1952-1953

VICTORIA

EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT

OF THE

TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING BOARD

FOR THE PERIOD

I ST JULY, I 952, TO 30TH JUNE, I 953.

PRESE:KTED 't'O BOTH HOUSES OF PARLIA.\IEX'l' PURSUA~'l' TO SEC'l'IOX 4 (3) 01<' THE TOW:\ A~D COUXTRY PLANNING ACT 1944.

[.Appi'O.r:imate C:osl of !ltport.-Preparation, HOt given. Priuting (\lGJ copies), £HH .]

~~1 ci\ uthont)J: 'f', M. HOUSTON, GOVER;\IMENT PRINTER, . No. 32.-[2s.].-l03Hl/53.

INDEX

Page The Act 5 Regulations untler the Aet ti

Planning Scheme~- General G Details of Planning Schemes in Course of Preparation (\ Latrobe Valley Sub-Regional Planning Rcheme 10

Sbire of Narracan~ Moe-Newborough Planning Scheme 10 Y allourn North Planning Scheml' 11

Shire of ::Vlorwell~ Morwell Planning Se hP m!' 11 Yinnar Planning Schenw 11 Heme',; Oak Planning HdwnH' 12 Hoolarra Planning Scheme 12

Shire of Traralgon~ Traralgon Planning Scheme 12 Tyers Planning Scheme 12

~Eildon Sub-Regional Planning Scheme 13 Gelliondale Sub-Regional Planning Scheme 13 Club Terrace Planning Scheme (Shire of ) 13 Ocean Road Planning Scheme H Oeelong and District .Joint Planning 8cheme 17 Portlantl and District .Joint Planning Scheme 17 Shire of W odonga Planning Scheme 18 Shire of W arragul Planning Scheme 18 City of Hamilton Planning Scheme 19 Shire of Planning Scheme 19 Planning Scheme .. 19 Shire of Planning Scheme 20 Town of Colac Planning 8cheme .. 20 Shire of Seymour Planning Scheme 20 City of Planning 8cheme 21 :vretropolitan Planning 2] Metropolitan Improvement Fund 21 Planning Scheme 22 ~ City of Moorabbin Planning Scheme, Section 1 22 City of Moorabbin Planning Scheme (Zoning), 1953 23 Planning Scheme 2:3 Interim Development Orders 23 Township of Tallangatta 25 '\chemes under 8ect.ion 59-1 of the Local Government Act-­ City of Hcidelberg .. 26 Shire of Fnmk~ton and Hastings 2G Land Use Zoning- By-laws under the Local Government Act 2G Shire of Fern Tree Gully~Dandenong Ranges 27 Mornington J>eninsula 28 Non-Conforming Uses 28 4 Page Uniform Building RegulatioJB 2\1 Local Government and Town and Country l'!anning 30 Town Planning Education Selection of Place Names 32 Town Planning Congress .. Visits by the Board Staff

MAPS AND PHOTOGRAPHS -Illustrating Municipalities Preparing Planning Schemes ]'ror,ting Page 6 Typical Views along the Ocean Road 15 Ocean Road Planning Area ,, Hl " Latrohe Valley Exl1ihit-Australian l'launing lnstitnte Congress .')] Town and Country Planning Board.

EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT.

State Offices Annexe, 107 Hussell-street, :\Ielhourne, C.l. Bth December, 1U5!). The Honourable the Commisl'

l. In aecordam:e with the requirement;;; of Section 4 (3) of the Town and Country Plann1:ng Act 1944 (No. 5043), the Board has pleasure in submitting to you for presentation to Parliament, the report on decisions, recommendations, and other transactions during the twelve months ended :30th June, 1953. 2. The Board held 62 rneetings- as \\-ell as being represented at many conferences m both metropolitan and country centres.

THE ACT. 3. During the the Board has continued to press for amending legislation to incorporate the various suggested amendments to the Acts which were referred to m detail in its Seventh Annual Report. · 4. The necessity for these suggested amendments has become increasingly important through the wiuer use of the powers under the 'I'own and Country Planning Acts by councils generally and by various public authoriticR, as 1vell as through the Board's own t~xperience in the administration of the Aets over a period of seven years. 5. It is hoped tha.t your expreRse(t inknti.on to rtiscuss with the Board details of t lw proposed amendmentR, 1vith a view to t.hc preparation of t1 draft Bill, will result in legislative sanction lleing givPn to the proposalfl at an early date. 6. Certain envisagc(t !tiftieultiPs luwe also arisen in regard to the pmvers and lia bilit.ies of the Melbourne and ~letropolitan Hoard of \Y orks aR the Metropolitan Planning Authority under the Town and Country Plannin.IJ (JletroJJolitan Area) Act 1949. This Authority, as part of its normal function, has wide powers in regard to water supply, drainage, and sewerage matters but, as a responsible authority under the Town a.nd Country Planning Acts, is at a serious disa.dvanta.ge in comparison ''-'ith municipal councilR in that it has not the support of the Local Govemment Act. 7. Many of the 'vide powers anrl duties undPr the Local Government Aet are, in the opinion of the Board, further extended by the Town and Country Planning Acts. These wide powers are necessary for a responsible authority dming the preparation of planning schemes and in their implementation after approval. 8. As councils are responsible for the issuing of building permits, the approval of plans of subdivision of land and many other forms of developrnent, they are in a position to more satisfaetorily protect planning proposals duriHg tJw preparation stages of a 1-ieheme than a.n authority which has limited special po\vers. !>. A further matter upon which the Boanl's advice has been requested is the question of liability for claims for eompensa.tion under the proposed metropolita.n interirn development order. This question, it ir:; felt, must be considered from the practical application of the Act as well as from the strict legal interpretation of its provisions. Unquestionably claims for compensation must arise where land is taken for a specific purpose or prejudicially affected by the operation of the interim development order but, having in mind the fact that claims for prejudicial affection under the Aet shall exclude remote, indirect or speculative damages, it is contended that. elaims for prejudicial affection as a result of real damage would be few. 6

10. There have been no claims for compensation for prejudicial affection during the operation of the 59 interim development orders at present in force in Victoria.

REGULATIONS. 11. Sub-section 5 of Section 12 of the Principal Act as amended states, in relation to interim development orders, that :- " any person who feels aggrieved by the refusal of the responsible authority to grunt a permit . . . or by the conditions attached to any permit grunted thereunder or by any direction given ... may within such time as is prescribed appeal therefrom to the Minister whose decision shall be final and shall be given effect to by the responsible authority ". 12. In order to prescribe, pursuant to the Act, the time within which an " aggrieved person" may appeal to the Minister, the Board prepared Town and Country Planning Regulations No. 5 which were approved by the Governor in Council on 12th May, 1953. 13. These Regulations prescribe that any person who feels aggrieved by the refusal of the responsible authority to grant a permit under its interim development order or by the conditions attached to a permit, and desires to exercise the right of appeal to the Minister, shall do so within 28 days of receipt of notification from the responsible authority of the refusal, permit or direction. 14. The Regulations also prescribe that such an appeal shall be made in writing and shall state the grounds of the appeal.

PLANNIXG SCHEMES--GENERAL. 15. Increasing evidence of the realization by councils of the benefits to be derived from the use of the powers available under the Town and Country Planning Acts may be drawn from the fact that a number of new planning schemes have been commenced during the year. · 16. In addition, several councils have requested information on the preparation of a planning scheme and, ut the present time, have the matter under consideration. 17. Up to 30th June, 1953, 82 separate planning 'lcheme» have been commenced or approved in Victoria. This does not include the metropolitan planning scheme, which embraces 42 municipalities, although 27 of the planning schemes (including amendments) which are referred to above, are within the metropolitan planning area and represent the result of local planning by the municipalities concerned. These schemes are generally in aid of the metropolitan planning proposals. 18. Most municipalities engagQd in the preparation of a planni·ng scheme are controlling development by means of an interim development order during the planning period. Fifty-nine separate interim development orders are in force at the present time, of which 11 are in the metropolitan planning area. 19. The following is a list of planning schemes commenced, in course of preparation, or completed as at 30th June, 1953

CoMMENCED PRIOR. To 1sr .JuLY, 1952. (Position as at 30th June, 1953.)

Current, Exhibition Scheme. LD.O. Period Remarks. Approved. r:xpircd.

Cities. Ararat 9.6.47 I 22.7.47 19.6 52 Submitted fm: approval. See page 19 Ballarat .. 28.3.50 Possibility of joint planning com- mittee with adjacent munici­ palities being investigated "'Brunswick I 28.3.49 30.4. 49 Approved by Governor in Council on 25th October, 1949 *Brunswick (2) (amending) .. 26.5.52 30. 6. 52 Awaiting approval of Governor in , Council "'Camberwell 19.3.51 5. 5 . 53 : Advanced. See page 22

'In Metropolltan Planning Area. TOWN AN D C OUN TRY PLANNING BOARD

PLANNING IN VICTORIA AT 30TH JUNE 195 3

REFERENCE

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    CoMMEKCED PRIOR TO ls·r JuLY, Hl52--continued. (Position as at 30th June, 1953---continued).

