Council seeks faster planning pathway for agricultural development
27th October 2026
Colac Otway Shire Council will seek Ministerial approval to introduce new local VicSmart provisions aimed at streamlining planning assessments for eligible agricultural development.
Council, in partnership with Department of Transport and Planning, will prepare the Planning Scheme Amendment to simplify planning assessments for standard agricultural buildings and extensions.
Applications assessed through the VicSmart process would be subject to specific information requirements, assessment procedures and decision guidelines designed to support faster planning decisions.
Council’s General Manager Community and Economy Ian Seuren said the proposed changes would make the planning process more efficient for agricultural development.
“The process provides a streamlined assessment pathway for eligible applications, with decisions made within 10 business days and lower application fees than the standard planning permit process,” Mr Seuren said.
“Applications assessed through this process are not subject to public notice, objections or third-party appeals as part of the simplified approval process.”
Mr Seuren said the VicSmart planning permit process would build on work Council has already undertaken to reduce red-tape.
“The amendment builds on changes introduced by Council in 2022 to simplify planning requirements for certain types of agricultural development,” Mr Seuren said.
“Those changes expanded permit exemptions, reducing the need for costly technical assessments for agricultural sheds and farm buildings.”
Subject to Ministerial approval, Council will invite community feedback on the proposed local VicSmart provisions through a public exhibition process of six weeks. Information about how to view the proposal and provide feedback will be provided through Council’s regular communication channels.
Council Enquiries
(03) 5232 9400
