Docklands Act 1991

Schedule 1—Plan of Docklands area 56

Endnotes 57

1 General information 57

2 Table of Amendments 59

3 Explanatory details 65

Version No. 068

Docklands Act 1991

No. 22 of 1991

Version incorporating amendments as at

The Parliament of Victoria enacts as follows:

Part 1—Preliminary

S. 1 amended by No. 59/2003 s. 92.

1 Purpose

The purpose of this Act is to facilitate the development of the docklands area.

2 Commencement

This Act comes into operation on a day or days to be proclaimed.

3 Definitions

In this Act—

S. 3 def. of Authority substituted by No. 59/2003 s. 93(a), amended by No. 35/2011 s. 18(a), repealed by No. 10/2017 s. 33(1)(a).

building includes—

(a) a structure and part of a building or a structure; and

(b) fences, walls, out-buildings, service installations and other appurtenances of a building; and

(c) a boat or a pontoon which is permanently moored or fixed to land;

S. 3 def. of chief executive substituted by No. 59/2003 s. 93(b), amended by Nos 35/2011 s. 18(b), 10/2017 s. 33(1)(b).

chief executive means a person appointed under Part 2 of the Development Victoria Act 2003 as chief executive of Development Victoria;

development includes—

(a) the construction or carrying out, extension, demolition or removal of a building or works; or

(b) the decoration or alteration of the inside or outside of a building or the alteration of works; or

(c) the subdivision or consolidation of land, airspace or buildings; or

(d) the installation or provision or operation of facilities or services; or

(e) the relocation, deepening or widening of a waterway;

S. 3 def. of Development Victoria inserted by No. 10/2017 s. 33(1)(c).

Development Victoria means Development Victoria established by the Development Victoria Act 2003;

S. 3 def. of docklands area substituted by No. 24/1993 s. 4.

docklands area means the area shown on a plan of survey approved for the time being under section 4;

S. 3 def. of holding and selling costs amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(1)(d).

holding and selling costs in relation to land means—

(a) any interest, administrative or other costs incurred by Development Victoria in or incidental to developing the land or selling it; and

(b) any proportion of the costs incurred by Development Victoria in promoting the whole or part of the docklands area, that is a proportion that Development Victoria determines after considering the comparative areas of the land sold and the land promoted;

S. 3 def. of
land amended by No. 74/2006 s. 6(a).

land includes—

(a) buildings and other structures permanently fixed to land; and

(b) land covered with water; and

(c) any estate, interest, easement, servitude, privilege or right in or over land; and

(d) any stratum of land;

limitations in relation to land means trusts, reservations, restrictions, exceptions, encumbrances, limitations, estates and interests;

S. 3 def. of member repealed by No. 59/2003 s. 93(c).

S. 3 def. of municipal functions inserted by No. 86/1998 s. 3, repealed by No. 74/2006 s. 6(c).

S. 3 def. of Ports Victoria inserted by No. 19/2022 s. 88.

Ports Victoria has the same meaning as in section 3 of the Transport Integration Act 2010;

S. 3 def. of public notice inserted by No. 86/1998 s. 3, repealed by No. 74/2006 s. 6(c).

public statutory body means a body established by or under an Act for a public purpose or a municipal council;

road includes bridge, highway, street, lane, footway, square, court, alley or right of way, whether a thoroughfare or not and whether accessible to the public generally or not;

S. 3 def. of staff amended by Nos 59/2003 s. 93(d), 10/2017 s. 33(1)(e).

staff means any person who is employed or engaged by Development Victoria under section 16 of the Development Victoria Act 2003;

S. 3 def. of stratum of land inserted by No. 74/2006 s. 6(b).

stratum of land means a part of land consisting of a space of any shape above or below or partly above and partly below the surface of the land, all the dimensions of which are limited;

S. 3 def. of Subordinate instrument repealed by No. 3/2025 s. 3(Sch. 1 item 2).

S. 3 def. of voter inserted by No. 86/1998 s. 3, repealed by No. 74/2006 s. 6(c).

works includes any change to the natural or existing condition or topography of land including the removal, destruction or lopping of trees and the removal of vegetation or topsoil and land reclamation and land decontamination.

S. 4 substituted by No. 24/1993 s. 5.

4 Definition and change of docklands area

(1) On receiving a plan of survey, signed by the Surveyor-General, of the land shown hatched on the plan in Schedule 1, or that land as nearly as practicable, the Minister may recommend that the Governor in Council approve the plan.

(2) The plan of survey may adjust any defect in the boundaries found on survey.

(3) On the Minister's recommendation, the Governor in Council, by Order published in the Government Gazette, may approve the plan.

S. 4(3A) inserted by No. 107/1995 s. 125, repealed by No. 86/1998 s. 5(a).

(4) The Governor in Council, by Order published in the Government Gazette, may reduce the docklands area and revoke the approval of any plan under this section and approve any new or amended plan to reflect the changes made.

(5) An Order under subsection (4) may, if the Governor in Council thinks it appropriate—

S. 4(5)(a) amended by No. 86/1998 s. 5(b), repealed by No. 74/2006 s. 7(1).

S. 4(5)(b) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(9).

(b) vest land excluded from the docklands area and vested in Development Victoria in another public statutory body, and amend any land description in any Act or subordinate instrument in any way necessary because of this.

S. 4(6) repealed by No. 74/2006 s. 7(2).

5 Act binds the Crown

This Act binds the Crown.

Pt 2 (Heading) amended by No. 29/2011 s. 3(Sch. 1 item 29.1), substituted by No. 10/2017 s. 33(4).

Part 2—Development Victoria

Pt 2 Div. 1 (Heading and s. 6) substituted by No. 59/2003 s. 94.

Division 1—Representation of the Crown

S. 6 (Heading) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(2).

S. 6 amended by Nos 126/1993 s. 264(Sch. 5 item 6.1), 86/1998 s. 6, substituted by 59/2003 s. 94, amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(12).

6 Development Victoria to represent the Crown for certain purposes

Development Victoria—

(a) holds on behalf of the Crown any property acquired by it or vested in it under this Act (except property vested in it under Part 3A or Part 7);

(b) represents the Crown where—

S. 6(b)(i) substituted by No. 74/2006 s. 8(1).

(i) it does anything under this Act in relation to Crown land;

S. 6(b)(ii) repealed by No. 74/2006 s. 8(2).

S. 6(b)(iii) amended by No. 74/2006 s. 8(3).

(iii) by agreement under this Act, it acts for the Crown or for a public sector agency that represents the Crown—

S. 6(b)(iv) repealed by No. 74/2006 s. 8(4).

but does not otherwise represent the Crown.

S. 7 repealed by No. 59/2003 s. 94.

Division 2—Objectives, functions and general powers

S. 8 amended by Nos 59/2003 s. 95, 10/2017 s. 33(9).

8 Extended area of operation

With the Minister's approval, Development Victoria may carry out its functions, powers and duties under this Act in relation to an area other than the docklands area, if the Minister reasonably considers this will promote the development of the docklands area.

S. 9 (Heading) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(3).

9 Objective of Development Victoria

S. 9(1) amended by Nos 73/1996 s. 15, 59/2003 s. 96(1), 66/2009 s. 6, 10/2017 s. 33(9).

(1) The objective of Development Victoria under this Act is to promote, encourage and facilitate development of the docklands area.

S. 9(2) amended by Nos 59/2003 s. 96(2), 10/2017 s. 33(9).

(2) In carrying out its objective, functions and powers under this Act Development Victoria must give full recognition to government objectives, policies and plans for the operation of the Port of Melbourne.

S. 10 (Heading) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(3).

S. 10 amended by Nos 59/2003 s. 97(1), 10/2017 s. 33(12).

10 Functions of Development Victoria

Development Victoria has the following functions under this Act—

(a) to develop the docklands area;

(b) to promote and encourage the involvement of the private sector in that development;

(c) to oversee and co-ordinate the development by others of the docklands area;

(d) to investigate development options and prepare and implement development strategies;

(e) to investigate infrastructure options and prepare and implement plans for infrastructure co-ordination;

(f) to take, support or promote measures to encourage people to live and work in the area;

(g) to take, support or promote measures to create in the area an attractive environment;

(h) to encourage appropriate public involvement in that development;

(i) to promote, assist in and co-ordinate the economic, cultural and social development of the docklands area;

S. 10(j) amended by Nos 82/1995 s. 202(a), 63/1997 s. 10(4)(Sch. item 1.1), 45/2010 s. 42.

(j) to facilitate and, with the consent of the Minister administering the Port Management Act 1995, plan and implement the reorganization of port facilities;

(k) to facilitate and, with the consent of the Minister administering the Transport Act 1983, plan and implement the reorganization of transport facilities;

S. 10(l) substituted by No. 24/1993 s. 6.

(l) to promote tourism to, in or for the benefit of the docklands area;

S. 10(la) inserted by No. 24/1993 s. 6.

(la) to promote recreational, social and cultural activities in or for the benefit of the docklands area;

S. 10(m) substituted by No. 59/2003 s. 97(2).

(m) to perform any other functions conferred on it—

(i) by or under this Act; or

(ii) by or under any other Act in relation to the docklands area.

11 General powers and duties

S. 11(1) amended by Nos 59/2003 s. 98(1), 10/2017 s. 33(12).

(1) Development Victoria must, as far as practicable make sure that by the end of its involvement in the development of the docklands area under this Act, it has secured a prudent financial return on its overall commercial investment in the area.

S. 11(2) amended by Nos 59/2003 s. 98(2), 10/2017 s. 33(12).

(2) Development Victoria may do all the things that are necessary or convenient to be done for or incidental to achieving its objectives and performing its functions under this Act.

S. 11(3) amended by Nos 59/2003 s. 98(3), 10/2017 s. 33(9).

(3) For the purpose of achieving its objectives and performing its functions under this Act, Development Victoria also has the powers listed in Part 3, but these powers do not limit its general powers.

S. 12 repealed by No. 59/2003 s. 99.

S. 13 amended by No. 86/1998 s. 7, repealed by No. 59/2003 s. 99.

S. 14 amended by No. 46/1998 s. 7(Sch. 1), repealed by No. 59/2003 s. 99.

Part 3—Particular powers of Development Victoria

Pt 3 (Heading) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(5)

Pt 3 Div. 1 (Heading and ss 15, 16), amended by No. 24/1993 s. 7, repealed by No. 59/2003 s. 99.

Division 2—Obtaining land

17 Surrender or divesting of land of other bodies

S. 17(1) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(9).

(1) The Governor in Council, by Order published in the Government Gazette may—

(a) require a public statutory body in which land in the docklands area is vested to surrender it to the Crown;

(b) divest land in the docklands area from a public statutory body—

so that the land can be granted to Development Victoria to be developed.

(2) A public statutory body must comply with a requirement under subsection (1)(a).

(3) On—

(a) the conveyance to the Crown or the registration of an instrument of transfer and surrender to the Crown of land that a public statutory body is required to surrender under subsection (1)(a); or

(b) the publication in the Government Gazette of an Order under subsection (1)(b)—

the land concerned is deemed to be unalienated land of the Crown and, subject to subsection (4), is freed and discharged from all limitations.

(4) The divesting or surrender of land under this section does not affect any reservation of the land under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978.

(5) The Governor in Council may by Order published in the Government Gazette make any amendments to any land description in any Act or subordinate instrument that are necessary because of the divesting or surrender of land under this section.

(6) A power may only be exercised under subsection (1) or (5) on the joint recommendation of the Minister and the Minister administering the Act under which the public statutory body is created.

S. 18 (Heading) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(3).

18 Grant of land to Development Victoria

S. 18(1) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(9).

(1) The Governor in Council on behalf of the Crown may grant to Development Victoria for an estate in fee simple—

(a) land divested or surrendered under this Part;

S. 18(1)(b) amended by No. 74/2000 s. 3(Sch. 1 item 35).

(b) any other land in the docklands area that is or is deemed to be unalienated land of the Crown and is not reserved under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978.

S. 18(2) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(9).

(2) As a condition of granting land to Development Victoria, the Minister may require it to agree to pay into the Consolidated Fund or, if the land was surrendered by or divested from a public statutory body, to that body, the net proceeds of any sale of that land by Development Victoria, less any holding and selling costs.

(3) The grant—

(a) if it is of land covered with waters of the sea, must be limited to a depth of 60 metres below high water mark; and

(b) if it is for other land, must be limited to a depth of 60 metres below the surface of the land; and

(c) may contain any other terms, covenants, conditions, reservations, exceptions, trusts or limitations that the Governor in Council determines.

S. 18(4) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(9).

(4) Land may be granted to Development Victoria with or without consideration being given by Development Victoria.

19 Acquisition of land

S. 19(1) amended by Nos 59/2003 s. 100(1), 10/2017 s. 33(9).

(1) For the purposes of this Act, Development Victoria may acquire by agreement an interest in land on any terms (including consideration) that it considers appropriate.

S. 19(2) amended by Nos 59/2003 s. 100(2), 10/2017 s. 33(9).

(2) For the purposes of this Act, Development Victoria, with the Minister's approval, may acquire an interest in land by compulsory process.

