{"id":"victorian-planning-authority-act-2017","name":"Victorian Planning Authority Act 2017","slug":"victorian-planning-authority-act-2017","collection":"act","jurisdiction":"vic","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":176391,"registerId":"vic-victorian-planning-authority-act-2017-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-05","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Victorian Planning Authority Act 2017","content":"Version No. 008\n\n**Victorian Planning Authority Act 2017**\n\n**No. 11 of 2017**\n\nVersion incorporating amendments as at  \n13 November 2024\n\n**TABLE OF PROVISIONS**\n\n*Section Page*\n\nPart 1—Preliminary 1\n\n1 Purposes 1\n\n2 Commencement 1\n\n3 Definitions 1\n\nPart 2—Victorian Planning Authority 6\n\nDivision 1—Establishment, functions and powers 6\n\n4 Establishment 6\n\n5 Official seal 6\n\n6 Authority represents the Crown 6\n\n7 Objects 7\n\n8 Functions 7\n\n9 Powers 8\n\n10 Performance of functions and exercise of powers in accordance with planning and Government economic and social objectives 9\n\n10A Obligations of Authority in relation to Yarra River land 10\n\n10B Obligations of Authority in relation to declared areas 11\n\n10C Obligations of Authority in relation to the Great Ocean Road region 12\n\nDivision 2—Board of the Victorian Planning Authority 12\n\n11 Board of directors 12\n\n12 Constitution of the board 13\n\n13 Appointment of directors 13\n\n14 Chairperson and deputy chairperson 14\n\n15 Acting appointments 14\n\n16 Vacancies, resignations, removal from office 16\n\n17 Validity of acts or decisions 17\n\n18 Proceedings of the board 17\n\n19 Resolutions without meetings 18\n\n20 Indemnity 19\n\nDivision 3—Chief executive officer and staff of the Authority 19\n\n21 Appointment of chief executive officer 19\n\n22 Appointment of acting chief executive officer 20\n\n23 Employees and other staff 21\n\n24 Consultants and contractors 21\n\nDivision 4—Conflicts of interest 22\n\nSubdivision 1—Interpretation 22\n\n25 Definitions 22\n\n26 Meaning of *general conflict of interest* 23\n\n27 Meaning of *specific conflict of interest* 23\n\n28 Circumstances in which a person does not have a conflict of interest 24\n\nSubdivision 2—Managing conflicts of interest 26\n\n29 Board meetings 26\n\n30 Board resolutions without meetings 27\n\n31 Delegates and agents 28\n\n32 Advisors 30\n\nDivision 5—Miscellaneous 31\n\n33 Power to request information or assistance 31\n\n34 Duty to consult 32\n\n35 Duty to establish systems and procedures to enable cooperation with Councils and other public sector bodies 32\n\n36 Minister may give directions to Authority 32\n\n37 Designated areas 33\n\n38 Committees 33\n\n39 Payment of certain members of committees 34\n\n40 Delegation by the Authority or chief executive officer 34\n\n41 Confidential information 35\n\n42 Chief executive officer may issue evidentiary certificates 36\n\n43 Authority must publish certain codes, policies or processes 38\n\n44 Annual business plan 39\n\n45 Authority must not depart significantly from budget without approval 40\n\nPart 3—General 41\n\n46AA Proceedings 41\n\n46 Regulations 41\n\nPart 4—Savings and transitional provisions 42\n\n47 Definitions 42\n\n48 Transfer of property etc. from superseded Authority to Victorian Planning Authority 42\n\n49 Superseded references 43\n\n50 Transfer of members 43\n\n51 Transfer of chief executive officer 45\n\n52 Transfer of staff and entitlements 45\n\n53 Report of operations and financial statements 46\n\n54 Annual business plan 47\n\n═══════════════\n\nEndnotes 49\n\n1 General information 49\n\n2 Table of Amendments 51\n\n3 Explanatory details 53\n\n**Version No.** **008**\n\n**Victorian Planning Authority Act 2017**\n\n**No. 11 of 2017**\n\nVersion incorporating amendments as at  \n13 November 2024\n\n**The Parliament of Victoria enacts:**\n\nPart 1—Preliminary\n\n\t1 Purposes\n\nThe main purposes of this Act are—\n\n(a) to establish the Victorian Planning Authority; and\n\n(b) to amend the **Planning and Environment Act 1987** to abolish the Growth Areas Authority; and\n\n(c) to make consequential and other amendments to other Acts.\n\n\t2 Commencement\n\n(1) Subject to subsection (2), this Act comes into operation on a day or days to be proclaimed.\n\n(2) If a provision of this Act does not come into operation before 1 December 2017, it comes into operation on that day.\n\n\t3 Definitions\n\n(1) In this Act—\n\nS. 3(1) def. of *approved Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan* inserted by No. 19/2020 s. 110.\n\n***approved Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan*** has the same meaning as in the **Great Ocean Road and Environs Protection Act 2020**;\n\n***Authority*** means the Victorian Planning Authority established under section 4;\n\n***board*** means the board of directors of the Authority;\n\n***chief executive officer*** means the chief executive officer of the Authority appointed under section 21;\n\n***committee*** means a committee established by the board under section 38;\n\n***consultant*** means a lawyer, an engineer, an architect, a town planner, an urban designer or other professional adviser engaged by the Authority to assist with the carrying out of its objects, functions, powers and duties;\n\nS. 3(1) def. of *Council* amended by No. 9/2020 s. 390(Sch. 1 item 110).\n\n***Council*** has the same meaning as in the **Local Government Act 2020**;\n\nS. 3(1) def. of *declared area* inserted by No. 17/2018 s. 28.\n\n***declared area*** has the same meaning as in the **Planning and Environment Act 1987**;\n\n***Department*** has the same meaning as in the **Public Administration Act 2004**;\n\n***designated area*** means an area of land designated under section 37;\n\n***domestic partner***, of a person, means—\n\n(a) a person who is in a registered relationship with the person; or\n\n(b) a person to whom the person is not married but with whom the person is living as a couple on a genuine domestic basis (irrespective of gender);\n\nS. 3(1) def. of *Great Ocean Road coast and parks* inserted by No. 19/2020 s. 110.\n\n***Great Ocean Road coast and parks*** has the same meaning as in the **Great Ocean Road and Environs Protection Act 2020**;\n\nS. 3(1) def. of *Great Ocean Road coast and parks protection principles* inserted by No. 19/2020 s. 110.\n\n***Great Ocean Road coast and parks protection principles*** has the same meaning as in the **Great Ocean Road and Environs Protection Act 2020**;\n\nS. 3(1) def. of *Great Ocean Road region* inserted by No. 19/2020 s. 110.\n\n***Great Ocean Road region*** has the same meaning as in the **Great Ocean Road and Environs Protection Act 2020**;\n\nS. 3(1) def. of *Great Ocean Road scenic landscapes area* inserted by No. 19/2020 s. 110.\n\n***Great Ocean Road scenic landscapes area*** has the same meaning as in the **Great Ocean Road and Environs Protection Act 2020**;\n\n***interface body*** has the same meaning as in the **Transport Integration Act 2010**;\n\n***objectives of planning in Victoria*** means the objectives of planning in Victoria set out in section 4(1) of the **Planning and Environment Act 1987**;\n\n***planning authority*** means a planning authority under the **Planning and Environment Act 1987**;\n\n***public sector body*** has the same meaning as in the **Public Administration Act 2004**;\n\n***public service body*** has the same meaning as in the **Public Administration Act 2004**;\n\n***public statutory authority*** means a body established by or under an Act for a public purpose;\n\n***referral authority*** has the same meaning as in the **Planning and Environment Act 1987**;\n\n***relevant person*** means—\n\n(a) a director of the Authority; or\n\n(b) the chief executive officer; or\n\n(c) a member of a committee; or\n\n(d) an employee of the Authority; or\n\n(e) a seconded staff member; or\n\n(f) a consultant;\n\n***responsible authority*** means a responsible authority under the **Planning and Environment Act 1987**;\n\n***seconded staff member*** means a member of staff of a public sector body who provides services to the Authority under an agreement or arrangement referred to in section 23(2);\n\nS. 3(1) def. of *Statement of Planning Policy* inserted by No. 17/2018 s. 28.\n\n***Statement of Planning Policy*** has the same meaning as in the **Planning and Environment Act 1987**;\n\nS. 3(1) def. of *superseded Authority* amended by No. 49/2017 s. 91(1).\n\n***superseded Authority*** means the Growth Areas Authority established by section 46AQ of the **Planning and Environment Act 1987** as in force from time to time before the day on which section 56 came into operation;\n\nS. 3(1) def. of *Yarra protection principles* inserted by No. 49/2017 s. 91(2).\n\n***Yarra protection principles*** has the same meaning as in the **Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin Birrarung murron) Act 2017**;\n\nS. 3(1) def. of *Yarra River land* inserted by No. 49/2017 s. 91(2).\n\n***Yarra River land*** has the same meaning as in the **Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin Birrarung murron) Act 2017**;\n\nS. 3(1) def. of *Yarra Strategic Plan* inserted by No. 49/2017 s. 91(2).\n\n***Yarra Strategic Plan*** has the same meaning as in the **Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin Birrarung murron) Act 2017**;\n\nS. 3(1) def. of *Yarra Strategic Plan area* inserted by No. 49/2017 s. 91(2).\n\n***Yarra Strategic Plan area*** has the same meaning as in the **Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin Birrarung murron) Act 2017**.\n\n(2) For the purposes of the definition of ***domestic partner*** in subsection (1)—\n\n(a) ***registered relationship*** has the same meaning as in the **Relationships Act 2008**; and\n\n(b) in determining whether persons who are not in a registered relationship are domestic partners of each other, all of the circumstances of their relationship are to be taken into account, including any one or more of the matters referred to in section 35(2) of the **Relationships Act 2008** as may be relevant in a particular case.\n\nPart 2—Victorian Planning Authority\n\nDivision 1—Establishment, functions and powers\n\n\t4 Establishment\n\n(1) The Victorian Planning Authority is established.\n\n(2) The Authority—\n\n(a) is a body corporate with perpetual succession; and\n\n(b) has an official seal; and\n\n(c) may sue and be sued; and\n\n(d) may acquire, hold and dispose of personal property; and\n\n(e) may take land on lease and grant sub-leases of leased land; and\n\n(f) may do and suffer all acts and things that a body corporate may by law do and suffer.\n\n\t5 Official seal\n\n(1) The official seal of the Authority must—\n\n(a) be kept in such custody as the Authority directs; and\n\n(b) not be used except as authorised by the Authority.\n\n(2) All courts must take judicial notice of the official seal of the Authority affixed to any document and, until the contrary is proved, presume that it was duly affixed.\n\n\t6 Authority represents the Crown\n\nIn performing its functions and exercising its powers, the Authority represents the Crown.