Town and Country Planning Board of Victoria

Home , Borough of Sebastopol, City of Ballaarat, City of Geelong, City of Geelong West, City of Heidelberg, City of Newtown

1960-61

VICTORIA

FOURTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT

OF THE

TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING BOARD OF VICTORIA

FOR THE PERIOD

I ST JULY, I 958, TO 30TH JUNE, I 959

PRESENTED 'fO BOTH HOUSES 01'' PARLIAMENT PURSUA-~T '1'0 SECTIO~ 5 (3) OF THE TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING ACT 1958

[4ppro~male Cost of Repott.-Preparatlon, not given. Printing (1,100 copies), £130.]

By Authority : A. C. BROOKS, GOVERNMENT PRINTER. MELBOURNE. No. 33.-{ls. 9d.].-9766/ 60.

Town and Country Planning Board

FOURTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT

61 Spring-street, Melbourne, C.l. The Honorable the Minister for Local Government, 61 Sping-street, .Melbourne, C.l.

SIR, 1. In accordance with the requirements of Section 5 (3) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1958 (No. 6396), the Board has pleasure in submitting to you for presentation to Parliament, the report on its decisions, recommendations, and other transactions during the twelve months ended 30th June, 1959. The Board regrets that because of heavy pressures of other work and staff shortage this Report has been so much delayed. 2. The Board held 42 meetings, as well as being represented at a number of conferences in both metropolitan and country centres.

THE ACT. 3. As a part of the general consolidation of Victorian Statutes, the Town and Country Planning Acts were consolidated during the year. The new Act, which is cited as the Town and Country Planning Act 1958 (No. 6396), came into operation by proclamation of the Governor in Council on 1st April, 1959. 4. It is regretted that the various machinery amendments for which the Board has been pressing for a number of years were not able to be passed before the consolidation of the Act. 5. Whilst these amendments are not of a particularly urgent nature, they will, when enacted, ensure the smoother operation of the Act by removing anomalies which exist under the present legislation.

REGULATIONS. 6. Town and Country Planning Regulations No. 9 were approved by the Governor in Council on 17th September, 1958, and published in Government Gazette No. 87, dated 24th September, 1958. 7. These Regulations make a minor amendment to Clause 19 and the Twelfth Schedule to Town and Country Planning Regulations No. 7 with relation to the issue of certificates that land described in an application is or is not within an area in respect of which an Interim Development Order or a planning scheme applies. 8. Consequent upon the establishment of a new procedure for the approval by the Governor in Council of the documents comprising a planning scheme, amending regulations are accordingly required. These amending regulations, Town and Country Planning Regulations (No. 10), have been prepared and are at present awaiting the approval of the Governor in Council. 9. The new procedure set down in these proposed regulations is referred to in detail in clauses 12 to 18 of this Report. 4 PLANNING SCHEMES-GENERAL. 10. Details of planning schemes commenced, in course of preparation, or approved as at 30th June, 1959, are set out in the following pages. The Board has under constant review the planning schemes contained in list " C " with a view to recommending the revocation of the relevant Interim Development Orders unless assurances are given that the pa:ticular planning scheme will be further advanced in the near future. The schedules compnse :- List "A "--Planning Schemes Approved-comprises schemes which have been approved by the Governor in Council. The date of approval and notification of such approval in the Government Gazette is shown in each case. List "B "--Planning Schemes Proceeding Satisfactorily-comprises those schemes in the preparation of which satisfactory progress has been maintained during the past twelve months. List " C "-Planning Schemes Officially Recorded as Commenced--comprises those municipalities which have resolved to prepare planning schemes but on which no progress has been made during the year. A number of schemes which had been commenced were subsequently discontinued when the areas affected were included within the metropolitan planning area or under the planning control of a joint committee, and these are not included in the list.

PLANNING SCHEMES COMMENCED, IN COURSE OF PREPARATION, OR APPROVED AS AT 30TH JUNE, 1959.

LIST "A"-PLANNING ScHE!\-IES APPROVED.

lloard's Report Date of t,o Minister Approval by Seheme. Pursuant to ('x-Overnor in Date. Section 18 (2) of the Act. Council.

Cities.

Ararat (7,900) 15.12.53 15.11.55 870 24.10.56 *Broadmeadows, Part 1 13.9.50 14.10.52 833 22.10.52 *Broadmeadows, Part 1, Amendment No. 1 26.2.54 4.5.54 333 12.5.54 *Broadmeadows, Part 1, Amendment No. 2 30.3.54 30.11.54 1148 8.12.54 *Broadmeadows, Part 1, Amendment No. 3 4.3.55 27.4.55 233 4.5.55 *Brunswick, No. 1 10.6.49 25.10.49 879 26.10.49 *Brunswick, No. 2 .. 25.7.52 25.8.53 768 2.9.53 *Brunswick, No. 3 .. 21.5.54 16.6.54 587 23.6.54 *Brunswick, 1956 27.3.57 22.10.57 264 4.12.57 *Brunswick 1956, Amendment No. 1 2.12.58 22.12.58 7 21.1.59 *Camberwell 14.12.56 8.10.57 252 30.10.57 *Coburg, No. 1 19.3.51 21.8.51 843 22.8.51 *Moorabbin, Section l 20.2.52 9.12.52 3 7 .1.53 *Moorabbin, Section 1, Amendment No. 1 18.8.53 15.9.53 777 16.9.53 *Moorabbin, Section 1, Amendment No. 2, 1956 23.7.57 20.8.57 243 18.9.57 *Moorabbin, Section I, Amendment No. 3, 1957 14.3.58 1.4.58 41 14.5.58 *~'Ioorabbin 1952 .. 23.11.54 31.5.55 409 29.6.55 *~'Ioorabbin 1952, Amendment No. 1, 1955 17.9.56 13.11.56 1029 12.12.56 *Moorabbin 1952, Amendment No. 2, 1956 17.9.56 13.11.56 1029 12.12.56 *Moorabbin, 1952, Amendment No. 3, 1956 2.7.57 20.8.57 243 18.9.57 *Moorabbin, 1952, Amendment No. 4, 1957 22.4.58 10.6.58 53 18.6.58 *Moorabbin, 1952, Amendment No. 6, 1957 22.4.58 27.5.58 52 11.6.58 *Moorabbin 1952, Amendment No. 7, 1958 28.1.59 24.2.59 20 4.3.59 *Nunawading 30.8.50 15.5.51 515 23.5.51 *Nunawading 1954 .. 8.8.55 19.6.56 721 11.7.56 *Sandringham 1948 ...... 3.11.48 26.4.49 328 4.5.49 *Sandringham 1948, Amendment No. 1 30.4.51 28.8.51 910 29.8.51 *Sandringham 1948, Amendment No. 2, 1956 .. 21.1.58 1.4.58 113 17.12.58 Shepparton (12,500) ...... 12.7.54 17.5.55 315 25.5.55 Shepparton 1953, Amendment No. 1, 1956 6.8.57 18.12.57 5 29.1.58

Boroughs.

Moe-Newborough 1951, Amendment No. 1 18.6.58 2.7.58 65 16.7.58 • In metropolitan area. ) Population in area. 5

LisT "A"-PLANNING ScHEMES APPROVED-continued.