(3) The Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986 applies to subsection (2) and for that purpose—

(a) subsection (2) is the special Act; and

S. 19(3)(b) amended by Nos 29/2011 s. 3(Sch. 1 item 29.2), 10/2017 s. 33(6).

(b) Development Victoria is the Authority.

S. 19(4) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(9).

(4) In determining the amount of compensation to be paid for the compulsory acquisition of land by Development Victoria, no allowance is to be made for the enhancement of the value of the land attributable to any action of Development Victoria.

S. 19A inserted by No. 59/2003 s. 101, amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(7)(9).

19A Creation of easements

If any right in the nature of an easement or purporting to be an easement or an irrevocable licence is or has been acquired by Development Victoria under this Act, whether before or after the commencement of the Development Victoria Act 2003, the right is deemed for all purposes to be and to have been an easement even if there is no land vested in Development Victoria which is benefited by the right.

Division 3—Activities on land

20 Land management and use

(1) This section applies to land in the docklands area that is—

S. 20(1)(a) substituted by No. 74/2006 s. 9.

(a) Crown land other than land for which the Melbourne City Council is the committee of management under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978; or

S. 20(1)(b) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(9).

(b) vested in Development Victoria.

S. 20(2) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(12).

(2) Development Victoria may—

(a) grant leases or licences over land to which this section applies; or

(b) exercise any of its other functions or powers over land to which this section applies.

S. 20(3) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(9).

(3) A lease or licence granted by Development Victoria over Crown land—

(a) must be consistent with any reservation of the land; and

(b) is not subject to the Land Act 1958 or the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978.

S. 20(4) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(12).

(4) Development Victoria may grant an easement or privilege over land vested in it.

21 Revocation of reservations

S. 21(1) amended by No. 74/2006 s. 10.

(1) The Governor in Council on the recommendation of the Minister and the Minister administering the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 may by Order published in the Government Gazette on or after 1 December 1992 declare that the temporary or permanent reservation under that Act (including any deemed reservation under section 66 or 67 of this Act) of land which is in the docklands area and is described in the Order is revoked.

(2) On the publication in the Government Gazette of an Order under subsection (1)—

(a) any Order in Council reserving the land and any appointment of a committee of management for the land are revoked; and

(b) unless the Order otherwise provides, the land is, despite any Act or law to the contrary, deemed to be unalienated land of the Crown, freed and discharged from all limitations; and

(c) if the Order states that this paragraph applies, any Crown grant of that land made before the date of publication of the Order, and any other title document deriving from the grant is, and must be taken always to have been, as valid and effective as if the reservation of that land had been revoked before the grant was made.

S. 22 (Heading) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(8).

22 Development Victoria's power to enter land

S. 22(1) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(9)(13).

(1) A person authorised by Development Victoria or who is a member of Development Victoria's staff may enter land in the docklands area for the purpose of—

(a) carrying out surveys or investigations connected with the development of the docklands area; or

S. 22(1)(b) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(13).

(b) doing on Development Victoria's behalf anything which it is authorised to do on that land in carrying out its functions or powers.

S. 22(2) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(12).

(2) Development Victoria must give 7 days notice in writing to the occupier of the land to be entered before entry occurs.

S. 22(3) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(12).

(3) Development Victoria need not give this notice—

(a) if the occupier consents to the entry; or

(b) in an emergency.

(4) A person must not under this section enter land used primarily for residential purposes except between 7.30 a.m. and 6.00 p.m. unless—

S. 22(4)(a) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(9).

(a) Development Victoria has reasonable grounds for believing that in respect of that land the by-laws are not being complied with; or

(b) the occupier consents to the entry.

(5) In exercising a power under subsection (1) a person must—

(a) cause as little harm and inconvenience as possible;

(b) not stay on the land for any longer than is reasonably necessary;

(c) remove from the land anything brought on to the land by the person in the exercise of the power, other than anything that the owner or occupier of the land agrees may be left there;

(d) leave the land as nearly as possible in the condition in which he or she found it.

Pt 3 Div. 4 (Heading) amended by No. 24/1993 s. 8.

Division 4—Disposing of and other dealings with land

S. 23 (Heading) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(2).

23 Development Victoria may surrender land to the Crown

S. 23(1) amended by Nos 59/2003 s. 102, 10/2017 s. 33(12).

(1) Development Victoria is an authority for the purposes of section 22A of the Land Act 1958 in relation to land in the docklands area.

S. 23(2) substituted by No. 24/1993 s. 9, amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(9)(13).

(2) The powers to surrender land or to agree to the transfer or exchange of land conferred on Development Victoria by section 22A of the Land Act 1958 as applied by this section are in addition to and do not derogate from any of Development Victoria's other functions or powers and any other provisions of this Part.

24 Disposing of land in other ways

S. 24(1) amended by Nos 59/2003 s. 103(1), 10/2017 s. 33(12).

(1) Development Victoria may for the purposes of this Act—

(a) grant leases or licences over land vested in it or registered in its name; or

(b) on or after 1 December 1992, dispose of its interest in fee simple in any land—

on any terms (including consideration) that it considers appropriate.

S. 24(2) substituted by No. 66/1997 s. 4(1), amended by Nos 59/2003 s. 103(2), 10/2017 s. 33(9).

(2) For the purposes of this Act, Development Victoria may enter into an agreement with another person concerning the use or development of land in the docklands area—

(a) on disposing of the whole of its interest in the land to that person; or

(b) in anticipation of disposing of the whole of its interest in the land to that person.

S. 24(3) amended by No. 66/1997 s. 4(2)(a).

(3) Division 2 of Part 9 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987[1] applies to an agreement under subsection (2) as if—

(a) it was an agreement under that Division;

S. 24(3)(b) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(9).

(b) it referred to Development Victoria instead of the responsible authority for the planning scheme;

S. 24(3)(ba) inserted by No. 66/1997 s. 4(2)(b).

(ba) in section 173(4) the expression "unless the vendor assumes the purchaser's rights and obligations under the agreement" were omitted;

S. 24(3)(c) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(14).

(c) section 174(2)(c) were omitted.

S. 24(3)(d) amended by No. 29/2011 s. 3(Sch. 1 item 29.3), repealed by No. 10/2017 s. 33(15).

Division 5—Other powers

25 Charges

S. 25(1) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(9).

(1) With the prior approval of the Governor in Council Development Victoria may, by resolution, levy charges on the owners, occupiers or licensees of properties or groups of properties in the docklands area—

S. 25(1)(a) amended by Nos 66/1997 s. 6, 86/1998 s. 8(1), 10/2017 s. 33(9).

(a) for the supply of telecommunications or other services provided by or by agreement with Development Victoria; or

S. 25(1)(b) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(9).

(b) for the promotion of the docklands area by Development Victoria; or

S. 25(1)(c) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(9).

(c) for the maintenance or management by or by agreement with Development Victoria of areas or facilities for common use by groups of properties or users in the docklands area; or

S. 25(1)(d) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(9).

(d) for the provision by or by agreement with Development Victoria of the infrastructure necessary for the development of the area or any part of it.

(2) Those charges—

(a) may be different for different classes of properties;

(b) may vary according to the value or size of land or the nature or extent of use of the service or facility;

(c) may include minimum charges or a scale of charges;

(d) need not relate directly to the cost of services or facilities provided;

(e) may be concessional charges;

S. 25(2)(f) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(9).

(f) may be waived in whole or in part on any conditions that Development Victoria determines.

(3) A person liable under this section to pay a charge in respect of a property and who would otherwise be liable under another Act to pay a charge in respect of the same property for the same matter is not liable to pay that other charge, despite anything to the contrary in any Act or law.

S. 25(4) amended by No. 69/2006 s. 224(Sch. 3 item 3).

(4) Subsection (3) also applies to charges levied by owners corporations within the meaning of the Owners Corporations Act 2006 as if the charges were levied under an Act.

S. 25(4A) inserted by No. 74/2006 s. 11(1), amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(9).

(4A) Despite subsection (1), Development Victoria may not levy charges for any matter for which the Melbourne City Council has levied a rate or charge.

(5) For land that is not rateable under section 154 of the Local Government Act 1989—

(a) a charge may only be levied under subsection (1)(a) in respect of the use of works or services; and

(b) a charge may only be levied under subsection (1)(a) on the user of those works or services.

S. 25(6) substituted by No. 86/1998 s. 8(2), amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(9).

(6) A charge which is levied in relation to land and is unpaid and any unpaid interest on that charge and any costs awarded to Development Victoria by a court in any proceedings in relation to that charge or interest are a first charge on the land.

S. 25(7) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(9).

(7) Sections 262, 263, 266 and Division 7 of Part 13 of the Water Act 1989[2] apply to a charge under this section as if Development Victoria were an Authority within the meaning of that Act and the charge were a fee imposed under a tariff set by an Authority under that Act.

26 How may a charge be levied?

S. 26(1) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(10).

(1) A resolution under this Division levying a charge has no effect until Development Victoria causes notice of the making of the resolution to be published in the Government Gazette and in a newspaper circulating generally throughout Victoria.

(2) A resolution levying a charge must state what the charge is for, how the charge is calculated, when it is due, on what properties it is levied and who must pay it.

27 Exemption from charges etc.

(1) Despite anything to the contrary in any Act or law, the Treasurer, on the Minister's advice, may by instrument totally or partially exempt the whole or a specified part of the docklands area from any duty, rate, tax or charge levied under this or any other Act in respect of land.

(2) An exemption must state the time for which it operates and may be subject to any conditions specified in the instrument of exemption.

(3) The Minister must cause notice of an exemption to be published in the Government Gazette.

S. 27(4) inserted by No. 74/2006 s. 11(2).

(4) The Minister must obtain the written consent of the Melbourne City Council before giving advice under subsection (1) in respect of a rate or charge levied by the Melbourne City Council.

28 Transport and port facilities

S. 28(1) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(10).

(1) Within the docklands area Development Victoria may, by resolution, do all or any of the following—

(a) construct, extend, realign, relocate, open, operate, close or remove roads, railways, transport facilities and tunnels;

(b) construct, operate or remove port facilities;

(c) deepen, widen or divert any waterway;

(d) deepen or otherwise change the contours of any area of land covered with the waters of the sea;

(e) carry out or operate works or facilities associated with any of the things mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (d*)*.

S. 28(2) amended by Nos 82/1995 s. 202(b)(i)(ii), 63/1997 s. 10(4)(Sch. item 1.2), 104/1997 s. 43(a)(b), 30/2000 s. 33(1), 45/1999 s. 47, 23/2003 s. 26(1), 85/2003 s. 32, 95/2005 s. 12(2)(a)(i)(ii), 74/2006 s. 12, 6/2010 s. 203(1)(Sch. 6 item 12.1) (as amended by No. 45/2010 s. 22), 10/2016 s. 179(Sch. 1 item 2.1), 10/2017 s. 33(10), 49/2019 s. 186 (Sch. 4 item 13.1), 19/2022 s. 89.

(2) Before Development Victoria does anything under subsection (1) to a road, railway, transport facility, tunnel, port facility or waterway vested in or under the control of the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works, the Head, Transport for Victoria within the meaning of the Transport Integration Act 2010, Victorian Rail Track within the meaning of section 3 of the Transport Integration Act 2010, Ports Victoria or the Melbourne City Council, Development Victoria must get the approval of that Board or other body.

S. 28(2A) inserted by No. 98/1998 s. 46, amended by Nos 30/2000 s. 33(2), 95/2005 s. 12(2)(b), 6/2010 s. 203(1)(Sch. 6 item 12.2) (as amended by No. 45/2010 s. 22), 61/2011 s. 25(Sch. 1 item 2), 10/2017 s. 33(10), 49/2019 s. 186 (Sch. 4 item 13.2).

(2A) Without limiting subsection (2), if under that subsection Development Victoria is required to get the approval of Victorian Rail Track before doing anything under subsection (1), Development Victoria must also get the approval of the Head, Transport for Victoria within the meaning of the Transport Integration Act 2010 before doing that thing.

S. 28(3) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(10).

(3) The Governor in Council may by Order published in the Government Gazette provide for—

(a) any vesting or divesting of lands;

(b) any amendments to any land descriptions in any Act or subordinate instrument—

necessary because of the exercise by Development Victoria of its powers under subsection (1).

(4) An Order under subsection (3) may only be made on the joint recommendation of the Minister and—

(a) any other Minister administering an Act affected by the Order; or

(b) any other Minister responsible for a body whose land is affected by the Order.

29 Closing roads

S. 29(1) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(10).

(1) A resolution under this Division to close, realign or relocate a road has no effect until Development Victoria causes notice of it to be published in the Government Gazette and in a newspaper circulating generally throughout Victoria.

(2) On the publication under subsection (1) of a resolution closing, realigning or relocating a road, the land over which the closed realigned or relocated road ran ceases to be a road, and all rights, easements and privileges existing or claimed either in the public or by any body or person as incident to any express or implied grant, or past dedication or supposed dedication or by user or operation of law or otherwise, cease and that land is deemed to be unalienated land of the Crown.

S. 29(3) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(12).

(3) Development Victoria may temporarily close a road in the docklands area to traffic if it considers it necessary to do so so that works on the road or neighbouring land can be carried out.