\n\n\t7 Objects\n\n(1) The primary object of the Authority is to provide advice and assistance that is in accordance with the objectives of planning in Victoria.\n\n(2) Without limiting subsection (1), the primary object includes collaborating with government agencies (including public sector bodies) and Councils—\n\n(a) to promote the objectives of planning in Victoria; and\n\n(b) to support productivity, liveability, housing affordability and environmental quality for Victorian communities; and\n\n(c) for facilitation of timely and coordinated delivery of infrastructure and services; and\n\n(d) to promote the alignment of decisions made by government about infrastructure with land use planning; and\n\n(e) to promote the supply of housing; and\n\n(f) to encourage land development that is sustainable and that takes into account natural and other hazards.\n\n\t8 Functions\n\n(1) For the purposes of achieving its objects, the Authority has the following functions—\n\n(a) to provide the Minister with advice and assistance in relation to planning the use, development and protection of land in Victoria;\n\n(b) subject to subsection (3), to provide Councils and public sector bodies with advice and assistance in relation to planning the use, development and protection of land in Victoria;\n\n(c) to perform any other functions conferred on it under this Act, the **Planning and Environment Act 1987** or any other enactment.\n\n(2) The Authority also has the following functions in relation to designated areas for the purposes of achieving its objects—\n\n(a) to undertake integrated land use and infrastructure planning in those areas;\n\n(b) to coordinate State Government action in relation to planning the use, development and protection of land in those areas.\n\n(3) The Authority must not give advice or provide assistance under subsection (1)(b) unless the Minister, or a person authorised by the Minister, has approved the giving of advice or the provision of assistance in a specified case or class of cases.\n\n**Note**\n\nThe Authority is also an ***interface body*** within the meaning of the **Transport Integration Act 2010**.\n\n\t9 Powers\n\n(1) The Authority has power to do all things that are necessary or convenient to be done for or in connection with the achievement of its objects and the performance of its functions.\n\n(2) Without limiting subsection (1), the Authority may—\n\n(a) enter into any agreements, contracts or arrangements in connection with its objects, functions or powers; and\n\n(b) exercise the powers conferred on the Authority by this Act or any other enactment.\n\n**Notes**\n\n1 The Authority has functions and powers under the **Planning and Environment Act 1987**.\n\n2 The Authority does not have power to purchase, hold or dispose of land when acting as a responsible authority—see section 171(2A) of the **Planning and Environment Act 1987**.\n\n\t10 Performance of functions and exercise of powers in accordance with planning and Government economic and social objectives\n\n(1) The Authority must perform its functions and exercise its powers under this Act in accordance with—\n\n(a) the objectives of planning in Victoria; and\n\n(b) any economic and social objectives established from time to time by the State Government.\n\n(2) In performing its functions and exercising its powers, the Authority must—\n\n(a) engage, consult and collaborate with other planning entities, including Councils, in relation to their functions as planning authorities and responsible authorities; and\n\n(b) have regard to the whole of the functions conferred on Councils, planning authorities and responsible authorities by the **Planning and Environment Act 1987**; and\n\n(c) have regard to the functions of public sector bodies, including public sector bodies that have responsibility for the planning and delivery of infrastructure and related services; and\n\n**Example**\n\nThe Authority, in performing its functions and exercising its powers, must have regard to the functions of agencies under the **Transport Integration Act 2010**.\n\n(d) seek to achieve State Government policy objectives through coordination between all levels of government, government agencies (including public sector bodies) and with the private sector.\n\n(3) The Authority must have regard to its current annual business plan under section 44 in performing its functions.\n\n(4) The Authority is subject to the general direction and control of the Minister.\n\n**Note**\n\nThe Minister may give written directions to the Authority under section 36 regarding the performance of its functions or the exercise of its powers.\n\nS. 10A inserted by No. 49/2017 s. 92.\n\n\t10A Obligations of Authority in relation to Yarra River land\n\n(1) The Authority—\n\n(a) must not act inconsistently with any part of a Yarra Strategic Plan that is expressed to be binding on the Authority when performing a function or duty or exercising a power under this Act in relation to Yarra River land; and\n\n(b) must have regard to the Yarra protection principles, and those parts of a Yarra Strategic Plan not expressed to be binding on the Authority, when performing a function or duty or exercising a power under this Act in relation to the Yarra Strategic Plan area that may affect Yarra River land.\n\nS. 10A(2) substituted by No. 43/2021 s. 219(Sch. 1 item 13.1).\n\n(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to the performance of a function or the exercise of a power by the Authority in relation to—\n\n(a) a declared project within the meaning of the **Major Transport Projects Facilitation Act 2009**; or\n\n(b) a Suburban Rail Loop project within the meaning of the **Suburban Rail Loop Act 2021**.\n\nS. 10B inserted by No. 17/2018 s. 29.\n\n\t10B Obligations of Authority in relation to declared areas\n\n(1) The Authority, when performing a function or duty or exercising a power under this Act in relation to a declared area—\n\n(a) must not act inconsistently with any part of a Statement of Planning Policy that is expressed to be binding on the Authority; and\n\n(b) must have regard to those parts of the Statement of Planning Policy not expressed to be binding on the Authority; and\n\n(c) must have regard to the principles set out in section 46AZL of the **Planning and Environment Act 1987**.\n\nS. 10B(2) substituted by No. 43/2021 s. 219(Sch. 1 item 13.2).\n\n(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to the performance of a function or the exercise of a power by the Authority in relation to—\n\n(a) a declared project within the meaning of the **Major Transport Projects Facilitation Act 2009**; or\n\n(b) a Suburban Rail Loop project within the meaning of the **Suburban Rail Loop Act 2021**.\n\nS. 10C inserted by No. 19/2020 s. 111.\n\n\t10C Obligations of Authority in relation to the Great Ocean Road region\n\n(1) The Authority, when performing a function or duty or exercising a power under this Act or any other Act—\n\n(a) must not act inconsistently with any part of an approved Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan that is expressed to be binding on the Authority in relation to the Great Ocean Road scenic landscapes area; and\n\n(b) must have regard to the Great Ocean Road coast and parks protection principles in relation to the Great Ocean Road coast and parks; and\n\n(c) must have regard to those parts of an approved Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan not expressed to be binding on the Authority in relation to the Great Ocean Road region.\n\n(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to the performance of a function or the exercise of a power by the Authority in relation to a declared project within the meaning of the **Major Transport Projects Facilitation Act 2009**.\n\nDivision 2—Board of the Victorian Planning Authority\n\n\t11 Board of directors\n\n(1) The Authority must have a board of directors.\n\n(2) The board—\n\n(a) is responsible for determining the general policies and strategic direction of the Authority for the purpose of achieving its objects; and\n\n(b) may exercise the powers of the Authority.\n\n\t12 Constitution of the board\n\n(1) The board consists of—\n\n(a) a chairperson; and\n\n(b) a deputy chairperson; and\n\n(c) not less than 3, and not more than 5, other directors.\n\n(2) One of the chairperson, deputy chairperson or other directors must have, in the opinion of the Minister, substantial experience or knowledge of local government.\n\n\t13 Appointment of directors\n\n(1) The directors of the Authority must be appointed by the Governor in Council on the recommendation of the Minister.\n\n(2) When recommending persons to be directors, the Minister must have regard to the need for directors to have experience, skills or knowledge of any one or more of the following fields—\n\n(a) planning, including strategic land use planning in metropolitan or regional areas;\n\n(b) infrastructure planning, delivery, policy and strategy;\n\n(c) public administration and public policy;\n\n(d) development;\n\n(e) housing supply;\n\n(f) corporate or public sector governance;\n\n(g) economics;\n\n(h) finance or financial management;\n\n(i) management of business or commercial ventures;\n\n(j) local government.\n\n(3) A director must be appointed—\n\n(a) on a full-time or part-time basis; and\n\n(b) for the period, not exceeding 4 years, specified in the instrument of appointment; and\n\n(c) on the terms and conditions (including remuneration and allowances) specified in the instrument of appointment.\n\n(4) A director is eligible to be reappointed.\n\n\t14 Chairperson and deputy chairperson\n\nThe Minister must appoint—\n\n(a) one of the directors of the Authority to be the chairperson of the board; and\n\n(b) one of the directors of the Authority to be the deputy chairperson of the board.\n\n\t15 Acting appointments\n\n(1) The Minister may appoint a director of the Authority to act as chairperson—\n\n(a) if the office of chairperson is vacant; or\n\n(b) during any period when the chairperson is absent; or\n\n(c) if the chairperson is, for any other reason, unable to attend meetings of the board or otherwise unable to perform the duties of the office.\n\n(2) While a director of the Authority is acting as chairperson, the director—\n\n(a) has and may exercise all the powers, and must perform all the functions and duties of, the chairperson; and\n\n(b) is entitled to be paid the remuneration and allowances to which the chairperson would have been entitled.\n\n(3) The Minister may appoint a director of the Authority to act as deputy chairperson—\n\n(a) if the office of deputy chairperson is vacant; or\n\n(b) during any period when the deputy chairperson is absent; or\n\n(c) during any period when the deputy chairperson is acting as chairperson; or\n\n(d) if the deputy chairperson is, for any other reason, unable to attend meetings of the board or otherwise unable to perform the duties of the office.