Board's Report Date of to Minister Approval by Governm"nt Scheme. Pursuant to Governor in Gazette Date. Section 18 (2) No. of the Act. Council. i I Shires. *Altona 18.4.57 25.3.58 24 2.4.58 *Altona 1958, Amendment No. 1 9.12.58 22.12.58 13 4.2.59 Ballarat (3,700) 14.8.57 29.1.58 10 19.2.58 Benalla (portion of planning area now within Borough of 4.10.54 11.1.55 7 19.1.55 Benalla) (500) I Benalla 1953, Amendment No. 1 22.7.58 5.8.58 84 17.9.58 Cobram (2,000) 11.10.49 19.12.50 I 1051 20.12.50 Morwell (Boolarra) (300) 1. 6.56 27.5.58 I 13 4.2.5H Morwell (Morwell Township) (13,000) 31.8.55 15.1.57 109 20.2.57 Morwell 1954, Amendment No. 1 5.9.58 7.10.58 108 3.12.58 Morwell 1954, Amendment No. 2 6.2.58 5.5.59 77 26.8.59 Morwell (Yinnar) (500) 6.2 ..56 27.5.58 13 4.2.5\1 Narracan (Moe-Newborough) (major portion of area now 12.2.54 12.10.54 933 20.10.54 within Borough of Moe) (15,500) Warragul (Warragul Township) (5,500) 20.6.57 4.2.58 42 21.5.58

Prepared by the Board pursoont to Section 5 of the Act.

Club Terrace (Shire of Orbost) {150) .. 6.5.54 24.5.55 330 1.6.55 Eildon Sub-Region {3,500) 19.12.52 26.5.53 484 27.5.53 Eildon Sub-Region, Amendment No. 1, 1955 16.8.55 6.3.56 264 21.3.56 Eildon Sub-Region, Amendment No. 2 10.4.58 8.5.58 42 21.5.58 Latrobe Valley Sub-Region (comprising portions of Shires 26.2.51 24.7.51 710 25.7.51 of Morwell, Narracan, Rosedale and Traralgon) (5,000) Latrobe Valley Sub-Region, Amendment No. 1, 1953 4.1.54 22.6.54 634 30.6.54 Ocean Road Planning Scheme {5,500) .. 12.7.57 15.4.58 33 30.4.58 Tallangatta Planning Scheme 1956 (900) "I 5.5.58 25.6.58 61 9.7.58 Tyers Township (300) 1 5.10.53 14.2.56 226 22.2.56 Yallourn North (comprising portions of Shires of Morwell I and Narracan) (1,500) ...... 18.6.53 24.5.55 409 29.6.55 I

• In metropolitan area. ( ) Population in area.

LisT "B "-PLANNING ScHEMEs PROCEEDING SATISFACTORILY.

Date of Exhibit.ion Scheme. Population Commenced. Approval of Period Position as at 30th June, 1959. in Area. I.D.O. Expired. I -----~-~ I Cities. I *Bro admeadows, Amend- . . 23.7.57 .. 21.11.57 At present being examined by the me nt No. 5 Board pursuant to Section 18 (2) of the Act *Bru nswick 1956, Amend- . . 7.7.58 .. 23.10.58 Scheme examined and Board's report m ent No. 2 submitted to the Minister on 5th February, 1959. Not approved by the Governor in Council ' *Bru nswick 1956, Amend- .. 20.4.59 . . . . On public exhibition until 13th m ent No. 3 August, 1959 *Cob urg (2) (part) .. . . 14.9.53 10.11.53 1.3 ..55 Noo. (2) ond (3) plamllng "'h'm" *Cob urg (3) {zoning) .. . . 9.11.53 6.4.54 1.3.55 l submitted for approval, but *Cob urg 1956 (whole) .. . . 26.3.56 26.2.57 19.2.59 returned to the Council for consolidation and further exhibition. 1 The Council subsequently resolved to prepare a planning scheme for the whole municipality which incorporated these two schemes. Interim Development Orders lapsed pursuant to Section 5 of Act No. 5834. New Interim Development Order for whole of municipality approved on 26t h February, 1957. Objections received during the statutor y I period are being dealt with b y I the Council 6

LIST "B "-PLANNING ScHEMES PROCEEDING SATISFACTORILY-continued.

Population Position as at 30th Jnne, 1959. Scheme. in Area.

Cities-continued. *Heidelberg 25.8.52 19.1.54 27.4.59 Objections received during the statu tory period being considered by the CounciL Horsham 3.9.46 f\.. Preparation of original scheme { 3.2.59 deferred. Interim Development Order revoked on 11th August, 1954. Further resolution passed on 3rd February, 1959, to prepare planning scheme for whole muni cipal district *Malvern 20.4.53 9.6.53 27.2.58 Objections received during the statutory period have been determined by the Council and final copies of the scheme are being prepared *Malvern (No. 1), 1958 .. 20.5.58 31.10.58 Small amending schemes to provide *Malvern (No. 2), 1958 .. 20.5.58 31.10.58 for drive-in shopping centre at Chadstone and further com mercial and industrial develop ment at Glen Iris station. Objec tions received during the statu tory period have been determined by the Council and final copies of the scheme are being prepared Mildura 8.5.47 21.11.50 Proceeding after period of inactivity *Moorabbin, Section 1, 17.3.59 13.8.59 On public exhibition until 13th Amendment No. 5 August, 1959 *Moorabbin 1952, Amend 7.10.58 26.2.59 Scheme adopted by Council and ment No. 8 submitted for approval *Moorabbin 1952, Amend 17.3.59 13.8.59 On public exhibition until 13th ment No. 9 August, 1959 *Oakleigh 22.10.57 15.4.58 23.4.58 Objections received during the statu tory period being considered by the Council. Anticipated that scheme will shortly be submitted for approval *Preston 18.2.52 17.9.57 Scheme submitted for approval, but because of a doubt as to whether the period of public exhibition to 12th February, 1955, complied with the provisions of the Act, was referred back to the Council for further consideration. Original Interim Development Order lapsed pursuant to Section 5 of Act No. 5834. New Interim Development Order approved on 17th Sep tember, 1957. Revised scheme completed and is expected to be on public exhibition at an early date. *Richmond 22.9.52 20.11.52 2.7.53 Scheme adopted by Council on lOth February, 1959, and submitted for approval on 28th May, 1959 Shepparton, Amendment 15.7.58 26.1.59 Scheme submitted for approval and No. 2 examined by the Board. Board's report forwarded to the Minister on 30th April, 1959 Barougks. Kyabram 3,500 1.10.56 Proceeding after period of inactivity Maryborough .. 7,150 I. 7.48 21.12.48 Preparation of scheme now well advanced and under consideration by Council Moe-Newborough Amend 20.8.57 12.2.59 Both schemes at present being ment No. 2, 1958 examined by Board pursuant to Moe-Newborough Amend- 7.4.59 25.5.59 } Section 18 (2) of the Act ment No. 3, 1959 Port Fairy (part) 24.2.54 1.6.54 \..Proceeding Port Fairy (whole) 2,450 11.1.56 f Swan Hill 5,600 7.3.50 4.4.50 Proceeding after period of inactivity 7

LIST "B "-PLANNING ScHEMES PROCEEDING SATISFACTORILY-continued.

Dare of Exhlbn!on Scheme. Population Commenced. Approval of Period Position as at 30th June, l95Q. in Area. I.D.O. Expired.

Shirea.

