Our Communities Our Places

Murrindindi Shire Council has received advice in relation to the work being undertaken by the State Government in response to the recommendations of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission (VBRC).

Work is nearing completion by the Department of Planning and Community Development in relation to bushfire mapping and local planning assessment. This information will inform and update the Interim Report that was prepared in response to the first draft of the Kinglake Ranges, Flowerdale and Toolangi (KFT) Plan and Design Framework.

Mayor Peter Beales said that an updated Draft KFT Plan and Design Framework will be developed and released for further consultation in the coming months incorporating both community feedback and any changes resulting from addressing VBRC recommendations.

"It remains essential that we get further input into the revised KFT Plan and adjust the Interim Report accordingly to ensure this planning strategy responds appropriately to addressing important fire safety measures and also provide for a range of sustainable land use options for the future for the area".

"When the plan is finalised it will be used to guide decision making by Murrindindi Shire Council and Victorian Government agencies for the region over the next fifteen years," said Cr Beales.

Residents are reminded that updates on the progress with the plan can be obtained on-line. Alternatively, inquiries regarding the draft KFT Plan can be made by emailing kft@murrindindi.vic.gov.au or contacting Murrindindi Shire Council's Planning Department on 5772 0333.

Download a copy of the full report or executive summary of the interim Consultation Report from the library opposite. Paper copies of the executive summary are  available from all Council offices, Flowerdale Community Services Hub,  Kinglake Rebuilding Advisory Centre, Hazeldene Store and Toolangi  District Community House. A paper copy of the full report is also available by contacting Council's Planning Department on 5772 0317.

Background

A summary of the submissions received as part of the public consultation process for the Kinglake Ranges, Flowerdale and Toolangi Draft Plan and Design Framework (KFT Draft Plan) has been released as part of an interim Consultation Report.The report also provides preliminary responses to the submissions and recommendations for changes to the KFT Draft Plan.

The KFT Draft Plan is a vision for a sustainable future for the local communities of Kinglake, Kinglake West, Pheasant Creek, Flowerdale (including Hazeldene) and Toolangi (including Castella). It is intended to guide population growth, land use and development, infrastructure and service provision, community safety and the character and identity of local communities into the future.

Mayor Peter Beales said around 100 submissions covering a diverse range of community views and issues were received in response to the exhibition of the KFT Draft Plan in April. "The Consultation Report is an interim report in order to provide feedback to the community on the issues raised in the public submission process," Cr Beales said. "Council has not made a final decision with respect to its response to the submissions." "Further work is necessary to consider the State Government's response to recommendations
of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission relating to bushfire mapping and local planning assessment. "Once this bushfire mapping and assessment work has been taken into account Council will be
able to finalise its response to the submissions and release an updated KFT Draft Plan for
public consultation and feedback. We expect this to occur in November." Cr Beales said.

Murrindindi Shire Council has received extensive feedback from the local community on the draft Kinglake Ranges, Flowerdale and Toolangi (KFT) Plan and Design Framework, following its release for community consultation earlier this year.

Mayor Peter Beales said around 100 submissions covering a diverse range of community views and issues were received in response to the exhibition and release of the draft plan in April.

"Council is working through the extensive feedback with a view to identifying possible changes to the draft plan, taking account of community views. A summary of the submissions and possible response is in preparation for public release, subject to endorsement by the Council," Cr Beales said.

"Additionally, the Government has commenced implementing the recommendations of the 2009 Victorian
Bushfires Royal Commission (VBRC).

"An updated KFT plan will be developed and released for further consultation in the coming months
incorporating both community feedback and any changes resulting from addressing VBRC recommendations.

When the plan is finalised it will be used to guide decision making by Murrindindi Shire Council and Victorian Government agencies for the region over the next 10 years.

Residents are reminded that updates on progress with the plan can be obtained on-line at www.murrindindi.vic.gov.au (under the major projects icon). Alternatively, inquiries regarding the draft
KFT Plan can be made by emailing KFT@murrindindi.vic.gov.au or contacting Murrindindi Shire Council's Planning Department on 5772 0333.