Outcry over housing

FRUSTRATION was the word at Mitchell Shire Council’s (MSC) first meeting of 2026, with councillors taking aim at the state government’s new planning provisions for housing.

An amendment was called by Councillor Andrea Pace to include consultation with the Municipal Association of Victoria about introducing substantive amendments to the Victorian Planning Provisions (VPP) and planning schemes – most notably, the acceleration of houses under the “Townhouse and Low-Rise Code”.

Under clause 55, which commenced operation on March 31 last year, the Deemed to Comply rule applies to small townhouses which are above two storeys in height, but below four storeys. These clauses aid in faster decisions for townhouses.

Multiple councillors slammed the idea of allowing streamlined planning outcomes across the state, particularly in reference to the needs and wants of Mitchell Shire residents compared to residents in inner-Melbourne.

In moving the amendment, Cr Pace stated her worry about towns in the shire losing its character.

“The changes that have come through from the state government totally dismiss the generational neighbourhood character of our towns, it dismisses our ability to know what the character is for our towns, what our community want in our towns and as a consequence, people are able to come in and build 12, 14 units on a single property in an area that has large blocks,” she said.

“We’re actually going to lose that character, and it’s through no fault of our own, we have absolutely no power to change those applications, so that’s why this amendment is coming through.”

Cr Nathan Clark, who seconded the motion, was particularly worried about what this would mean for Kilmore and Broadford.

“I think, especially in areas in the peri-urban environment such as Kilmore and Broadford might start to see terrible planning outcomes as a result. It’s the law of unintended consequences landing squarely at our feet, so I encourage you to move this amendment,” he said.

Councillors then spoke openly about how the moves would affect the shire, and said change was needed.Cr Bob Cornish’s concern was that how much the public’s perception of how a town could be changed would be dismissed.

“Cr Clark spoke about the Kilmore township and Broadford in particular, because they’re outside the urban growth zone. What’s happening to those areas and others will be affected,” he said.

“The character can be destroyed. We basically have no rights to object to it if it complies with just a few minor points. It’s very dismissive of a public having a say on any issue.”

Cr Claudia James said the changes have already been evident in Wallan.

“In every survey taken about what the community wants with regard to their towns and what their value is, it’s always the country character and feel,” she said.

“In every town in Mitchell Shire, that comes through.

“There’s no public transport, we’re going to have houses crammed into units. We can see this in Wallan already, there are units shoved on to what were once big family, single-family sized residences and blocks.

“With these changes, we’re losing the ability to create beautiful towns and to maintain, improve and enhance them, and continue with that country character that we all value.”

Cr Riley Evans was furious at the proposed laws.

“I grew up in Wallan myself, change and growth is just a part of living in these towns, it’s bound to happen,” he said.

“It’s disappointing to see Labor, which claims to be the party of the working-class man or woman but seems to be more the party of the inner-city person these days.

“They dump us with a quarry, they don’t give us public transport and now they issue in these legislations that basically gives developers free reign, that you can do what you want, especially in these outer suburb areas.

“Coming up to November, people living in regional and rural parts of our state should realise they choose people’s feelings over people’s lives. Bushfires, the CFA funding constantly being cut – this is what they think of us, this is what is coming, and I think people should consider when they go to a polling booth what this government thinks of people who live in regional and rural areas.”

Cr Timothy Hanson said the laws showed a disconnect between city and country.

“What we’re seeing here is a pure disconnect between people sitting in Melbourne and pointing on a map and saying ‘I know this place by where it is on a map, not by the people that live there’,” he said.

“We’re the people that live in this area, we know our input is key to everything here. If you tie our hands and don’t allow us to make good, healthy decisions, then all is lost.

“This is just tying our hands and saying ‘here’s a density, just put up with it’. Here we are now, we’re saying we are not going to put up with it, our locals won’t like it. Come November, you will see what happens.”

Cr Bob Humm said the proposals were a ‘kick to the head’ of residents.

“This too is just a fair dinkum kick in the head, if you want to say that to the community, if this goes through the way the government are doing it,” he said.

“I think this will just ruin the area of Kilmore, it’s a town that’s 200 years old, it’s just getting ridiculous.”

Mayor John Dougall had the final word, saying “it just wasn’t what the community wants, and goes against long-term plans drawn up by councils across the state.

“All Victorian councils are required to develop a community vision. This is not a council document, this is a community document that we sponsor and put together on behalf of the community,” he said.

“What the community have said about their vision is they want a regional look and feel. They want a country character.

“What is being delivered here, under clause 55 with the deemed to comply requirement is not what our community has asked for.”

The amendment was carried unanimously, becoming the substantive motion which was again carried unanimously.