*Altona 1958, Amendment 12.12.57 8.4.59 Objections received during statutory No. 2 period being considered by Council *Altona 1958, Amendment 11.2.59 26.3.59 Scheme adopted by Council and No. 3 submitted for approval *Altona 1958, Amendment 17.2.59 26.3.59 Objections received during statu No. 4 tory period being considered by *Altona 1958, Amendment 12.3.59 27.4.59 } Council No. 5 *Altona 1958, Amendment 9.4.59 On public exhibition until 25th No. 6 August, 1959 *Altona 1958, Amendment 23.4.59 22.6.59 Objections received during the statu No. 7 tory period being considered by Council Ballarat 1956, Amend 27.8.59 27.11.58 Scheme examined and Board's report ment No. 1 submitted to Minister on 5th February, 1959 Bellarine 4.12.58 Planning scheme for that portion of shire not included in Geelong and District Joint Planning Scheme. Proceeding Berwick (Princes Highway) 19.2.51 {16.3.51 } Interim Development Order lapsed. 11.6.59 New Interim Development Order approved for that portion of planning area outside boundary of Metropolitan Planning Scheme Berwick Township . . } 18.9.50 19.12.50 Advice from Council indicates that Berwick (Berwick Riding) 21.5.56 preparation of scheme is reaching Berwick (Beaconsfield } final stages Township) 2.7.58 Proceeding satisfactorily. Interim *Bulla 3,000 9.6.58 3.9.58 Development Orders cover { 4.2.59 } portions of planning area Buln Buln (Drouin and 21.11.49 28.2.50 Proceeding after period of inactivity Longwarry) Cranbourne (Cranbourne 500 14. 9. 56 {27 .11. 56 1... Proceeding Township) 7 .8.57 I Cobram, Amendment No. 12.5.58 .. Scheme examined and Board's report 1, 1958 submitted to Minister on 18th June, 1959 Corio (Lara Township) .. 500 1. 9.55 2.11.55 Scheme well advanced-draft planning proposals under consideration Eltham (portion) 1.11.58 15.1.59 Schemes cover that portion of Shire Eltham Township 1.11.58 outside Metropolitan Plannning Scheme and portion of Eltham township. Interim Development ) Order in respect of rural areas approved. Proceeding Flinders 17,200 11.4.56 11.2.58 Proceeding satisfactorily. Scheme well advanced Gisborne (part) 850 3.12.57 .. .. Proceeding Lillydale .. 27,000 27.2.56 { 7 .8.56 fl... 2.6.58 Good progress made. Objections 11.6.57 received during the statutory period being considered by the Council Melton . . . . 24.2.59 Proceeding Mildura (portion) .. 17.11.58 2.1.59 Proceeding Latrobe Valley Sub- 6.3.59 Small amending scheme being Regional Planning prepared by Shire of Traralgon. Scheme, Amendment Proceeding No. 2 Mornington .. 7,500 8. 7.49 11.10.49 On public exhibition until 14th August, 1959 Morwell (part C.A. 70, 18.9.57 20.11.57 Small amending scheme. Proceeding Parish of Maryvale) *Mulgrave 1954 16.8.51 2.10.61 2.6.55 Scheme examined and Board's report submitted to Minister on 26th May, 1959 8

LIST "B "-PLANNING ScHEMES PROCEEDING SATISFACTORILY--continued.

Date of Exhibition Scheme. Population in Area. Commenced. Approval of Period Position as at 30th June, lll5U. I.D.O . Expired. 1

.Shires-continued.

*Mulgrave 1954, Amend 22.4.59 On public exhibition until 14th ment No. 1, 1959 I August, 1959 Numurkah (Numurkah {11.8.47 2.9.47 Scheme examined and Board's report Township) 2,500 5.4.48 11.5.48 submitted to Minister on 14th 1.3.54 5.6.54 } November, 1958 Ocean Road Planning I 19.11.58 12.6.59 Small amending scheme being pre Scheme 1955, Amend pared by Shire of Barrabool. ment No. l Adopted by Council and submitted for approval Traralgon (Traralgon 11,500 f 5.9.46 14.1.47 \16.2.56 Scheme examined and Board's report Township) l. 4.8.49 23.8.49 f submitted to Minister on lOth I July, 1958 Traralgon 1957, Amend 1.5.58 16.10.58 At present being examined by the ment No. l Board pursuant to Section 18 (2) of the Act Upper Murray (Corryong I 950 1.10.57 Existing conditions map practically Township) completed

Joint Committees.

Geelong and District, 95,000 14.9.46 17.12.46 19.8.55 Objections received during the statu comprising : tory period have been determined City of Geelong by the Joint Planning Committee. City of Geelong West Scheme adopted and submitted City of Newtown and for approval on 13th April, 1959 Chilwell Shire of Bannockburn (part) Shire of Barrabool (part) Shire of BeHarine (part) Shire of Corio (part) .. Shire of South Barwon (part) Portland and District, 6,250 18.11.52 20.1.53 23.8. 57 Scheme examined and Board's report comprising :- submitted to Minister on 5th Town of Portland June, 1959 Shire of Portland (part) Ballarat and District, 51,000{ 1.10.55\ 12.11.57 Preparation of scheme reaching final comprising :- 2.9.57 f stages prior to being placed on City of Ballaarat public exhibition for the statutory Borough of Sebastopol period Shire of Ballarat (part) Shire of Bungaree (part) Shire of Buninyong (part) Shire of Grenville (part) Wangaratta and District, 16,100 12.7.51 11.9.51 9. 4. 58 Objections received during the statu comprising : tory period being considered by Borough of Wangaratta the Joint Planning Committee Shire of Oxley (part) .. Shire of Wangaratta (part)

Melbourne and Metropoli tan Board of Works as Responsible Authority.

Metropolitan Planning 1,670,000 11.1.50 22. 2. 55 1 21.10. 54 Objections received during the statu Area (as defined in Act tory period have been determined No. 5834) by the Board of Works and final copies of the scheme are being prepared for adoption and sub mission for approval

• In Metropolitan planning area. 9

LisT "C "-PLAl'.'NING ScHEMES OFFICIALLY RECORDED AS CoMMENCED.

Date of Exhibition Scheme. Population Commenced. I Approval of Period Po>ition as at 30th June, 1959. in Area. I l.D.O. Expired. ·--- I

Cities. I

*Broadmeadows, Amend- . . 7. 2.i)5 .. 16.3.55 Scheme submitted for approval but ment, No. 4 ! returned to Council by the Minister I I because of an informality m I procedure I Bendigo I 1.11.54 25.1.65 Preparation of scheme temporarily I deferred pending absence abroad of City Engineer *Chelsea 121.10.46 Inactive. Planning matters now controlled bv Board of Works Interim Dev~.!opment Order and metropolitan planning proposals Hamilton 9,000 12.9.46' 15.10.46 12.6.50 No substantial progress since the Council decided to revise the scheme and to place it on public exhibition for a further period *Hawthorn 15.5.56 Draft planning proposals formulated and discussed with metropolitan planning authority. As a result of the agreements reached the Council does not propose to proceed with the scheme *Moorabbin Section 1, 1.4 .58 14.8.58 Scheme not being proceeded with Amendment No. 4 by Council *Prahran 17.7.50 Inactive. Planning matters now controlled bv Board of Works Interim Dev~lopment Order and metropolitan planning proposals Sale .. 17.9.54 8.3.55 Existing conditions map being prepared W arrnambool 13,250 26.9.50 Inactive

Towns.

Castlemaine 6,800 21.11.46 25.3.47 Inactive Co!.ac .. 8,500 23.6.48 10.8.48 No evidence of any substantial progress

Boroughs.

Benalla 7,000 23.5.49 Interim Development Order revoked. Portion of approved Shire of Benalla Planning Scheme now within Borough of Benalla as a result of alterations of municipal boundaries Echuca 6,200 15.7.57 No evidence of any recent progress *Hingwood (part) 19.4.51 Inactive. Planning matters now controlled by Board of Works Interim Development Order and metropolitan planning proposals Shires.

