Victorian Government Planning System Reform: Latest Updates
In 2023, the Victorian Government launched several initiatives and reforms to Victoria’s planning system in response to the ongoing housing crisis. Recent announcements have introduced significant planning changes affecting Frankston, with more expected in the near future.
We will continue to update this page as new information relevant to Frankston becomes available.
Overview as of July 2025
Housing Targets
In June 2024, draft housing targets for all Victorian Councils were released and on 24 February 2025, the Victorian Government released final housing targets that are to be delivered over the next 30 years to 2051:
- Frankston City Council’s initial draft target was an additional 36,000 dwellings to 2051.
- The draft target has been revised to a final target of an additional 33,000 dwellings to 2051.
For further information, please refer to:
Premier’s Media release
Statewide housing targets
Frankston Metropolitan Activity Centre (FMAC) Structure Plan
Amendment C160fran was gazetted into the Frankston Planning Scheme on 11 April 2025.
The Amendment implements the land use and development directions and recommendations of the Frankston Metropolitan Activity Centre Structure Plan (Tract Consultants, September 2024) (the Structure Plan).
More information on this project, and its associated Planning Scheme Amendment can be found here:
Engage Frankston
Amendment C160fran
During the development of the FMAC Structure Plan, the Victorian Government prepared, Housing Statement – The Decade Ahead 2024 – 2034 was released. This re-confirmed Frankston’s role as a Metropolitan Activity Centre, and that it would be 1 of the first 10 pilot activity centres, delivering 60,000 new homes, to be planned for by the Victorian Government.
In August 2024, the Draft Frankston Activity Centre Structure Plan (VPA) was released, prepared by the Victorian Planning Authority (VPA) on behalf of the Victorian Government – Department of Transport and Planning (DTP). This document refers to the commercial core of the FMAC, which is guided by the Structure Plan.
Following its release, Council made a submission to this work which can be read here:
On 23 February 2025 the Victorian Government released revised Activity Centre plans and surrounding catchment for the first 10 pilot activity centres including Frankston. The Victorian Government has indicated that the updated activity centre plans will take effect sometime in March 2025, subject to the Victorian Government Gazette. This includes the Council prepared, Planning Scheme Amendment C160fran.
For further information refer to:
Department of Transport and Planning
Changes to the Victorian Planning Provisions
During February and March 2025, a number of changes were made to all Victorian Planning Schemes (in preparation for future local changes) through the Gazettal of Amendment VC257 which included:
- The Built Form Overlay (BFO) which will set out specific design and built form requirements to facilitate the preferred scale of development in identified activity centres and priority precincts.
- Housing Choice Transport Zone (HCTZ) which will aid diversity of housing at increased densities in locations around identified activity centres and other well-serviced locations with convenient access to jobs, public transport and services.
Amendment VC267 was also Gazetted which implemented new residential development planning assessment provisions to boost housing construction to meet the needs of Victorians. It aims to create deemed to comply standards for assessing multi-residential developments of three storeys or less, by setting out standards for development
It replaces Clause 55 and Clause 57 which are currently known as ResCode.
Premier’s Media release
Plan for Victoria
On 28 February 2025 Plan for Victoria was released which is the new metropolitan ‘big picture’ plan for the State of Victoria.
Plan for Victoria has five pillars:
- Housing for all Victorians
- Accessible jobs and services
- Great places
- Sustainable environments
- Self-determination and caring for Country
Premier’s Media release
Planning and Environment Act 1987 review
On 25 February 2025, the Victorian Government announced that it is reviewing the Planning and Environment Act 1987 to increase the supply of housing in Victoria. The announcement has confirmed that the review will consider:
- Streamlining the planning scheme amendment process and providing different pathways for different types of amendments.
- Further reducing planning permit delays and blockages, including different assessment and approval processes for projects with lesser impact.
On 27 November 2024, the Consumer and Planning Legislation Amendment (Housing Statement Reform) Bill 2024 (the Bill) was introduced into parliament. In addition to rental and real estate agent reforms, the Bill proposes a suite of changes to the Planning and Environment Act 1987.
On 18 March 2025, the Bill received Royal Assent with changes to take effect by 25 November 2025, unless brought forward.
Housing Choice and Transport Zone
As part of the Victorian Government’s Activity Centres Program, land around the Frankston Metropolitan Activity Centre (the FMAC) was rezoned on 11 April 2025 to the new Housing Choice and Transport Zone (HCTZ).
This zone aims to support more housing close to jobs, services and public transport. It allows for a mix of townhouses and mid-rise apartments of 3 to 6 storeys, depending on the size and location of the property.
This land was rezoned by Planning Scheme Amendment GC252 and notice of the Amendment’s approval was published in the Victorian Government Gazette.
To find out what planning controls apply to your property at the Victorian Government'sVicPlan website.
If you would like to discuss any of the above, please contact the Strategic Planning Department on 1300 322 322 or strategicplanning@frankston.vic.gov.au to discuss over the phone or to arrange a meeting.
There are other planning reforms that have been announced, but as they do not relate to Frankston, a summary of these have not been provided.