30 Bodies may be required to act promptly

S. 30(1) amended by No. 74/2006 s. 13.

(1) The Governor in Council may require a Minister, Department Head or public statutory body to carry out his, her or its functions in relation to the docklands area within a time specified in the Order, and that person or body must comply with the requirement.

(2) A requirement under subsection (1) cannot vary any time prescribed by or under an Act.

S. 31 amended by No. 126/1993 s. 264(Sch. 5 item 6.2), substituted by No. 18/1998 s. 12, repealed by No. 74/2006 s. 14.

S. 32 (Heading) inserted by No. 74/2006 s. 15(1).

32 Docklands may become or cease to be a port

(1) The Governor in Council may by Order published in the Government Gazette declare—

S. 32(1)(a) amended by Nos 82/1995 s. 202(c)(i)(ii), 63/1997 s. 10(4)(Sch. item 1.3), 23/2003 s. 26(2), 85/2003 s. 32, 10/2016 s. 179(Sch. 1 item 2.2), 19/2022 s. 90(1).

(a) that land divested under this Act from the Victorian Ports Corporation (Melbourne) or the Victorian Regional Channels Authority vests in Ports Victoria;

S. 32(1)(b) repealed by No. 86/1998 s. 9, new s. 32(1)(b) inserted by No. 19/2022 s. 90(2).

(b) that land divested under this Act from Ports Victoria revests in Ports Victoria;

S. 32(1)(c) repealed by No. 74/2006 s. 15(2).

S. 32(1)(d) substituted by No. 63/1997 s. 10(4)(Sch. item 1.4), repealed by No. 74/2006 s. 15(2).

S. 32(1)(da) inserted by No. 82/1995 s. 202(d), amended by No. 45/2010 s. 43(1)(a).

(da) that land divested under this Act from the Melbourne Port Corporation or the Victorian Channels Authority is no longer subject to the Port Management Act 1995;

S. 32(1)(e) repealed by No. 63/1997 s. 10(4)(Sch. item 1.5).

S. 32(1)(ea) inserted by No. 82/1995 s. 202(e), amended by No. 45/2010 s. 43(1)(b).

(ea) that land to which a declaration under paragraph (da) applies is subject to the Port Management Act 1995;

S. 32(2) amended by Nos 82/1995 s. 202(f), 63/1997 s. 10(4)(Sch. item 1.6), 74/2006 s. 15(3), 45/2010 s. 43(2).

(2) The Governor in Council may in an Order under subsection (1) make any amendment to any land description in the Port Management Act 1995 or in any subordinate instrument under that Act that is necessary because of the operation of the Order.

S. 32(3) inserted by No. 19/2022 s. 90(3).

(3) In this section—

Victorian Ports Corporation (Melbourne) has the same meaning as in section 3 of the Transport Integration Act 2010 as in force immediately before the commencement of section 4 of the Transport Legislation Amendment (Port Reforms and Other Matters) Act 2022;

Victorian Regional Channels Authority has the same meaning as in section 3 of the Transport Integration Act 2010 as in force immediately before the commencement of section 4 of the Transport Legislation Amendment (Port Reforms and Other Matters) Act 2022.

S. 33 amended by No. 59/2003 s. 104, repealed by No. 74/2006 s. 16.

34 Disputes between government and semi-government agencies

(1) The Governor in Council may determine any dispute or question about anything done or proposed to be done under this or any other Act arising in relation to the docklands area between any of the following—

S. 34(1)(a) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(10).

(a) Development Victoria;

(b) government departments;

(c) public statutory bodies.

(2) A dispute can only be referred to the Governor in Council for determination on the joint recommendation of the Minister and—

(a) the Minister responsible for any other department concerned;

(b) the Minister administering the Act under which the body concerned operates or is established.

(3) The determination has effect despite anything to the contrary in any other Act and the persons or bodies between whom the dispute or question arose must comply with it.

35 Tendering and other procedures

S. 35(1) amended by Nos 59/2003 s. 105, 10/2017 s. 33(10).

(1) The Governor in Council may by Order published in the Government Gazette specify the procedures to be followed by Development Victoria under this Act in—

(a) acquiring or disposing of real or personal property other than the compulsory acquiring of interests in land;

(b) making agreements or arrangements.

S. 35(2) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(12).

(2) Development Victoria must carry out its functions and powers subject to any Order made under this section.

S. 35A inserted by No. 66/1997 s. 5.

35A Negotiation bonds

S. 35A(1) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(10)(12).

(1) Development Victoria, with the approval of the Minister, may in writing, request any person to lodge a negotiation bond with Development Victoria if the person has expressed an interest—

(a) in the development of any precinct or any part of a precinct of the docklands area; or

(b) in the provision of an item or combination of items of trunk infrastructure in the docklands area.

(2) A negotiation bond must not exceed $100 000 for each precinct or for each item or combination of items of trunk infrastructure in respect of which the person has expressed an interest.

(3) The request may provide that the negotiation bond—

(a) must be in the form of—

(i) a cash deposit; or

S. 35A(3)(a)(ii) substituted by No. 11/2001 s. 3(Sch. item 22), amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(10).

(ii) a guarantee, in a form acceptable to Development Victoria, provided by a body that is permitted to use the expression "bank" under section 66 of the Banking Act 1959 of the Commonwealth; and

S. 35A(3)(b) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(10).

(b) is to be lodged subject to the conditions specified by Development Victoria in the request, including conditions relating to the circumstances in which the bond may be forfeited.

S. 35A(4) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(10).

(4) If a person does not lodge a negotiation bond with Development Victoria in accordance with a request under this section within 7 days after the request is made, Development Victoria may refuse to enter into any arrangement or agreement under this Act with that person in relation to—

(a) the development of the precinct or the provision of trunk infrastructure; or

(b) any lease, licence or disposal of land in the precinct or relating to the provision of trunk infrastructure; or

(c) the use or development of land in the precinct or relating to the provision of trunk infrastructure.

(5) In this section—

S. 35A(5) def. of precinct amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(10).

precinct means any part of the docklands area which Development Victoria by notice published in the Government Gazette determines to be a precinct of the docklands area;

infrastructure includes—

(a) roads and traffic works;

(b) pedestrian walkways and bicycle paths;

(c) sewerage, storm water drainage, water supply, electricity, gas, telecommunications and other like services;

(d) works to improve water edges and water quality;

(e) wharves, marinas and boat launching and berthing facilities;

(f) light rail, tram and other public transport works;

(g) public parks and public spaces and related works;

(h) art works;

(i) education facilities and community facilities, including kindergartens, libraries, community centres, health facilities and emergency service facilities;

trunk infrastructure means any item of infrastructure that provides benefits or services to more than one precinct.

Pt 3A (Heading and ss 35B–35Z) inserted by No. 86/1998 s. 4, amended by Nos 59/2003 s. 106, 109/2003 ss 8, 13, 26, 77(a), 91, repealed by No. 74/2006 s. 17.

Pt 4
(Heading) amended by No. 31/1994 s. 4(Sch. 2 item 23.1).

Part 4—Finances

S. 36 amended by No. 86/1998 s. 10, substituted by No. 59/2003 s. 107.

36 Docklands Fund

S. 36(1) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(12).

(1) Development Victoria must establish and keep a fund called the Docklands Fund.

S. 36(2) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(12).

(2) Development Victoria must ensure that all the money received by it, or on its behalf, for the purposes of this Act is paid into the Docklands Fund.

S. 36(3) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(12).

(3) Development Victoria may pay money out of the Docklands Fund—

(a) to pay any costs and expenses incurred by it in exercising its functions or powers under this Act;

S. 36(3)(b) substituted by No. 74/2006 s. 18.

(b) pursuant to an Order made under section 62;

(c) to repay any money borrowed by it for the purposes of this Act together with any charges or interest on that money;

(d) for any other purpose authorised by this Act.

Ss 37–39 repealed by No. 31/1994 s. 4(Sch. 2 item 23.2).

40 Borrowings

S. 40(1) substituted by No. 100/1995 s. 10(Sch. 1 item 3.1), repealed by No. 59/2003 s. 108(1).

S. 40(2)(3) repealed by No. 100/1995 s. 10(Sch. 1 item 3.1).

S. 40(4) amended by Nos 59/2003 s. 108(2), 10/2017 s. 33(10).

(4) Money paid out of the Consolidated Fund in respect of a guarantee given for financial accommodation obtained by Development Victoria for the purposes of this Act must be taken to be an advance to Development Victoria and must be repaid by Development Victoria when funds that may properly be used for that purpose become available.

S. 41 repealed by No. 59/2003 s. 108(1).

Part 5—General

Division 1—Advisory committees

42 Minister may appoint advisory committee

S. 42(1) amended by Nos 59/2003 s. 109, 10/2017 s. 33(13).

(1) The Minister may appoint any advisory committees that the Minister considers appropriate to advise him or her in relation to the docklands area or Development Victoria's functions under this Act.

(2) The Minister may do all or any of the following—

(a) determine or vary the functions of an advisory committee;

(b) appoint persons to be chairperson and members of an advisory committee;

(c) determine the terms and conditions of appointment of a chairperson or other member;

(d) at any time remove a chairperson or other member from office.

(3) A chairperson or other member of an advisory committee who is not a member of Parliament, is entitled to receive any travelling or other allowances that are fixed by the Minister for that member.

S. 42(4) amended by No. 46/1998 s. 7(Sch. 1), substituted by Nos 108/2004 s. 117(1) (Sch. 3 item 57), 80/2006 s. 26(Sch. item 27).

(4) The Public Administration Act 2004 (other than Part 3 of that Act) applies to a member of an advisory committee in respect of the office of member.

(5) Schedule 3 (but not the by-laws, or the provisions about remuneration or allowances) applies to the procedure of an advisory committee as if it referred to an advisory committee instead of the Authority.

(6) The Minister may at any time dissolve an advisory committee.

43 Membership of advisory committee not office of profit

A member of an advisory committee is not to be taken to hold an office or place of profit under the Crown which would—

(a) prevent the member sitting or voting as a member of the Legislative Council or Legislative Assembly; or

(b) make void the member's election to the Legislative Council or Legislative Assembly; or

(c) prevent the member continuing to be a member of the Legislative Council or Legislative Assembly; or

(d) subject the member to any liability or penalty under the Constitution Act 1975.

Division 2—Confidentiality, evidence and other matters

S. 44 substituted by No. 59/2003 s. 110, repealed by No. 74/2006 s. 19.

S. 45 amended by No. 86/1998 s. 11, repealed by No. 59/2003 s. 110.

S. 46 repealed by No. 59/2003 s. 110.

S. 47 amended by No. 46/1998 s. 7(Sch. 1), repealed by No. 59/2003 s. 110.

S. 48 amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(10).

48 Proceedings

Proceedings for an offence under this Act or the by-laws or the regulations may be brought by Development Victoria or a person authorised in writing by Development Victoria to do so either generally or in a particular case.

49 Evidence

(1) Proof is not required in the absence of evidence to the contrary—

(a) that the person bringing a proceeding for an offence under this Act or the by-laws is authorised to bring it;

S. 49(1)(b)–(d) repealed by No. 59/2003 s. 111(1)(a).

(e) of the fact that a particular property is located within the docklands area;

S. 49(1)(f) repealed by No. 59/2003 s. 111(1)(a).

S. 49(1)(g) amended by Nos 59/2003 s. 111(1)(b), 10/2017 s. 33(11).

(g) of the fixing of a charge by Development Victoria under this Act;

S. 49(1)(h) repealed by No. 59/2003 s. 111(1)(a).

S. 49(2) amended by Nos 59/2003 s. 111(2), 10/2017 s. 33(11).

(2) A document appearing to be part of a by-law, resolution, order or notice made or issued by Development Victoria under this Act and appearing to be authenticated by Development Victoria is admissible in evidence in any proceedings and, in the absence of evidence to the contrary is proof that a by-law, resolution, order or notice in those terms was duly made or issued by Development Victoria.

S. 49(3) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(11).

(3) A document appearing to be issued by Development Victoria or appearing to be signed by the chairperson or chief executive of Development Victoria and—

S. 49(3)(a) amended by No. 59/2003 s. 111(3).

(a) stating the amount, liability to pay, extent of payment or other particulars relating to a charge under this Act; or

(b) stating that a person's name appears in any records kept by a public statutory body as the owner or occupier of land; or

(c) stating that a person's name appears in any records kept under the Transfer of Land Act 1958 as the proprietor of an estate in fee simple or a leasehold estate in land; or

(d) stating that a person's name appears in any records kept in the office of the Registrar-General as the owner of land—

is, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, proof of the matters stated in the document.

S. 49(4) repealed by No. 59/2003 s. 111(4).

S. 50 amended by No. 86/1998 s. 12, repealed by No. 59/2003 s. 112.

S. 51 amended by No. 59/2003 s. 113.

51 Other laws not affected

This Division adds to and does not take away from any other Act rule or law relating to evidence.

