Further delays for DAL

THE Bass Coast DAL is now subject to a gazetted delay.

Which means that the current DAL being discussed will be almost in need of an update by the time the State Government gets around to passing it.

Bass Coast will have trouble planning its priorities and being able to move forward. This appears to be a sign of the lack of respect that the State level of Government has for Local Government.

The State Government has been sitting on this DAL for a year after more than a year of panel hearings. All this time with no action.

In the end, we will have a statement of planning policy dumped onto those who are the most affected.

Surely, they could release some kind of statement that will allow Bass Coast to move forward at least in the areas where settled decisions have already occurred?

This type of delay impedes the level of Government closest to the actual people – the grassroots – to be able to do its job effectively. 

Are they incompetent or do they have a hidden agenda to take over all planning decisions from Local Government where it should belong?

The recent release of section 53.22 of the Victoria Planning Provisions re Significant Economic Development, taken with the fact that the State Government considers the Bass Coast as a unique case with regards to planning, it appears very concerning.
 

Glenda Minty, Candidate Western Port Ward