Berwick (Pakenham East 1,100 21.8.50 19.12.50 No evidence of any recent progress Township) Colac (part) 1,000 8.11.48 Inactive

Euroa (Euroa Township) 2,650 11.9.46 12.11.46 Inactive

Fern Tree Gully 7.6.54 10.12.57 Existing conditions map completed. Satisfactory progress in the com pletion of the scheme for public exhibition has not been main tained during the past twelve months

• In Metropolitan planning a.rea.. Area subject to Metropolitan Planning Scheme and Interim Development Order. 10

LIST "C "-PLANNING ScHEMES OFFICIALLY RECORDED AS CoMMENCED-continued.

Date of Exhibition Scheme, Population In Area, Commenced. Approval of Period POllition as at 30th June, 1959. I.D.O. Expired.

Shires-continued.

*Frankston and Hastings 5.3.48 10.11.53 l Interim Development Order lapsed. (part) { 27.2.59 17.3.59 f Major portion of planning area now subject to Board of Works Interim Development Order and metropolitan planning proposals. New Interim Development Order approved for that portion of Council's planning area outside boundary of Metropolitan Plan ning Scheme Grenville (part) 2.8.47 2.9.47 Area now included in Ballarat and District Joint Planning Scheme (see Joint Committees-list '' B ") Kerang (part) .. 4,600 17.4.56 Area of scheme includes the town ships of Kerang, Quambatook, and Koondrook. Very little progress Kilmore (part) 1,500 4.10.56 Existing conditious map completed. Progress very slow.

Mansfield (Mansfield 1,870 4.5.49 26.7.49 } Interim Development Orders revoked Township) on 28th October, 1958. Inactive Mansfield (Jamieson 250 2.4.52 26.8.52 Township) I N arracan (Trafalgar and 3,500 19.7.51 Inactive Yarragon Townships and surrounding areas) Newham and Woodend .. 2,150 3.9.57 No evidence of any recent progress Numurkah (Katunga 650 17 .4:. 52 27. 4. 54 Inactive Township) Portland (Heywood 1,200 9.8.46 Inactive Township) Rodney (Tatura Town 2,000 28. 6. 54 Inactive ship) Seymour 3,800 9. 9. 46 23 .11 . 48 30. 4. 52 The question of preparing a revised planning scheme is under con sideration Swan Hill (Robinvale 1,500 13.5 .4 7 10. 6 .4 7 Scheme well advanced. However, Township) there has been no substantial progress over the last twelv(' months Tambo (Lakes Entrance 1,500 18. 6 . 52 , Inactive Township) Werribee (Laverton 14.6.51 9.9.52 No recent progress Township) W erribee (W erribee 4,500 17.10.46 25.3.47 No recent progress Township) Wodonga 11,500 4 .11. 53 Inactive

Yarrawonga (Yarrawonga 3,700 7.9.54 23.11.54 No recent progress Township)

Board as Responsible Authority.

Gelliondale, comprising 500 19.1.51 As the projected industrial develop portions of:- ment in the area was indefinitely Shire of Alberton deferred, the preparation of the Shire of South Gipps planning scheme was suspended. land Interim Development Order revoked I --~------~-~~-·------~-~-~-~----~------~------~

• In Metropolitan plannilli area. Area subject to Met-ropolitan Planning Scheme and Interim Development Order. 11 EXAMINATION OF PLANNING SCHEMES BY THE BOARD. 11. During the year the Board, pursuant to Section 18 (2) of the Act, examined and reported upon the hereunder fourteen planning schemes prepared and submitted by local Councils for the approval of the Governor in Council.

Planning Scheme. Present Position. Shire of Altona 1958, Amendment Approved by the Governor m Council on No. 1 22nd December, 1958 Shire of Ballarat 1956, Amend- Board's report submitted to the Minister on ment No. 1 5th February, 1959 Shire of Benalla, Amendment Approved by the Governor in Council on No. 1 5th August, 1958 City of Brunswick 1956, Amend Approved by the Governor in Council on ment No. 1 22nd December, 1958 City of Brunswick, 1956, Amend Scheme not approved by the Governor in ment No. 2 Council Shire of Cobram 1949, Amend Board's report submitted to the Minister on ment No. 1 18th June, 1959 City of Moorabbin 1952, Amend Approved by the Governor m Council on ment No. 7 24th February, 1959 Shire of Morwell 1954, Amend Approved by the Governor m Council on ment No. 1 7th October, 1958 Shire of Morwell 1954, Amend Approved by the Governor m Council on ment No. 2 5th May, 1959 Shire of Mulgrave Board's report submitted to the Minister on 26th May, 1959 Shire of Numurkah Board's report submitted to the Minister on 14th November, 1958 Portland and District Joint Board's report submitted to the Minister on Planning Scheme 5th June, 1959 City of Shepparton 1953, Amend Board's report submitted to the Minister on ment No. 2 30th April, 1959 Shire of Traralgon Board's report submitted to the Minister on lOth July, 1958

PROCEDURE FOR APPROVAL OF PLANNING SCHEMES. 12. Where a planning scheme was recommended for approval subject to modifications, the procedure previously followed in the presentation to the Governor in Council for approval of the documents comprising the planning scheme, after such scheme had been examined and reported upon by the Board, was to submit the planning scheme adopted by the Responsible Authority together with a list of the ordinance modifications and the map amendments recommended by the Board. 13. In the case of the planning scheme ordinance the modifications recommended were usually listed in such a manner as to enable them subsequently to be incorporated in copies of the ordinance as adopted and submitted for approval. In some instances, however, the list of modifications comprised up to thirteen foolscap pages-almost half the number of pages contained in the ordinance being amended. 14. Apart from the length and complexity of such a list, involving the alterations, substitution and renumbering of clauses, it entailed a great deal of time in preparation with the ever-present possibility of error in compilation. It was also necessary after the approval of a planning scheme for the Responsible Authority to interpret the list of modifications and to incorporate such modifications in copies of the scheme prepared for lodgement pursuant to Section 22 of the Act. 12

15. In view of the complexity of the task and the time involved by the Board and the Responsible Authorities in the carrying out of such a procedure, a variation of the procedure was recommended which would enable the final result to be achieved in a more expeditious manner and in a way which would enable the Minister more readily to gain an appreciation of the Board's submissions. 16. Under draft amending regulations, which are awaiting approval at the present time, a new procedure involving the submission by the Board to the Governor in Council of a fresh set of scheme documents incorporating the modifications effected will apply. The Board will, in addition, prepare and submit to the Governor in Council with the scheme documents copies of the submitted ordinance on which the modifications effected have been marked and also copies of the map modifications. 17. The approval of the Governor in Council will then, in effect, be given to the copies of the scheme incorporating the modifications effected. One of these copies of the scheme as approved, together with a copy of the documents clearly indicating the modifications effected will subsequently be forwarded to the Responsible Authority. 18. Under the proposed regulations the preparation of the seven copies of the scheme as approved for lodgement pursuant to the Act will only become the responsibility of the Responsible Authority where the Minister so desires.