S. 51A inserted by No. 86/1998 s. 13, amended by No. 109/2003 s. 77(b), repealed by No. 74/2006 s. 19.

52 Action by Registrar of Titles

S. 52(1) repealed by No. 85/1998 s. 24(Sch. item 18).

(2) On being requested to do so and on delivery of any relevant instrument or document, the Registrar of Titles must make any recordings in the Register that are necessary because of the operation of this Act or an Order made under this Act.

S. 52(3) repealed by No. 24/1993 s. 11.

53 No compensation payable by Crown

No compensation is payable by the Crown in respect of—

(a) the vesting or divesting of land that occurs by force of this Act or an Order made under this Act; or

(b) anything done under or arising out of section 21.

Part 6—By-laws regulations and review

54 By-laws

S. 54(1) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(11).

(1) With the approval of the Governor in Council Development Victoria may make by-laws in relation to all or any part or parts of the docklands area, for or with respect to prohibiting, controlling or regulating any of the following—

S. 54(1)(a)‑(c) repealed by No. 74/2006 s. 20.

S. 54(1)(d) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(11).

(d) interference with or damage to the property, works or undertakings of Development Victoria;

S. 54(1)(e) repealed by No. 86/1998 s. 14.

S. 54(1)(f) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(11).

(f) activities on land held by Development Victoria and the conduct of people, animals and vehicles on that land;

S. 54(1)(g) repealed by No. 86/1998 s. 14.

(h) excluding or removing from the area people animals or vehicles that contravene specified by-laws;

S. 54(1)(i) repealed by No. 86/1998 s. 14.

S. 54(1)(j) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(11).

(j) the procedure of Development Victoria;

S. 54(1)(k) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(11).

(k) the charges (if any) for works and services provided by or by agreement with Development Victoria;

S. 54(1)(l) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(11).

(l) the recovery in the Magistrates' Court from persons responsible of all expenses incurred by Development Victoria in connection with contraventions of the by-laws;

S. 54(1)(m) repealed by No. 74/2006 s. 20.

(n) any other matter required or permitted by this Act to be prescribed or necessary to be prescribed to give effect to this Act.

(2) The by-laws—

(a) may be of general or limited application;

(b) may differ according to difference in time, place or circumstances;

(c) may confer discretions or powers or impose duties on any person or leave anything to be determined or approved by any person;

(d) may provide for charges by fixing maximum or minimum charges, scales of charges, different charges for different classes of cases, concessional charges or charges according to the size or value of land;

(e) may apply, adopt or incorporate by reference any document formulated or published by any person or body—

(i) wholly or in part; or

(ii) with or without modifications; or

(iii) as in force at a particular date or from time to time;

(f) may provide for exceptions or waivers;

(g) may impose penalties not exceeding 10 penalty units for breach of the by-laws.

55 Public availability of by-laws

S. 55(1) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(12).

(1) Development Victoria must cause notice of the making of any by-law to be published in the Government Gazette.

S. 55(2) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(12)(13).

(2) Development Victoria must keep a copy of any unrevoked by-law available for inspection during normal office hours by members of the public, without charge, at Development Victoria's principal office.

(3) A failure to comply with subsection (1) or (2) does not affect the validity or, subject to subsection (4), the operation or effect of the by‑law.

(4) A person must not be convicted of an offence consisting of a breach of a by-law where it is proved that, at the time of the alleged breach, notice of the making of the by-law had not been published as provided in subsection (1) or a copy of the by-law could not be inspected as provided in subsection (2).

S. 55(5) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(11).

(5) A person must not be prejudicially affected or made subject to any liability by a by-law of Development Victoria where it is proved that, at the relevant time, notice of making of the by-law had not been published as provided in subsection (1) or a copy of the by-law could not be inspected as provided in subsection (2).

S. 55(6) substituted by No. 78/2010 s. 24(Sch. 1 item 10.1).

(6) Sections 15, 23, 24 and 25 of the Subordinate Legislation Act 1994 apply to a by-law as if—

(a) the by-law were a statutory rule within the meaning of that Act; and

(b) the by-law had been published in the Government Gazette for the purposes of section 15 of that Act on the date on which the by-law was published in the Government Gazette under subsection (1).

S. 55(7) amended by No. 78/2010 s. 24(Sch. 1 item 10.2).

(7) The by-laws may be disallowed, in whole or in part, by resolution of either House of Parliament.

S. 55(8) repealed by No. 78/2010 s. 24(Sch. 1 item 10.3).

S. 56 (Heading) inserted by No. 74/2006 s. 21(1).

56 Regulations

S. 56(1) repealed by No. 59/2003 s. 114.

S. 56(1A) inserted by No. 86/1998 s. 15, substituted as s. 56(1) by No. 74/2006 s. 21(2).

(1) The Governor in Council may make regulations for or with respect to prescribing any matter or thing authorised or required to be prescribed or necessary or convenient to be prescribed for carrying this Act into effect.

(2) The regulations—

(a) may be of general or limited application;

(b) may differ according to differences in time place or circumstances;

(c) may leave anything to be determined or approved by any person;

(d) may impose penalties not exceeding 10 penalty units for breach of the regulations.

S. 56(3) amended by No. 78/2010 s. 24(Sch. 1 item 10.4).

(3) The regulations may be disallowed, in whole or in part, by resolution of either House of Parliament.

S. 56(4) repealed by No. 78/2010 s. 24(Sch. 1 item 10.5).

S. 57 repealed by No. 9/1996 s. 30, new s. 57 inserted by No. 73/1996 s. 16, repealed by No. 86/1998 s. 16.

Pt 7
(Heading and ss 57–64) inserted by No. 86/1998 s. 17, substituted as Pt 7 (Headings and ss 57–73) by No. 74/2006 s. 22.

Part 7—Transitional

Division 1—General transitional provisions

S. 57 substituted by No. 74/2006 s. 22.

57 Definitions

In this Division—

appointed day means the date of commencement of section 4 of the City of Melbourne and Docklands Acts (Governance) Act 2006;

Crown Land Minister means the Minister for the time being administering the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978;

Local Government Minister means the Minister for the time being administering the City of Melbourne Act 2001.

S. 58 substituted by No. 74/2006 s. 22.

58 Sewers and drains

S. 58(1) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(11).

(1) On the appointed day—

(a) all public sewers and drains in the docklands area; and

(b) all sewers and drains in and under roads in the docklands area; and

(c) all works and materials relating to the sewers and drains referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b)—

vested in Development Victoria under this Act are divested from Development Victoria and are deemed to be vested in the Melbourne City Council under section 198 of the Local Government Act 1989 and are under the management and control of the Melbourne City Council.

S. 58(2) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(11).

(2) This section does not apply to any sewers and drains vested in a Minister, the Crown or any public body other than Development Victoria.

S. 59 substituted by No. 74/2006 s. 22.

59 Roads

S. 59(1) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(11).

(1) Subject to sections 36 and 37 of the Road Management Act 2004, on the appointed day all public highways in the docklands area vested in fee simple in Development Victoria are divested from Development Victoria and are vested in fee simple in the Melbourne City Council.

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to any public highway specified by the Minister (after consulting with the Local Government Minister) by Order published in the Government Gazette before the appointed day.

S. 59(3) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(11).

(3) On the appointed day, Development Victoria is deemed (subject to any regulations for the purpose of section 37(1)(c) of the Road Management Act 2004) to be the relevant road authority for the purposes of the Road Management Act 2004 in respect of any public highway in the docklands area that does not vest in the Melbourne City Council under this section.

(4) In this section public highway has the same meaning as it has in the Local Government Act 1989.

S. 60 substituted by No. 74/2006 s. 22.

60 Authorised officers

Any person who immediately before the appointed day was an authorised officer under section 35H (as in force before its repeal) is deemed to be appointed by the Melbourne City Council under section 224 of the Local Government Act 1989 as an authorised officer.

S. 61 substituted by No. 74/2006 s. 22, amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(11).

61 Rates

On and after the appointed day all rates and charges declared by Development Victoria under Part 3A (before its repeal) and not paid before the appointed day are payable to the Melbourne City Council.

S. 62 substituted by No. 74/2006 s. 22.

62 Transitional orders

(1) The Governor in Council, on the joint recommendation of the Minister and the Local Government Minister, may by Order provide for any matter necessary or convenient to give effect to the return of the docklands area to the municipal district of the City of Melbourne.

(2) Without limiting the generality of subsection (1), an Order may provide for—

S. 62(2)(a) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(11).

(a) the Melbourne City Council to be the successor in law to Development Victoria in relation to any matter;

(b) any property, income, assets, rights, liabilities, expenses or other matters to be apportioned, settled, transferred, adjusted or determined, including transfers to the Crown;

(c) the application, continuation, review, amendment or revocation of existing local laws;

S. 62(2)(d) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(11).

(d) despite anything to the contrary in any other Act, the substitution of the Melbourne City Council as a party to any contract or agreement entered into by Development Victoria in relation to land reserved, or to be reserved, under Division 2 of which the Melbourne City Council is, or is to be, the committee of management;

(e) the payment of money out of the Docklands Fund to the Melbourne City Council or the Crown;

S. 62(2)(f) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(11).

(f) transitional provisions in relation to any act, matter or thing done or required to be done by or in relation to the Melbourne City Council or Development Victoria.

S. 62(3) amended by Nos 9/2020 s. 390(Sch. 1 item 25), 13/2024 s. 3(Sch. 1 item 2).

(3) Section 237(1) and (2) (exceptparagraphs(h) and (i)) of the Local Government Act 2020 apply with any necessary modifications to an Order made under this section.

S. 62(4) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(12).

(4) Development Victoria and the Melbourne City Council must comply with any Order made under this section.

S. 63 substituted by No. 74/2006 s. 22, amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(11).

63 Voters' roll

The Local Government Minister may direct Development Victoria to provide information to the Melbourne City Council on any voters' roll which existed in relation to the docklands area immediately before the appointed day.

S. 64 substituted by No. 74/2006 s. 22, amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(11).

64 Indemnity

Despite the repeal of section 35J, that section continues to apply in relation to anything done before the appointed day in relation to a municipal function conferred on Development Victoria.

S. 65 (Heading) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(2).

S. 65 inserted by No. 74/2006 s. 22.

65 Development Victoria and Melbourne City Council may enter into an agreement

S. 65(1) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(12).

(1) Development Victoria and Melbourne City Council may enter into an agreement in relation to any matter associated with the return of the docklands area to the municipal district of the City of Melbourne.

(2) An agreement made under subsection (1) must—

(a) provide for the prescribed matters; and

(b) not be inconsistent with this Part or any Order made under this Part.

Division 2—Land to be reserved

S. 66 inserted by No. 74/2006 s. 22.

66 Reservation of land for public purposes

(1) The Minister and the Crown Land Minister on—

(a) receiving a plan of survey of certain land signed by the Surveyor-General; and

S. 66(1)(b) amended by No. 53/2017 s. 72.

(b) being satisfied that the land described on the plan of survey corresponds as nearly as practicable with the land or part of the land shown hatched on plan number

LEGL./06‑071 lodged in the Central Plan Office—

may make a joint recommendation to the Governor in Council that the land shown on the plan of survey be reserved for public purposes.

(2) On receiving a recommendation under subsection (1), the Governor in Council may, by Order published in the Government Gazette, reserve the land on the plan of survey for public purposes.

(3) On publication of the Order under subsection (2) in the Government Gazette—

S. 66(3)(a) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(11).

(a) if any of the land shown on the plan of survey is vested in Development Victoria, the land is—

S. 66(3)(a)(i) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(11).

(i) divested from Development Victoria; and

(ii) deemed to be unalienated Crown land freed and discharged from all limitations; and

(iii) deemed to be temporarily reserved under section 4(1) of the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 for public purposes; and

(b) if any of the land shown on the plan of survey is unreserved Crown land, the land is deemed to be temporarily reserved under section 4(1) of the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 for public purposes; and

(c) if the Order so provides, the Melbourne City Council is deemed to be the committee of management under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 of the land shown on the plan of survey.

(4) This section is subject to sections 68, 69 and 70.

(5) Nothing in this section prevents the re-reservation under this section of land which had previously been reserved under this section.

S. 67 inserted by No. 74/2006 s. 22.

67 Surrender or divesting of land

(1) The Governor in Council, by Order published in the Government Gazette may—

S. 67(1)(a) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(11).

(a) require land in the docklands area that is vested in Development Victoria to be surrendered to the Crown;

S. 67(1)(b) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(11).

(b) divest land in the docklands area from Development Victoria.

S. 67(2) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(12).

(2) Development Victoria must comply with a requirement under subsection (1)(a).

(3) On—

S. 67(3)(a) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(11).

(a) the conveyance to the Crown or the registration of an instrument of transfer and surrender to the Crown of land that Development Victoria is required to surrender under subsection (1)(a); or

(b) the publication in the Government Gazette of an Order under subsection (1)(b)—

the land concerned is deemed to be unalienated Crown land and is freed and discharged from all limitations.

(4) On the occurrence of an event described in subsection (3)—

(a) the land concerned is deemed to be temporarily reserved under section 4(1) of the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 for public purposes; and

(b) if the Order under subsection (1) so provides, the Melbourne City Council is deemed to be the committee of management under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 of that land.