    ~Population Hl'mtub. I in Aren. ---~~------:--~···---'---·------:-----~----·-- -···-----~,~------··------

    *Chelsea Inacti\'('. Renewal of I.D.O. not appro\·ed by Governor in Council *Coburg .'3.10.49 by Governor in Oount'il August, 1951 *Essendon (part only) 10.5.4H *Fitzroy 3.5 .48 lna.cti\'e. LD.O. lapsed Hamilton .. 7,500 12.9.46 15.10.46 Draft scheme being revised as a result of objections. See page 19 Horsham .. 7,000 3. 9.46 1.10.46 Inacti \'O l\Iildura 10,500 8.5.47 21.11.50 Preparation of ,;cheme proceeding *Moomhbin (Section 1) 1.11.48 23.8.51 Apprmoed by Governor 1:n Council on 9th December, 1952 *Moorabbin (Section 2) ·1.4.49 Proceeding. See page 23 *Nunawading (part only) 16.12.46 7 .12.4\J Approved by Governor 111 r:ouli('i/ on 15th May, 1951 *Prahran .. 17.7.50 Inaeti\·e. J.D.O. *Preston .. 18.2.52 ProcPedinp; *Sandringham (1) (part only) 16.7.46 24.6.48 Approred b,11 Governor m Coum·il ou 26th April, 1949 *Sandringham (1) (amending) 5. 2 ;Jl Approred by Governor in Council· on 28th Auqust, 1951 Shepparton 10,000 9 . 8 48 f 9 . 11 . 48 ! \ SchemP ready for public exhibition. \._26.7.49 f See page 21 W arrnam boo! 10,000 2lUJ.50 Joint planning committee with Shire of being eon~idered

    Towns. Cast.lemaiuc 6,000 21.11.46 23.3.47 fnacti ve Oolac 7,000 23.6 48 10.8.48 Draft scheme being used to guide rlcYelopment. See page 20 Portland 4,000 20.8.1fj L). 10 .1fi Part of Portland and District Joint Committee

    Boroughs. Benalla 5,500 23 r). m 2H. 2 .!)0 lnar:tive }[aryborough 6,500 I .7 .48 21.12.4B Proef'eding *Ringwood (part only) 1[).4.:)] l\1.5.53 No progr~ss Swan Hill .. .'5,000 7.3.50 4-.4.50 lnaetin< Wangaratta 9,000 30.6.17 HS.1l·1\l Planning proceeding as part of \Yangaratta and District Joint Committee

    Shires. Ballarat (part only) 1,000 15.6.49 [). 7 .49 nmft selwme nearing completion Berwick (Pakenham Township) 500 21.8.50 19.12.50 lnact.i\·e Berwick (Berwick Township) f100 18.9.50 l9.12.!l0 Tmwth·\' Berwick (Prince's Highway) 19.2.;)1 Hi. 3 .!1l lnadiH· *Broadmeadows (1) (part only) 28.10.48 20.10.4U Apprornl hy Oorernor 1n CO'!mca on 1 ith October, 1952 "Broadmeadows (2) (part only} 2·1.3 ;)} 17.6.52 Inactive Buln Buln (Drouin and Long- 1,500 21.11.49 28.2.50 Inactive warry) Cobram (Cobram Township) 1,000 5.8.46 1 . \l. 49 Approve(l by Oovernor in Council on 19th December, 1950. (Scheme prepared by Shire of Tungarnah. On approyed date Cobram was in Shire of ) Oobram (Cobram Township), Amendment originally proposed by Amendment Xo. 1 Colac (part only) 1,000 1<.11.48 Inactive ~ Corio (part only) .. .5,000 28.8.46 17 .9A6 Now planning as a member of Geelong and District Town Planning Committee Euroa (township only) 2,500 11 . \). 46 i 12 .11. 46 Inactive i • In ){etropolitan Plann!ng Area. 8

    CoMMEXCED PRIOR To 1sT JuLY, l952-cont£nued. (Position as at 30th June, 1953)-~continuerl.

    Population Scheme. in Area. 1\entarks.

    Shires-continued. *Frankston and Hastings 5.3.4-H 9.9.5:2 I Proeecding (part only) I Grenville (part only) GOO 2.8.47 2.9..!7 Inactive. Area would be included in Ballarat and Distriet Joint Planning Committee if formed Mansfield (Mansfield Township) i 800 4.5.4n 26.7.4\J Inactive Mansfield (Jamieson Town- · 250 2.'!.52 26.8.52 Inactive ship) :llornington 3,000 8.7 .4\l ll.10.4!l lnaetive :Vlorwell (Morwell Township) 9,000 fl7 .3AH 27.4 .4H \_lt-1 A. fJO Under eon:sideration by Council. \_15.8.51 7.11.51 f See page 11 Morwell (Herne's Oak Town­ 600 15.8.51 On land which may be required for ship) coal winning. See page 12 Morwell (Yinnar Township) .. 250 15.8.51 7.11 .51 7.8.52 Objections being considered. See page 11 lVIorwell (Boolarra 'fownshi p) 300 23.4-.52 27.5. fi2 Hi.lO. 52 Objections being considered. See 1mge 12 *:llulgrave 16.8.[ll 23.9.52 Proceeding slowly Karracan (Moe-Kewborough 11,000 12.8.46 12.11.4.6 11.3 ~>2 Ready for submission for approval. Township) See page 10 · Narracan {Trafalgar and 2,500 1\)7.51 No progress Yarragon Townships and surrounding areas) Numurkah (Numurkah Town­ 2,500 11.8.47 2.DA7 No progres;.: during the year ship) Nurmurkah (Katunga Town­ lOO 17 .4. ;)2 No progreRs ship) Portland (Heywood Township) \)00 9.8All 27.8.46 Inactive Seymour (Seymour Township) 3,000 9. 9 .4t) 23.11.48 ;)O .+. 02 Submitted for approYal. See page 20 Swan Hill (Robinvale Town­ 250 13.5.47 10.6.1!7 Inactive ship) Tambo (Lakes Entrance Town­ 1,100 18 6.52 Inactive ship) Traralgon (Traralgon 'l'own­ H,OOO f i">-!).4() 14.l.rl7 l \Vel\ ad vanccd. Nee page 1:> shir) l 4-.S.•Hl :23.8 .4!l f Warragul (Warragul Town­ G,OOO 13 .r•. 47 22.7 A7 7.:J:r>2 Being finalized by Couneil. See ship) prrge IH *Werribee (Altona Riding) .. l7' l0.1fi !1. <1 ,fl2 Hi.n.1U Ura ft Helleme heing revised Werribee (Werribee Town­ 3,500 17.10.46 2::J.3.i7 Inacti n: ship) Werribee (Laverton Town­ 14 fj .51 n. n. ~>~ ship)

    Joint 0 omrnittees. Geelong and District com- 70,000 H. !1.46 17.12.4-fi I Draft scheme nearing completion. prising­ See page 17 .. City of Gee long West City ofNewtown and Chilwell Shtre of Bannockburn (part) (part) Shire of Bellarine (part) (part) Shire of South Barwon (part) aud Dist.rict com- 10,000 12.7.51 No progress during the year prising- Borough of Wangaratta Shire of Wangaratta and District com- .'39,000 .1 oint Planning Committee being prising- formed Shire of :M:arong

    • In 1\fctropolitnn Planning Area. 9

    CoMliiENCED PRIOR TO 1sT JuLY, 1952----continued. (Position as at 30th June, 1953)-continued.

    ---~------..,-~------~-,----·------;----~------.----- .... --- - -~- Current Exhibition Rcheme. P::>pulation I Commenced. I.D.O. Period Remark~!. m Area. Approved. Expired. ------1------.------·----.;-----.------~--

    Board as Respons1:ble Authority. Club Terrace Township (Shire 50 30.5.52 24.6.52 Draft scheme nearing completion. of Orbost) See page 13 Eildon Sub-Region 2,300 30.11.49 1.5.52 Approved by Governor ~n Council on 26th .May, 1953. See page 13 Gelliondale 500 19.2.51 18.12.51 Area being protected by Interim Development Order. See page 13 Latrobe Valley Sub-Region .. 5,000 28.7.48 26.5.50 Approved by GoTernor 'In Co·uncil on 24th July, 19[)1. See page 10 T~-en; Township 150 30.10.50 7.8.51 30.4.52 Ready for submission for approval. See page 12 Yallourn North Township 1,500 30.10.:'>0 31.7.51 30.4.52 Submitted for approval of Governor in Council. See page 11

    JJ: elbourne and ll1 etropolitan Board of Works as Responsible Authority. Metropolitan Planning Area 1,450,000 11 .1 . 50 Scheme proceeding to schedule as (comprising forty-two (42) required by the Act municipal districts)

    CO:'IUIEXCED SINCE 1ST JULY, 1952. Cities. *Heidelbcrg 25.8.52 14.10.52 Previous resolutions for only portion of the City *Malvern .. 20.4.53 10.6.53 Proceeding *Moorabbin (Zoning) 15.9.52 Draft scheme well adYanced. See page 23 *Moorabbin, Section], Amend­ 2.3.53 30. 6. 53 l\tlinor amendment ment No. 1 *Richmond 22.9.52 20.11.52 On public exhibition until 2nd July, 1953. See page 23 Shires. Be nalla (part) 220 11.5.53 On public exhibition until 31st August, 1953. See page 20 *Broadmeadows (1) (Amend­ 25.5.53 On public exhibition until 27th ment No. I) August, 1953

    Joint Committees. Portland and District com­ 4,500 18 .11. 52 20.1.53 Area defined, planning proceeding. prising-- Sec page 17 Town of Portland Shire of Portland

    Board as Responsible Authority. Ocean Road compnsmg 5,500 18.9.52 11.11.52 !} f Existing Conditions data being portionR of'--­ 16.6.53 \.. completed. See page 15 Shirc of Barrabool Shire of South Barwon Hhire of Winchelsea

    • In :'\Ietropolitan Planning Area.

    Population in areas outside the Metropolitan Planning Area for whieh a planning scheme has been commeneed or approved ...... 321,770 Population in )fetropolitan Planning Area 1,450,000

    Total population within areas for which a planning scheme has been commenced or approved 1,771,770

    Estimated population of Victoria 2,384,300 10

    LATROBE VALLEY SUB-REGIONAL PLANNING SCHEME. . 20. This scheme, which embraces 334 square miles of the Latrobe Valley and mcludes the large brown coal fields being developed, has now been in operation for nearly two (2) years. 21. The principal towns of Moe, N ewborough, Morwell, and Traralgon were excluded from the provisions of the scheme because planning schemes for these towns were being prepared by the respective Councils. Yallourn was also excluded because it was within the State Electricity Commission ·works area and had been fully developed by the Commission as a pre-planned town. · 22. Since the approval of the sub-regional scheme, the respective Councils in the area have become the authority responsible for the administration of that part of the scheme which lies within their municipal boundaries. 23. It is noteworthy that during the past two years no applications for development within the scheme area have posed difficulties in administration. The methods employed in this scheme to give protection to assets of national importance have attracted much attention, and favorable comment from authorities within the Commonwealth, and several applications froin authorities abroad for copies of the scheme, have been satisfied. 24. When it was decided to exclude from the scheme the towns in the area for which planning had already commenced, it was anticipated that the approval of the town plans would follow more closely the approval of the sub-regional scheme. 25. It was expected that a large area of land overlying winnable coal adjacent to the town of Morwell, would have received the protection of planning provisions in line "\\':ith those prescribed for adjacent lands in the sub-regional scheme. In addition, the approval of a scheme for Morwell would have had the effect of giving statutory definition to the boundaries of the town's future development. 26. Following requests from the Shire Council to the Latrobe Valley Development Advisory Committee for an alteration of previously agreed boundaries, it was recommended to you by the above Committee that the western boundaries of development of Morwell might be more expeditiously determined by amending the approved sub-regional scheme. 27. As the protection of the area affected must be regarded as a matter of State concern and of much wider importance than the local interests involved, the Board concurs with the suggestion that the Latrobe Valley Sub-Regional Planning Scheme should be amended to incorporate this area.

