Council’s Planning team hits a turning point
Published on 14 April 2026
Over the past 12–18 months, Hepburn Shire Council has worked conscientiously to improve its planning processes and procedures and tighten planning regulation monitoring and compliance.
Council has seen a 30 per cent reduction in the number of active permit applications in the last six months. This is a result made possible by the rollout of several new initiatives and our ability to recruit to a fully resourced planning team, despite the 2025 Jobs and Skills Australia occupational data demonstrating that there is an ongoing shortage of planners across regional Victoria.
Chief Executive Officer, Bradley Thomas, said that Council has worked hard over the last few months to sharpen its planning service and ensure that the team has all the resources they need to deliver for the community.
“It is incredibly pleasing to see the positive impact our initiatives and team investment are having for the community. While this reduction in permit applications is a great step forward, we absolutely understand there are still delays, and we know there is more we can do to enhance turnaround times, customer service, and the overall planning experience for everyone. Our thanks go out to our community for their patience and ongoing support.”
“We have also established more effective processes with partner public referral agencies that play a mandatory role in the application process and are continuing to review process improvements and technology enhancements” he said.
Council had 124 live permit applications at the end of March 2026, the lowest levels since pre-pandemic, while the number of applications being received by Council is remaining stable.
Council’s provides up-to-date information on its website including how to apply for a planning permit, seek formal written advice from a planner or track an application. Council encourages residents to make full use of the resources available online.
In further positive news for Council’s planning reputation and influence, the Manager Planning, Matt Rogers, has been appointed by the Minister for Planning to the Planning Regulations Advisory Committee; a small, diverse group of planning professionals representing the various regions of Victoria and other stakeholders.
The committee will work closely with the government to implement the legislative reforms and improve the planning system for the benefit of all Victorians and Council is proud to have a seat at the table to advocate for rural and regional areas.