbridgeand which have been recognised in the formalisation of this Strategy. Consistency withexisting and future Council policies is important to facilitate the implementation of theStrategy.2.1 State Planning Policy FrameworkThe State Planning Policy Framework provides a context for spatial planning and decisionmaking by Council. There are specific policies which encompass objectives andimplementation techniques that apply across Victoria. Council must take account of, andgive effect to, the general principles and specific policies applicable to the various issues toensure integrated decision making. The following extracts provide a brief outline of some ofthe principles in the State Planning Policy Framework that are considered relevant to theHurstbridge Township.SettlementPlanning authorities should plan to accommodate projected population growth over at leasta ten year period, taking account of opportunities for redevelopment and intensification ofexisting urban areas, as well as the limits of land capability and natural hazards,environmental quality and costs of providing infrastructure.In planning for urban growth, planning authorities should encourage consolidation ofexisting urban areas and especially higher density and mixed use development near publictransport routes.Planning decisions should assist the creation of linked parkland and open space systemsand the protection of high quality agricultural land and native vegetation.EnvironmentThose issues that are applicable to Hurstbridge are the protection of catchments,waterways and groundwater, water quality and, floodplain management, and wildfire.Other important issues include: conservation of native flora and fauna, open space,heritage and energy efficiency. Some of the general implementation measures include:• ensuring that land use activities that may discharge contaminated runoff or wastesto waterways are sited and managed to protect the quality of surface water andground water resources, rivers, streams, wetland, estuaries and marineenvironments;• taking flood prone areas into consideration in the preparation of planning schemesand land use planning decisions to avoid intensifying the impacts of flooding throughinappropriately located uses and developments;• consideration of potential impacts of land use and development on the spread ofplants and animal pests from areas of known infestation into natural ecosystems;and• promotion of energy efficient building and subdivision design.HousingPlanning authorities are required to identify areas suitable for residential developmenthaving regard to population projections, environmental factors and infrastructureprovision.Nillumbik Shire Council – March 2002 6