The Minister for Planning has now approved Amendment C232melt to the Melton Planning Scheme.

The Amendment implements the recommendations of the Toolern Development Contributions (DCP) and Precinct Structure Review (PSP) by amending various provision of the Melton Planning Scheme.

The amendment documents can be viewed on the Department of Transport and Planning website.

Melton City Council is the first in Victoria to complete a full ‘review and refresh’ of a Precinct Structure Plan (PSP) and Development Contributions Plan (DCP). The project addressed a $223 million funding shortfall in the Toolern DCP and responded to updated population growth and infrastructure needs.

The original Toolern PSP and DCP were prepared in 2010. Covering over 2,200 hectares, it is one of Victoria’s earliest and largest PSPs. The population forecast has increased from 55,000 to over 68,000 residents. The review updated land valuations, infrastructure costs, and community facility requirements, and incorporated previously unfunded projects. It resolves historical funding gaps and establishes a more equitable and sustainable infrastructure model.

Delivered over five years, the project involved extensive collaboration with agencies, landowners, experts, and the community, including a Planning Panel process. It can also provide a practical model for other councils undertaking similar PSP and DCP reviews.