\n\n(4) While a director of the Authority is acting as deputy chairperson, the director—\n\n(a) has and may exercise all the powers, and must perform all the functions and duties of, the deputy chairperson; and\n\n(b) is entitled to be paid the remuneration and allowances to which the deputy chairperson would have been entitled.\n\n(5) The Minister may appoint a person to act as a director (other than the chairperson or deputy chairperson) of the Authority—\n\n(a) during a vacancy in the office of a director; or\n\n(b) during any period when a director is absent; or\n\n(c) during any period when a director is acting as chairperson or deputy chairperson; or\n\n(d) if a director is, for any other reason, unable to attend meetings of the board or otherwise unable to perform the duties of the office.\n\n(6) While a person is acting as a director of the Authority, the person—\n\n(a) has and may exercise all the powers, and must perform all the functions and duties of, a director; and\n\n(b) is entitled to be paid the remuneration and allowances to which a director would have been entitled.\n\n\t16 Vacancies, resignations, removal from office\n\n(1) The office of a director of the Authority becomes vacant if the director—\n\n(a) without the approval of the board, fails to attend 3 consecutive meetings of the board; or\n\n(b) becomes insolvent under administration; or\n\n(c) is found guilty in Victoria of an indictable offence or elsewhere of an offence that, if committed in Victoria, would be an indictable offence.\n\n(2) A director of the Authority may resign by notice in writing delivered to the Governor in Council.\n\n(3) The Governor in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister, may remove a director of the Authority from office on any of the following grounds—\n\n(a) misconduct;\n\n(b) neglect of duty;\n\n(c) inability to perform the duties of the office;\n\n(d) any other ground on which the Governor in Council is satisfied that the director should not hold office.\n\n(4) The Minister must recommend that a director of the Authority be removed from office if the director is found guilty of an offence (other than an indictable offence) relating to the director's duties as a director.\n\n\t17 Validity of acts or decisions\n\n(1) An act or decision of the board is not invalid merely because of—\n\n(a) a vacancy in its membership, including a vacancy arising from the failure to appoint a director; or\n\n(b) a defect or irregularity in, or in connection with, the appointment of a director.\n\n(2) Anything done by or in relation to a person purporting to act as a director of the Authority is not invalid merely because—\n\n(a) the occasion for the appointment had not arisen; or\n\n(b) there was a defect or irregularity in, or in connection with, the appointment; or\n\n(c) the appointment had ceased to have effect; or\n\n(d) the occasion for the person to act had ceased.\n\n\t18 Proceedings of the board\n\n(1) A meeting of the board must be presided over by—\n\n(a) the chairperson; or\n\n(b) in the absence of the chairperson, the deputy chairperson; or\n\n(c) in the absence of both the chairperson and the deputy chairperson, a director elected by the directors present at the meeting.\n\n(2) A majority of the directors of the board for the time being constitutes a quorum.\n\n(3) A question arising at a meeting of the board is determined by a majority of votes.\n\n(4) The person presiding at a meeting of the board must ensure that accurate minutes are kept of the meeting.\n\n(5) The person presiding at a meeting of the board has—\n\n(a) a deliberative vote; and\n\n(b) in the case of an equality of votes, a second or casting vote.\n\n(6) The board may permit directors to participate in a particular meeting, or all meetings, by means of communication that does not require the physical presence of each director in the same place.\n\n(7) Subject to this Act, the board may otherwise regulate its own procedure.\n\n\t19 Resolutions without meetings\n\n(1) If a majority of the directors of the board (other than a director who is absent from Australia when the other directors sign) sign a document containing a statement that they are in favour of a resolution in the terms set out in the document, a resolution in those terms is taken to have been passed at a meeting of the board held—\n\n(a) on the day on which the document is signed; or\n\n(b) if the directors do not sign the document on the same day, on the day on which the last director to sign signs the document.\n\n(2) If a resolution is taken under subsection (1) to have been passed at a meeting of the board, each director must be—\n\n(a) advised as soon as practicable; and\n\n(b) given a copy of the terms of the resolution.\n\n(3) For the purposes of subsection (1), 2 or more separate documents containing a statement in identical terms, each of which is signed by one or more directors, are taken to constitute one document.\n\n\t20 Indemnity\n\nThe powers of the Authority do not include a power to exempt, whether directly or indirectly, a director of the Authority from, or to indemnify (whether by paying a premium in respect of a contract of insurance or otherwise) a director of the Authority against, any liability that by law would otherwise attach to the director in respect of a wilful breach of duty or breach of trust of which the director may be guilty in relation to the Authority.\n\nDivision 3—Chief executive officer and staff of the Authority\n\n\t21 Appointment of chief executive officer\n\n(1) The board, with the approval of the Minister, may appoint a person as chief executive officer of the Authority.\n\n(2) The chief executive officer is responsible for the management of the affairs of the Authority in accordance with—\n\n(a) the general policies and strategic direction determined by the board; and\n\n(b) the requirements of this Act and any other enactment.\n\n(3) The chief executive officer must satisfy the board that funds are spent, staff are carrying out functions and the Authority is generally managed and administered in accordance with—\n\n(a) the general policies and strategic direction determined by the board; and\n\n(b) the requirements of this Act and any other enactment.\n\n(4) The chief executive officer is—\n\n(a) appointed on a full-time or part-time basis; and\n\n(b) appointed for the period, not exceeding 5 years, specified in the instrument of appointment; and\n\n(c) appointed on the terms and conditions (including remuneration and allowances) specified in the instrument of appointment; and\n\n(d) eligible to be reappointed.\n\n(5) The chief executive officer may resign by notice in writing delivered to the chairperson of the board.\n\n(6) The board, with the approval of the Minister, may remove the chief executive officer from office.\n\n(7) The chief executive officer must not be a director of the board.\n\n\t22 Appointment of acting chief executive officer\n\n(1) If the chief executive officer is unable, whether because of illness, suspension, absence or otherwise, to perform the duties of chief executive officer, the board may appoint another person to act in the place of the chief executive officer during the period of the inability.\n\n(2) While a person is acting as chief executive officer, the person—\n\n(a) has and may exercise all the powers, and must perform all the functions and duties, of the chief executive officer; and\n\n(b) is to be paid any remuneration and travelling or other allowances fixed by the board from time to time having regard to the rate of remuneration and allowances for the time being payable to the chief executive officer.\n\n(3) The board, by instrument, may delegate to the chairperson of the board its power to appoint a person to act in the place of the chief executive officer under subsection (1).\n\n\t23 Employees and other staff\n\n(1) The Authority may employ any persons for the purposes of carrying out its objects, functions, powers and duties.\n\n(2) The Authority may enter into agreements or arrangements for the use of the services of any staff of a public sector body.\n\n(3) The Authority, in employing persons under this section, does not represent the Crown.\n\n\t24 Consultants and contractors\n\nThe Authority may engage persons with suitable qualifications and experience as consultants or contractors to assist with the carrying out of its objects, functions, powers and duties.\n\nDivision 4—Conflicts of interest\n\nSubdivision 1—Interpretation\n\n\t25 Definitions\n\nIn this Division—\n\n***family member*** of a person means—\n\n(a) the person's spouse or domestic partner; or\n\n(b) a parent or step-parent of the person, or a parent or step-parent of the person's spouse or domestic partner; or\n\n(c) a grandparent of the person, or a grandparent of the person's spouse or domestic partner; or\n\n(d) a sibling or step-sibling of the person, or a sibling or step-sibling of the person's spouse or domestic partner; or\n\n(e) a child or step-child of the person, or a child or step-child of the person's spouse or domestic partner; or\n\n(f) a grandchild of the person, or a grandchild of the person's spouse or domestic partner; or\n\n(g) any other relative of the person who resides in the person's household; or\n\n(h) the spouse or domestic partner of—\n\n(i) a parent or step-parent referred to in paragraph (b); or\n\n(ii) a grandparent referred to in paragraph (c); or\n\n(iii) a sibling or step-sibling referred to in paragraph (d); or\n\n(iv) a child or step-child referred to in paragraph (e); or\n\n(v) a grandchild referred to in paragraph (f); or\n\n(vi) a relative referred to in paragraph (g);\n\n***general conflict of interest***—see section 26;\n\n***specific conflict of interest***—see section 27.\n\n\t26 Meaning of *general conflict of interest*\n\nA person has a ***general*** ***conflict of interest*** in a matter if the person could reasonably be taken, from the perspective of an impartial, fair-minded person, to have a conflict of interest in the matter.\n\n\t27 Meaning of *specific conflict of interest*\n\n(1) A person has a ***specific conflict of interest*** in a matter if any of the following persons would gain a benefit or suffer a loss (whether directly or indirectly and whether of a financial or non‑financial nature) depending on the outcome of the consideration of the matter—\n\n(a) the person;\n\n(b) a family member of the person;\n\n(c) a body corporate of which the person, or the person's spouse or domestic partner, is a director or member of the governing body;\n\n(d) a partner in a partnership of which the person is a partner;\n\n(e) an employer (other than a public sector body) of the person;\n\n(f) a person for whom the person acts as a consultant, contractor or agent;\n\n(g) a beneficiary under a trust or an object of a discretionary trust of which the person is a trustee;\n\n(h) a member of a prescribed class of persons.