Whitehorse City Council has joined forces with 23 other Victorian councils to push for more sustainable design within planning requirements.
Today, Whitehorse City Council has lodged a planning scheme amendment with the State Government, seeking to introduce planning policy that elevates sustainability requirements for new buildings.
If endorsed by Minister for Planning Lizzie Blandthorn, the requirements would apply to new apartment and unit builds, not singular dwellings.
The amendment seeks to build on the current Environmentally Sustainable Development (ESD) requirements for new developments to better protect the natural environment, reduce resource and energy consumption, and support the health and wellbeing of future occupants.
Whitehorse City Council Mayor Tina Liu said elevated ESD requirements in the planning scheme would help tackle and respond to a changing climate.
“The proposed changes for new developments reflect tangible actions that can be applied to create meaningful outcomes in our efforts to make our buildings more energy efficient and environmentally friendly,” the Mayor said.
“Whitehorse is thrilled to be joining with councils from across the state on this incredibly important work.”
Whitehorse has collaborated with councils from across the state, sharing the project with Ballarat, Banyule, Bayside, Boroondara, Darebin, Frankston, Glen Eira, Greater Bendigo, Greater Dandenong, Greater Geelong, Hobsons Bay, Knox, Maribyrnong, Mitchell, Moonee Valley, Moreland, Mornington Peninsula, Port Phillip, Stonnington, Strathbogie, Warrnambool, Whittlesea, and Yarra.
The 24 councils represent approximately half the Victorian population and planning activity.
Under the proposed changes, new developments would:
- Produce net zero carbon emissions.
- Reduce household bills by making buildings more energy efficient.
- Provide a healthier and more comfortable environment for building occupants.
- Better manage water quality, use and collection.
- Protect and enhance greening and biodiversity.
- Be more resilient to changing climate impacts.
Whitehorse is undertaking this work as a member of the Council Alliance for a Sustainable Built Environment (CASBE), supported by the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV).