OCEAN ROAD PLANNING SCHEME. 19. The Ocean Road Planning Scheme prepared by the Board and approved by the Governor in Council on 15th April, 1958, is being administered by the Councils of each of the four municipalities concerned, namely, the Shires of Barabool, South Barwon, Otway, and Winchelsea. On approval of the scheme these Councils became the Responsible Authorities for the carrying out and enforcement of that portion of the scheme within their municipal districts. Up to the present time the Board is unaware of any major difficulties having been encountered in the administration of the scheme. 20. The detailed provisions of the scheme are designed primarily to ensure the preservation of the scenic beauty of the Ocean Road and to encourage the development of the area as a holiday resort and such provisions give a very desirable degree of protection to the scenic beauty of the Ocean Road. However, it is considered that, short of total prohibition of any development, no provision which can reasonably be included in the scheme will give the necessary protection to a limited number of special areas. 21. These areas, which are listed below, are of particular significance from the scenic point of view and it was recommended on the 28th May, 1956, that they should be acquired and placed under the control of an appropriate Government instrumentality. In most cases the areas are of little value for other types of development. The areas recommended for acquisition are :- (a) Big Hill Estate, between Lorne and Airey's Inlet; (b) Carisbrook Creek area; (c) Crown Allotment 8A, Parish of Wongarra, between Wye River and Kennett River ; (d) Crown Allotment 23A, Township of Lorne.

22. The Board recently resubmitted its views on acquisition of these areas in the following terms :-

Big Hill Estate. The Board is of the opnuon that it would be highly desirable to acquire the freehold land in this estate at an early date. The planning scheme, by means of its zoning provisions, cannot do all that it desires to protect and preserve this area, and because of the instability of the land and its predominant position on the coastline, acquisition is the most satisfactory method of ensuring protection of the scenic beauty of this area. The area acquired should be reserved for the same purposes as adjoining Crown lands, i.e., reserve for protection of flora and fauna. 13

Carislnook Creek Area. The Board's attention was originally drawn to the unstable nature of the land, and unless proper conservation measures were adopted and the area restored to forest, erosion was likely to occur. The land in Crown Allotment 29A, Parish of Wongarra, is steep and subject to land slip, and clearing and development could accelerate erosion. The acquisition of this area is essential. In regard to Crown Allotments 30A, 30B, 30c, and part of 33A, Parish of W ongarra, the Board considers that acquisition might be deferred. However, the area should be inspected from time to time and if any deterioration of the natural conditions is observed, then the matter should receive such action as is warranted by the then prevailing circumstances. Crown Allotment 8A, Parish of Wongarra, between Wye River and Kennett River, has been acquired by the Forests Commission.

Crown Allotment 23A, Township of Lorne. At the time the original submission was made to the Minister for Public Works recommending acquisition of this land, the planning scheme included it in the existing public open space reserve which practically surrounds it. Subsequently the Lorne Life Saving Club applied for permission to erect a clubhouse on the land, and as such a use was considered an appropriate one, the scheme was modified to enable this development. In the event of the area not being used for the purpose set down in the scheme, the Board considers that the position could be reviewed and, if necessary, a further amendment made. 23. The Board, with pleasure, reports that funds sufficient to acquire the area at Big Hill have now been made available by the Government, and it has been recommended that the Forests Commission would be the most appropriate authority to acquire the area. 24. At the present time the Shire of Barrabool is preparing a planning scheme to amend the Ocean Road Planning Scheme by rezoning an area at Torquay and Airey's Inlet from Agricultural Zone to Residential and Commercial Zones. Further amendments of this nature will arise from time to time as development warrants the opening up of further areas for residential expansion. 25. The orderly growth of the townships sited along the Ocean Road is welcomed by the Board as providing further accommodation for holiday-makers without destroying the scenic beauty of the intervening stretches of coastline. Current activities of subdividers elsewhere along the Victorian coast are sufficient to indicate what might have happened along the undeveloped stretches of the Ocean Road had it been without the protection of a planning scheme.

LATROBE VALLEY. Latrobe V alley Sub-regional Planning Scheme. 26. The Sub-regional Planning Scheme prepared by the Board and approved by the Governor in Council in July, 1951, has proved the value of planning control over large areas where national assets require protection. It has had the effect of protecting the valuable coal deposits against developments which would have rendered the acquisition of the land for coal winning and power and fuel production difficult and expensive, and has enabled the continuance of primary production by the owners on large areas of rural land. 27. The restrictions placed on the subdivision of land into small allotments within the sub-region has resulted in the extensive urban development taking place as extensions of the established centres of population, and this has enabled the provision of services and amenities on a more economic basis than that possible where scattered development is spread over large areas. 28. There has been some revision of the routes of railway and road deviations from tb.e original locations supplied by the authorities at the time the scheme was being prepared. These variations relate mainly to the railway and the Princes Highway deviations between Moe and Morwell. While the provisions of the scheme do not prevent 14 these relocations, an amendment of the scheme may be required in the future if it is found that the original reservations for these purposes retard the use of the land for other appropriate purposes. 29. The Traralgon Shire Council, which is responsible for the administration of that part of the sub-regional planning scheme in its shire, is sponsoring an amendment of the scheme with the object of extending the use of the privately-owned area reserved for a racecourse to include recreational purposes. Moe-Newbarough. 30. The Moe-Newborough Planning Scheme, which was prepared by the Narracan Shire Council and approved by the Governor in Council in 1954, has, since the creation of the Borough of Moe in 1955, been administered by the Moe Borough Council. 31. A minor amendment of the principal scheme was approved by the Governor in Council in July, 1958, to enable the conduct of a club in an existing building. 32. A further amendment of the scheme was also prepared by the Council and submitted for the report of this Board in May, 1959. This amendment dealt with a number of matters which arose since the approval of the principal scheme and, as a result of the rapid growth of the town development, the population of which increased from 8,500 in 1951 to 16,775. This amendment also had the effect of making the planning scheme area coincide with the Borough boundaries which, when approved, will result in the Latrobe Valley Sub-regional Planning Scheme being varied accordingly. 33. During the period of preparation and submission of this amendment, an amendment was submitted for the purpose of making a small addition to the central business area of Moe. Morwell. 34. The planning scheme for the Town of Morwell, which was approved early in 1957, was amended in October, 1958, by the inclusion of a small addition to the central commercial area south of the railway. A further amendment in May, 1959, rezoned a buffer plantation strip on the northern side of the Princes Highway for industrial purposes.

Trara~gon. 35. The Board's report on the planning scheme submitted by the Council for the town of Traralgon was completed in July, 1958, and forwarded to the Minister for the consideration of the Governor in Council. 36. This scheme provides for a population of approximately 18,000 persons within the residential zones. The present population of the town is about 10,000 and, therefore, a reasonable margin for future development is pro·vided before it will be necessary to encroach on the surrounding rural zones. 37. The commercial and industrial zones provide for a considerable increase on the present areas used for these purposes, and the location of these zones was determined largely on the existing development. 38. The reservations for educational purposes were made in consultation with the Education Department ; the reserves have been purchased and most of them are in use or in course of development for schools. 39. The recreational requirements of the future population within the planned area will be met by 131 acres of public open space in well-selected locations and is equivalent to about 6! acres per 1,000 of estimated population. 40. The scheme incorporates a road proposal of the sub-regional planning scheme which connects the Gormandale-road on the east of the town with Tyers-road on the west and which, in addition to allowing a diversion of through traffic away from the town centre, will provide a valuable link between township development on the north and south sides of the railway reserve dividing the town. 41. 'l'he plan also provides for the future development of the 3-chains wide reservation, known as Kay-street, as a main road, and incorporates widenings and improvements to th~ roads in the vici~ity o~ M~tchell an~ ~gyle streets, so tha~ a proper alignment of the w1de road reserve IS rnarntamed. Th1s Improvement necessitated the 15 resumption of property between Mitchell and Argyle streets and, as a result of a conference between the Council, the Country Roads Board, and this Board, the Country Roads Board agreed to fix the alignments of the road and assume the liability for the payment of compensation to affected owners. 42. The Council, working under interim development powers, over a number of years prohibited development of the affected area with the object of reducing ultimate claims for compensation pending a final decision and the positive action taken by the Country Roads Board was opportune and most co-operative. It will result in a much improved highway in this location and will be of considerable benefit to Traralgon.