\n\n(2) A person (***first person***) also has a ***specific conflict of interest*** in a matter if the first person has received one or more gifts with a total value of, or more than, the threshold amount, from any of the following persons in the 5 years preceding the consideration of the matter—\n\n(a) a person who would gain a benefit or suffer a loss, whether directly or indirectly and whether of a financial or non-financial nature (a ***relevant interest***), depending on the outcome of the consideration of the matter;\n\n(b) a director, consultant, contractor or agent (or the director's, consultant's, contractor's or agent's employees) of a person that the first person knows has a relevant interest in the matter;\n\n(c) a person who gives the gift to the first person on behalf of a person who has a relevant interest in the matter.\n\n(3) For the purposes of subsection (2), the threshold amount is $500 or a higher prescribed amount.\n\n\t28 Circumstances in which a person does not have a conflict of interest\n\nFor the purposes of this Division, a person does not have a specific conflict of interest or general conflict of interest in a matter in the following circumstances—\n\n(a) the person—\n\n(i) does not know the circumstances that give rise to the conflict of interest; and\n\n(ii) would not reasonably be expected to know the circumstances that give rise to the conflict of interest;\n\n(b) the conflict of interest is so remote or insignificant that it could not reasonably be regarded as capable of influencing any actions or decisions of the person in relation to the matter;\n\n(c) the conflict of interest only arises because of an interest held by the person or another person—\n\n(i) in common as a resident, ratepayer, taxpayer or voter and does not exceed the interests generally held by other residents, ratepayers, taxpayers or voters; or\n\n(ii) in common with another large class of persons and does not exceed the interests generally held by members of the class of persons;\n\n(d) the conflict of interest only arises because the person, or a family member of the person, is a member of a religious group;\n\n(e) the conflict of interest only arises because the person, or a family member of the person, is a member (other than an office holder) of a community group, sporting club or similar organisation;\n\n(f) the conflict of interest only arises because the person—\n\n(i) holds the interest in a prescribed circumstance; or\n\n(ii) is a member of a prescribed organisation or group, or is a member of an organisation or group that is a prescribed class of organisation or group.\n\nSubdivision 2—Managing conflicts of interest\n\n\t29 Board meetings\n\n(1) A director of the Authority who has a specific conflict of interest or general conflict of interest in a matter to be considered by the board at a meeting and who is attending the meeting must disclose that conflict of interest by advising the board at the meeting of the nature of the conflict of interest before the matter is to be considered.\n\nPenalty: 120 penalty units.\n\n(2) A director of the Authority who has disclosed a specific conflict of interest or general conflict of interest in accordance with subsection (1)—\n\n(a) must not take any further part in consideration of the matter; and\n\n(b) must not vote on any decision of the  \nboard in relation to the matter.\n\nPenalty: 120 penalty units.\n\n(3) A director of the Authority who has disclosed a specific conflict of interest or general conflict of interest under subsection (1) must leave the room while the matter is being considered.\n\n(4) If a director of the Authority who has a specific conflict of interest or general conflict of interest in a matter votes or purports to vote on any decision of the board in relation to the matter, the director's vote must be disallowed.\n\n(5) If a director of the Authority discloses a specific conflict of interest or general conflict of interest in accordance with subsection (1), the person chairing the meeting must ensure the following details are recorded in the minutes of the meeting—\n\n(a) the director's name;\n\n(b) the nature of the conflict of interest, as described by the director;\n\n(c) which directors voted on the matter that gave rise to the conflict of interest.\n\n(6) If a person discloses a specific conflict of interest or general conflict of interest to the board in accordance with section 31(5), the person chairing the meeting must ensure the following details are recorded in the minutes of the meeting—\n\n(a) the name of the person who made the disclosure;\n\n(b) the nature of the conflict of interest, as described by the person who made the disclosure.\n\n**Note**\n\nSee also Part 5 of the **Public Administration Act 2004**.\n\n\t30 Board resolutions without meetings\n\n(1) A director of the Authority who has a specific conflict of interest or general conflict of interest in a matter to be decided by resolution under section 19 must disclose that conflict of interest by advising, in writing, the chief executive officer of the nature of the conflict of interest as soon as possible after receiving a copy of a document containing the proposed resolution.\n\nPenalty: 120 penalty units.\n\n(2) A director of the Authority who has disclosed, in accordance with subsection (1), a specific conflict of interest or general conflict of interest in a matter to be decided by resolution under section 19 must not sign a document containing a statement that the director is in favour of the resolution.\n\nPenalty: 120 penalty units.\n\n(3) If a director of the Authority discloses a specific conflict of interest or general conflict of interest in accordance with subsection (1)—\n\n(a) the chief executive officer must report the disclosure to the board by no later than the next ordinary meeting of the board; and\n\n(b) at the meeting, the person chairing the meeting must ensure the following details are recorded in the minutes of that meeting—\n\n(i) the director's name;\n\n(ii) the nature of the conflict of interest, as described by the director;\n\n(iii) which directors signed a document containing a statement in favour of a resolution on the matter that gave rise to the conflict of interest.\n\n**Note**\n\nSee also Part 5 of the **Public Administration Act 2004**.\n\n\t31 Delegates and agents\n\n(1) A person who has a specific conflict of interest or general conflict of interest in a matter and who has been delegated a function, duty or power of the Authority or the chief executive officer under this Act or under any other enactment must not perform the function or duty or exercise the power in relation to the matter.\n\nPenalty: 120 penalty units.\n\n(2) A person authorised to act for and on behalf of the Authority in relation to a matter must not act in relation to the matter if the person has a specific conflict of interest or general conflict of interest in the matter.\n\nPenalty: 120 penalty units.\n\n(3) A person who has a specific conflict of interest or general conflict of interest in a matter in respect of which the person has a delegated function, duty or power of the Authority or the chief executive officer under this Act or under any other enactment, must disclose the conflict of interest in accordance with subsection (5).\n\nPenalty: 120 penalty units.\n\n(4) A person authorised to act for and on behalf of the Authority in relation to a matter, and who has a specific conflict of interest or general conflict of interest in the matter, must disclose the conflict of interest in accordance with subsection (5).\n\nPenalty: 120 penalty units.\n\n(5) A person must disclose the nature of the conflict of interest in writing—\n\n(a) if the person is a director (other than the chairperson of the board) or the chief executive officer—\n\n(i) to the chairperson of the board as soon as the director or chief executive officer becomes aware of the conflict of interest in the matter; and\n\n(ii) to the board by no later than the next ordinary meeting of the board; or\n\n(b) if the person is the chairperson of the board—\n\n(i) to the chief executive officer as soon as the chairperson becomes aware of the conflict of interest in the matter; and\n\n(ii) to the board by no later than the next ordinary meeting of the board; or\n\n(c) in any other case, to the chief executive officer as soon as the person becomes aware of the conflict of interest in the matter.\n\n(6) Subsections (1) to (4) and (5)(a) do not apply to the chief executive officer if the chief executive officer has a specific conflict of interest or general conflict of interest in a matter and the matter only relates to—\n\n(a) the adoption or amendment of a policy relating to the Authority's staff generally; or\n\n(b) a decision to delegate a function, duty or power to an employee of the Authority or a seconded staff member.\n\n(7) The chief executive officer must keep a record of conflicts of interest disclosed to the chief executive officer under this section.\n\n(8) A reference in this section to a person who has been delegated a function, duty or power includes a person who has been sub-delegated a function, duty or power.\n\n\t32 Advisors\n\n(1) A relevant person who is providing advice or a report to a person or body specified in subsection (2) and who has a specific conflict of interest or general conflict of interest in a matter to which the advice or report relates, must disclose the nature of the conflict of interest to that person or body before the person or body considers that advice.\n\nPenalty: 120 penalty units.\n\n(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), the following persons and bodies are specified—\n\n(a) the board;\n\n(b) a committee;\n\n(c) a person who has been delegated a function, duty or power of the Authority under this Act or under any other enactment.\n\n(3) A reference in this section to a person who has been delegated a function, duty or power includes a person who has been sub-delegated a function, duty or power.\n\nDivision 5—Miscellaneous\n\n\t33 Power to request information or assistance\n\n(1) For the purposes of performing its functions, the Authority, by written notice, may request any of the following entities to provide the information or assistance specified in the notice—\n\n(a) a Council;\n\n(b) a planning authority;\n\n(c) a responsible authority;\n\n(d) a referral authority;\n\n(e) an advisory committee established under section 151 of the **Planning and Environment Act 1987**;\n\n(f) an interface body;\n\n(g) any other public statutory authority.\n\n(2) An entity must comply with a request under subsection (1).\n\n(3) The Authority must not request personal information under subsection (1) other than the name and address of an owner of land.\n\n(4) The Authority must not use personal information other than to notify, or consult with, landholders in a particular area for the purposes of performing its functions.\n\n(5) The Authority must not make a request under subsection (1) unless the Minister has approved the request in a specified case or class of cases.\n\n\t34 Duty to consult\n\n(1) In performing its functions and exercising its powers under this Act, the Authority must—\n\n(a) if a matter is likely to affect a Council's functions as a planning authority or responsible authority, consult with the Council; and\n\n(b) if a matter is likely to significantly affect the functions of any other planning authority, responsible authority or public sector body, consult with the authority or body.