    SHIRE OF NARRACAN.

    MoE-NEwBoROUGH PLANNING ScHEME. 28. During the year the Council gave consideration to the objections to this scheme lodged during the exhibition period which expired in March, 1952. After dealing with the objections, the Council proceeded with the preparation of the final plans and ordinance. 29. The pending completion of this planning scheme, for submission for the approval of the Governor in Council, marks the culmination of a steady but persistent effort on the part of the Council to co-ordinate the many requirements of local government and public authorities into a programme for the future development of this now important centre. 30. During the preparation of this scheme, the Board has conferred frequently with the Council and its officers, with the result that the scheme as finally adopted by the Council in June of this year, has been brought closely into line with present policy and planning practice. It is understood that negotiations between the Council and the few objectors to the scheme have been successful in nearly all instances. 31. It is anticipated that the scheme will be lodged at an early date for the approval of the Governor in Council. The approval of a planning scheme for Moe-Newborough will make it the first of the major towns (vide paragraph 21) in the Latrobe Valley Sub-Region to benefit from a statutory town plan. 32. A copy of the Council's draft planning scheme map, at a reduced scale, was published in the Board's Seventh Annual Report. 11

    YALLOURN NoRTH PLAN:~ING ScHEME. 33. The Yallourn North Planning Scheme, which was prepared by the Board, was completed and, together with copies of the objections and a statement setting out the manner in which such objections were determined, was submitted to you on the 18th June, 1953, for the approval of the Governor in Council. 34. This planning scheme was the first completed for a town within the Latrobe Valley Sub-Region and, although many of the planning proposals may not be fully realized for some years, a good deal of development has already taken place under interim control in accordance with the provisions of the scheme. 35. The early approval of tl1e scheme will enable control of development by interim order to cease and the implementation of -:;be scheme to be carried on by the Shires of Narracan and Monvell and the State Electricity Commission.

    2\ioRWELL PL e\NNING ScHEME. 36. Although in its last Report the Board stated that " the Council has nO\Y intimated that the Morwell Planning Scheme will be finalized with the object of submitting it at an early date for the approval of the Governor in Council," and there was justification for this comment, the Board regrets to report that this has not been done. 'Ihe Board has used its best endeavours to finalize this planning scheme because it has now been under review by the Council for nearly five years. 37. During the last year the Council sought further conferences with the Board on various matters. At these discussions the Board tried to clarify the points at issue and it was again thought that there wore no remaining obstacles. It can only be hoped that it will now be possible to see this very necessary plan taken through the remaining stages during the coming year. 38. The Council was urged to complete the scheme so that some of the problems in relation to the boundaries of the future town development could be determined and given Rtatutory definition generally in accordance with the limits laid down by the Central Planning Authority in 1948. 39. -In order that this important question should not have to await a decision by the Council on other planning proposals, a recommendation was made by the Latrobe Yalley Development Advisory Committee, that all land overlying winnable coal and not permitted for tovm development should be included as a part of the sub-regional planning scheme. The adoption of this course will have the effect of disposing of some of the contentious matters of the town plan and allow those of State importance to be examined in correct relation to the local considerations involved. 40. The Council has been advised that further delay in completing the scheme and obtaining the necessary approval >Yhich ·will give the requisite statutory powers of implementation, is inadvisable. If the scheme is not finalized, difficulties in administratiqn \vill undoubtedly arise when permits for development are sought in those areas not yet cietermined if interim development order powers are solely relied upon.

    YrNNAR PLANNING ScHEME. 4l. The public exhibition period of the Yinnar Planning Scheme expired in August, 1952, and during the year objectiom; to the scheme l1ave been considered by the Council. 42. On several occasions the .Board has conferred with the Council and its planning consultants on various phases of the scheme in an endeavour to co-ordinate differing points of view and bring the scheme to a satisfactory conclusion. · 43. It is known that most of the matters ·which have been objected to by interested persons are being reconciled at the present time, and this should enable the early adoption of the scheme by the Council and its submission for the approval of the Governor in Council. 12

    HERNE's OAK PLANNING ScHEME. 44. Since the submission of the Board's Seventh Annual Report the State Electricity Commission has affirmed its decision that the area comprising the township of Herne's Oak will be required for coal winning in approximately twenty-five years' time and, in view of this decision, the Council of the Shire of Morwell has taken no further steps in the preparation of its planning scheme for Herne's Oak. 45. Until the land is acquired for coal winning the provisions of the Latrobe Valley Sub-Regional Planning Scheme, permit only residential development within the defined township area. 46. In the interests of State economy it is felt that any further housing development in the area should be discouraged in order to minimize the numbers of people to be disturbed and to lessen the ultimate cost of acquisition for coal winning purposes. Any action along these lines would not affect the use of the existing houses in the meantime and, in v-iew of the long period which is likely to elapse before the properties are required, it is considered that some reasonable provision of services, for the benefit of the present occupiers, would be justified. Sympathetic consideration would be given to any planning amendments which may be necessary towards this end.

    BooLARRA PLANNING ScHE~IE. 47. This planning scheme was advanced to the stage of public exhibition and made available for inspection by interested persons for the period of three months prior to the 16th October, 1952. 48. Boolarra, like the neighbouring township of Yinnar, is unlikely to grow rapidly, but the planning scheme will enable a reasonably compact residential development for about 1,200 people, which is about four times the present population. The other necessary requirements for a country town of this planned size, in a rural district, are also features of the planning scheme. 49. The few objections to the planning scheme received during the exhibition period are, at the present time, being dealt with by the Council. A preliminary examination by the Board of the planning proposals has resulted in discussions with the Council's planning consultants on certain policy matters of more recent determination.

    SHIHE OF TRARALGO~.

    TRARALGON PLANNING ScHEME. 50. The planning scheme for the was reported as well advaneed in the Board's last Annual Heport but, due to time believed to have been taken up in negotiations and consultations with other publie authorities, the Board regrets to report that some of the matters considered vital to the plan have not yet been determined. 51. Now that development within the area is not as rapid as in the last few years, a little more time can be given to a thorough investigation and reconciliation of any interests which may appear to conflict. The present time, however, affords an excellent opportunity to finalize the planning details and bring the scheme to that statutory stage which will give the necessary direction and guidance to the more active development which must follow an easing of the present financial restrictions. 52. At the present time the Council and its officers are safeguarding the planning proposals so far advanced in a practical and efficient manner under the interim development powers, but it is urged that it is necessary, in the interests of planning, that the interim development period should not be unduly prolonged.

    TYERS PLANNING ScHElm. 53. It was stated in the Board's last R.eport that the planning scheme for Tyers, being prepared by the Board, had reached the stage when objections had been resolved and its early submission to you was expected. 54. Immediately following the public hearing of objections at Tyers, some representations were made by the Australian Paper ::\ianufacturers Ltd., and the preparation of the final plans and ordinance were delayed pending a determination of the 1:1 matters involved. All of these matters were satisfactorily adjusted and as at the 30th June, the scheme had been completed by the Board and should shortly be transmitted for the approval of the Governor in Couneil. 55. Permits under the interim dvelopment order for subdivisions in accordance with the scheme proposals have been issued during the year, and these have had the effect of further implementing the scheme.

    EILDON SUB-REGIONAL PLANNING SCHEME. 56. As a result of the necessity for certain interim developments at and in the vicinity of Thornton township to be included in the planning scheme, its completion and submission for the approval of the Governor in Council was delayed longer than the Board's previous Report anticipated. However, on 19th December, 1952, the Board's scheme was submitted to the Minister and was approved by the Governor in Council on 26th May, 1953. 57. The planning scheme as approved provides for the balanced and economic development of the townships of Eildon and Thornton, and ensures that the bulk of the remaining land within the sub-region is preserved for its most suitable use as agricultural land. Provision is also made in the scheme for continuous reservations along the banks of the Goulburn and Rubicon Rivers, an(l for extensions and deviations of certain of the major roads in the area. 58. The detailed planning of the township of Eildon was carried out by the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission and has been incorporated within the general framework of the sub-regional plan. The construetion of the township, in accordance with that plan, has proceeded rapidly and has enabled the work-force engaged on the Big Eildon Project to be properly housed and provided with the amenities of town life. 59. The interim development order operated by the Board during the planning period automatically lapsed upon the approval of the scheme and the implementation of the approved scheme has now become the responsibility of the and the various public authorities concerned.

    GELLIONDALE SUB-REGIONAL PLANNING SCHEME. 60. No further progress has been made in the preparation of this planning scheme during the year due to the fact that plans for the anticipated industrial development in the area are as yet incomplete. In view of these circumstances, it was agreed that the Board should prepare a planning scheme which will protect the brown coal deposits until such time as the nature and extent of the proposed industrial development has been determined.

    61. Development in the an~a is still being satisfactorily controlled under the interim development order while the preparation of the interim :-;cheme i.s proceeding. 62. As is generally the case, baKe maps suitable for this type of planning work were unobtainable, with the result that a good deal of time has been employed in the preparation of satisfactory maps. In this regard, further progress was made during the year and the preparation of photomaps from aerial photographs by the Department of Crown Lands and Survey has materially assisted. The Board has also had prepared by the State Aerial Survey Branch of the Department of Crown Lands and Survey, a detailed topographic map covering land in the vicinity of Welshpool and Port Welshpool.

    CLUBjTERRACE PLANNING SCHEME. (SHIRE OF 0RBOST.) G:~. Subsequent to being reqnestml, purwant to See;tion 4 (2) of the Act, the Board proceeded with the preparation of the planning scheme for Club Terrace and, as a first step, obtained from the Aerial Survey Branch of the Department of Crown Lands and Survey details of existing development and topography within the area, compiled from specially flown photographs. This information enabled suitable and up-to-date base maps of the planning area to be speedily completed. 14

    64. The general planning proposals were then formulated and included in the zoning provisions were certain areas in which timber mill sites had already been allotted as a result of negotiations between the Departments concerned and the private developers. 65. Having regard to the general location of the milling areas, the residential sections are suitably located and planned for a population of approximately 750 persons. Within the defined residential areas of the township the draft scheme allows mainly for normal housing allotments so that a reasonably compaet development will be encouraged, thus making the provi::;ion of streets and other services more practieable and eeonomic. 66. A small area has been tentatively set aside for hostels, messrooms, and cabins for employees in the industry who may desire this type of accommodation. Sites for business premises and community purposes are planned in a central location. 67. An area of 5 acres, in a well-drained location away from traffic, is shown as a school site, and this will enable the transfer of the present school from the milling area. This site was selected in eonsultation with the Education. Department. 68. The draft planning seheme map and ordinance was sent to the Department of Crown Lands and Survey and the Forests Commission for consideration prior to a joint conference with the Board. At the conference which followed, general agTeement waR reached and the scheme advanced to the final stages. 69. Although most of the land embraced in the scheme is Crown Lands or State Forest and, in the first instance, will be subject to control by the Department of Crown Lands and Survey and the ]'orests Commission, the Council of the will be the responsible authority for the implementation of the scheme after approval. A copy of the draft planning scheme was made available to the Council for eomment and an early opportunity \Vill he made to enable the Council to discuss the scheme with the Board. 70. J>ermits under the interim development order have already been issued for some housing development on private lands in furthemnee of the Rcheme proposals.