METROPOLITAN PLANNING SCHEME. 43. Steady progress was maintained by the Board of Works towards the finalization of the Metropolitan Planning Scheme and discussions took place between the Board of Works and the Board in regard to the form and manner of submissions of the planning scheme for the approval of the Governor in Council. 44. The Board of Works on the 16th December, 1958, approved the Metropolitan Planning Scheme in order that the final printing of the scheme could be completed prior to the adoption and submission of the scheme for Governor in Council approval. 45. On the 14th May, 1958, by proclamation in the Government Gazette, the Governor in Council approved a further minor extension of the Metropolitan Planning Area. On the 18th November, 1958, the Board of Works resolved to prepare a planning scheme for this area which embraces some 130 acres along the Dandenong Creek in the Shire of Fern Tree Gully. 46. This planning scheme is to be known as the Melbourne Metropolitan Planning Scheme Extension A and will enable desirable land along the creek to be retained for public use as open space. Subsequently the Board of Works on 23rd April, 1959, submitted an Interim Development Order, covering this limited area, which was approved by the Governor in Council on 12th May, 1959. 47. When the schemes are submitted the Act requires that the Board report to the Minister for Local Government and because of the scope and nature of the Metropolitan Planning Scheme and the large number of objections which were lodged during the public exhibition period in 1954 it can be anticipated that the Board's examination of the scheme will extend over a substantial period. A large number of objections to the Metropolitan scheme are at present being examined along with the scheme provisions as this material is made available in advance of the formal submission of the scheme for approval. 48. In examining the scheme the Board will endeavour to ensure that the provisions of existing approved planning schemes and other local schemes awaiting approval are incorporated therein in so far as they are practicable, consistent with, and not prejudicial to matters having a metropolitan character. 49. Within the metropolitan planning area nine local Councils have had planning schemes approved and a further eighteen Councils have planning schemes in course of preparation of which eleven have their own separate Interim Development Orders. 50. In accordance with the provisions of the Act all Interim Development Orders within the metropolitan area have to be reapproved by the Governor in Council every twelve months if continuance of interim control is required and on 9th December, 1958, Interim Development Orders for the Cities of Coburg, Heidelberg, Malvern, and Richmond, and the Shires of Fern Tree Gully and Mulgrave were renewed. 51. The Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of ·works Interim Development Order was also recommended for reapproval by the Board and on 17th March, 1959, the order was approved by the Governor in Council. 52. The Board of Works Interim Development Order is framed similarly to the ordinance which will be submitted for approval and the administration of this Order virtually results in the stage implementation of the scheme. \Vhile Interim Development Orders control is being administered along these lines, the provisions of the submitted scheme are made available to persons contemplating any development of land or buildings in much the same manner as in the case of schemes approved by the Governor in Council. 16

GEELONG AND DISTRICT JOINT PLANNING SCHEME. 53. On the 14th September, 1946, the Geelong and District Town Planning Committee resolved to prepare a planning scheme for approximately 100 square miles of territory situated in eight municipal districts-~namely, those of the Cities of Geelong, Geelong West, and Newtown and Chilwell, and the Shires of Bannockburn, Barrabool, Bellarine, Corio, and South Barwon. 54. The Committee has adopted the planning scheme and it was submitted to the Minister for Local Government on 29th June, 1959. 55. The adoption of this scheme represents the completion of what has been the most extensive joint planning scheme yet undertaken in this State, and it provides evidence to other councils throughout Victoria that groups of councils can work harmoniously together for their common benefit without regard to the artificial boundaries that separate them. 56. 'l'he Board has watched with great interest the work of the Town Planning Committee over a period of approximately thirteen years since the commencement of the scheme, during which period the population has increased from 49,284 to 95,900. 'fhe admirable way in which the Committee has performed its functions, the generous co-operation of the member councils, plus the manner in which the scheme has been administered under the Interim Development Order have been of great benefit to the planning area. 57. The proposed widening of Melbourne-road, Geelong, from Bell-parade, and its connexion with Latrobe-terrace, has brought about the necessity to ascertain whether some general procedure could be devised so that road proposals mutually agreed upon by the planning authorities and the Country Roads Board, as important to the State's road pattern, could be included in and protected as road reservations in planning schemes without involving the responsible councils in a liability for compensation beyond their financial resources or ability to pay.

BALLAARAT AND DISTRICT JOIN'£ PLANNING SCHEME. 58. 'l'he Joint Planning Committee representing the City of Ballaarat, Borough of Sebastopol, Shires of Buninyong, Bungaree and Grenville, has made excellent progress in the preparation of the scheme for the 80 square miles of territory comprising the Ballaarat District. 59. The scheme was officially commenced in September, 1957, and at the 30th June, 1959, it was anticipated that the scheme would be available for statutory exhibition in the following September. The preparation of a scheme for such a large and complex area in such a short period reflects credit on the Committee, its officers, and consultant town planner. 60. The Shire of Ballaarat, now a member Council of the Joint Committee, had prepared a scheme for that portion of the shire now included in the Joint Scheme area which was approved by the Governor in Council in January, 1958. 61. During the year the shire submitted a scheme for the pmpose of varying the zonina and provisions relating to a small area fronting Howitt-street, the western side of Essex~street, and this amending scheme is now being examined by the Board.

PORTLAND AND DISTRICT JOINT PLANNING SCHEME. 62. The Portland and District Joint Planning Committee completed the scheme for an area of approximately 30 square miles, covering the Town of Portland and contiguous areas in the Shire of Portland, and submitted it for the approval of the Governor in Council on the 19th March, 1958. The Board's report, in accordance with Section 18 (2) of the Act, was submitted to the Minister in June, 1959. 63. The constitution of the Joint Committee in 1951 followed closely on the proclamation of the Portland Harbor Trust Act and the appointment of the Harbor Trust Commissioners charged with the development of the port. The work of the Joint Committee proceeded consistently and concurrently with the port development and a close liaison was maintained between the two authorities. The Harbor Trust's Chief Engineer, .1.\'Ir. E. P. C. Hughes, attended most meetings of the Joint Planning Committee. 17 64. The extensive nature of the Portland Harbor Trust development and its effect on the town generally, introduced many problems which required consultation and negotiation with public authorities and Government departments, and contributed to the length of the planning period. 65. The relocation of the railway to provide a new rail connexion between the main line to Hamilton and the harbor facilities was one of the principal matters to be determined because of its large influence on other planning considerations. 66. 'l'he scheme as submitted by the Joint Committee reflected the optimism of the people as to the future of Portland and, although commendable, the Board saw fit to recommend that the residential zones be reduced to make provision for a population of approximately 15,500 people which, on present indications of development, would cater for the next 40 vears or more. If. however. these estimates are not borne out in the future, the sche~e can be revised, and am~nded in the light of the conditions then prevailing. 67. The scheme encourages and provides for a more compact development of the central commercial zone, which was originally subdivided into large blocks with streets at intervals of 10 chains, leaving much land at the rear of the developecl street frontages unused and difficult of access. 68. A very generous provision for industrial development was made by the Joint Committee, including about 44 acres for sheds, stores, and light industry associated with harbor facilities. The total area provided for the various types of industrial development is about 750 acres and includes the large abattoirs and freezing works of Thomas Borthwick and Sons. The Board considers that industrialists interested in the Portland district would have a wide choice of sites for their purposes, as the zoning also embraces land controlled by the Government and public authorities. 69. There are substantial reservations made for recreation and the protection of the picturesque coastline and beaches, which will preserve and add to the attractions of Portland as a town and tourist centre. 70. During the planning period the Committee and its officers maintained a close liaison with this Board, and their progressive outlook and the diligent and practical manner in which they applied themselves to the planning task confronting them, is reflected in the planning scheme now waiting the approval of the Governor in Council.