\n\n(2) Any consultation must be conducted in accordance with any directions given by the Minister.\n\n\t35 Duty to establish systems and procedures to enable cooperation with Councils and other public sector bodies\n\nThe Authority must establish systems and procedures for the purpose of enabling the Authority to cooperate with Councils, planning authorities, responsible authorities and other relevant public sector bodies in relation to strategic planning issues.\n\n\t36 Minister may give directions to Authority\n\n(1) The Minister may give a written direction to the Authority regarding the performance of its functions and the exercise of its powers under this Act.\n\n(2) Without limiting subsection (1), the Minister may direct the Authority to provide the Minister with advice on any matter relating to land use planning, land development or the objectives of planning in Victoria.\n\n(3) The Authority must comply with a written direction of the Minister.\n\n(4) The Authority must publish a written direction of the Minister in its report of operations.\n\n\t37 Designated areas\n\nThe Minister, by notice published in the Government Gazette, may designate an area of land to be a designated area for the purposes of this Act.\n\n\t38 Committees\n\n(1) The Authority may establish a committee to advise the Authority on any matter referred to it by the board.\n\n(2) A committee must consist of at least one director of the Authority who is to be the chairperson of the committee.\n\n(3) A meeting of a committee must be presided over by—\n\n(a) the chairperson; or\n\n(b) in the absence of the chairperson, a member of the committee elected by the members present at the meeting.\n\n(4) Subject to this Act and any procedures determined by the Authority under subsection (5), a committee may regulate its own procedure.\n\n(5) The Authority may determine procedures to be followed by a committee.\n\n\t39 Payment of certain members of committees\n\n(1) A member of a committee, other than a member who is a public official employed on a full-time basis, is entitled to be paid remuneration and allowances determined by the Minister.\n\n(2) In this section—\n\n***public official*** has the same meaning as in the **Public Administration Act 2004**.\n\n\t40 Delegation by the Authority or chief executive officer\n\n(1) The Authority, by instrument, may delegate to any of the following persons any function, duty or power of the Authority under this Act—\n\n(a) the chief executive officer;\n\n(b) an employee of the Authority;\n\n(c) a seconded staff member.\n\n(2) The chief executive officer, subject to any conditions or limitations to which the delegation is subject, may sub-delegate a function, duty or power delegated to the chief executive officer under subsection (1) to a person specified in subsection (3) if the instrument of delegation authorises its sub-delegation.\n\n(3) For the purposes of subsection (2), the following persons are specified—\n\n(a) an employee of the Authority;\n\n(b) a seconded staff member.\n\n(4) Sections 42 and 42A of the **Interpretation of Legislation Act 1984** apply to a sub-delegation authorised by this section in the same way as they apply to a delegation.\n\n\t41 Confidential information\n\n(1) A person who is, or has been, a relevant person, a member of the superseded Authority, a chief executive officer of the superseded Authority or a superseded Authority employee, must not disclose information that the person knows, or should reasonably know, is confidential information.\n\nPenalty: 120 penalty units.\n\n(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to a person referred to in that subsection who discloses information that the person knows is confidential information in the following circumstances—\n\n(a) for the purposes of any legal proceedings in relation to this Act or the **Planning and Environment Act 1987**;\n\n(b) to a court or tribunal in the course of a legal proceeding;\n\n(c) pursuant to an order of a court or tribunal;\n\n(d) to the extent reasonably required for any other law enforcement purposes;\n\n(e) for purposes required by law or by or under an enactment.\n\n(3) Without limiting section 42, a certificate signed by the chief executive officer stating that information is confidential information, or was confidential information on a stated day or during a stated period, is admissible in evidence in any proceedings and, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, is proof that the information is or was confidential information.\n\n(4) In this section—\n\n***confidential information*** means information that—\n\n(a) the board or the superseded Authority has determined by resolution to be confidential; or\n\n(b) the chief executive officer or the chief executive officer of the superseded Authority has designated in writing to be confidential;\n\n***superseded Authority*** ***employee*** means a person who was employed to assist the superseded Authority to carry out its functions and achieve its objectives.\n\n\t42 Chief executive officer may issue evidentiary certificates\n\n(1) A certificate signed by the chief executive officer stating any of the matters specified in subsection (2) is admissible in evidence in any proceedings and, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, is proof of the matters stated in the certificate.\n\n(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), the following matters are specified—\n\n(a) on a stated day, the Authority or the superseded Authority made a stated determination or decision;\n\n(b) the terms of a determination or decision made by the Authority or the superseded Authority;\n\n(c) stated information is information recorded in the minutes of the board, or the minutes of the superseded Authority's board, taken on a stated day;\n\n(d) on a stated day, or during a stated period, a person was—\n\n(i) a director of the Authority or a member of the superseded Authority; or\n\n(ii) the chief executive officer or the chief executive officer of the superseded Authority; or\n\n(iii) a member of a committee of the Authority; or\n\n(iv) an employee of the Authority or the superseded Authority; or\n\n(v) a seconded staff member; or\n\n(vi) a consultant or contractor engaged by the Authority or the superseded Authority;\n\n(e) on a stated day, a stated person disclosed a specific conflict of interest or general conflict of interest and the nature of the disclosure;\n\n(f) on a stated day, or during a stated period, a delegation or sub-delegation of a stated function, duty or power by the Authority, the chief executive officer or the superseded Authority to a stated person was in force;\n\n(g) a stated document is an instrument of delegation or sub-delegation made under—\n\n(i) section 22 or 40; or\n\n(ii) section 186, 188, 188A or 190 of the **Planning and Environment Act 1987**; or\n\n(iii) section 46AZD of the **Planning and Environment Act 1987** as that section was in force from time to time before the commencement day;\n\n(h) stated information is information kept in connection with the performance of the Authority's or the superseded Authority's functions under Part 9B of the **Planning and Environment Act 1987**;\n\n(i) on a stated day, stated land is or is not within the contribution area;\n\n(j) a stated document is a copy of an application made by the Authority or the superseded Authority under section 201UB or 201UC of the **Planning and Environment Act 1987**;\n\n(k) the status of any matter that relates to the administration of Part 9B of the **Planning and Environment Act 1987** by the Authority or the superseded Authority;\n\n(l) a stated document is a copy of a document issued by the Authority or the superseded Authority.\n\n(3) In this section—\n\n***commencement day*** means the day on which section 56 comes into operation;\n\n***contribution area*** has the same meaning as in Part 9B of the **Planning and Environment Act 1987**.\n\n\t43 Authority must publish certain codes, policies or processes\n\n(1) The Authority must publish details of any code of conduct, policy or process that it has put in place under section 81 of the **Public Administration Act 2004** to manage conflicts of interest or duties of directors of the Authority.\n\n**Notes**\n\n1 Section 81 of the **Public Administration Act 2004** requires the board of a public entity to, among other things, ensure that processes are in place to deal with conflicts of interest or duties of directors.\n\n2 Division 4 sets out procedures in relation to conflicts of interest.\n\n(2) The Authority must include in its report of operations under Part 7 of the **Financial Management Act 1994** a description of each disclosure of a specific conflict of interest or general conflict of interest made by a director of the Authority in the relevant financial year.\n\n(3) A description under subsection (2) must not contain the following information—\n\n(a) information relating to the personal affairs of a person other than a director of the Authority;\n\n(b) information that is confidential information within the meaning of section 41(4).\n\n**Example**\n\nA director of the Authority discloses a specific conflict of interest to the board under section 29. The annual report for that financial year states the name of the director and that the director disclosed a specific conflict of interest because the director has a family member who owns property the value of which could be affected by a decision of the Authority. The annual report does not contain the name of the director's family member or identifying details about the family member's property.\n\n\t44 Annual business plan\n\n(1) The Authority must submit to the Minister for approval, on or before 31 May in each year, a draft business plan that sets out—\n\n(a) its objectives and priorities for the next 4 financial years; and\n\n(b) financial projections for the next 4 financial years; and\n\n(c) its budget for the next financial year; and\n\n(d) what it intends to do over the next financial year; and\n\n(e) any other matters that the Minister requires in writing.\n\n(2) After amending its draft business plan in any way required by the Minister, the Authority must submit a final business plan to the Minister for approval on or before the date required by the Minister.\n\n(3) The Authority must ensure that a copy of its current business plan is—\n\n(a) available for inspection by members of the public at its principal place of business whenever that place is open to the public; and\n\n(b) published on the Internet.\n\n\t45 Authority must not depart significantly from budget without approval\n\nThe Authority must not depart significantly from the budget set out in its current business plan under section 44 without first obtaining the approval of the Minister.\n\nPart 3—General\n\nS. 46AA inserted by No. 43/2024 s. 62.\n\n\t46AA Proceedings\n\nA proceeding for a summary offence against a provision of Division 4 of Part 2 may be commenced within 3 years after the date on which the offence is alleged to have been committed.