Council & Business
23 December, 2025
Council backs planning policy
Central Goldfields Shire Council has filled a significant hole in how they handle planning applications at the December council meeting.
Councillors unanimously carried the Statutory Planning Delegation Policy which aims to clearly define how powers are delegated when making planning decisions.
Typically delegations are given to suitably qualified staff to ensure technical expertise underpins decisions.
However, until this month the shire’s statutory planning team weren’t guided by a clear policy position adopted by council.
Instead they worked within an operation procedure which was developed in 2018 and never updated.
The formalised policy instead provides a clear framework, reducing delays and improving transparency, while maintaining councillor oversight on key issues.
Central Goldfields Shire councillor Grace La Vella moved the motion with two amendments.
The first amendment reduced the number of eligible objections a planning permit can have to be determined by a delegated officer.
The second changed the wording on how councillor’s should interact with planning applicants, recog-nising that it may happen, but stressing the importance of referring the matter to the shire’s CEO.
“It is clear the council must act conclusively to strengthen transparency, accountability, and efficiency in our planning decision making,” Cr La Vella said.
“Adopting this policy now closes a critical governance gap, it reduces processing delays, mitigates financial risk associated with avoidable VCAT appeals, and ensures decisions are made lawfully, fairly, and in the public interest.
“This is a proactive and respon-sible step that has strengthened public confidence … and supports better outcomes for our community.”
The recommendation follows sector-wide scrutiny of the planning decision-making process.
The Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission’s (IBAC) Operation Sandon found systemic vulnerabilities across Victoria’s planning system.
The report found planning decisions could be compromised by political donations, lobbying, and personal relationships, undermining public confidence and the integrity of local government processes.
The officer’s report also said the policy offered flexibility and compliance with legislative changes.
The motion was previously heard in the November council meeting but fell flat when no-one seconded Cr La Vella’s motion.