    OCEAN ROAD PLANNING SCHEME. 71. The desirability of taking measures to protect the sceDic beauty of the Ocean Road was stressed in the Board's Seventh Annual Report, and the progress made towards achieving that result was outlined at the time. Subsequently, tl1e Councils of the Shires of South Barwon, Barrabool, Winchelsea, and Otway, whose views were sought by the :Minister, expressed general agreement with the objects and desired that such a scheme should be prepared by this Board. 72. On 11th September, 1952, the Board was requested, pursuant to Section 4 of the Act, to prepare a planning scheme for an area embracing the present and future route of the Ocean Road between and Barwon Heads. 73. As at 30th June much work had been done in the preparation of the necessary base maps and the collection of existing conditions information, and several visits ha(l been made to the planning area by the Board and its officers. 74. The planning seheme area, excluding the principal towns of Barwon Heads, Torquay, Anglesea, Airey's Inlet, Lorne, and Apollo Bay, was brought under interim development control on 11th November, 1952, and the strips through Anglesea and Airey's Inlet, which bordered the Ocean Road, were similarly controlled by a subsequent order on 16th June, 1953. The boundaries of these orders were fixed in consultation with the Councils concerned. 75. Under the provisions of the interim orders, development which will not adversely affect the objects of the planning scheme is approved, or permitted subject to conditions which will assist the scheme. Before permits are granted, the views of the Comwil::; concerned and the CountTy HoadH Board are sought. Since the operation of the inteTim orders ten (10) applications for permits for development ha,·e been ::.;ought and dealt \Vtth by the Board. 76. The general area of the scheme is shown on the mnp on page 16, which also shows the existing towns within the planning area awl the relationship of this great scenie tourist road to other centres of population. 15

    TYPICAL VIEWS ALONG THE OCEAN ROAD.

    The Ocean Road from Teddy's Lookout.

    [Photo hy T. J. Vau Tu!.]

    The Township of Lorne.

    [l'hoto hy T. J. Yun Tu!.]

    Approaching Lorne.

    [Photo from "The Australian Roadside" by Edna Wulling-Oxfonl ruiver•ity Press.! Hi

    THE OCEAN ROAD PLANNING AREA 17

    77. The length of the Ocean Road and proposed extensions will embrace some 60 miles of unequalled Hcenery and, by the pla.nning scheme, an endeavour will be made to preserve this natural asset in the interests of the general eommunit.y for all time. 78. Last February the Board conferred separately with all the Councils concerned so that any informatiori' at the disposal of the local authorities might be made available to the Board, and so as to encourage the Councils to take an active interest in the planning scheme during the yerio(~ of prepara~i<~n. . .The Board is pleased. to record its appreciation of the manner m winch the mtmwtpaht~ws haVf\ eo-opemted m furtherance of the planning proposals and in the administration of the interim development orders. 79. The Country Roads Board, which before planning commenced strongly supported the necessity for the preservation and protection of the Ocean Road. has continued to assist the Board during the planning stages and offers helpful comments on applications for development permits before a determination is made by this Board. The Department of Crown Lands and Survev and other Sta.te authorities have also rendered considerable help and advice. " 80. In the first instance, planning efforts are being directed towards formulating proposals as to the manner in which the longer portions of the road between established tmvns and settlements may be protected. Some of the Councils hmvever, have indicated that they desire the Board also to include towns through which the road passes. 81. The details of planning and tlH:' extent of the scheme so far as the towns are concerned will be further discussed with these Councils vvhen the other sections of the scheme are more advanced.

    GEELONG AKD DISTRICT JOINT PLANNING SCHEME. 82. The joint planning seheme for (}eelong and the surrounding district, a notable example of co-operation between eight (8) municipalities, has been delayed somewhat by the difficulty of deciding upon planning meat-mres for the central eommercial area. It is understood that these matters are now in sight of solution and it is hoped that the draft planning scheme will be completed this yeaL 83. A comprehensive ordinance has been prepared and is now being studied by the Committee's Solicitor in its legal aspects, and by officers of the constituent Councils from the administrative point of view. 84. Planning control continues to be exercised on the basis of the draft plans so far prepared, and it is nota.ble that many private individuals have found it worthwhile to consult the plans as a guide to the selection of sites for their purposes. Information has been made available at t.he offices of the municipalities and also by the consultant planners, whose advice has been sought in many instances by persons wishing to select a site or develop land within the framework of the seheme. A good deal of commercial and industrial development has already taken pla.ce in conformity with the proposed provisions of the scheme, and this is helping considerably to stabilize the zoning pattern. 85. Seven (7) appeals from interim zoning decisions have been made and, as at 30th June, are still under consideration by the Minister. They generally relate to the building of residences or tlw subrli vision of land for residential purposes in areas intended to be zoned for agricultural purposes.

    PORTLAKD AND DlSTlUCT JOINT PLA~NI~G SCHEME. 86. Following the eonstitntion of the Joint Planning Committee, comprising representatives of the Town of Portland and the Shire of Portland, the area to be included in the planning scheme was defined and, by resolution of the Joint Committee at its meeting on 18th ~ovember, 1952, the preparation of a pllmning seheme for this defined area \Vas formally comm~nced. An interim development order made by the Committee for the whole of the planning area was endorsed by the Board and approved by the Governor in Couneil on 20th January, 1953. 87. Following the eollection and compilation of existing conditions data from aerial photographs, supplemented by subdivisional plans, the existing conditions map was prepared and, at the present time, the .Joint Planning CommiUee is engaged in the formulation of its draft planning proposals. ~· 10391/53.-2 1R

    88. A nutkr of major i·nportance to the planning of the area is the loeation of tlw railway connection to the lh)l't, so as to en'luro efficient and economic operation of both the port and railway s~rviees. This question is at present being given detailed consideration by the Joint Planning Committee in consultation with the Portland Harbour Trust and the Victorian Railways.

    RHIRE OF WOJJONGA l)LANNINU SCHEME. S~J. Various phase:-; of the proposed planning scheme for W odonga were discusse(l with representatives of the Shire Council prior to a conference held at Albury between the Chief Town Planner, D2p:1rtrnrmt of Local Government, New South Wales, the Albnry Citv Council, the Wodonga Shire Council and this Board on lOth February, 1953. " 90. It. was learned tlmt tlw Rhire of Wodonga had already formulated draft planning proposals for the dovclopm~~nt of Wodonga, and that new projects \\'ere being guided along the lines of the draft scheme. 91. The conference at Alhury enabled the Councils of the two municipalities to discuss matters of mutual concern and to ensure that the planning of the contiguous areas in the two States were co-ordinated. The Board was pleased to eo-operate with the New South Wales planning authorities and it iR intended that future planning schemes for other border areas should abo be the suhject of discussion between the planning authoribe:::; in the two States as opportunities occur. 92. The planning scheme for the City of Albury, which at the time of the conference was awaiting the approval of the New South Wales GovPrnment, gives further emphasis to the necessity for a statutory plan for W odonga. to ensure that the development of these two centres is in aid of each other and within the frame>York of approved planning sehemes. 93. Livestoek markets to serve a considerable region in both States have been established at 'Vodonga, and in the future, it is likely that this development will encourage other associated industries. lt i;.; felt that a long distancP view should be taken of this important activity so that provision may be made to enable its future expansion to proceed without interruption and in relation to other phases of town growth. 94. The utilization of large areas for important defence purposes in the vicinity of 'Vodonga has had a considerable influence on the growth of the town in all aspects of land use. Should any increase in defence activities in the area result in a further need for acconunodation for farnilies of military personnel, it is considered desirable that :mch housing should be located in Wodonga where the amenities of town development would be available. 95. In view of the urgent need for a planning seheme for Wodonga it is hoped that the Council will, at an early date, take the necesRary Rteps to bring its draft planning proposals within the operations of the Town aml Country Planning Acts.

    SHIRE OF WARH.AGUL .PLANKINU SCHEME. 96. The planning scheme for Warragu l was oparately with the Hoard and property owners on the propOSf11 to establish a civic eentre on centrally situ~.ted land, wh~ch at present. comprises little-used baekyards of very deep allotments. Tins proposal aimed at opemng a new street, which would give frontage-value to some of the backyard land, thereby allowing it to be used for business development, and also enabling a large central Rite to be nm1lc available for civie purposes. 97. In view of the oppoRition of the owners, whose land was proposed to be taken, and the present general diffic~lty being . experi~nced by eounc~ls _in obtainin~. funds, the Council agreed to defer the prop?sal and to bru~g the lar~d \\:thm the proVIsiOns of the residential zone, thereby preservmg the predonnnant residential character of the area. This would enable the general proposals of the planning scheme to be approved and leave the question of the establishment of the civic centre to b? giv~n further consideration later, when an amendment of the scheme could be sought 1f desired. 98. It is considered that the decision made by the Council was, in the difficult circumstanees that arose, a wise one and will enable 'those many excellent proviRions of the scheme which rdate to zoning, new roads, and other reservations, to receive statutory protection under the provisions of the Act when the scheme is approved. CITY OF HAMILTON PLANNTKG RCHEME. \JH. By resolving in July, 1 \!46, to prepare a planning scheme for the whole of the munieipality, the City of Hamilton became one of the first councils in Victoria to commence the pr-eparation of a planning scheme under the Town and Country Planning Acts. intPrim development order submitted hy the Council was approved by the Governor in Council on 13th October, IB46. 100. Consulta.nt town planners were engaged by the Council and the scheme was advanced to tlw stage public exhibition in Mareh, 1950. 101. As a result of some objectiom; to the scheme, made during the exhibition period, and the desire of the Coum·il to eonfcr with the Board and enable an inspection of some planning proposals to be made, the Board visited Hamilton during ::VIay, 1H5:3. 102. Prior to viBiting Hamilton, however, the Board conferred with Victorian HailwayH and the Country Hoads Board to determine the most suitable alignment of the Glenelg Highway at the eastern approach to the City, and the most deRirahle point at which to cross the railway HO aR to allow for the future abolition of preRent level crossing. A determination 011 the re-alignment of the Highway was necessary to enable the completion of tlli' planning scheme and tlw proposal agreed upon by t}w conference was further discnHHPd \rith the Council at Hamilton. 10:3. :\Iany other mattPrR tressed the importance of completing it as soon as pm;sible so that it might be approved h.v tlw UovNnor in Comwil and allow control by the interim development order t·O <'P/Li'H'.