(5) A power may only be exercised under subsection (1) on the joint recommendation of the Minister and the Crown Land Minister.

(6) A joint recommendation may only be made under subsection (5) if the Ministers are satisfied that the land is required for public purposes.

S. 66(7) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(11).

(7) If requested by the Secretary to the Department of Sustainability and Environment, Development Victoria must provide information to the Secretary on any surrender of land by, or divestment of land from, Development Victoria under this section.

(8) This section is subject to sections 68, 69 and 70.

(9) Nothing in this section prevents the re-reservation under this section of land which had previously been reserved under this section.

S. 68 inserted by No. 74/2006 s. 22.

68 Preservation of leases

(1) In this section lease includes an agreement, licence, option to renew or other interest arising under or in relation to a lease (whether or not the lease has expired) and an interest in the nature of a lease and sub-lease has a corresponding meaning.

S. 68(2) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(11).

(2) The status or continuity of any lease of land that was entered into by Development Victoria and was existing immediately before the land was reserved under section 66 or 67 is not affected by that reservation or by the operation of that section.

(3) A lease referred to in subsection (2) has effect—

(a) as a lease between—

(i) if the Melbourne City Council is the committee of management of the leased land, the Melbourne City Council as lessor and the lessee for the time being under the lease, as if it had been assigned to the Melbourne City Council; or

(ii) in any other case, the Crown as lessor and the lessee for the time being under the lease, as if it had been assigned to the Crown; and

(b) as if it referred to the Melbourne City Council or the Crown (as the case may be) instead of to the lessor (however described).

S. 68(4) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(11).

(4) If requested by the Melbourne City Council, Development Victoria must provide to the Council such information as the Council reasonably requires on any lease for which it is to become the lessor under this section.

(5) The status or continuity of any sub-lease existing over the land affected by a lease referred to in subsection (2) immediately before the land was reserved under section 66 or 67 is not affected by that reservation or by the operation of that section.

(6) This section has effect despite anything to the contrary in any Act or law or in a Crown grant of the land.

(7) Nothing effected by this section is to be regarded as placing any person in breach of or as constituting a default under any provision of a lease, including any provision prohibiting, restricting or regulating the assignment of the lease.

(8) Despite anything to the contrary in the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978, if a lease referred to in subsection (2) (the original lease) ends before the term of the lease expires, the Melbourne City Council may grant a new lease over that land for a term up to the remaining term (including any option to renew) of the original lease.

Note

The Melbourne City Council, as committee of management of land reserved under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978, may generally grant leases over that land for a term not exceeding 21 years in accordance with the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978.

S. 69 inserted by No. 74/2006 s. 22, amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(11).

69 Preservation of planning agreements

The status or continuity of any agreement entered into by Development Victoria under section 173 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 or section 24(2) of this Act and existing immediately before the reservation of land under section 66 or 67 is not affected by—

(a) the reservation of that land under section 66 or 67; or

(b) the operation of section 68 or 70.

S. 70 inserted by No. 74/2006 s. 22.

70 Saving of rights

S. 70(1) amended by No. 10/2017 s. 33(11).

(1) The reservation of land under section 66 or 67 and the operation of those sections do not affect any right existing over the land in favour of a person (other than Development Victoria) immediately before the date of that reservation.

(2) On and from the date of reservation, any right referred to in subsection (1) has effect as if it had been granted by the Crown.

(3) This section does not apply to a lease or sub-lease within the meaning of section 68.

(4) In this section—

right means any easement, right in the nature of an easement, covenant or any other right created on a registered plan of subdivision within the meaning of the Subdivision Act 1988 or recorded on a folio of the Register kept under the Transfer of Land Act 1958.

S. 71 inserted by No. 74/2006 s. 22.

71 Secretary to keep register

(1) The Secretary to the Department of Sustainability and Environment must keep a register of all rights referred to in section 70(1).

(2) The register must contain the prescribed information.

(3) Any person may inspect the register on payment of the prescribed fee (if any).

S. 72 inserted by No. 74/2006 s. 22.

72 Agreement to extinguish right

(1) The person who is the beneficiary of a right referred to in section 70(1) and the Crown Land Minister may by agreement extinguish the right to the extent that it applies to the person or to land owned by that person.

(2) The Secretary to the Department of Sustainability and Environment must record the extinguishment of a right by agreement under this section in the register kept under section 71.

S. 73 inserted by No. 74/2006 s. 22.

73 No compensation payable

No compensation is payable by the Crown in respect of anything done or arising out of this Division.

Schedules

Sch. 1 substituted by Nos 24/1993 s. 10, 73/1996 s. 17.

Schedule 1—Plan of Docklands area

View image in the official source

Sch. 2 amended by No. 44/2001 s. 3(Sch. item 31), repealed by No. 59/2003 s. 115.

Sch. 3 amended by No. 66/1997 s. 7, repealed by No. 59/2003 s. 115.

Endnotes

1 General information

See www.legislation.vic.gov.au for Victorian Bills, Acts and current Versions of legislation and up-to-date legislative information.

Minister's second reading speech—

Legislative Assembly: 26 March 1991

Legislative Council: 23 April 1991

The long title for the Bill for this Act was "A Bill to establish the Docklands Authority and to make other provision to facilitate the development of the docklands area and for other purposes.".

The Docklands Authority Act 1991 was assented on 21 May 1991 and came into operation as follows:

Sections 1–30, 32–57 on 5 June 1991: Government Gazette 5 June 1991 page 1450; section 31 on 20 July 1998: Government Gazette 16 July 1998 page 1924.

The name of this Act was changed from the Docklands Authority Act 1991 to the Docklands Act 1991 by Act No. 59/2003 section 91.

INTERPRETATION OF LEGISLATION ACT 1984 (ILA)

Style changes

Section 54A of the ILA authorises the making of the style changes set out in Schedule 1 to that Act.

References to ILA s. 39B

Sidenotes 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.

Interpretation

As from 1 January 2001, amendments to section 36 of the ILA have the following effects:

• Headings

All 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).

• Examples, diagrams or notes

All 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).

• Punctuation

All 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).

• Provision numbers

All 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).

• Location of "legislative items"

A "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.

• Other material

Any explanatory memorandum, table of provisions, endnotes, index and other material printed after the Endnotes does not form part of an Act.
See section 36(3)(3D)(3E).

2 Table of Amendments

This publication incorporates amendments made to the Docklands Act 1991 by Acts and subordinate instruments.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Docklands Authority (Amendment) Act 1993, No. 24/1993

| Assent Date: | 25.5.93 | | Commencement Date: | 25.5.93: s. 2 |

Building Act 1993, No. 126/1993

| Assent Date: | 14.12.93 | | Commencement Date: | S. 264(Sch. 5 item 6) on 1.7.94: Special Gazette (No. 42) 1.7.94 p. 1 |

Financial Management (Consequential Amendments) Act 1994, No. 31/1994

| Assent Date: | 31.5.94 | | Commencement Date: | S. 4(Sch. 2 item 23) on 1.1.95: Government Gazette 28.7.94 p. 2055 |

Port Services Act 1995, No. 82/1995

| Assent Date: | 8.11.95 | | Commencement Date: | S. 202 on 14.12.95: Government Gazette 14.12.95 p. 3488—see Interpretation of Legislation Act 1984 |

Miscellaneous Acts (Omnibus Amendments) Act 1995, No. 100/1995

| Assent Date: | 5.12.95 | | Commencement Date: | S. 10(1)(Sch. 1 item 3) on 30.4.96: Special Gazette (No. 45) 30.4.96 p. 1 |

Melbourne City Link Act 1995, No. 107/1995

| Assent Date: | 12.12.95 | | Commencement Date: | S. 125 on 14.12.95: Special Gazette (No. 120) 14.12.95 p. 3 |

Parliament House Completion Authority Act 1996, No. 9/1996

| Assent Date: | 25.6.96 | | Commencement Date: | 25.6.96: s. 2 |

Miscellaneous Acts (Further Omnibus Amendments) Act 1996, No. 73/1996

| Assent Date: | 17.12.96 | | Commencement Date: | Pt 9 (ss 15–17) on 17.12.96: s. 2(1) |

Port Services (Amendment) Act 1997, No. 63/1997

| Assent Date: | 5.11.97 | | Commencement Date: | S. 10(4)(Sch. items 1.1–1.6) on 10.12.97: Government Gazette 4.12.97 p. 3290 |

Docklands Authority (Amendment) Act 1997, No. 66/1997

| Assent Date: | 18.11.97 | | Commencement Date: | 18.11.97: s. 2 |

Rail Corporations (Amendment) Act 1997, No. 104/1997

| Assent Date: | 16.12.97 | | Commencement Date: | S. 43 on 31.3.98: Special Gazette (No. 23) 31.3.98 p. 1 |

Building (Amendment) Act 1998, No. 18/1998

| Assent Date: | 5.5.98 | | Commencement Date: | S. 12 on 20.7.98: Government Gazette 16.7.98 p. 1924 |

Public Sector Reform (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 1998, No. 46/1998

| Assent Date: | 26.5.98 | | Commencement Date: | S. 7(Sch. 1) on 1.7.98: s. 2(2) |

Transfer of Land (Single Register) Act 1998, No. 85/1998

| Assent Date: | 17.11.98 | | Commencement Date: | S. 24(Sch. item 18) on 1.1.99: s. 2(3) |

Local Government (Governance and Melton) Act 1998, No. 86/1998

| Assent Date: | 17.11.98 | | Commencement Date: | S. 13 on 17.11.98: s. 2(1); ss 3–12, 14–17 on 1.7.99: Government Gazette 17.6.99 p. 1406 |

Rail Corporations (Further Amendment) Act 1998, No. 98/1998

| Assent Date: | 24.11.98 | | Commencement Date: | S. 46 on 29.4.99: Government Gazette 29.4.99 p. 967 |

Rail Corporations and Transport Acts (Amendment) Act 1999, No. 45/1999

| Assent Date: | 8.6.99 | | Commencement Date: | S. 47 on 1.7.00: s. 2(3) |

Transport (Amendment) Act 2000, No. 30/2000

| Assent Date: | 30.5.00 | | Commencement Date: | 31.5.00: s. 2 |

Statute Law Revision Act 2000, No. 74/2000

| Assent Date: | 21.11.00 | | Commencement Date: | S. 3(Sch. 1 item 35) on 22.11.00: s. 2(1) |

Statute Law Amendment (Authorised Deposit-taking Institutions) Act 2001, No. 11/2001

| Assent Date: | 8.5.01 | | Commencement Date: | S. 3(Sch. item 22) on 1.6.01: s. 2(2) |

Corporations (Consequential Amendments) Act 2001, No. 44/2001

| Assent Date: | 27.6.01 | | Commencement Date: | S. 3(Sch. item 31) on 15.7.01: s. 2 |

Port Services (Port of Melbourne Reform) Act 2003, No. 23/2003

| Assent Date: | 13.5.03 | | Commencement Date: | S. 26 on 3.11.03: Government Gazette 30.10.03 p. 2744 |

Victorian Urban Development Authority Act 2003, No. 59/2003

| Assent Date: | 16.6.03 | | Commencement Date: | Ss 91–115 on 1.8.03: Government Gazette 31.7.03 p. 2125 |

Port Services (Port Management Reform) Act 2003, No. 85/2003

| Assent Date: | 11.11.03 | | Commencement Date: | S. 32 on 1.4.04: Government Gazette 1.4.04 p. 714 |

Local Government (Democratic Reform) Act 2003, No. 109/2003

| Assent Date: | 9.12.03 | | Commencement Date: | Ss 8, 26 on 10.12.03: Special Gazette (No. 230) 10.12.03 p. 3; s. 77 on 1.2.04: s. 2(2); ss 13, 91 on 31.12.04: s. 2(4) |

Public Administration Act 2004, No. 108/2004

| Assent Date: | 21.12.04 | | Commencement Date: | S. 117(1)(Sch. 3 item 57) on 5.4.05: Government Gazette 31.3.05 p. 602 |

Transport Legislation (Further Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 2005, No. 95/2005

| Assent Date: | 29.11.05 | | Commencement Date: | S. 12(2) on 13.12.05: Special Gazette (No. 254) 13.12.05 p. 1 |

Owners Corporations Act 2006, No. 69/2006

| Assent Date: | 19.9.06 | | Commencement Date: | S. 224(Sch. 3 item 3) on 31.12.07: s. 2(2) |

City of Melbourne and Docklands Acts (Governance) Act 2006, No. 74/2006

| Assent Date: | 10.10.06 | | Commencement Date: | Ss 6–22 on 1.7.07: Government Gazette 28.6.07 p. 1303 |

Public Sector Acts (Further Workplace Protection and Other Matters) Act 2006, No. 80/2006

| Assent Date: | 10.10.06 | | Commencement Date: | S. 26(Sch. item 27) on 11.10.06: s. 2(1) |

Planning Legislation Amendment Act 2009, No. 66/2009

| Assent Date: | 17.11.09 | | Commencement Date: | S. 6 on 18.11.09: s. 2 |

Transport Integration Act 2010, No. 6/2010 (as amended by No. 45/2010)

| Assent Date: | 2.3.10 | | Commencement Date: | S. 203(1)(Sch. 6 item 12) on 1.7.10: Special Gazette (No. 256) 30.6.10 p. 1 |