\n\n\t46 Regulations\n\n(1) The Governor in Council may make regulations for or with respect to any matter required or permitted by this Act to be prescribed or necessary or convenient to be prescribed to give effect to this Act.\n\n(2) Regulations made under this section may—\n\n(a) be of general or limited application; and\n\n(b) differ according to differences in time, place or circumstance.\n\nPart 4—Savings and transitional provisions\n\n\t47 Definitions\n\nIn this Part—\n\n***commencement day*** means the day on which section 56 comes into operation;\n\n***liabilities*** means all liabilities, duties and obligations, whether actual, contingent or prospective;\n\n***property*** means any legal or equitable estate or interest (whether present or future and whether vested or contingent) in real or personal property of any description;\n\n***rights*** means all rights, powers, privileges and immunities, whether actual, contingent or prospective.\n\n\t48 Transfer of property etc. from superseded Authority to Victorian Planning Authority\n\nOn the commencement day—\n\n(a) the superseded Authority is abolished and its members go out of office; and\n\n(b) the Authority is the successor in law of the superseded Authority; and\n\n(c) all rights, property and liabilities of the superseded Authority immediately before its abolition become rights, property and liabilities of the Authority; and\n\n(d) the Authority is substituted as a party in any proceeding, agreement or arrangement commenced or made by or against or in relation to the superseded Authority; and\n\n(e) the Authority may continue and complete any other continuing matter or thing commenced or against or in relation to the superseded Authority.\n\n\t49 Superseded references\n\nA reference in any Act (other than this Act or the **Planning and Environment Act 1987**), subordinate instrument (including any planning scheme), agreement, deed or other document to the superseded Authority (by whatever name described) must be construed as a reference to the Authority—\n\n(a) so far as the reference relates to any period on or after the commencement day; and\n\n(b) if not inconsistent with the subject matter.\n\n\t50 Transfer of members\n\n(1) A person who, immediately before the commencement day, was a member of the superseded Authority under section 46AV of the **Planning and Environment Act 1987** (other than the chairperson or deputy chairperson of the superseded Authority) is taken on and after that day to be a director of the Authority appointed—\n\n(a) on the same terms and conditions on which the person held office as that member, unless those terms or conditions are varied; and\n\n(b)  until the date on which the person's term as that member would have otherwise expired, unless—\n\n(i) the person resigns from office; or\n\n(ii) the person's office becomes vacant under section 16; or\n\n(iii) the person is removed from office under section 16.\n\n(2) A person who, immediately before the commencement day, was the chairperson and member of the superseded Authority under section 46AW of the **Planning and Environment Act 1987** is taken on and after that day to be the chairperson and director of the Authority appointed—\n\n(a) on the same terms and conditions on which the person held office as the chairperson and member, unless those terms and conditions are varied; and\n\n(b)  until the date on which the person's term as the chairperson and member would have otherwise expired, unless—\n\n(i) the person resigns from office; or\n\n(ii) the person's office becomes vacant under section 16; or\n\n(iii) the person is removed from office under section 16.\n\n(3) A person who, immediately before the commencement day, was the deputy chairperson and member of the superseded Authority under section 46AW of the **Planning and Environment Act 1987** is taken on and after that day to be the deputy chairperson and director of the Authority appointed—\n\n(a) on the same terms and conditions on which the person held office as the deputy chairperson and member, unless those terms and conditions are varied; and\n\n(b)  until the date on which the person's term as the deputy chairperson and member would have otherwise expired, unless—\n\n(i) the person resigns from office; or\n\n(ii) the person's office becomes vacant under section 16; or\n\n(iii) the person is removed from office under section 16.\n\n\t51 Transfer of chief executive officer\n\nThe person who, immediately before the commencement day, was the chief executive officer of the superseded Authority under section 46AZB of the **Planning and Environment Act 1987** is taken on and after that day to be the chief executive officer of the Authority appointed—\n\n(a) on the same terms and conditions on which the person held office as the chief executive officer of the superseded Authority, unless the terms or conditions of the instrument of appointment are varied; and\n\n(b)  until the date on which the person's term as chief executive officer of the superseded Authority would have otherwise expired, unless—\n\n(i) the person resigns from office; or\n\n(ii) the person is removed from office under section 21.\n\n\t52 Transfer of staff and entitlements\n\n(1) On the commencement day, all persons who were employees of the superseded Authority immediately before the commencement day are taken to be employees of the Authority on the same terms and conditions and with the same accrued and accruing entitlements as applied to those persons immediately before the commencement day as employees of the superseded Authority.\n\n(2) If subsection (1) applies to a person—\n\n(a) the service of the person as an employee of the Authority is to be regarded for all purposes as having been continuous with the service of the employee with the superseded Authority; and\n\n(b) the person is not entitled to receive any payment or other benefit by reason only of having ceased to be an employee of the superseded Authority.\n\n(3) Nothing in this section prevents an employee of the superseded Authority from resigning or being dismissed at any time after the commencement day in accordance with the terms and conditions of the employee's employment.\n\n(4) If a person who becomes an employee of the Authority under this section was, immediately before the commencement day, an officer within the meaning of the **State Superannuation Act 1988** or a corresponding previous enactment, the person continues, subject to that Act, to be an officer within the meaning of that Act while the person is an employee of the Authority.\n\n\t53 Report of operations and financial statements\n\n(1) The Authority must cause to be prepared, in accordance with Part 7 of the **Financial Management Act 1994**, a report of operations of the superseded Authority for the 2016/2017 financial year which includes the information required by section 201VC(2) of the **Planning and Environment Act 1987** if, before the commencement day, the chief executive officer of the superseded Authority has not prepared the report of operations for that financial year.\n\n(2) The chief executive officer of the Authority must cause to be prepared, in accordance with Part 7 of the **Financial Management Act 1994**, financial statements of the superseded Authority for the 2016/2017 financial year if, before the commencement day, the chief executive officer of the superseded Authority has not prepared the financial statements for that financial year.\n\n(3) The Authority must submit, in accordance with Part 7 of the **Financial Management Act 1994**, the report of operations for the superseded Authority for the 2016/2017 financial year to the Auditor-General as soon as practicable after it has been prepared, if, before the commencement day, the superseded Authority has not submitted the report of operations for that year.\n\n(4) The chief executive officer of the Authority must submit, in accordance with Part 7 of the **Financial Management Act 1994**, the financial statements for the superseded Authority for the 2016/2017 financial year to the Auditor-General within 8 weeks after the end of that financial year.\n\n\t54 Annual business plan\n\nOn the commencement day, a business plan prepared under section 46AZE of the **Planning and Environment Act 1987** as it was in force immediately before the commencement day is taken to be the business plan prepared in respect of the Authority, and may be amended in accordance with this Act.\n\nPt 5 (Heading and ss 55–98) repealed by No. 11/2017 s. 98.\n\n* * * * *\n\nPt 6 (Headings and ss 99–104) repealed by No. 11/2017 s. 104.\n\n* * * * *\n\n═══════════════\n\nEndnotes\n\n1 General information\n\nSee [www.legislation.vic.gov.au](http://www.legislation.vic.gov.au) for Victorian Bills, Acts and current Versions of legislation and up-to-date legislative information.\n\n*Minister's second reading speech—*\n\n*Legislative Assembly: 7 December 2016*\n\n*Legislative Council: 22 February 2017*\n\nThe long title for the Bill for this Act was \"A Bill for an Act to establish the Victorian Planning Authority, to amend the **Planning and Environment Act 1987** to abolish the Growth Areas Authority, to make consequential and other amendments to other Acts and for other purposes.\"\n\nThe **Victorian Planning Authority Act 2017** was assented to on 27 March 2017 and came into operation on 1 July 2017: Special Gazette (No. 150) 16 May 2017 page 1.\n\nINTERPRETATION OF LEGISLATION ACT 1984 (ILA)\n\nStyle changes\n\nSection 54A of the ILA authorises the making of the style changes set out in Schedule 1 to that Act.\n\nReferences to ILA s. 39B\n\nSidenotes which cite ILA s. 39B refer to section 39B of the ILA which provides that where an undivided section or clause of a Schedule is amended by the insertion of one or more subsections or subclauses, the original section or clause becomes subsection or subclause (1) and is amended by the insertion of the expression \"(1)\" at the beginning of the original section or clause.\n\nInterpretation\n\nAs from 1 January 2001, amendments to section 36 of the ILA have the following effects:\n\n• Headings\n\nAll headings included in an Act which is passed on or after 1 January 2001 form part of that Act. Any heading inserted in an Act which was passed before 1 January 2001, by an Act passed on or after 1 January 2001, forms part of that Act. This includes headings to Parts, Divisions or Subdivisions in a Schedule; sections; clauses; items; tables; columns; examples; diagrams; notes or forms. See section 36(1A)(2A).\n\n• Examples, diagrams or notes\n\nAll examples, diagrams or notes included in an Act which is passed on or after 1 January 2001 form part of that Act. Any examples, diagrams or notes inserted in an Act which was passed before 1 January 2001, by an Act passed on or after 1 January 2001, form part of that Act. See section 36(3A).