    HTITRE OF HALLARA'r PLAKNTNG- SCHE:\IE. 10;). In view of tlw large building programme propoRed for the Hhire adjace11t to the City, and the industrial deYelopment then taking place, the Council of the reso.l vcd in l!WJ to prepare a planning scheme for that part of the municipal district abutting the . 106. The Council applied for, and was grunted, interim development control so that (levelopmnnt could be guided along the lineR of the scheme in course of prepamtion. A consultant planner waH appoint-ed by the Council and the collection of data relating to <·xisting conditions waH carried out and recorded on the base map. 107. A draft seheme now been prepared by the consultant and submitted to the Couneil for consil1eration. During the preparation of tlw scheme dose eontaet has heon maintained between the Council and the Board, and the various public authorities and Government DepartmentH concerned, with the result that the Board is able to n'cord 1lw adiYP eo-opPra.tion of these various hodies dnring thiH preparatim1 stage. I OK Tlw sdwme lR now Tapidly apprmwhing the Htagc wll<•n it. is t•xpeetcd that it will he pla('('d on puhlic exhibition in t.lw near futur(•.

    CITY OF AHAHAT PLANNL'\C SCHEME. 10\J. As early as 1\)45, which waR actually before the formation of the Board, the Council of the City of Ararat expressed interest in the preparation of a planning scheme under the Town and Country Planning .Act. Consequently, this City was one of the first eentres visited by the Board soon after itR formation. 110. fn 1\!47, the Council formally resolved to prepare a planning scheme and soon afterwards an interim development order, covering the planning area, was approved. The Hcheme waH gradually completed and t'Ventually \vas placed on publie exhibition in :\larch, HJ52. Only six objectionH were received by the Council during the exhibition period. Ill. The Council requested that, bt>forc submitting the scheme for the approval of the GoYernor in Council, it be affonled the opportunity of discussing with the Board certain matters which it desired to incorporate in the scheme to overcome anomalies which had arisen during the administration of the adopted seheme under the interim development order. 10391/53.-3 20

    112. The Board visited Arnmt anecl. fl'he changes ari;.;ing fro'J{l thes(, detcrmina.tionH will be reeollmwnded aH modifications to the scheme when the J)oard·s report i:s submitted for the consideration of the Covernor iu Council. ln the meantime, the Council is continuing to guide devPlopmcnt hy means of its interim deYclopment order.

    SHIRE OF BENALLA PLAKNINU SCHE::VJK 113. Tn :May of thiR year, the Coum~il of the rec;olYeJ to prepare a planning schcxne for a large area of about, 42 square miles, ineluding all that port.ion of the Pari3h of Bcnalla which is within the Shire. Prior t,o the date of the re;:.;olution to plan, t1w Council and officers of the Shire lm(t developed a sehenw and had e.onferred with most of the intereBted authorities. 114. The planning ;-wheme, which if.> on public Pxhibition at the present time, prescribes the uses of land which will enable the expanl'lion of the Town of Benalla. within a limited distance of the present Borough boundaries and restricts the greater part of the remaining area to agricultural uses. A propmml for a system of wide roads skirting the perimeter of the proposed town development, i;.; another feature of the planning scheme. 115. A scheme for the Borough of Bmw!la was commenced in :\lay, 1949, but has not yet been completed. HoweYer, the Heheme preparrd by the Shire Council will provide a reasonable measure of control ontsiclc the Borough boundaries which at prC'f:lent are uncontrolled. TOWX ()F COLAC PLAKN1XU SCHEJ'IIE. 116. 1n May of this year the Board conferred with the Council at Colac on various phases of it8 planning scheme, and was plt•ase

    SHIRE Olf SEYYIOUn PLANXIXG SCHEYIK llH. Prior to the setting up of the Boanl and before the Regulations governing the preparation of a planning scheme under the Ad had been made, the Shire of Reymonr had commenced the preparation of a planning Heheme. This draft scheme, which was completed by the Council, tlid not comply with the statutory requirements under the Regulation.'\ and, following a eonfcrenee wit.h the Board iu .1\Iarch, ] 948, the Counf·il proceeded with its revision for the purpose of 1w1king it a ,..,t,atutory scheme. 120. lt was not until .January, I !)G2, that the schrme, as revised by the Council';,; consultant planners, was placed on public exh ihition for three mont,Jts as required under the Act. Objections lodged cl ming this pcriot l were t·onsi

    CITY OF RHEPPAHTOX PLA?\NfNU 1-JCHE:\:lK 124. In its last Amlllal Heport tlw Board not(;d that, althongh the City of Rhepparton had had a town plan prepared hefore the l'onunem·emem of the Act, it \\as not until about a year ago that active steps wen• taken to prepan; a planning scheme under the statntory provisions now available. 125. It is, therefore, pleasing to report that during the year the Council has practically completed its planning scheme. This commendable progress is due to the sustained enthusiasm of the Council and its officers and represents tangible evidence of their civic pride and the responsibility they have accepted to enahlr- the better development of the City. 126. The Council and itR officers have, on Keveral occasions, discussed the draft planning proposals with the Board, and t.hcse discussions enabled some of the problems on which thP Council sought advice to be solved in a manner which \\'Ollld facilitate the implementation and administration of the scheme when approved. 127. The scheme was finalized at a speeial meeting of the Council on :30th .Tune, 1952, ut whieh the Boarcl wa;;; reprcs<>nted, and it was resolved at this meeting that tit<~ ;-;eheme he placed on public Pxhihit,ion for tlw statutor-y period of three months.

    ME'l'HOJ:>OLlTAN PLANNING. 128. During the year the Board was afforded an opportunity to inspeet the plans which were then eompiled by the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of \Vorks in furtherance of the planning scheme being prepared for the metropolitan area. The maps and studies, showing the results of the exhaustive civic survey conduded by that Board, were most informative and extremely well prodnecd. 12\J. At that time the planning proposal:", based on the results of the civic survey, had been advanced to tlw stage when control, under the provisions of an interim development order, could well be exercised to protect the scheme in such a manner as to (·.anse the least possible inteTfcrcneP with a desirable normal development of the metropolitan area. 130. The Board of \Vorks prepared an interim development order in November, 1952, for parts of the metropolitan planning area with the object of protecting certain road proposals and regulating development in the extra-urban areas. ~'he order waR subrnittod for the approval of the Governor in Council and referred to this Board for a report as required by the Act. 131. The Board reported to yon in Deeernbcr of that year recommending approval of the order as a normal aid to planning, whid1 would give the ueeeRsary protection to the planning proposalK nntil the S<:henw was approvPrl. 132. The Board of WorkR annomH·enwnt that tlw Mdropolita11 Plmming Sehenw will be placed on pubJie exhibition during the latter part of this year, lends urgency to the necessity to protect those planning proposals, the implementation of which would be considerably increased in cost if further large capital expenditure contrary to the proviRions of the plan were permitted .. 'f'he eoKt of operation of an interim development order tmvards this end shonld hP considered as part of the cost of implementing the plan wl1en approved and, in the abs(•nec of some Pstablished authority with the requisite fundFl for this pmposc. it is of the utmost importauce that ;-;omc temporary financial provision ~hould be mafle which will enable the proper administration of interim ('Ontrol and the payment of compcnHation in the manner prescribed hy law.

    ::VlETROPOLITAN brrHOVEl\.fENT Ft:Kn. 1:3:3. In its Sixth Anmml Report and on other occasions, this Board has emphasized the necessity for the cstablislnnent of a l\Ietmpolitan ]mprovement Fund in the hope that such a fund v1ould be built up as the planning work proceeded and, on the approval of the scheme, enable relief to be given to those individual municipalities in which improvements of a metropolitan dmracter may be located. 134. It has been found in practice that the da.ims for compensation \vhich arise when an interim development order is administered in a practical manner are relatively few, and the cost of satisfying claims for persons inj miously affected during the period of operation of the order would not he great. Any costs involw•d would genemJly he incurred in the pnreha~e of vacant land, which otherwise would be later acquire(l as part of the implementation of tht> s(·]wme after approval. Unless eontrol of interim developmentR is maintained, tlw cost of ncqnisition!" nu1y he so greatly increased hy the erection of buildings snhseqnent to tht> planning propo:;.;als, and hefor0 the approval of the seheme, as to render them prohibitive. 135. The areas likely to bn affected by vital metropolitan improvement schemes, which require thi:-; special protection, form a very f>mall part of the metropolitan area. It is unlikely that any development ·whieh was not permitted in sneh limited areas conld not readily find satisfactory alterna.tin• sites which woul(l enable it:'l e:;.;tabli;::lnnC'nt in accordanc~ \Vith the zon0s ~;s plamwd. U36. While the implementatim1 of those parts of a planning scheme which deal with land use zoning will not involve eouneils in expenditure, improvement Rchemes requiring the purchase of lands for general metropolitan use, and other major works, would not be within the financial capacity of an individual nmnieipality, and Rome fund, from whieh aid can be given in approved easl:'s, is vital. 137. In its Sixth Annual Report the Board stated that a levy of one penny in the pound of the asReHsed net annual vahw of property would yield a sum of at least £114,000 for metropolitan \Vorks. I )11(• to im·rc•aS('fl in metropolitan

    CTTY OF CAJIBE tr\YKLL PLAXXTNCl SCHEME. 13!1. The Board ha10 heen advised that tlll' City of Camberwell Planning Scheme, which was commenced in 1951 with the objt•d of utilizing the powers available under the Town and Country Planning Acts to a<·hiev<• a more detailed and improved zoning scheme based on present requirements. has now been brought to a ~;tage requiring the final eonsideration of the Council. . 140. Prior to the commenc0m011t or the scheme. the Council experienced some difficulty in regulating certain denlopnwnt under it:-; existing by-laws and felt that these matters could be more fully covered hy a planning scheme. An interim development order was applied for and approve<], and this ordN ha::; enablNl tJw Council to control development along the line~:~ of it~; tentative planning proposak 141. Interim development orders within the metropolitan planning area are required, pursuant to the Tou'il and Country PlaJ11ii119 (Metmpohtan Area) Act 1949, to be re-submitted for approval every t\\'Plve months and, if not, HO approved, automatically lapse. As the City of Camberwell intrrim Comwil completing its planning selwnw before tlw nrdn is again due for renewal.