Transport Legislation Amendment (Ports Integration) Act 2010, No. 45/2010

| Assent Date: | 17.8.10 | | Commencement Date: | Ss 42, 43 on 1.9.10: Special Gazette (No. 337) 24.8.10 p. 1 |

Subordinate Legislation Amendment Act 2010, No. 78/2010

| Assent Date: | 19.10.10 | | Commencement Date: | S. 24(Sch. 1 item 10) on 1.1.11: s. 2(1) |

Statute Law Revision Act 2011, No. 29/2011

| Assent Date: | 21.6.11 | | Commencement Date: | S. 3(Sch. 1 item 29) on 22.6.11: s. 2(1) |

Victorian Urban Development Authority Amendment (Urban Renewal Authority Victoria) Act 2011, No. 35/2011

| Assent Date: | 5.7.11 | | Commencement Date: | S. 18 on 25.10.11: Special Gazette (No. 342) 25.10.11 p. 1 |

Transport Legislation Amendment (Public Transport Development Authority) Act 2011, No. 61/2011

| Assent Date: | 15.11.11 | | Commencement Date: | S. 25 on 15.12.11: Special Gazette (No. 407) 13.12.11 p. 1; Sch. 1 item 2 on 2.4.12: Special Gazette (No. 101) 27.3.12 p. 1 |

Delivering Victorian Infrastructure (Port of Melbourne Lease Transaction) Act 2016, No. 10/2016

| Assent Date: | 22.3.16 | | Commencement Date: | S. 179(Sch. 1 item 2) on 1.11.16: Special Gazette (No. 325) 25.10.16 p. 1 |

Urban Renewal Authority Victoria Amendment (Development Victoria) Act 2017, No. 10/2017

| Assent Date: | 27.3.17 | | Commencement Date: | S. 33 on 1.4.17: Special Gazette (No. 94) 27.3.17 p. 1 |

Parks and Crown Land Legislation Amendment Act 2017, No. 53/2017

| Assent Date: | 24.10.17 | | Commencement Date: | S. 72 on 15.12.17: Special Gazette (No. 433) 12.12.17 p. 1 |

Transport Legislation Amendment Act 2019, No. 49/2019

| Assent Date: | 3.12.19 | | Commencement Date: | S. 186(Sch. 4 item 13) on 1.1.20: Special Gazette (No. 514) 10.12.19 p. 1 |

Local Government Act 2020, No. 9/2020

| Assent Date: | 24.3.20 | | Commencement Date: | S. 390(Sch. 1 item 25) on 24.10.20: s. 2(3)(f) |

Transport Legislation Amendment (Port Reforms and Other Matters) Act 2022, No. 19/2022

| Assent Date: | 24.5.22 | | Commencement Date: | Ss 88–90 on 1.7.22: Government Gazette 23.6.22 p. 2737 |

Statute Law Revision Act 2024, No. 13/2024

| Assent Date: | 23.4.24 | | Commencement Date: | S. 3(Sch. 1 item 2) on 24.4.24: s. 2 |

Statute Law Repeals Act 2025, No. 3/2025

| Assent Date: | 11.2.25 | | Commencement Date: | S. 3(Sch. 1 item 2) on 12.2.25: s. 2 |

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3 Explanatory details

1. S. 24(3): Section 24(3) provides that Division 2 of Part 9 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987, No. 45/1987 applies to an agreement between Development Victoria and a land owner. At the date of this publication, Division 2 of Part 9 read as follows:

Division 2—Agreements*

Pt 9 Div. 2 Subdiv. 1 (Heading) inserted by No. 3/2013 s. 46(1).

Subdivision 1—Making of agreements

173 Responsible authority may enter into agreements

(1) A responsible authority may enter into an agreement with an owner of land in the area covered by a planning scheme for which it is a responsible authority.

S. 173(1A) inserted by No. 47/2017 s. 6(1).

(1A) Without limiting subsection (1), a responsible authority may enter into an agreement with an owner of land for the development or provision of land in relation to affordable housing.

(2) A responsible authority may enter into the agreement on its own behalf or jointly with any other person or body.

S. 173(3) amended by No. 47/2017 s. 6(2).

(3) A responsible authority may enter into an agreement under subsection (1) or (1A) with a person in anticipation of that person becoming the owner of the land.

S. 173(4) substituted by No. 48/1991 s. 63(1), amended by No. 3/2013 s. 51(6).

(4) Despite anything in this Division, if an agreement entered into with a purchaser in anticipation of the purchaser becoming owner is recorded by the Registrar of Titles, it does not bind the vendor unless the vendor assumes the purchaser's rights and obligations under the agreement.

S. 173(5) repealed by No. 86/1989 s. 4(2)(j).

174 Form and contents of agreement

(1) An agreement must be under seal and must bind the owner to the covenants specified in the agreement.

(2) An agreement may provide for any one or more of the following matters—

(a) the prohibition, restriction or regulation of the use or development of the land;

(b) the conditions subject to which the land may be used or developed for specified purposes;

(c) any matter intended to achieve or advance—

(i) the objectives of planning in Victoria; or

(ii) the objectives of the planning scheme or any amendment to the planning scheme of which notice has been given under section 19;

(d) any matter incidental to any one or more of the above matters.

175 Bonds and guarantees

S. 175(1) amended by Nos 86/1989 s. 4(2)(k), 3/2013 s. 47(1).

(1) An agreement may include a condition that the owner is to deposit with the responsible authority—

(a) a sum of money fixed by or determined in accordance with the agreement; or

S. 175(1)(b) amended by No. 86/1989 s. 22.

(b) an undertaking to pay that sum together with security in a form determined by or in accordance with the agreement.

(2) The agreement may provide that the sum or part of the sum is forfeited if there is any failure by the owner to carry out the agreement to the satisfaction of the responsible authority.

(3) Any money paid must be returned to the owner on a date or dates specified in the agreement to the extent that it has not been forfeited.

(4) Any money payable under this section is a charge on the land which is the subject of the agreement.

S. 175(5) inserted by No. 3/2013 s. 47(2).

(5) An agreement must not include a condition requiring a Minister to provide a bond or guarantee to the responsible authority.

176 When does an agreement begin?

An agreement may provide that the agreement or any specified provision of the agreement comes into effect on or after—

(a) the coming into operation of a specified amendment to a planning scheme; or

(b) the granting of a permit permitting the use or development of the land or part of the land for a specified purpose; or

(c) the happening of a specified event; or

(d) a specified time; or

(e) the start or completion of a use or development or a specified part of a use or development.

Pt 9 Div. 2 Subdiv. 2 (Heading) inserted by No. 3/2013 s. 46(2).

Subdivision 2—Ending and amendment of agreements

177 When does an agreement end?

S. 177(1) amended by No. 35/1995 s. 9(1)(a).

(1) An agreement may provide that the agreement ends wholly or in part or as to any part of the land on or after—

(a) the happening of any specified event; or

(b) a specified time; or

(c) the cessation of the use or the development of the land or any part of the land for a specified purpose.

S. 177(2) amended by No. 35/1995 s. 9(1)(b), substituted by No. 3/2013 s. 48.

(2) An agreement may be ended wholly or in part or as to any part of the land—

(a) by agreement between the responsible authority and all persons who are bound by any covenant in the agreement; or

(b) otherwise in accordance with this Division.

S. 178 substituted by No. 3/2013 s. 49.

178 Amendment of agreements

An agreement may be amended—

(a) by agreement between the responsible authority and all persons who are bound by any covenant in the agreement; or

(b) otherwise in accordance with this Division.

Note

Section 180 provides that an agreement must not require or allow anything to be done which would breach a planning scheme or permit.

S. 178A inserted by No. 3/2013 s. 49.

178A Proposal to amend or end agreement

(1) An owner of land, or a person who has entered into an agreement under section 173 in anticipation of becoming the owner of the land, may apply to the responsible authority for agreement to a proposal—

(a) to amend an agreement in respect of that land; or

(b) to end an agreement in respect of that land, wholly or in part or as to any part of that land.

(2) An application under subsection (1) must—

(a) be made in accordance with the regulations; and

(b) be accompanied by the information required by the regulations; and

(c) be accompanied by the prescribed fee.

(3) The responsible authority must notify the owner as to whether it agrees in principle to the proposal under subsection (1).

(4) If an application under subsection (1) was made by a person who has entered into an agreement under section 173 in anticipation of becoming the owner of the land, the responsible authority must notify the owner and that person as to whether it agrees in principle to the proposal.

(5) The responsible authority may, on its own initiative, propose to amend or end an agreement.

S. 178B inserted by No. 3/2013 s. 49.

178B Matters to be considered in considering proposal to amend or end agreement

(1) In considering a proposal under section 178A to amend an agreement, the responsible authority must consider—

(a) the purpose of the agreement; and

(b) the purpose of the amendment; and

(c) whether any change in circumstances necessitates the amendment; and

(d) whether the amendment would disadvantage any person, whether or not a party to the agreement; and

(e) the reasons why the responsible authority entered into the agreement; and

(f) if the amendment is to remove land from the application of the agreement, whether the land is subject to any further liability under the agreement; and

(g) any relevant permit or other requirements the land is subject to under the Subdivision Act 1988; and

(h) any other prescribed matter.

(2) In considering a proposal under section 178A to end an agreement, the responsible authority must consider—

(a) the purpose of the agreement; and

(b) whether and why the agreement is no longer required; and

(c) whether the ending of the agreement would disadvantage any person, whether or not a party to the agreement; and

(d) the reasons why the responsible authority entered into the agreement; and

(e) any relevant permit or other requirements the land is subject to under the Subdivision Act 1988; and

(f) any other prescribed matter.

S. 178C inserted by No. 3/2013 s. 49.

178C Notice of proposal

(1) This section applies if—

(a) an application is made under section 178A and the responsible authority agrees with the proposal in principle; or

(b) the responsible authority proposes to amend or end an agreement.

(2) The responsible authority must give notice of the proposal to—

(a) all parties to the agreement; and

(b) any other persons, if the responsible authority considers that the decision to amend or end the agreement may cause material detriment to them.

(3) Subsection (2)(a) is subject to any provision of the agreement that specifies the parties to the agreement to be notified of a proposal to amend or end an agreement.

(4) The responsible authority may also give notice of the proposal—

(a) in all or any of the following ways—

(i) by placing a sign on the land concerned;

(ii) by publishing a notice in newspapers generally circulating in the area in which the land is situated;

(iii) by giving the notice personally or sending it by post; or

(b) in any other way that the responsible authority considers appropriate.

(5) A notice under this section is to include the prescribed information.

S. 178D inserted by No. 3/2013 s. 49.

178D Objections and submissions to responsible authority

Any person who was given or ought to have been given notice under section 178C of a proposal to amend or end an agreement may object to, or make any other submission in relation to, the proposal.

S. 178E inserted by No. 3/2013 s. 49.

178E Decision to amend or end agreement

(1) If the responsible authority is required under section 178C to give notice of a proposal to amend or end an agreement, the responsible authority must not make a decision on the proposal until at least 14 days after the giving of the last notice under section 178C.

(2) If no objections are made under section 178D, the responsible authority may, after considering the matters in section 178B—

(a) amend or end the agreement in accordance with the proposal; or

(b) amend or end the agreement in a manner that is not substantively different from the proposal; or

(c) refuse to amend or end the agreement.

(3) The responsible authority, after considering any objections or other submissions and the matters in section 178B, may—

(a) decide to amend or end the agreement in accordance with the proposal; or

(b) decide to amend or end the agreement in a manner that is not substantively different from the proposal; or

(c) propose to amend or end the agreement in a manner that is substantively different from the proposal; or

(d) refuse to amend or end the agreement.

(4) Sections 178C, 178D and this section apply to a proposal under subsection (3)(c) as if it were a new proposal.

S. 178F inserted by No. 3/2013 s. 49.

178F Notice of decision to amend or end agreement

(1) If the responsible authority decides under section 178E(3)(a) or (b) to amend or end an agreement, it must give notice of its decision to—

(a) any person who applied to amend or end the agreement under section 178A; and

(b) each person who made an objection or a submission.

(2) If the responsible authority decides under section 178E(2)(c) or (3)(d) to refuse to amend or end an agreement, it must give notice of its decision to—

(a) any person who applied to amend or end the agreement under section 178A; and

(b) each person who made an objection or a submission.

(3) A notice under subsection (2) must set out the grounds on which the responsible authority refused to amend or end the agreement.

(4) The responsible authority must not proceed to amend or end an agreement under section 178E—

(a) subject to paragraph (b), until at least 21 days after the giving of notice under subsection (1); or

(b) if an application for review is made in respect of the decision within that period, until the application is determined by the Tribunal or withdrawn.

S. 178G inserted by No. 3/2013 s. 49.

178G Copy of amended agreement to be given to parties

(1) This section applies if the responsible authority amends an agreement in accordance with this Subdivision or section 184F or 184G.

(2) The responsible authority must, without delay—

(a) sign the amended agreement; and

(b) give a copy of the signed amended agreement to each other party to the agreement.