WANGARATTA AND DISTRICT PLANNING SCHEME. 71. During the year substantial progress has been made towards completing the planning scheme being prepared by the Joint Planning Committee. Following the statutory exhibition period of the Wangaratta and District Joint Planning Scheme, which expired on 8th April, 1958, the Committee has been engaged in determination of the objections received during that period, and it is hoped t,hat copies of the scheme for final submission will be prepared at an early date. 72. The rapid development over the past years at "\Vangaratta has resulted in it becoming one of the more important towns in the State, forming, as it does, the centre of an extensive rural district and where existing important secondary industries wiJI enable the absorption of local labour and encourage further development of this kind. 73. The completion of the planning scheme will enable the long period of interim development control to end and be replaced by the approved scheme.

l\lORNINGTON PENINSULA. 74. Planning control on the Mornington Peninsula is being maintained by the Councils concerned in a satisfactory manner. The tremendous attractions and potentialities of this area and its closeness to the metropolitan area makes the prevention of abuses of controlled development the more difficult.

Shire of Frankston and Hastings. 75. Early in 1948 the Council of the Shire of Frankston and Hastings commenced the preparation of a planning scheme for the Seaford, Frankston, and Mount Eliza Ridings of the municipality and, since June, 1950, has had continuous interim development control over the planning area. 9766/60.-2 18

76. As a major portion of the Council's planning area is within the boundary of the Metropolitan Planning Scheme, which has now been adopted by the Board of ·works, and as the Council's planning scheme has not been advanced to a similar stage, it was suggested that the Council might give consideration to the preparation of a planning scheme only for that portion of its planning area outside the metropolitan area. The Council subsequently resolved on 27th February, 1959, to prepare a planning scheme for that portion of the Mount Eliza Riding which was not included in the metropolitan area. The Governor in Council, in March, 1959, approved an Interim Development Order over this area.

Shire of ...7),1 ornington. 77. Further progress by the Council of the Shire of Mornington has resulted in the planning scheme for the municipality being placed on public exhibition for the statutory three months period which expires on 14th August, 1959, to enable the lodging of objections by any persons affected by the scheme.

Shire of Flinders. 78. Further progress has been maintained in the preparation of the planning scheme for the whole shire which was commenced in 1956. Following the approval of the Interim Development Order in February, 1958, covering the coastal strip from Dromana to Portsea, a further Order was approved in September, 1958, to enable development in the remainder of the shire to be controlled. The approval of this further Interim Development Order followed the mapping of the area and the formulation of draft planning proposals. 79. The Shire Council is now vested with the necessary power to regulate and control development in the whole shire. In view of the extensive existing subdivisions of land into small lots, this control should be directed toward restoring a balance between the n11mber of building allotments and the rate of building.

DANDENONG RANGES-FERN TREE GULLY PLANNING SCHEME. 80. The planning scheme for Fern Tree Gully, which was commenced in June, 1954. was subjected to great pressure during the past year. The tightening of planning controls in the metropolitan area by the Board of Works, and the requirements of the metropolitan councils for full street construction before sealing plans of subdivision. resulted in many applications being made for permits to subdivide land adjacent to the metropolitan perimeter. The areas of the Fern Tree Gully Shire closer to the metropolitan area became particularly vulnerable and caused the Council some anxiety. 81. At the request of the Council, the Chairman, Mr. F. C. Cook, and Secretary, Mr. N. L. Lyneham, of the Board, together with Mr. E. F. Borrie, Chief Planner, and Mr. A. Hepburn, Chief Planner-elect. of the Board of \Vorks, conferred with the Council of the Shire of Fern Tree Gully on 2nd June. It was learned at the conference that permits to subdivide land were being granted in excess of reasonable future requirements, and in many cases were unrelated to any firm zoning pattern. The Council was strongly advised to determine a firm zoning pattern related to prospective future requirements and permit the subdivision of land in accordance therewith. 82. The Dandenong Ranges areas were not subjected to the operation of speculative land subdividers to any great extent. 83. The Board is perturbed at the trend of planning control as being exercised by the Council, and it is considered that many land subdivisions already permitted seriously prejudice the establishment of a proper zoning pattern and controL

BANKS OF THE YARRA RIVER. 84. The Minister of Public \Vorks referred to this Board for consideration a suggestion from the Town and Country Planning Association that in order to protect scenic beauty of the banks of the Y arra River a planning scheme be prepared for the area between the boundary of the Metropolitan Planning Scheme and McVeigh's Reservoir. 85. Four municipalities would be affected by such a scheme, namely, the Shires of Lillydale, Eltham, Healesville, and Upper Y arra. 19 86. 'fhe Shire of Lillydale is actively proceeding with the preparation of its own planning scheme, under which provision for the preservation of the banks of the Y arra River in this municipality could be made. The Shire of Eltham is preparing a planning scheme and, again, some form of protection could be afforded under the provisions of the scheme. 87. The Shires were contacted and each advised that it had no knowledge of any undesirable development in their municipality which would affect the scenic beauty of the river. 88. Whilst there is no evidence to substantiate the suggestion that undesirable developments are occurring along the banks of the Y arra outside the metropolitan area, a planning scheme under the Town and Country Planning Act would ensure future protection of the area against such an occurrence. The provisions of the River Improvement Act 1958, which are directed mainly towards the prevention of obstruction and pollution of streams, and the protection of the banks against erosion, does not appear to provide any direct means of controlling development in the vicinity of a stream. 89. The Minister of Public Works has deferred consideration of the matter in view of the possibility of the Land Drainage and Flood Protection Bill being again introduced into Parliament.

LAND USE ZONING-BY-LAWS UNDER THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AC'L'. 90. Twelve by-laws prepared pursuant to Section 197 of the Local Government Act were examined and reported upon by the Board during the year. 91. The following municipalities submitted by-laws for the approval of the Governor in Council, and the numbers in brackets indicate the submission of more than one by-law:~· Oities.-Broadmeadows, Caulfield, Footscray (2), Hawthorn (2), and Heidelberg (2). Sh1:res.~Fern Tree Gully, Marong, Upper Murray, and Warracknabeal.

