Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Peter Hall

Planning A Joke In Victoria: Hall

Wind farm developments, rural planning zones and toxic waste sites are just some examples of why Victoria’s planning system is "a joke and a farce", according to Nationals MP Peter Hall.

By Peter Hall - 15th November 2004 - Back to News

Mr Hall was scathing of the Government and the Planning Minister, Mary Delahunty, during debate on amendments to the Planning and Environment Bill and was particularly incensed by a line in the second reading speech that stated ‘Victoria enjoys one of the most robust and inclusive planning systems in Australia.’

"That statement is a joke and a farce," Mr Hall told Parliament.

"Far from being inclusive, this government has made a practice of excluding people from the planning process.

"There is no better example of this than the wind farm planning guidelines. If you want to develop a wind farm in Victoria with more than 30 megawatts of nominal output, the minister has the total say in the planning process.

"It does not matter what local government thinks or what local communities think, this government is hell bent on imposing wind farms on Victorian coastal and rural communities.

"In wind farm developments there is no absolute requirement to undertake an EES (Environmental Effects Statement) and there are plenty of examples where no EES has been required. That is not an inclusive planning system for the state."

Mr Hall gave as further examples the situation with rural planning zones and toxic waste sites.

In relation to rural planning zones, he said: "A proposal was published at the end of November 2003. There was no publicity or press release about the release of these new rural planning zones, no public notice in the local paper or notification given to anyone about them, yet the government expected comments to come in by 20 February.

"Under the cloak of the Christmas holiday period, this government was trying to rush in new planning zones without any consultation or inclusion of Victorians in that process."

The planning processes for toxic waste sites were another farce, he said.

"We had the farce with the proposals for Baddaginnie, Tiega and Pittong where neighbours were informed only at the last minute by messengers knocking on their doors at midnight telling them that the government was proposing to put a toxic waste dump alongside their properties.

"That shows the total incompetence of the government on this issue, with no inclusion or opportunity for these people to have a say."

Mr Hall was emphatic that whatever the proposed changes, such as changing the Environmental Effects Statement process, the Bill did not address the fundamental issue.

"The Nationals say quite categorically that there is no way we will ever support giving the current Minister for Planning any more powers, given the debacles with some of the issues that I have recounted so far in this debate.

"I sum up by saying that although I have some sympathy for the provisions in this bill - and in theory they have some merit - how could we ever possibly agree to giving the current Minister for Planning increased power, given some of the diabolical planning blunders that have been made by the minister and this government?

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• Inverloch dairy farmer Mick Hughes highlights community collaboration survive South Gippsland's dry season challenges
  Inverloch dairy farmer Mick Hughes credits collaboration with the Inverloch Cluster and local water authorities for navigating South Gippsland's recurring dry conditions and improving farm drought resilience.
• Southern Rural Water declares spill entitlement in MID, boosting farmers' allocations as Lake Glenmaggie nears capacity
  Southern Rural Water has declared a spill for Macalister Irrigation District customers until 16 September, providing water above 100% allocation as Lake Glenmaggie nears capacity at 98% following strong winter inflows.
• From Job expos to farms and sports awards connecting communities across East Gippsland through events and advocacy
  From jobs expos to farm visits, sports awards, and community projects, recent weeks highlighted East Gippsland's talent, resilience, and collaboration, advocacy, and opportunities that strengthen local communities.
• Southern Rural Water upgrades over meters across Gippsland to improve accuracy and fair water management
  Southern Rural Water is replacing 1,000+ outdated meters across southern Victoria by 2026, boosting accuracy, compliance, and fair water management under national standards - with no cost to customers.
• West Gippsland CMA hosts free sustainable farming workshops with local landcare groups from September 2025 to March 2026
  West Gippsland CMA is hosting free farm field days September - March, showcasing sustainable agriculture, carbon farming, and local expertise. Workshops cover soil health, biodiversity, biofertilizers, and agribusiness opportunities.
• East Gippsland hosts Youth Agritech Expo showcasing farming futures and career pathways for young people on 17 September 2025
  East Gippsland will host the Youth Agritech Expo, offering farm tours, hands-on experiences, and showcasing agricultural career pathways, technology, and innovation to inspire the next generation and build a skilled workforce.
• Southern Rural Water urges water users to monitor, manage, and comply as Spring forecast warns above-average rainfall
  The Bureau predicts above-average spring rainfall and warmer temperatures across eastern Australia. Southern Rural Water urges monitoring usage, maintaining bores, and following regulations to ensure fair, efficient water management.
• Allan Labor government backs First Nations athletes in Eastern Victoria with new sports grants
  The Allan Labor government has announced over $67,000 in Aboriginal Sport Participation Grants, supporting First Nations athletes in Eastern Victoria with travel, uniforms, and equipment to compete locally and nationally.
• Baw Baw Shire to host community barbecues supporting farmers through 'Look Over the Farm Gate' grants
  Baw Baw Shire Council will host five community barbecues supporting farmers' wellbeing through Look Over the Farm Gate grants, offering connection, resources, and mental health support amid ongoing dry conditions.
• Baw Baw Shire Council meeting snapshot - Wednesday 27 August 2025
  Baw Baw Shire Council's 27 August meeting covered petitions, Warragul planning permits, Aberfeldy roadworks, draft strategies, community consultation, governance updates, with meetings live-streamed and open for public participation.
• Baw Baw Shire Council seeks community feedback on draft 10-year open space strategy for future planning
  Baw Baw Shire Council invites feedback on its draft Open Space Strategy, shaping a 10-year plan to guide investment, protect natural spaces, and enhance community wellbeing. Consultation closes Friday 3 October 2025.
• David Littleproud urges Labor to deliver interest-free loans as farmers voice urgent drought forum concerns
  Nationals leader David Littleproud says the Drought Forum reinforced urgent calls for interest-free farm loans, urging Labor to act swiftly as farmers face worsening hardship, particularly in South Australia's dairy industry.
• West Gippsland CMA celebrates 25 years of sustainable irrigation, transforming Gippsland farms, saving water and protecting local waterways
  West Gippsland CMA's Sustainable Irrigation Program celebrates 25 years, with 1,200 projects saving 47 gigalitres annually, enhancing farm productivity, protecting waterways, and expanding beyond the Macalister Irrigation District.
• Tim Bull slammed labor for $13M machete amnesty waste, penalising Gippslanders while failing to target urban crime effectively
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull criticized Labor's $13 million machete amnesty, calling it wasteful, ineffective, and unfairly punishing rural Victorians while targeting areas with no machete problem.