(3) It is not necessary for the amended agreement to be signed or otherwise agreed to by any other party to the agreement.

(4) A party to an agreement is bound by the agreement as amended and signed by the responsible authority even though the party did not sign the amended agreement.

S. 178H inserted by No. 3/2013 s. 49.

178H Responsible authority may require payment of costs

A responsible authority may require a person who applies to amend or end an agreement under this Subdivision to pay the costs of—

(a) giving the required notices under section 178C; and

(b) preparing the amended agreement.

S. 178I inserted by No. 3/2013 s. 49.

178I When does the amendment or ending of an agreement take effect?

(1) Subject to this section, an amendment or the ending of an agreement under this Subdivision or under section 184F or 184G comes into effect on the day on which the Registrar of Titles—

(a) cancels in whole or part the recording of the agreement in the Register under section 183(2); or

(b) makes a recording in the Register of the matters notified under section 183(1).

(2) An amendment to an agreement relating to Crown land under this Subdivision or under section 184F or 184G comes into effect on the day on which it is signed under section 178G.

(3) If an agreement relating to Crown land ends under this Subdivision or under section 184F or 184G, the responsible authority must notify, in writing, each party to the agreement of the ending of the agreement.

(4) The ending of an agreement relating to Crown land comes into effect on the day the responsible authority notifies the last party to the agreement of the ending of that agreement under subsection (3).

(5) A reference to the ending of an agreement in this section is a reference to the ending of the agreement wholly or in part or as to any part of the land.

Pt 9 Div. 2 Subdiv. 3 (Heading) inserted by No. 3/2013 s. 46(3).

Subdivision 3—General

S. 179 (Heading) inserted by No. 3/2013 s. 50(1).

179 Responsible authority to keep copy of agreement

S. 179(1) repealed by No. 3/2013 s. 50(2).

(2) The responsible authority must keep a copy of each agreement indicating any amendment made to it available at its office for any person to inspect during office hours free of charge.

180 Agreement may not breach planning scheme

An agreement must not require or allow anything to be done which would breach a planning scheme or a permit.

S. 181 (Heading) inserted by No. 3/2013 s. 51(1).

181 Recording of agreement

S. 181(1) amended by Nos 85/1998 s. 24(Sch. item 45.4), 3/2013 s. 51(2).

(1) A responsible authority must apply to the Registrar of Titles, without delay, to record an agreement relating to land other than Crown land.

S. 181(1A) inserted by No. 3/2013 s. 51(3).

(1A) Despite subsection (1), where the responsible authority has entered into an agreement under section 173 with a person in anticipation of that person becoming the owner of the land—

(a) if that person is not the owner of the land—the responsible authority may, with the consent of the owner of the land, apply to the Registrar of Titles to record the agreement; or

(b) if that person becomes the owner of the land—the responsible authority must apply to the Registrar of Titles, without delay, to record the agreement.

(2) An application must include a copy of the agreement to which it relates and the prescribed particulars.

S. 181(3) amended by Nos 18/1989 s. 13(Sch. 2 item 63(e)), 85/1998 s. 24(Sch. item 45.5).

(3) The Registrar of Titles must make a recording of the agreement in the Register.

S. 181(4) amended by No. 86/1989 s. 4(2)(l), substituted by No. 85/1998 s. 24(Sch. item 45.6).

(4) The amendment of this Act by section 24 of the Transfer of Land (Single Register) Act 1998 does not affect the operation, effect or enforcement of a covenant in an agreement registered under the Property Law Act 1958 before the commencement of that section 24 and existing immediately before that commencement.

S. 181(5) repealed by No. 85/1998 s. 24(Sch. item 45.6).

S. 182 (Heading) inserted by No. 3/2013 s. 51(4).

S. 182 amended by Nos 18/1989 s. 13(Sch. 2 item 63(f)), 85/1998 s. 24(Sch. item 45.7).

182 Effect of recording

After the making of a recording in the Register—

(a) the burden of any covenant in the agreement runs with the land affected; and

(b) the responsible authority may enforce the covenant against any person deriving title from any person who entered into the covenant as if it were a restrictive covenant despite the fact that it may be positive in nature or that it is not for the benefit of any land of the responsible authority.

S. 182A inserted by No. 3/2013 s. 52.

182A New parties to an agreement

(1) If the land or any part of the land which is subject to an agreement between the owner and the responsible authority is transferred or otherwise disposed of to another person, that other person becomes a party to that agreement.

(2) Subsection (1) is subject to any provision to the contrary in the agreement.

(3) An agreement may specify the extent to which any party to an agreement is to be treated as a party for the purposes of a proposed amendment of the agreement.

S. 183 (Heading) inserted by No. 3/2013 s. 51(5).

183 Cancellation or alteration of recording

S. 183(1) amended by No. 35/1995 s. 9(1)(c).

(1) The responsible authority must tell the Registrar of Titles in the prescribed manner without delay of the ending of any agreement wholly or in part or as to any part of the land or any amendment to an agreement.

S. 183(2) amended by No. 48/1991 s. 63(2), substituted by No. 35/1995 s. 9(2), amended by No. 85/1998 s. 24(Sch. item 45.8).

(2) The Registrar of Titles must, as appropriate, cancel in whole or in part or alter the recording of the agreement in the Register or make a recording in the Register of the matters notified under subsection (1).

S. 183(3) amended by No. 86/1989 s. 4(2)(l), substituted by No. 85/1998 s. 24(Sch. item 45.9).

(3) This section does not apply to an agreement in respect of Crown land.

S. 183(4) repealed by No. 85/1998 s. 24(Sch. item 45.9).

184 Application to Tribunal

S. 184(1) amended by No. 52/1998 s. 191(1).

(1) An owner of land may apply to the Tribunal for an amendment to a proposed agreement if—

(a) under a planning scheme or a permit the use or development of land for specified purposes is conditional upon an agreement being entered into under this Division; and

(b) the owner objects to any provision of the agreement.

(2) The Tribunal may approve the proposed agreement with or without amendments.

S. 184(3) inserted by No. 48/1991 s. 63(3), amended by No. 52/1998 s. 191(1), repealed by No. 3/2013 s. 53.

S. 184(4) inserted by No. 48/1991 s. 63(3), repealed by No. 3/2013 s. 53.

S. 184A inserted by No. 3/2013 s. 54.

184A Application to Tribunal by applicant in relation to decisions under Subdivision 2

(1) A person who applied to amend or end an agreement under Subdivision 2 may apply to the Tribunal for review of a decision by the responsible authority under section 178E—

(a) to amend the agreement in a manner that is different from the proposal; or

(b) to end the agreement in a manner that is different from the proposal; or

(c) to refuse—

(i) to amend the agreement; or

(ii) to end the agreement, wholly or in part or as to any part of the land subject to the agreement.

(2) If the responsible authority—

(a) fails to give notice of a proposal under section 178C for the amendment of an agreement or the ending of an agreement within the prescribed time after the responsible authority gives notice that it agrees in principle under section 178A(3) or (4); or

(b) fails to decide on an application under section 178E within the prescribed time after the responsible authority gives notice that it
agrees in principle under section 178A(3) or (4)—

the applicant may apply to the Tribunal for review of the failure to make a decision on the matter.

S. 184B inserted by No. 3/2013 s. 54.

184B Application to Tribunal by party to agreement

A party to an agreement (other than a person referred to in section 184A) may apply to the Tribunal for review of a decision by a responsible authority under section 178E to amend or end the agreement.

S. 184C inserted by No. 3/2013 s. 54.

184C Application to Tribunal by objector

An objector may apply to the Tribunal for review of a decision by a responsible authority under section 178E to amend or end an agreement.

S. 184D inserted by No. 3/2013 s. 54.

184D Application to Tribunal by affected person

Any person who was entitled to object to a proposal to amend or end an agreement but did not object because the person was not given notice under section 178C, may apply to the Tribunal for review of a decision by the responsible authority under section 178E to amend or end the agreement.

S. 184E inserted by No. 3/2013 s. 54.

184E Objectors entitled to notice

An objector to the proposal to amend or end an agreement is entitled to notice of an application by the applicant for review of—

(a) a decision under Subdivision 2 to amend or end an agreement; or

(b) a decision under Subdivision 2 to refuse to amend or end an agreement; or

(c) a failure of a responsible authority under Subdivision 2 to amend or end an agreement.

S. 184F inserted by No. 3/2013 s. 54.

184F Application to amend or end agreement may be determined after application for review lodged

(1) A responsible authority may decide to amend or end an agreement at any time after an application is made for review of the failure of the responsible authority to make a decision.

(2) Except in accordance with the advice of the principal registrar under subsection (5), the responsible authority must not amend or end the agreement, or give notice of the decision to the applicant or any objector after an application is made to the Tribunal for review of a failure to amend or end an agreement.

(3) The responsible authority must inform the principal registrar if the responsible authority decides to amend or end an agreement after an application is made for the review of its failure to end or amend the agreement.

(4) The principal registrar must refer the decision of the responsible authority to a presidential member of the Tribunal for consideration.

(5) If the presidential member of the Tribunal so directs, the principal registrar must advise the responsible authority that the agreement may be amended or ended in accordance with the responsible authority's decision.

S. 184G inserted by No. 3/2013 s. 54.

184G Determination of application

(1) The Tribunal may decide the matter by—

(a) directing the responsible authority to amend or end the agreement in accordance with the direction; or

(b) determine that the agreement should not be amended or ended.

(2) If the Tribunal directs the responsible authority to amend or end an agreement, the responsible authority must comply with that direction without delay.

(3) If the application is for the failure of the responsible authority to make a decision, the Tribunal may direct the responsible authority to give notice in accordance with section 178C or to give notice in the manner the Tribunal directs.

(4) Section 84B(2) does not apply to the determination of a matter under subsection (1).

*Note: Pt 9 Div. 2: Section 31(3) of the Planning and Environment (Amendment) Act 1989, No. 86/1989 reads as follows:

31 Transitional provisions: Crown land owners and occupiers

(3) Division 2 of Part 9 of the Principal Act continues to apply to an agreement entered into between a responsible authority and the occupier of Crown land before the date of commencement of this section, as if section 4 of this Act had not been enacted. ↑

2. S. 25(7): Section 25(7) provides that certain provisions of the Water Act 1989, No. 80/1989 apply to charges imposed by Development Victoria. At the date of this publication, sections 262, 263, 266 and Division 7 of Part 13 read as follows:

S. 262 amended by No. 85/2006 s. 111(2) (ILA s. 39B(1)).

262 Valuations

(1) An Authority that sets a tariff may—

S. 262(1)(a) amended by No. 67/2017 s. 79(1).

(a) use the most recent general valuation; or

S. 262(b) amended by Nos 91/1994 s. 36(12), 85/2006 s. 111(1)(a).

(b) cause its own valuation to be made by a valuer; or

S. 262(c) inserted by No. 85/2006 s. 111(1)(b).

(c) in the case of Melbourne Water Corporation, use the relevant valuation for the price determination applying at the time of the setting of the tariff—

for the purposes of fixing the amount of any fee imposed in relation to that property under the tariff.

S. 262(2) inserted by No. 85/2006 s. 111(2).

(2) In this section—

Essential Services Commission has the same meaning as Commission has in the Essential Services Commission Act 2001;

S. 262(2) def. of general valuation inserted by No. 67/2017 s. 79(2).

general valuation has the same meaning as in the Valuation of Land Act 1960;

price determination means a price determination made by the Essential Services Commission under section 4D of the Water Industry Act 1994 and section 33 of the Essential Services Commission Act 2001;

relevant valuation, in relation to a price determination, means the valuation which forms the basis of the tariffs submitted by Melbourne Water Corporation to the Essential Services Commission and which is approved in the price determination.

263 Supplementary valuations

(1) An Authority may alter the amount of a fee imposed under a tariff in respect of a property if a supplementary valuation of the property is made in accordance with section 13DF of the Valuation of Land Act 1960.

(2) An Authority may request a municipal council to arrange for a supplementary valuation to be made at the Authority's expense.

(3) The Valuation of Land Act 1960 applies, with any necessary modifications, to a supplementary valuation made at the request of an Authority as if it were a supplementary valuation made in accordance with section 13DF of that Act.

(4) If a supplementary valuation is made because of an event that happens during a financial year, a proportion of the amount of the fee imposed under the tariff, as altered, is payable for the part of the financial year after the supplementary valuation, and a proportion of the original amount of the fee imposed under the tariff is payable for the part of the financial year before the supplementary valuation.

266 Application for review

(1) A person who is aggrieved by the setting of a tariff, or the imposing of a fee under a tariff, by an Authority may, within 1 month after receipt of the demand for payment, object in writing to the Authority on any of the following grounds—

(a) where the fee imposed under the tariff is based on valuation of the land, that the land is not rateable;

(b) that the person is not liable for the tariff;

S. 266(1)(c) amended by No. 110/1997 s. 22(2), substituted by No. 85/2006 s. 113.

(c) that the tariff was not set in accordance with an Order under section 4D(1)(a) of the Water Industry Act 1994 or in accordance with the Essential Services Commission Act 2001;

(d) that the Authority did not give the required notice that the property is a serviced property;

(e) that the fee imposed by the Authority is not a correct application of the tariff as set.