\n\n• Punctuation\n\nAll punctuation included in an Act which is passed on or after 1 January 2001 forms part of that Act. Any punctuation inserted in an Act which was passed before 1 January 2001, by an Act passed on or after 1 January 2001, forms part of that Act. See section 36(3B).\n\n• Provision numbers\n\nAll provision numbers included in an Act form part of that Act, whether inserted in the Act before, on or after 1 January 2001. Provision numbers include section numbers, subsection numbers, paragraphs and subparagraphs. See section 36(3C).\n\n• Location of \"legislative items\"\n\nA \"legislative item\" is a penalty, an example or a note. As from 13 October 2004, a legislative item relating to a provision of an Act is taken to be at the foot of that provision even if it is preceded or followed by another legislative item that relates to that provision. For example, if a penalty at the foot of a provision is followed by a note, both of these legislative items will be regarded as being at the foot of that provision. See section 36B.\n\n• Other material\n\nAny explanatory memorandum, table of provisions, endnotes, index and other material printed after the Endnotes does not form part of an Act.  \nSee section 36(3)(3D)(3E).\n\n2 Table of Amendments\n\nThis publication incorporates amendments made to the **Victorian Planning Authority Act 2017** by Acts and subordinate instruments.\n\n–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––\n\n**Victorian Planning Authority Act 2017, No. 11/2017**\n\n| Assent Date: | 27.3.17 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | Ss 98, 104 on 1.7.17: Special Gazette (No. 150) 16.5.17 p. 1 |\n| Note: | S. 98 repealed Pt 5 (ss 55–98) on 1.12.18; s. 104 repealed Pt 6 (ss 99–104) on 1.12.18 |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Victorian Planning Authority Act 2017** |\n\n\n**Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin Birrarung murron) Act 2017, No. 49/2017**\n\n| *Assent Date:* | 26.9.17 |\n| --- | --- |\n| *Commencement Date:* | Ss 91, 92 on 1.12.17: s. 2(3) |\n| *Current State:* | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Victorian Planning Authority Act 2017** |\n\n\n**Planning and Environment Amendment (Distinctive Areas and Landscapes) Act 2018, No. 17/2018**\n\n| Assent Date: | 29.5.18 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | Ss 28, 29 on 30.5.18: s. 2 |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Victorian Planning Authority Act 2017** |\n\n\n**Local Government Act 2020, No. 9/2020**\n\n| Assent Date: | 24.3.20 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | S. 390(Sch. 1 item 110) on 6.4.20: Special Gazette (No. 150) 24.3.20 p. 1 |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Victorian Planning Authority Act 2017** |\n\n\n**Great Ocean Road and Environs Protection Act 2020, No. 19/2020**\n\n| Assent Date: | 23.6.20 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | Ss 110, 111 on 1.12.20: s. 2(2) |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Victorian Planning Authority Act 2017** |\n\n\n**Suburban Rail Loop Act 2021, No. 43/2021**\n\n| Assent Date: | 19.10.21 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | S. 219(Sch. 1 item 13) on 1.12.21: Special Gazette (No. 649) 23.11.21 p. 1 |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Victorian Planning Authority Act 2017** |\n\n\n**Building Legislation Amendment and Other Matters Act 2024, No. 43/2024**\n\n| Assent Date: | 12.11.24 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | S. 62 on 13.11.24: s. 2(1) |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Victorian Planning Authority Act 2017** |\n\n\n–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––\n\n3 Explanatory details\n\nNo entries at date of publication.","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":5,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The original 2017 Act established the VPA primarily to replace the Growth Areas Authority and advise on metropolitan growth corridors. However, amendments in 2017 (Yarra River), 2018 (Distinctive Areas), 2020 (Great Ocean Road) and 2021 (Suburban Rail Loop exceptions) have significantly expanded the scope. The Act now imposes specific environmental and planning obligations across three distinct protected areas (Yarra River, declared areas, Great Ocean Road) and creates exceptions for major transport infrastructure. What began as a growth area planning body has become a statewide planning authority with specialized duties for iconic landscapes and waterways."},"complexity_factors":["Moderate length statute (54 sections) with 8 Parts and multiple Divisions/Subdivisions","27 defined terms in section 3, many referencing external Acts (Planning and Environment Act 1987, Yarra River Protection Act, Great Ocean Road Act, etc.)","Nested conflict of interest provisions with two-tier definition system (general vs specific conflicts) plus 6 exemption categories","Cross-referencing to at least 6 other major Victorian Acts including Planning and Environment Act, Public Administration Act, Transport Integration Act","Conditional logic in sections 10A-10C creating exceptions for major transport projects (declared projects and Suburban Rail Loop)","Transitional provisions (Part 4) dealing with succession from superseded Growth Areas Authority including transfer of staff, property and liabilities","Multiple delegation and sub-delegation pathways (section 40) with conditions","Evidentiary certificate provisions (section 42) listing 12 specific matters that can be certified"],"plain_english_summary":"This Act creates the **Victorian Planning Authority (VPA)**, a government body that advises on land use planning across Victoria. It replaces the old Growth Areas Authority.\n\n**What the VPA does:**\n- **Advises the Minister for Planning** on how land should be used, developed and protected\n- **Helps local councils and government agencies** with strategic planning (but only with Ministerial approval)\n- **Plans designated areas** where the government wants coordinated development (like growth corridors)\n- **Coordinates infrastructure** to align with land use planning\n\n**Special obligations:**\nThe VPA must follow specific rules when dealing with:\n- **Yarra River land** – must follow the Yarra Strategic Plan and protection principles\n- **Declared areas** (distinctive landscapes) – must follow Statements of Planning Policy\n- **Great Ocean Road region** – must follow the strategic framework plan and protection principles\n\n**How it's run:**\n- A **Board of Directors** (5–7 people) sets policy and direction\n- A **Chief Executive Officer** manages day-to-day operations\n- Strict **conflict of interest rules** apply to directors, staff and advisors\n\n**Who it affects:**\n- Property developers and landowners in designated growth areas\n- Local councils working with the VPA on planning schemes\n- Anyone with an interest in major infrastructure or housing supply projects\n- Staff transferring from the old Growth Areas Authority (their jobs and entitlements are protected)\n\n**Why it matters:**\nThe Act centralises strategic planning expertise in one body to ensure housing, transport and services are planned together rather than in isolation. It also ensures major projects respect environmental protections for the Yarra River and Great Ocean Road."},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":7,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The Act has been amended repeatedly since its original enactment to broaden and specify the Authority's remit. Notable scope changes included: (a) embedding statutory obligations to have regard to and not act inconsistently with the Yarra Strategic Plan and Yarra protection principles (s 10A) and similar place protections for the Great Ocean Road (s 10C) and declared areas (s 10B); (b) explicit carve-outs for declared projects and Suburban Rail Loop projects from those obligations (ss 10A(2), 10B(2), 10C(2)); (c) added or updated definitions by reference to newer Acts (e.g. Local Government Act 2020, Great Ocean Road Act, Suburban Rail Loop Act) and insertion of gift‑related conflict rules (s 27(2)); and (d) later insertion of procedural provisions such as the 3‑year limit for commencing proceedings for Division 4 offences (s 46AA). Collectively these amendments move the Authority beyond simply replacing the Growth Areas Authority to a wider statutory role that integrates place‑based protections, major project interactions and tighter governance/ evidentiary regimes (see ss 10A–10C, 27(2), 42, 46AA)."},"complexity_factors":["Extensive cross-references to multiple other Acts (Planning and Environment Act 1987; Public Administration Act 2004; Transport Integration Act 2010; Yarra River Protection Act 2017; Great Ocean Road and Environs Protection Act 2020; Suburban Rail Loop Act 2021) creating interpretive dependencies","Large interpretation/definitions section with many terms defined by reference to other enactments (s 3) rather than in‑text definitions","Multiple place‑specific obligations and carve-outs (Yarra s 10A; declared areas s 10B; Great Ocean Road s 10C) including express exceptions for major transport and Suburban Rail Loop projects","Detailed conflicts of interest framework with multiple definitions (general vs specific), disclosure duties, minute‑keeping requirements and penalties (ss 25–32) and an explicit 3‑year limitation for summary offences (s 46AA)","Board governance and appointment architecture with a mix of Governor‑in‑Council appointments, Ministerial recommendations, fixed terms and removal grounds (ss 11–16, 13)","Delegation and sub‑delegation rules that allow functions to be passed down to staff and seconded personnel (s 40), creating layered accountability","Transitional and savings provisions transferring assets, liabilities, staff and records from a superseded Authority (Part 4: ss 47–54), which add temporal complexity","Use of evidentiary certificates by the CEO to prove administrative facts in proceedings (s 42), shifting evidentiary burdens","Administrative controls (annual business plan, budget constraints, requirement to publish certain policies and Ministerial directions) imposing procedural steps and approvals (ss 43–45, 36)","Specified criminal/penalty outcomes (120 penalty units) in several administrative contexts increasing legal stakes for compliance (e.g. ss 29–32, 41)"],"plain_english_summary":"**What this Act does (mechanically)\n\n- Establishes the Victorian Planning Authority (the Authority) as a corporate body with a board, a chief executive officer (CEO) and staff (ss 4, 11, 21).\n- Gives the Authority functions to advise and assist the Minister, Councils and public sector bodies on land use, development and protection, and to carry out integrated planning in designated areas (ss 7–9, 8(2)).\n- Confers broad powers to enter contracts, obtain information and delegate functions, subject to limits and Ministerial directions (ss 9, 33, 36, 40).\n- Creates governance rules for the board and directors (composition, appointment, removal, meetings, quorum, minutes) and a CEO role responsible for day‑to‑day management (ss 11–22, 18, 21).