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Latrobe City Council records strongest planning performance, leads Victoria in statutory decision timeframesLatrobe City Council has achieved its strongest planning performance, with 95.44 percent of applications decided within statutory timeframes following streamlined delegation reforms introduced in May 2025. By news@gippsland - 1st September 2026 - Back to News Latrobe City Council has recorded its strongest planning permit performance on record and is now the highest-performing council in Victoria for planning decisions within statutory timeframes. This follows changes introduced in 2025 to streamline planning decision-making. A report to council, reviewing the first 12 months of full delegation of planning permit decisions to council officers, has found significant improvements in both gross and statutory day processing timeframes. 
A review found significant processing improvements after planning permit decisions were delegated to council officers, reducing unnecessary council meeting requirements Planning process streamlinedIntroduced in May 2025, the changes removed the automatic requirement for certain planning permit applications to be determined at a council meeting, rather than to be determined under delegation which improves efficiency. Councillors continue to retain the ability to request applications be considered at a council meeting, while the Chief Executive Officer can also refer applications to Council when appropriate. Latrobe City Council Mayor, Councillor Sharon Gibson, said the results demonstrated the benefits of a more efficient planning process. "Council is committed to being a business-friendly organisation that supports investment, development and growth across our region. Timely planning decisions are important for residents, businesses and developers, and these changes have helped improve efficiency and make it easier for our community to grow," Cr Gibson said. Planning performance improvesA council report on the first 12 months of officers making planning permit decisions identified clear improvements in processing times. The report showed that 95.44 percent of planning permit applications were completed within statutory timeframes, a 12 percent increase on the previous year. Council received 361 planning permit applications during the period, slightly higher than the previous year, while average decision times improved by 15 days. Cr Gibson said the improved performance supported council's objective of attracting investment and creating opportunities across the region. "These results show we can reduce delays and provide greater certainty for applicants without compromising our planning process," Cr Gibson said. Council noted the report at its meeting on 24 August 2026. Pictures from Latrobe City Council Facebook page.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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