    ('JTY OF MOORABRIN.

    CITY oF .:VlooRABmx PL\NNTNC RcHg:viE. SEcTION l. 142. 'T'he detailed planning scheme prepared under the Town and Country Planning Acts by the City of Jloorahbin and entitled City of ::VIoorahbin Planning Scheme, Section I, waR approved hy the Oovernor in Council in December last. This scheme embt·aees a substantial area of the dPYPlopPd sN-tion of the municipality on both sides of the Frankston railway. · 14:t Because the area included in tlw :;.;cheme was substantially built up, planning, for practical rea8onH, was unable to <'Orreet sonw of tlw undesirable features which eonld be attributed to so many un<·o .. ordinatc>d land snlHlivi;::ionH. Hmnwer, the scheme does provide a considera hle _in~provt>nH•nt 011 tht· wning (·onditimlH permitted before its advent. 144. The chief problem in planning thiH area was to reduce the excessive number of sites, subdivided as separate allotments for business purposes, which were too small to comply with the minimum area requirements for houses under the Uniform Building Hegulations. 'I'he over subdivision of main road frontages into shop m past years has created most unsatisfadory condition,; ot development along tlm'!e Rtreets, and is responsible for the intermixing of shops, factories, and houseB to the detriment of each type of development. 145. The Council of the City of 1\loorabbin ha,.., given a lead in this matter which could, with advantage, be followed by other municipalitit>s \\·here similar cowlitions prevail.

    ('ny oF }louHAHBIX PL,\N:\IX<.: Hnu:l\-n: (Zo.'HN<.;), UJG:~. 146. Following th<•. completion and s11bmission for approval of the Section 1 seheme, planning attention \Yas direded by tl1e Conneil to tlw remainder of thl' municipality. Considerable progn;s;; had been IJHld(; in tlw preparation of this selwnw nnd, as at :30th .J tute, it is almost ready to lw placed ott publi(: exhibition. 1'17. The leds developed an•tu.,; of tlw llllllli1·ipalit.\' whPm rapid PXfJ

    CITY OF RICHJLOXD PLAKNU\U SCHE:\IK 148. At the time of making a resolution to prepare a planning seheme in September, 1952, the Council of the City of Richmond had already substantially completed the preparation of a draft scheme a111l was, thereforP. in an extremely sound position to uperate an interim development order which was sub:-;equently endorsed by the Board and approved on 20th Xovemhcr, Hfi2. 149. The problems confronting the Council were those usually found in inner Hnburban areas where, as a resnlt of years of virtually uncontrolled development, land uses have gradually changed in eharaeter from predominantly residential to a mixture of lwuses, factories, and shops. Apart from the gradual int,rusion of factories into what were. at one time, good residential sections, pmtions of once thriving commercial areas ribboning along major roads such as Bridge-road, due to the change in r:;hopping lw,bit.s of the people and economic conditions. are 110 longer required for retail trade and have subsequently been taken over for light indu:-;try. 150. By t.he preparation of planning scheme the Council has helped towards a Kolution of dte many complex problems of tht> area and lm:-; endeavoured to preserve a::; much as possible of tlJC good reKidential s1•dionK of t.lw munieipalit.v a.ntl to rnaintain n balance between housing and industey. By zoning certain seet.ions of main road frontages for purely shopping pmpo;;C's, an attempt has het>n nmdP to maintain a :-;how-window aspect· and a continuity of shopping frontage::;.

    151. ln April of thi~ year tlw planning schPmc \\'

    I~TEHHI DKVELOP:VH~:\T ORDERH. ]32. Dnring the period of pn•paration of a planning schPme the Act enables a responsible authority to regulate ·' thP den·lopment of a.n•ns of l,md and the erection, constnwtion or carrying out of any lmilding, road or other works on an.v land ", so that developments dming thiR interim period will be in an·ordalW<' witl1 the planmng proposals. 158. This very nc•ces::;ar.\' protedivl' powN, which reiJUires tlw obtaining of a permit from tl1e planning authority ht•forP an,v land is subdivided or buildings or other works are I'Onunc•nced, snfegwnds plnllning proposu ls h.'' preventing 1·ost1~, developments contrary to th;: r<'qnirernents of t.lw sch(•nw in cmu·r;t• of' prepa.ration. 'l'he fact that a permit to develop mu:-;t lw sought from the respow.;ible

    159. ~When such cases arise. the council needs to consider whether immediate acquisition of the land iR financially practicable, or failing thiR, whether eompensation can be paid for injurious affeetion caused by withholding the right to develop in accordance with the general 7.oning provisions of the schenH'. ln conneetion with the latter alternative, where the Reheme rrseTves land for thr use of some public authority other than the counciL it may be possible to come to an agreement whereby the public authorit,y concerned will indemnify the council against any daims for compensation arising out of such reservation in the planning scheme. This would have t.he effect of relieving the council of financial liability. 160. lf neither of the above obligation:-; <'aJJ be met. it may be necessary to consider the revision of the planning proposals in order to bring them into line with the council's financial capacity for implementation. \Vhere long-range planning proposals are concerned, it may be better economics to issue permits for conditional development of an easily removable nature, such as timber houses or light weight faetory construction. In this regard it may be noted that under the provisions of the Aet a permit may be issued stating that no compensation \\rill he payable in the event of the futnre removal of the buildings, &c., which is the subject of tlJe permit,. 161. The sensible administration of an interim development order can be a great advantage to genuine developers, in that they can go forward with their proposals in the reasonable certainty that later development will not be permitted to injure their established interests. Moreover, early consulta.tion with the planning authority can guide their choice of a site to a loeality where positive advantage may accrue from fntnre planned services, in a way not easily attainable where development is haphazard. 25

    162. As a guide to the operation of an interim development order, the more obviously Jteeessary zoning provisions can he decided early in the process of planning, in the form of a map and tentative zoning regulations, which can Le added to from time to time as the planning proceeds. Such information should be made freely available to pen;ons contemplating development, with the proviso that it represents the council's intentiom; at the time, and mnst not be considered as finally binding, pending approval of the planning scheme. This procedure may often save an applieant tlw cost of preparing plans and other documents which are required when a formal application for permission is made, where it is evident that in the particular case an application is not likely to be approved. H\:3. If a person i::; aggrieved by the refusal of the Tesponsible aut.hority to grant a permit, or by the conditions which are attachecl to any permit, an appeal may be made to tlw :\linistPr for a final

    TO\VNSlilP OP TALLANGATTA.

    16;). The building of the llC\Y tcnvn of Tallangatta was offieially commenced when, during the ceremony held on 18th July, 1952, tlw Premier and the President of the rrowong Shire Council planted ornamental trees on the open space planned a::; a part of the tmvn eentrf'. The Board was pleased to be represented at this ceremony, whieh also had the effeet of adopting the plan for the 1ww to\Vn, which had been prepared by the Hoanl in consultation vvith the State Rivf'rs and \Vater Snpply Commission and the Towong Shire Couneil. 166. The building of this new town, in,-o[viug tbe transfer of people from the Pxisting location and the satisfactim1 of their interPsts in the new town, is a more difiicnlt undNtaking than the design and construction of a new town where individual personal intPrcsts need not be considered. Thifl problem becomes more dillieult when the planned conditions of a modern town:-;hip are flO (Efferent to those exi>'lting in the old town which, despite its picture::;que setting. incorporate;.; from a planning point of view, most of the disabilities that a country town could have. I 67. Dunng the year the Board was ('Ollfllllt.Pd on the proposed grouping of hmldings in the busineRs area and in tlw vicinity of the town c(•JJtJ'(~, and plans were prepan·d b.'' the State Hivers and \\'atpr· Supply Cotlllllission \Vhid1 aimed at preserving some control over the design, grouping, and siting of the diffprent classes of hnildings in thi;; area, along the line;-; snggPsted in the Board's lnst Annual I\cport. 168. 'l'he plans and sl,Pkhe:-; prepared by the C\nnmi:-:sion's arehitectR. were ("Ollsidcred to be an excellent guide to the developnwnt or this part, of the town and dearly illustratecl tlH' dt>sirable ohjeets :'longht.

    I fi!l. In tire allocation of sites for tiH~ (1iffpn•nt 1·YfH's of LHtsinc::;se::; to lw t.ram;fened from tlw old town, an attempt should he made to n·mncile t.hP per:-;ona 1 views and opinion;; or the interested Jmrtie:-; on the ba;.;is of the approved plan. The plan aims at providing the reqnisite areas for the different types of development in the interest of the whole eommnnity, ancl any alteration or amt>ndment to such a plan, to meet individual Yiewpoint:'l, is usually followed by dissatisfaction of other interest:;; and should be strongly resisted. This policy wa:-; supportPd by the Board when some proposals were advanced for the reduction of t.he plannPd public open spaces and their use for other purposes, for which proYision had already been n111de in the adopted plan_ 26

    SCHI£1\Hi.:S UNDER SECTION 594 OF THE LOCAL GOVKRN11l~NT ACT. UITY Ol" HFJIDELBimG. 170. The scheme prepared by the provided essentially for the widening, by 73 feet, of the existing 66 feet wide Lower Plenty-road, immediately west of the Rosanna Station, and for the setting back of shop sites, into which the surplus land to he acquired was proposed to he subdivided. 1n recommending its approval the Board c:ommended the Council on the preparation of a scheme which, "When implemented, will provide a well-designed shopping centre at Hosanna "Without detrimentally affeding traffic conditions on the important Lmver Plenty-road.