\n- Sets an annual business planning and budget regime: the Authority must submit a 4‑year business plan and cannot significantly depart from its approved budget without Ministerial approval (ss 44–45).\n- Imposes a statutory conflicts of interest regime (definitions, disclosure duties, prohibitions and penalties) for directors, the CEO, committee members, delegates and consultants (Division 4: ss 25–32). Penalties for breaches are enforceable as summary offences and have a 3‑year time limit for commencement (s 46AA).\n- Requires publication of certain codes/policies and disclosure of conflict disclosures in the annual report, with limits on what may be published (s 43).\n- Establishes confidentiality offences and gives the CEO power to issue evidentiary certificates about Authority matters (ss 41–42).\n- Includes specific statutory obligations when the Authority acts in relation to defined sensitive areas: Yarra River land (s 10A), declared areas (s 10B), and the Great Ocean Road region (s 10C), and also carves out certain major transport or Suburban Rail Loop projects from those obligations (ss 10A(2), 10B(2), 10C(2)).\n- Contains savings and transitional provisions transferring rights, liabilities, staff and records from the abolished Growth Areas Authority to the new Authority (Part 4: ss 47–54).\n\n\nWho this affects\n\n- State government agencies and the Minister: the Minister can direct the Authority and approve certain actions (s 36, s 8(3), ss 44–45).\n- Local Councils and other planning authorities: the Authority must consult and cooperate with them on matters likely to affect their statutory functions, and can request information or assistance from them (ss 33–35).\n- Developers, landowners and residents in designated or declared areas: the Authority has special planning and coordination functions in those areas (s 8(2), ss 37, 10B, 10C, 10A).\n- Board directors, CEO, employees, committee members, delegates, consultants: they are bound by governance, disclosure and confidentiality duties and face penalties for breaches (Division 4; ss 21, 41–43).\n\n\nWhy it matters (official purpose then practical testing)\n\nOfficial purpose (as stated in the Act): to establish a body to advise and assist on land use planning in Victoria and to improve coordination across State agencies and Councils to support planning objectives, productivity, liveability, housing supply and infrastructure alignment (s 1, ss 7–8).\n\nPractical effects, incentives and trade‑offs (sections cited):\n\n- Central coordination and influence: the Authority is structured to align infrastructure decisions with land use planning and to pursue State policy objectives (ss 7(d), 10(2)(d)). That concentrates authority to coordinate major planning initiatives at the State level and makes the Authority a focal point for multi‑agency planning.\n  - Who decides: the Minister retains general direction and control (s 10(4)) and may give written directions that must be published (s 36). Board appointments are made by Governor in Council on the Minister's recommendation (s 13). This places significant institutional control with the executive.\n\n- Limits on operational independence and checks: the Authority must submit an annual business plan for Ministerial approval and cannot depart significantly from its budget without Ministerial approval (ss 44–45). The board sets strategy but the Minister can shape priorities and budgets.\n\n- Compliance and administrative burdens: Councils and other public bodies must comply with written requests for information or assistance (s 33(2)), but such requests require Ministerial approval in specified cases (s 33(5)). The Authority must consult affected Councils and record disclosures of conflicts for annual reporting (ss 34, 43). These provisions create ongoing reporting and coordination costs for the Authority, Councils and agencies.\n\n- Conflict management and accountability: the Act imposes a detailed conflict of interest regime with disclosure, exclusion from decision‑making, minute‑keeping and penalties (Division 4: ss 25–32). Penalties attach to failures to disclose or participate appropriately (e.g. 120 penalty units) and proceedings for these summary offences must start within 3 years (s 46AA). This raises the compliance burden on directors and delegates but provides enforceable guardrails against undisclosed personal interests.\n\n- Legal and evidentiary design choices that reduce transaction costs: the CEO can issue certificates admissible in evidence about board decisions, delegations and other administrative facts (s 42). That simplifies proof in proceedings or administrative processes but shifts evidentiary weight toward internal records unless rebutted.\n\n- Targeted environmental/place protections: amendments require the Authority not to act inconsistently with certain binding plans or principles for the Yarra River and the Great Ocean Road, and to have regard to declared Statements of Planning Policy in declared areas (ss 10A–10C, 10B(1)). Those provisions embed place‑specific statutory constraints into the Authority’s functions, while expressly excluding some major transport and Suburban Rail Loop projects from those constraints (ss 10A(2), 10B(2), 10C(2)).\n\n- Effects on private enterprise and markets: the Authority’s role is primarily advisory and coordinational rather than as an approval authority that buys and sells land (notes to s 9; Planning and Environment Act cross‑references). Its influence over planning policy, infrastructure alignment and advice to Ministers and Councils can affect development timing, land values and housing supply incentives in designated areas. Private actors that engage with state infrastructure programs or large precinct projects will see the greatest practical impact.\n\n\nCosts, opportunity costs and implementation risks\n\n- Direct fiscal cost: running a statutory authority with staff, consultants and planning programs is a State budget item (ss 21–24, 44). The Act requires business planning and sets budgetary limits (ss 44–45).\n- Administrative costs for local government and agencies: complying with information requests and consultation processes (ss 33–35), and with potential coordination tasks for integrated planning in designated areas (s 8(2)).\n- Concentrated benefits and stakeholder incentives: the Authority’s capacity to coordinate government action and state‑level policy means concentrated beneficiaries (developers, precinct proponents, regions with designated status) can gain value from favourable alignment of infrastructure and planning decisions. Appointment power and gift disclosure rules (s 27(2) threshold) create governance points where influence matters and must be monitored.\n- Risk of blurred accountability when delegations and sub‑delegations are used (s 40): service delivery may be delegated to staff or seconded employees, requiring careful records and management to maintain clear lines of responsibility.\n- Implementation risk on place protections and major projects: statutory obligations to have regard to place protection plans (ss 10A–10C) are subject to carve‑outs for certain major projects (s 10A(2), 10B(2), 10C(2)). That creates potential complexity and political judgement calls about when the carve‑outs apply.\n\n\nBottom line — who pays, who decides, what changes in behaviour\n\n- Who pays: the State (through the Authority’s budget), and indirectly Councils and agencies that provide staff time and information. Developers and landowners may face indirect costs or benefits via planning outcomes and infrastructure timing.\n- Who decides: strategic direction is set by the board but within Ministerial control (ss 11, 10(4), 36). Operational management is the CEO’s responsibility (s 21). The Minister appoints directors and can direct the Authority (ss 13, 36).\n- Behaviour changes required: increased intergovernmental coordination on planning and infrastructure; record‑keeping and disclosure by directors, staff and advisors; compliance with designated‑area planning processes; provision of information to the Authority when requested (ss 29–31, 33–35, 43–44).\n\n\nKey sections to review quickly: establishment and objects (ss 4, 7), functions and powers (ss 8–9), Ministerial directions and business planning (ss 36, 44–45), conflicts of interest (ss 25–32), place‑specific obligations (ss 10A–10C), and delegation/administration (ss 21–24, 40–42)."},"issue_detection":{"absurdities":[],"contradictions":[]},"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"A positive credit balance is required for all requests, including BYOK, so fallback providers remain available. Add credits at https://vercel.com/d?to=%2F%5Bteam%5D%2F%7E%2Fai%3Fmodal%3Dtop-up to continue.","source":"analysis-cron"},"summary":{"complexity_score":5,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The VPA represents an expanded scope compared to its predecessor, the Growth Areas Authority, which focused primarily on outer-suburban greenfield growth areas. The 2017 Act broadened the body's mandate to include urban renewal and infill development precincts within established areas, reflecting a policy shift toward densification and not just outward suburban expansion."},"complexity_factors":["Interacts with the broader Victorian planning scheme framework under the Planning and Environment Act 1987, requiring understanding of that regime to fully appreciate the VPA's powers","Governance provisions involve multiple layers: ministerial oversight, board composition rules, delegation of powers, and accountability mechanisms","Dual role of the VPA — both as a strategic planning coordinator AND as a planning authority in specific circumstances — creates potential for confusion about when each function applies","Replaces predecessor bodies (e.g. Growth Areas Authority), so understanding the legislative history is important for practitioners","Limited text provided in this extract makes full analysis of technical provisions impossible, adding analytical uncertainty","Intersects with local government powers, creating jurisdictional complexity about who has decision-making authority in particular situations"],"plain_english_summary":"The Act creates the Victorian Planning Authority, a statutory body charged with coordinating strategic land‑use planning across Victoria, driving urban renewal and managing land supply for housing. It can act in place of local councils in key areas, affecting developers, landowners, councils and residents. Its decisions shape where housing, infrastructure and neighbourhoods are built, with long‑term impacts on affordability and growth."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/victorian-planning-authority-act-2017","history":"/api/acts/victorian-planning-authority-act-2017/history","analysis":"/api/acts/victorian-planning-authority-act-2017/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/victorian-planning-authority-act-2017/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/victorian-planning-authority-act-2017/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/victorian-planning-authority-act-2017/documents"}}