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Related: Councils call for more consultation
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IT IS believed thousands of additional properties across central Victoria will become subject to bushfire prevention measures under an expansion of state government planning policies.
New bushfire management overlay maps are being finalised and will be introduced soon, a Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning spokesperson has confirmed.
The aim is to ensure all areas of Victoria at extreme risk of bushfire are covered by the overlay, which means certain developments need a planning permit and new developments require appropriate bushfire protection measures.
In a letter written to Local Government Minister Natalie Hutchins on behalf of the region’s councils, City of Greater Bendigo mayor Margaret O’Rourke said thousands more properties across the eight municipalities would be affected.
However, it is understood the exact number of affected properties will not be known until the maps are finished.
Councils have raised some concerns about the changes.
In the letter, Cr O’Rourke said the councils were worried they would have to cope with any “public animosity” around the changes as they also tried to administer the controls.
Central Goldfields mayor Geoff Lovett said it was felt there should have been more consultation with councils, as they would have to “do the work” in implementing the extended measures.
The DELWP spokesperson said the department would provide councils with resources, professional development, support, communication materials, and funding if required.
Cr O’Rourke said the introduction of the new planning scheme through a ministerial amendment meant owners would be denied a public notification and review process.
Councils also felt DELWP’s communication with landowners had been insufficient, the letter said.
Campaspe Shire mayor Adrian Weston said the council’s ability to work closely with the community had been limited because the changes were made at a state government level, and subsequently there was less information out in the community.
The DELWP spokesperson said the department and the CFA would “support councils and communities through a public notification and engagement process”.
They also said DELWP, the CFA and councils would ensure landowners had the relevant planning and building information.
The extension of the overlay maps was born from the recommendations of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission, which followed the Black Saturday fires.