    SHlH~J OF FRANKWfON AND HA:-:TTNU:-:. 171. A Reheme under this Sec:tion of the Local Uovernment Ad wa;;; also prepared hy the Shire of Frankst,on and Hastings to enable tlw opening of two new sti·eets in the central part of the town of Frankston. The necessity for the scheme arose from the fact that the existing subdivision contained allotments of 40 feet frontage abutting a street only 40 feet wide (Bnrnham-street). In addition, this street was separated from the rear of allotments (15:3 feet deep) fronting Sheridan-avenue by a reserve 1 foot wide, which was not subject to any casements. 172. The scheme provided for- ( a) the opening of two new streets, (h) the acquisition of the adjacent undevelope

    LAND USE ZO~lNG-~BY-LAWS UNDER THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT. 174. Forty-three (43) zoning by-laws, prepared pmsuant to Section 197 {xxxviii) of the Local Government Act, were examined and reported upon by the Board during the past year. 175. ::Vlost of these by-laws \Vere, in effect, minor amendment;:; of a principal by-law previously approved and, in a number of eases, several amending by-law:'\ were submitted by the same council. The frequent amendment of municipal by-laws seriously undermines their purpose and constitutes a breach of faith with property owners who have developed land in conformity with the original by-law provisions in the belief that some security of regulation exists. In many instances, such amendmentR are only submitted in order to oblige an intending developer whose proposed use of the land would he contrary to the existing by-law. · 176. Some amendment of existing by-laws, to repair anomalies or to keep pace with changing development, is undoubtedly necessary for the proper administration of an area: but, many of the by-laws examined during the past twelve months have provided for " spot zoning ", that is, the prescription of a particular use for a single block of land entirely incongruous to the general uses permitted in the surrounding area. The Board has repeatedly drawn attention to the fact that such a practiee is contrary to the principles of regulation of land uses and, unless the circumstances of the ease have been exceptional, has consistently recommended that by-laws containing such a provision be not approved. The Board is pleased to record that,, in nearly all such instances, the Ministerial decision has endorsed this view. 177. In its examination of residential and business area h\T -laws. submitted hv councils for approval, the Board has endeavoured. by its comment~, to eneonrage c~nneils to regulate development more in accordance with accepted zoning principles and in the best 27 interests of the community as a whole. There has been a general appreciation of these endeavours by councils concerned and a marked improvement has resulted in the by-laws now being submitted. 178. By-laws dealt with by the Board during the vear were snbmiued by the municipalities listed belmv. Where more than one by-law ~vas submitted the number is indicated after the name of the Council. Cities- Box Hill, Footscray (5), Heidclberg, :Yielbourne (6), .:Vloorahbin (10), Northcote, Oakleigh (4), Port Mclhonrn!:', Hichmond (2), St. Kilda, Saw:lringham, South Melbourne, and Sunshine. Borou,qhs­ Ringwood (2). 87n:res-- l3roaclmeadows (2), Doncaster and Templestmve, Flimlen;, Lillydale, and Lowan.

    SHIRE OF FEHN TREE OULLY-DAXDENONG HANGES. 17D. During the year the Council of the Shire of Fern Tree (}ully sought the advice of the Board on certain planning matters, particularly in relation to the subdivision of land and the size of building allotments most suitable for the Shire. 180. As a considerable portion of the Dandenong Ranges lies within this Shire, and as the variety of problems presented is so extensive, the Board advised the Council the most practical means of regulating development. encouraging that which is most desirable, and protecting the I:'Cenic area!:' under their control, was by mean:,; of a planning scheme under the Town and Country Planning Aets. 181. The value of a planning scheme to protect the Dandenong Ranges was further explained by the Board at a special meeting of the Fern Tree Gully Council late this year. 1-tepresentativcs of the Lillydale Rhire Council were also present. These two Councils have under their control practically the whole of t,he Dandenong Ranges, and the responsibility of preserving this tremendous State scenic as;.;et is not a light one. Any steps taken towards this end ~will be of great value to the State, and particularly to the metropolis of Melbourne. 182. The popularity of these ranges as a reereational area and as an adjunct to the recreational requirements of the metropolis is amply demonstrated by the number of v-ehicles which use the roads leading to them. During a traffic census on Sunday, 15th J\1areh, ] 95:3, 15,Mi6 vehicles were eounted on the roads between the met,ropolitan area and the Dandenong Ranges in the twelve hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. To draw some comparison regarding the attractivt>ness of the Dandenongs, it is interesting to note that, during the same period on the same day, which wns ideal beach weather, 12,506 vehicles were counted on the Nepean Highway near Seaford. 183. It was explained to the conference at Fern 'l'rec Gully that a planning scheme for the Dandenong Ranges would provide a programme for proper development in the future, and make the task of rmmicipaJ administration much lighter and more effieient. The variety of problems in. this area, which call for almost daily solution, require some guiding plan which will form a basis for t~heir determination. Such a guiding plan can be prepared and given statutory authority under the Town and Country .Planning Acts. 184. A planning scheme must be precedt>d by a detailed study of the existinu conditions and tendencies of development, so that planning proposals will assist the prope~ type of development. The ·widely differing conditions found in certain areas will undoubtedly require the division of the area into many land use zonPs, :-;o as to enable a proper prescription of the uses to bt> permitted in each. 185. As a suitable rnap of the area is not available the fir:>t prerequisite to planning rnuHt be the preparation of a map Rhowing the topographical features of the Ranges, which will serve as a base on which can be recorded the present type and extent of de;elopment. The same base map will also be used to illustrate the planning proposals. The most Pxpedient and economical way of obtaining such a base map would he hy plotting from aerial photographto, and the assistance of the State Aerial Survey Branch of the Department of Crown Lands and Rurvey should be sought with the object of having t.hi;: map prepared at an early date. 28 186. The Board considers that the existence of a suitable map of the Dandenong Ranges would enable and encourage an early consicleration of the planning problems involved, and lead to the preparation of a planning scheme which would give the necessary protection and guide the t1evelopment of the area along proper lines. The need for action is urgent. Every year further spoilation takes place and, unless checked, will lead to the eventual destruction of this valuable State asset.

    MORNINGTON PENINSULA. 187. The Shires of J;,rankston and Hastings, Mornington, and Flinders, wbieh are responsible for the local government of the Mornington Peninsula, have the opportunity, under the Town and Country Planning Acts, to further the development of the Peninsula in such a way as to protect the beaches and the many scenie areas and to promote the general use of other lands for their most suitable purpose. 188. Each year these beaches and the Penimmla mountain areas are becoming more intensively used by t,he people of the metropolis, and the State for recreation purposes and no other area, so readily aeces:,;ible to Melbourne, provides such a wealth of summer attractions and draws sueh an infinx of holiday seekers. Even though many thousands of camping sites are available, they are not snfficient to meet the numbers required by those desiring this type of holiday. 18\). The Shire of FrankHton and Hascings has planning proposals well advanced for the Seaford, Frankston, and :Ylount Eliza Hidings of its Shire, and a portion of this area is also inclnde(l within the metropolitan area being planned by the Board of Works. In 1948, the Shire of Mornington also resolved t.o prepare a planning scheme bnt so far little progress has been made. 190. The problems of development confronting these three Shires are similar in charaeter and, from a planning point of view, require solution by the co-operative and simultaneous action of the Councils concerned.

    NON-CONFORl\ii~G USES. 191. In planning schemes, undeveloped land required for town expansion is divided into various zones for which appropriate permitted uses are prescribed. As development takes place in accordance with the provisions of the scheme, houses and kindred uses are grouped, factories become established in the zone provided, and the shopping and business requirements of the people are placed together in convenient locations to best serve the needs of the neighbourhood. 192. In the older portions of towns whic:h have developed without corresponding guiding control, the types of development to be found are more mixed. Generally, however, in eertain areas there is a predominant u:,;e into which uses incongruous to the general character of the locality have become sparsely interspersed. The prevailing existing conditions of an area influence the type of use which will he permitted under the scheme, the objeet of which is normally to proteet thP predominant use against the intrusion of further uses of a dissimilar or injnrion1'. charaet,er. H)3. 1t is general planning pmctiee that the iujuriom; existing liKes are not zoned separately, bnt are included as non-conforming uses in the Z(iJle. If tlJC use is of a type t'hat does not seriously injure the amenity of the area it is usually allowed to remain. 1H4. Various restrietiom; may be ineluded in the planning seheme to prevent tl1e enlargement of a non-conforming use. In the event of the use being permanently discontinued at any time or discontinued for a specified period, these restrictions enable the re-use of the land and buildings in conformity with the requirements of the zone, or Home other use less injurious tlw,n the one abandoned. 1D5. A responsible authority is advised to exercise the po,ver:,; available to it ]n such a manner that any rm:;trietions imposed on non-conforming uses, with the objeet of their ultimate eonversion to the requirements of the zone, are relative to the advantages to be gained. 196. The practice of permitting the continuance of a non-residential use in residential areas preHcribed by by-laws has beon established procedure under the Local Government Aet for a number of years, and the extension of the use is also permitted to buildings or land in the same OV>'IlCrship \vbich, at the date of making the by-law, could have been lawfully used for the purpose. 29

    197. The Board considers that a general acceptance of these principles should be applied to non-conforming uses in planning schemes and its policy is constantly directed to that. end. 198. However, instances may be found where a noiH;onforming ttse is of a type which causes snch injury to a neighbonrhood as to vvarrant suppression. In these cases, which are generally few, the discontimmiW<' of the use by regulation should be aided by compensation or acquisition. The Board has t·mbmit.t.ed a regnest. for legislation to meet snch circumstances.

    UNTFOHM BL;ILDINCi- HEGVLATIONR. 1m). During the year certain draft amendrnents to the Uniform Building Regulations were forwarded to this Board for information and comment.

    200. One of the proposed amendment:-; was to that portion of Table 80;~ headed "l\finimum Dimension:-;" and provided for a general rednetion of tlte minimum site requirements for flat::;. Whilst agreeing with the principle of the proposed amendment, the Board observed that its effeet would he to reduce the minimum si.te requirements for flats to very little in excess of that prest-ribed for houses in any area where a particular column of Table 80:3 is adopted by a council. 201. The Board considers that, i.n t1Je nearer Jmburh;,.; of Melbourne, there are many allotments. :-mbdivided over thirty years ago into frontages not greater than 50 feet, where the building of flats slJOnld he encouraged. These allotments would not be available for development of flats if the greater frontage reqnirmwnts, as propos!~cl in the amendment, were inHisted npon. 202. Any encouragement givcll to increase the deJJ:-;itv of development, within tea.sonable limits, in these nearer areas would help to cmtail tJ{e uneconomic sprawling of the outer suburbs. 203. If the minimum site requirements for flats were the same as those for houses in the respective columns of Table 80~1 of the Hegulations, the number of flat units which ('Ould be erected on a given site would be governed by the proposed provisions relating to lot coverage and area of open space per flat. 204. Notv.rithst.anding any amendments that may be made to the Uniform Building Hegulations, the Board considers that the height, bulk, spacing, . and general site requirements of buildings could he more effect.i vely regulated. by the provisions of a planning scheme which would determine the conditions according to zones and in the knowledge of other planning proposals in the area. The application of a uniform code to regulate such matters must result in serious anomalies where varying circumstances and localities demand speeial eon~ideration, and the prt>scription of a set of conditions to meet the particular circumstances. 205. The Board has recommended thaL wlwrl' a planning scheme undl'r tltt• 'I'mvn and Country Planning Acts provides for any of the mattt>rs referred to in Chapters 8 and 9 of the Uniform Building Hegulatiom:, the provisions of the Regulations, insofar as they ;ue inconsistent with the planning scheme, should not apply. An earlier n•commendatioi1 ,,]oug these lines was eontainE:d in the Board·:,; Third Annual He port.

