FAQs

Q. Won’t this Plan just hold up all the work local communities have been undertaking since the fires?

The Plan will not hold back any of the important projects that have been agreed as part of the community recovery process that is now underway. There will be every attempt to ensure that recovery projects are integrated and consistent with the Plan as it is developed.

Q. Haven’t we said what needs to be done already – we need action now?

Both before and after the bushfires, local communities have identified what is important in their communities, their needs and recovery priorities.  This will all be built on in this planning process.  The Plan will importantly provide a broader framework for local communities to plan for the longer term. 

It will consider broader issues such as:
-  How big do you want communities to grow?
-  What services and jobs are needed?
- What mix of land uses will deliver a sustainable future?

Q. Shouldn’t all projects currently being planned be put on hold until this Plan has been finalised?

The Plan will not hold back any of the important projects that have been agreed as part of the community recovery process. 

Many of the projects being planned or underway are aimed at replacing key community assets that were lost in the fires, such as the Kinglake Primary School and the Flowerdale Kinder.   It is crucial that these facilities are rebuilt as soon as possible so communities can continue to recover.   These facilities are being rebuilt in close consultation with communities and the Plan will take them into account.

Q. Will the plan address issues around land use and zoning? Will Council have to abide by decisions made as part of the Plan?

The Plan will address issues such as future land use in communities.  Where the Plan identifies the need for land for residential, employment, and other specific uses, the next step will be to prepare a planning scheme amendment to ensure the land is zoned accordingly and is incorporated into Council’s planning scheme. 

Council will implement the Plan in future decision-making about land uses.

Q. How will communities be consulted?

Communities will be consulted extensively throughout the process and there will be many opportunities for residents to have their say.

Each step in the process will be advertised widely so people are aware of where things are at and how they can provide feedback.

People will be able to have their say in a number of ways: at community forums, via the website, via this community blog, through shopfronts being established in Kinglake, and via appointments with the consultants in Flowerdale and Toolangi, by filling out a feedback form or sending an email.

Q. How can we be sure the Plan will be implemented?

An implementation plan will be part of the outcomes of the project.

The planning process involves working closely with government agencies across a broad range of areas with the aim of delivering a plan that can be supported by decision-makers.  

The Plan will also provide the necessary foundation for future funding allocations by government and other agencies.
 
Some recommendations relating to land use are likely to become part of the Murrindindi Planning Scheme which provides the framework for Council decision-making. 

However, a Plan such as this one is for the long-term and should also be flexible enough to respond to changes in the future that are not foreseen.