(2) An Authority must, within 2 months after receipt of an objection from a person, notify the person of its decision on the objection.

(3) If an Authority has not notified the person of its decision within 2 months after the objection was made, the Authority must be taken to have notified the person of its decision to overrule the objection at the expiry of the 2 month period.

S. 266(4) substituted by No. 52/1998 s. 311(Sch. 1 item 105.44).

(4) A person who has objected may apply to the Tribunal for review of the Authority's decision on the objection on any of the grounds specified in subsection (1).

S. 266(4A) inserted by No. 52/1998 s. 311(Sch. 1 item 105.44).

(4A) An application for review must be made within 28 days after the later of—

(a) the day on which the decision is made;

(b) if, under the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 1998, the person requests a statement of reasons for the decision, the day on which the statement of reasons is given to the person or the person is informed under section 46(5) of that Act that a statement of reasons will not be given.

(5) An objection does not prevent the recovery of any fee or interest due under a tariff.

S. 266(6) amended by Nos 91/1994 s. 31, 52/1998 s. 311(Sch. 1 item 105.45) (as amended by No. 101/1998 s. 22(1)(q)).

(6) A person who objects to—

(a) the calculation or application of a valuation equalisation factor; or

(b) the fixing of different fees imposed under a tariff under section 259(5) that are based on valuation—

may apply to the Tribunal for review in accordance with Part III of the Valuation of Land Act 1960.

S. 266(6A) inserted by No. 52/1998 s. 311(Sch. 1 item 105.46).

(6A) The provisions of Division 4 of Part III of the Valuation of Land Act 1960, with such modifications as are necessary, apply to an application under subsection (6).

S. 266(7) amended by No. 52/1998 s. 311(Sch. 1 item 105.47).

(7) If a tariff is quashed by the Tribunal under this section, the Authority may—

(a) set a new tariff for the particular year, even if the year has ended; and

(b) retain any amount paid to it by a person in respect of that tariff on account of any amount payable by that person in respect of the next effective tariff set.

S. 266(8) inserted by No. 50/2011 s. 10.

(8) A person is not entitled to object under subsection (1) to a tariff or the imposing of a fee under a tariff set by an Authority, if the tariff or the fee is a Basin water charge.

S. 266(9) inserted by No. 50/2011 s. 10.

(9) In this section—

Basin water charge means a regulated charge for a service in relation to Basin water resources provided by an Authority;

Basin water resources has the same meaning as State water resources has in the Water Charge (Infrastructure) Rules 2010 of the Commonwealth in relation to Victoria;

regulated charge has the same meaning as in the Water Charge (Infrastructure) Rules 2010 of the Commonwealth.

Division 7—Payment and recovery of money

S. 273AA inserted by No. 85/2006 s. 116, substituted by No. 23/2019 s. 86.

273AA Application of Division

This Division does not apply—

(a) to Melbourne Water Corporation; or

(b) in relation to salinity impact charges.

S. 273A inserted by No. 25/1993 s. 13, amended by No. 109/1997 s. 533(Sch. 2 items 12.1, 12.2), substituted by No. 17/2012 s. 41.

273A Liability of occupier

(1) The occupier of property is liable for any water usage charge or sewage disposal charge imposed in respect of the property if—

(a) the property is—

(i) within the meaning of the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 let to a tenant under a tenancy agreement; or

(ii) within the meaning of the Residential Tenancies Act 1997, a site in a caravan park occupied by a resident of the caravan park; or

(iii) within the meaning of the Residential Tenancies Act 1997, a Part 4A site occupied by a site tenant; and

(b) the quantity of water supplied to the property is measured by a meter provided or installed by an Authority that only measures that quantity; and

(c) the owner has notified the Authority that the property is so occupied or is such a site and has given the Authority the particulars of the occupier required by the Authority; and

(d) the Authority has recorded the reading on the meter measuring the quantity of water supplied to the property as a result of a notice under paragraph (c).

(2) The Authority must ensure that the reading on the meter measuring the quantity of water supplied to the property is recorded—

(a) within 48 hours after the Authority is given notice under subsection (1)(c); or

(b) as soon as practicable after the Authority is given notice under subsection (1)(c)—

whichever occurs last.

(3) If the cost of water supplied to a property during the time the occupier occupies the property is only partly based on the amount of water supplied to the property, the occupier of the property is liable for that part of the cost that is based on the amount of water supplied to the property.

S. 273B inserted by No. 25/1993 s. 13, amended by Nos 109/1997 s. 533(Sch. 2 items 12.3, 12.4), 46/1998 s. 7(Sch. 1), substituted by No. 17/2012 s. 41.

273B Vacation of property

(1) A vacating occupier may—

(a) notify the Authority of his or her vacation or intended vacation of the property; and

(b) request the Authority to read the meter supplying water to the property.

(2) The Authority must ensure that the reading on the meter measuring the quantity of water supplied to the property is recorded—

(a) on the day the vacating occupier vacates the property; or

(b) as soon as practicable after that day; or

(c) within 48 hours after the Authority is given a notice under subsection (1); or

(d) as soon as practicable after the Authority is given notice under subsection (1)—

whichever occurs last.

(3) The vacating occupier is taken to cease to be the occupier of the property for the purposes of section 273A(1) on the reading of the meter under subsection (2).

(4) If a vacating occupier does not notify the Authority under subsection (1), the vacating occupier is liable for the cost of all water supplied to the property and all sewage disposed from the property until—

(a) the Authority next records the reading on the meter; or

(b) the end of the billing period in which the vacation occurred—

whichever happens first.

(5) The owner of a property is liable for any water usage charge or sewage disposal charge imposed in respect of the property for the period beginning when the vacating occupier ceases to be liable under this section and ending when a new notice is given under section 273A(1)(c).

(6) In this section—

property owner includes an owner of a property who has disposed of that property if the Authority has not been notified of that disposition in accordance with section 159;

vacating occupier means a person whose particulars have been given to an Authority under section 273A(1)(c) who vacates or intends to vacate the property in respect of which the particulars have been given.

274 Payment to Authorities

S. 274(1) amended by Nos 25/1993 s. 14(b)(i)(A) (B), 69/1993 s. 8(a), 23/2019 s. 87(1).

(1) A fee imposed under a tariff is due and must be paid by the date specified in the notice requiring payment, being a date—

(a) after the date on which notice of the resolution that sets the tariff was published under section 260(2); and

S. 274(1)(b) substituted by No. 85/2006 s. 117.

(b) in the case of—

(i) fees that are payable on an annual basis, at least 28 days after the date of issue of the notice; or

(ii) in the case of fees that are payable on a basis that is less than an annual basis, at least 14 days after the date of issue of the notice—

unless payment may be made by instalments and the person liable to pay the amount chooses to pay by instalments in accordance with subsections (2) and (3).

S. 274 (1A)−(1D) inserted by No. 69/1993 s. 8(b), repealed by No. 23/2019 s. 87(2).

S. 274(2) amended by No. 121/1994 s. 195(1).

(2) A person who is liable to pay to an Authority—

S. 274(2)(a) substituted by No. 23/2019 s. 87(3).

(a) a fee imposed on an annual basis under a tariff; or

S. 274(2)(b) amended by No. 69/1993 s. 8(c), repealed by No. 23/2019 s. 87(3).

(c) with the consent of the Authority, any other fee or amount—

may, by notice in writing to the Authority within 14 days after receipt of the notice setting the due date for payment, choose to pay by instalments, and must make each payment, and any payment of interest due in respect of it, by the date specified by the Authority.

(3) The date specified for the payment of the first instalment must be at least 14 days after the date of issue of the notice to the person that payment is required.

S. 274(3A) inserted by No. 121/1994 s. 195(2), amended by No. 23/2019 s. 87(4).

(3A) A person who is liable to pay to an Authority an amount under Division 6 which under subsection (1) the person has chosen to pay by instalments, is liable to pay interest in accordance with section 281 on any part of that amount that is unpaid from the due date for payment despite the arrangement for payment of that amount by instalments.

S. 274(4) amended by Nos 25/1993 s. 14(b)(ii), 99/2005 s. 64.

(4) Any amount due to an Authority in relation to a property (including interest and including any amount in respect of a licence under Part 4, 4B or 5) is a debt due to the Authority by the person liable to pay the amount.

S. 274(4A) inserted by No. 25/1993 s. 14(b)(iii), substituted by No. 17/2012 s. 42.

(4A) If—

(a) the person liable to pay an amount to an Authority in relation to a property owns that property; and

(b) a code made by the Essential Services Commission under the Water Industry Act 1994 does not otherwise provide—

the amount owed is a charge on the property, whether or not the Authority has agreed to defer the payment of the whole or any part of that amount.

S. 274(5) amended by No. 25/1993 s. 14(b)(iv).

(5) In subsections (4) and (4A), Authority includes the Minister.

S. 274(6) inserted by No. 78/1991 s. 21.

(6) At the written request of the person liable to make a payment to an Authority, the Authority may send the notice requiring the payment to a person specified in the request.

S. 274A inserted by No. 17/2012 s. 43.

274A Application of payments made to metropolitan water corporations

(1) Any money paid to a metropolitan water corporation by or on behalf of a person or body must be applied by the metropolitan water corporation as follows—

(a) first towards any amount owing to the corporation by the person or body in respect of any water usage charge or any other fee or charge imposed by that corporation;

(b) secondly, towards any amount owing to the rating authority by that person or body that is being collected by the corporation on behalf of the rating authority;

(c) thirdly, towards any amount owing to the Melbourne Water Corporation by that person or body that is being collected by the corporation on behalf of the Melbourne Water Corporation.

(2) Any dispute arising between a metropolitan water corporation and the rating authority or Melbourne Water Corporation over the application of any money under subsection (1) may be referred to the Treasurer by any party to the dispute and the decision of the Treasurer on the matter is binding on the parties.

(3) In this section rating authority means the Minister administering Part 4 of the Water Industry Act 1994.

275 Person who acquires property is liable

S. 275(1) amended by No. 25/1993 s. 14(c).

(1) A person who becomes the owner of a property must pay to the Authority at the time the person becomes the owner of the property any amount that is, under section 274(4A), a charge on that property.

(2) In subsection (1), Authority includes the Minister.

S. 276 amended by No. 25/1993 s. 14(d), repealed by No. 17/2012 s. 44(1).

277 Recovery as between owner and occupier

(1) If an Authority recovers any contribution or fee, or any amount in respect of a licence under Part 4 or 5, from an owner, and the owner had an agreement with the occupier that the occupier would pay the fee, contribution or amount, the owner may recover from the occupier, as a debt due to the owner, the amount paid to the Authority by the owner.

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1)—

(a) the owner has the burden of proving that the occupier had agreed to pay the fee, contribution or amount; and

(b) ***Authority*** includes the Minister.

S. 278 amended by Nos 25/1993 s. 14(e), 91/1994 s. 36(12), 62/1995 s. 38, repealed by No. 17/2012 s. 44(2).

S. 279 repealed by No. 17/2012 s. 44(3).

S. 280 amended by No. 85/1998 s. 24(Sch item 66.16), repealed by No. 17/2012 s. 44(4).

281 Interest on unpaid money*

S. 281(1) amended by No. 78/1991 s. 22(1).

(1) Any money due to an Authority under this Act, including an agreement which does not provide otherwise, bears interest at the rate set from time to time for the purposes of this section by the Authority from the date that the money becomes due to the date that it is paid.

S. 281(1A) inserted by No. 78/1991 s. 22(2), amended by Nos 17/2012 s. 45(1), 24/2013 s. 36(1).

(1A) The rate set by the Authority must not be more than the rate fixed from time to time for the purposes of subsection (1) by the Essential Services Commission under a Code under section 4F of the Water Industry Act 1994.

S. 281(1B) inserted by No. 78/1991 s. 22(2), amended by No. 17/2012 s. 45(2), repealed by No. 24/2013 s. 36(2).

S. 281(1C) inserted by No. 78/1991 s. 22(2).

(1C) If the Authority sets a new rate, the new rate takes effect on the date set by the Authority, and applies from that date to all money (other than interest) owing to the Authority on that date.

(2) No interest is payable—

S. 281(2)(a) substituted by No. 69/1993 s. 9(a).

(a) in respect of a fee imposed under a tariff if the amount due is paid within the period after it becomes due fixed by the Authority by resolution; or

S. 281(2)(b) amended by No. 121/1994 s. 195(3).

(b) except in the case of an amount under Division 6, if the person liable to pay the amount has arranged with the Authority for payment by instalments of the amount due, and any instalments that have become due have been paid.

S. 281(2A) inserted by No. 69/1993 s. 9(b).

(2A) A resolution under subsection (2)(a) has no effect until the day on which notice of the making of the resolution is published in a newspaper circulating generally in the area concerned.

(3) An Authority may exempt any person from paying the whole or part of any interest either generally or specifically.

(4) In this section, Authority includes the Minister.

*Note: S. 281: The Crown is bound by this section (see s. 5(h)). ↑