    206. Where there is no approved planning scllellH', tho application of the presPnL g<·neral code under the Uniform Building Regulations is <·onsidcred to give a general r>vcra11 protection in the absence of more speeifi<' proviHiour:; which would normally he made in such a scheme. " 207. An amendment of Clause 201 of tlw t:uiform Building H(•gnlations along the following liMs is strongly recommended >- SCOJW of Requlatio·ns :-- (a) Except as provided in sub-(·lause (h) and (<·) these Hegulatiolls ..... (b) These Regulations shall not apply to: (i) . . . . . (ii) . . . . . (c) Chapters 8 ancl !:) of these Regulations insofar as they are ineonsist.ent. with the provisions of any planning scheme approved in accordance with the Town and Country Planning Ads shall not apply. LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING. 208. The Town and Country Planning Acts nominate municipal councils generally as the responsible authorities to undertake planning, and the powers contained in the Act enable councils to prepare planning schemes, without seeking any other authority. In a similar manner, the Acts also enable adjoining municipalities to form a joint planning committee which becomes the responsible authority for planning purposes. 209. The Town and Country Planning Board may become a responsible authority for planning when directed by the Minister to prepare a scheme for any defined area, and this procedure has been adopted in a num her 0f instances, notably f0r the Latrobe Valley and at Eildon. Both of these sub-regional areas are operating under an approved planning scheme. The Ocean Road Planning Scheme which is in course of preparation by the Board affects portions of four ('1) municipalities and, like the other schemes mentioned, aims at the protection and development of assets which are of State-wide value and extend beyond the ordinary sphere of an individual eouneil. 210. The Board's main function, however, is that of reporting to the ::Vlinister ou planning Rehemes prepared by local authoritie::;. a,nd generally assiRting and advising councils on planning matters during the preparation of schemes. This latter part of the Board's work is becoming inereasingly important as the many planning schemes commenced in this State, as listed under Paragraph HI of this Report, are being proceeded with. 211. Many schemes in course of preparation by councils are already proving a valuable guide to development in the areas they cover, and will give a much greater degree of protection and guidance when they become approved Rchemes. 212. The Town and Country Planning Acts nre each year becoming more generally recognized as a valuable and supplementary aid to the other powers available to councils. The practical provisions which are being induded in those planning schemes, as completed or well-advanced, enable a pattern of development to be followed vvhieh \vill provide for the needs of the growing centres of population, as and when they are required. 213. A town which has a plan of development, ensures that a correct distribution and balance is maintained in all those matters vital to the well being of itf' citizens, and the wider countryside served by it. The plan become:-; a subject for continual reference when all matters of civic improvement are being considered, and helps very considerably in d1e determination of the value and urgency of works for which funds become available. 214. A council which prepares a plan, automatically encourages t,he people to take a more interested and intimate part in their local government. 1t is most desirable that citizens Rhould take an active interest in the planning of their community, as this not only provides evidence of civic pride and good citizenship, but enables a better appreciation of the valuable work being done by those councils engaged in the preparation of a planning Kcheme for the future welfare of their municipality.

    TOWN PLANNINC: KDCCATIOK. 215. The diploma comse at the UniverRity of Melbourne has continued to function effectively, the present enrolment being eight (8) in the first year and thirteen ( 1::3) in the second. The Director of the course, Ylr. Niel Ahercrom hie, returned from England in December and has resumed control. He has since been appointed as full-time Senior Lecturer in Town and Regional Planning. 216. The financial and stafling basis of the course remains unsatisfactory. Following the conference of professional bodies held last year, and mentioned in the Hoard's Seventh Annual Report, tlw position was examined and reported upon by the then Senior Leeturer in charge, ::VIr. lloy <+rounds. After discussion by the Board of Studies a memorandum of the l'niversity Council wa::; drawn up, proposing that a speeial approach he made to the Government for a grant of £:3,000 per annum for the purpose of placing the eourse on a sound footing. No further progress ha15 been made in this direction, and the course continues to function at the expenRe of the Faculty of Arehiteeture. :H7. While the course i::; undoubtedly fulfilling it::; fuuetim1 of educating town planners for the future needB of the Htat<>, the Board_ is strongly of the ?Pinion that _it should be placed upon a permanent and separate basts, and adequate]~' financed for Its important task. :n

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    218. At the last meeting of the Board of Studies in June, l\Ir. Abercrombie brought fonvard for consideration a proposal that the course should be brought into line with other part-time courses within the British Commonwealth, inYolving the addition of a further year's study. This ;vould place the ('OHl'Re in a position to apply for recognition by the senior town planning professional body, the Town Planning Institute of Great Britain, whereby students gaining the diploma would also qualify for associate membership of that body. 219. \Vhile recognizing that there are difficulties in even maintaining the present course, the Board considers that the provision of a three-year course, in line with that of Sydney and other BTitish Universities, is an eRsential deYelopment which should not be long delayed. 220. 'l'he continued growth of interetlt in town planning by municipalities throughout the State must be supported by an adequate body of trained professional men if it is to produce the desired results. In this connection the Board hopes that it will eYentually he possible to extend the advantages of tmvn planning education to students in country districts, particularly for the benefit of municipal officers who recognize t.lw need for qualification in this important branch of local government actiYity.

    SELECTION OF PLACE NAJt1ES. 221. Following the Ruggestions made by the Board in its Sixth Annual Report, when attention was drawn to the confusion resulting from the unsystematic naming of towns, places, and geographical featmes, it was stated in the last Annual Report that a conference convened by the Department of Crown Lands and Survey, at which this Board was represented, had recommended the formation of a Xomenclatme Committee. 222. Subsequent adYiec has been recci vetl from the Department of Crown Lands and Survey that, as a result of the recommendations of the conference, steps are being taken to submit proposals for an amendment of Section 25 of the Land Act to provide effective control of place namctl and for the eRtablishment of a Rtatutory Nomenclature Committee. 223. The need for some control of plaee names is becoming increasingly evident, and the Board is hopeful that the propo;;;als of the Department of Crown Lands and Survey will result in the formation of a Xomcnclaturc Committee at an early elate.

    TOWN VLANNTNCl CONGRESS. 224. In 1H51, a Towu Planning Congress was held in Canberra by the combined Planning Institutes of and, during this Congress, the separate Institutes amalgamated into a Federal body to be known as the Australian Planning Institute. It was decided that this newly formed InRtitutP mm](l hold its fir::-;t Congress during October, l D52, in Melbourne.

    226. The CongresR featnred t.he approv(~(l Latrohe Valley Sub-Regional Planning Scheme, which was prepared hy this Boar(!, and the surveys and analyses pmpared by the Board of Works in conneetion with the :Jielbourne Metropolitan Planning Rchem<', which enabled diseusflion on thos(~ two major pbnning works. 226. Well-prepared and instruetive exhibits were arranged by the Melbourne aml Metropolitan Board of Works, thiR Board and the State Electrieity Commission, to iJlustrate the schemes. A photograph of the exhibit, dealing with planning and deYelopment, in the Latrobe Valley iH reproduced on page :n. 227. A numlwr of speakers delivered intereflting and infonnative papers on various l1speets of each main subjeetand these gave rise to a great deal of valuable discussion and eomment. Several metropolitan tours and inspeetions, and a day trip to the Latrobe Valley, were arranged for delegates RO as to ona ble a better understanding of the schemes featured at the CongreRs. 228. At the general meeting of the Institute held during the Congress the date and location of the next Congress was fixed for Oet.oher, H);Jc!, at Adf'laide. 33

    VISITS RY THE BOARD. 229. In the course of official rlnties the following centres v;ere visited by rnemben; and officers of the Board during the year : ~ Airey's Inlet, Albury, Alcxandra, Anglesea, Apollo Hay, Ararat, Ballarat, Barwon Heads, Beech Forest, Belmont, Benalla, Bolga, Club Terrace, Colac, Eildon, Fern Tree Gully, Frankston, Oeelong, Hamilton, Heywood, Lorne, :\Eldura., Moe, l\Iorwell, JV[ulgrave, Omeo, Pakenham, Portland, Robinvale, Seymour, Shepparton, Sunshine, Swan Hill, Tallangatta, Thornton, Torquay, Trafalgar, Wangamtta., \Yarragul, \Vn.rrnamhool, Winchelsea, Wodonga, and Yallourn. 230. 1t is regretted that a number of requests from country councils for a visit by the Board have not yet been met. However, every endeavour is made, consistent with the Board's other duties, to visit and eonfc>r with as many councils a:-; possible and this policy will be maintained.

    STAFF. 2:n. A:::; at 30th June this year, the Board had a staff of nine (9) per8on8. Although there has been no numerical increase in the staff during the year the work of the Board, which is increasing eaeh year, has been carried out in a most efficient manner. 282. On 13th Februar.r, 195:3, Mr. H. P. George resignee! the position of Technical Officer to rejoin the staff of the Connt,ry Roads Board. 233. The Board was plca.sed to reeci\'e approval, in April, of a revi::;ed table of elassifteation for its staff, which enables t.he selection of personnel and a re-arrangernent more Auitrtble to the Board's requirements.

    2:34. lYlr. B. J. Opie, formerly i1 Planning Officer holding the Diploma of Town and Regional Planning (Melbourne Universih'), was appointed to the newly-created position of Chief Planning Officer to take charge of tlw technical section of the Board's work. 2:15. The two principal oflicers. I\lessrs. Lyneham (Secretary) and Opie (Chief Planning Officer), were among the first officers appointed \vhen the Board was created and are, therefore, well acquainted with planning procedure and the statutory duties involved. 236. The Board desires to place on record its appreciation of the ca.pable and efficient manner in which all members of the staff have performed their duties during the year. Yours faithfully, FRED. U, COOK, Chairman. A. N. KENISLEY, Memlwr. A. C. COLLINR, I\Iemlnw. N. L. LYNEHAM, Secretary. BRUCE .T. OT)IE, Chief Planning Ollic(•r.

    ------By Authority: W. M. Homrro:-.:, c;uvernment Printer, Melbourne.