SCHEMES UNDER SECTION 605, LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT. 92. Section 605 of the Local Government Act provides a ready means for Councils to provide improved access to isolated or decadent parcels of land in areas which because of old-type subdivisions and surrounding development have become unusable, although by reason of location are potentially valuable. 93. During the year five schemes prepared under this section were submitted to the Board for examination and report to the Minister in accordance with the Local Government Act. In each case the Board offered no objection from a planning viewpoint and approval was recommended. 94. One scheme submitted by the Council of the City of Geelong vVest opened up a new street, Gordon-avenue, by widening an existing lane known as Ruffin's-lane, and the subdivision of waste land at the rear of allotments fronting Spring and Autumn streets into 53 allotments. The new street will provide a valuable traffic route in this localitv which can be used in lieu of the present unsatisfactory narrow street, and will enable much valuable land to be used for light industrial development. 95. The second seheme was submitted by the Couneil of the Shire of Frankston and Hastings and was a minor variation to a previous scheme for subdivision of land prepared under this seetion and approved by the Governor in Council on 28th June, 1948. Following a complaint from residents of Yuille-street against the proposal to provide a row of side fences abutting thereon, the Council felt that the area south of George-street should be redesigned in keeping with modern trends and requirements, and an amending scheme was prepared accordingly. 96. The third scheme was submitted by the Council of the City of Heidelberg for acquisition of McKenzie-court land at Greensborough and the resubdivision and sale of four allotments. This will open McKenzie-court through to Plenty-lane. 97. The fourth and fifth schemes were submitted by the Council of the Shire of Springvale and Noble Park. One of the schemes proposed to widen Fairbank-road from 33 feet to 50 feet for a distance of 536 feet and to resubdivide an adjacent area of land 20 west of Westall-road and on the south side of Fairbank-road in the vicinity of \Vorsley and Culsham avenues. The other scheme proposes to open a new street and to resubdivide an adjacent area bounded by Heatherton, Ellendale, and Fintonia roads, in which the existing subdivision of large allotments having a depth of 330 feet is no longer suitable or economical for residential development.

UNIFORM BUILDING REGULATIONS. 98. Draft amending regulations in respect of Table 804 and Clauses 804, 815, 2506, 3128, and 3131 prepared by the Building Regulations Committee were noted by the Board, and in regard to those proposed amendments which were considered to relate to town planning matters, the following comments were submitted.

99. The proposed redrafting of Clause 804 does not appear to change the meaning of the present provision and the minimum area required for a site irregular in shape does not appear to be clearly stated. It would seem desirable that the minimum area for a site irregular in shape should be the same as that for a site of regular proportions, otherwise it would be a simple matter to introduce a nrinor irregularity which would enable the area of a lot to be reduced to three-fifths of that normally required.

100. It is difficult to appreciate the reasons for the proposed variations to the nrinimum dimensions, &c., prescribed under Table 804, or of site requirements for flats different from those prescribed for houses. Many of the older subdivisions of land in areas now suitable for flats have been in accordance with requirements similar to those in column 3, and the insistence on a further 10 feet of frontage as is proposed, or 5 feet as is prescribed under present regulations, could result in such sites in suitable locations being unusable for flats. Similarly the 40-ft. frontage required for flats under column 1 appears unrealistic in view of the many lots in the inner areas of the metropolis resulting from the subdivision of 66-ft. frontages into two, three, or four lots.

101. The Board considers that if the minimum site requirements for flats were the same as those for houses in the respective columns of Table 804, the number of flat units which could be erected on a given site could be governed by the provisions relating to site coverage, area of open space per flat and height of the building. In an area in which single-family one-story houses are predominant, it would be desirable for the height of flats not to exceed two stories.

102. By encouraging the erection of flats indiscriminately in business areas, undesirable mixed development at ground floor level could result, and the convenient continuity of retail shop window frontage \Vould be destroyed.

103. Under Section 197 of the Local Government Act a Council may prescribe business areas as such, in which houses can he prohibited; however, the course usually adopted is to omit certain portions of a municipality from those areas prescribed for residential use only. In such areas, in many instances, the type of development is virtually uncontrolled. 104. Under a planning scheme, bowevar, the various types of commercial uses may be segreg:ated particularly in so far as uses on the ground floor frontage are concerned, and, whilst flats may be permitted in the office section of a commercial centre, they would normally be prohibited on the ground floor frontage of a retail shopping zone.

105. From a town planning point of view the comments made by the Board in regard to all three of the foregoing amendments would be overcome by an appropriate amendment of Clause 201 of the Regulations, which would enable more detailed and appropriate provisions in town planning schemes approved by the Governor in Council to supersede the Uniform Building Regulations in so far as they purport to deal with such basic town planning matters.

106. The Board has repeatedly recommended that action should be taken to amend the regulations in this direction, and in this connexion attention is drawn to the detailed consideration of these matters ineluded in the Board's 13th Annual Report, paragraphs 107 to 117. 21

FIFTH AUSTRALIAN PLANNING CONGRESS. 107. The Fifth Australian Planning Congress was held in Sydney from the 18th to 22nd August, 1958. The Board was represented by Mr. A. N. Kemsley, Member, Mr. N. L. Lyneham, Secretary, and Mr. B. J. Opie, Chief Planning Officer.

108. The theme of the Congress was "Metropolis--The Problem of the Expanding City", and the opening address was given by the New South ·wales Minister for Local Government and Highways, the Hon. J. B. Renshaw, M.L.A. The principal theme address was given by the guest speaker, Mr. Paul Opperman, Executive Director, North East Illinois (Chicago) Metropolitan Area Planning Commission, U.S.A. 109. The Congress was well attended by delegates from all States of Australia, from New Zealand, Ghana, and other countries.

110. The town planning exhibition, which was on display in the Lower Sydney Town Hall, was most impressive, there being a large number of exhibits requiring the whole floor space. The Board's exhibits received favourable comment and covered the following subjects :- (1) Location of planning schemes within Victoria and illustrating the progress which planning has made since the introduction of enabling legislation, and (2) Panels highlighting the Ocean Road Planning Scheme and the Tallangatta new town.

NAlVIES OF PLACES AND PHYSICAL FEATURES. 111. In the Board's Sixth Annual Report for the year 1950-51, it was urged that action be taken to prevent further duplication and confusion in the naming of places and physical features. Illustrations were given of the embarrassments and resultant inefficiencies arising from duplicated names, anomalies and phonetic confusions.

112. In was recommended that a Committee representative of the departments and authorities concerned should be set up to review the names wherever a conflict makes changes desirable, and to make recommendations accordingly.

113. Pursuant to these recommendations the Secretary for Lands called a departmental conference for 6th May, 1952. The outcome was a ~aeries of recommendations favourable to the setting up under statutory authority of a Victoria Nomenclature Committee to carry out the functions urged by this Board.

114. Follol\-ring inquiries tbe Board was advised by the Secretary for Lands on 15th January, 1953, that steps were being taken to give effect to proposals for an amendment to Section 25 of the Lands Act to provide effective control of place names.

115. In the Board's Annual Report for the year ended 30th June, 1953, expression was again given to the hope that the Lands Department proposals would result in setting up the Committee. Again in the following report the Board drew official attention to the matter. It was also pointed out that the Nomenclature Board in Tasmania and the Nomenclature Committee in South Australia have functioned most effectively as advisory bodies.

116. As no progress was registered, the Board again wrote on 2nd March, 1954, to the Lands Department and urged that, pending the legislation, the Committee be formed in an advisory capacity. But tbe reply of 12th March stated "It is intended to seek Cabinet approval for submission of a Bill for the purpose during the forthcoming session of Parliament ''.

117. The next advice of action was in February, 1957, when the Board was advised of the details of the draft legislation, which was ready for submission to Cabinet. Since then the Board has not been able to obtain any information to indicate that the legislation is to be brought forward. The Board cal.\ only ~xpress its regret, 22

VISITS BY BOARD. 118. In the course of official duties the following centres outside the metropolitan area were visited by members and officers of the Board during the year:- Anglesea, Ararat, Ballarat, Clifton Springs, Drysdale, Eildon Reservoir, Fern Tree Gully, Indented Head, Maffra, Mansfield, Ocean Grove, Point Lonsdale, Portarlington, Portland, Queenscliffe, Sale, and Warrnambool.

STAFF. 119. The appointment of a research officer and draughtswoman brought the Board's staff at the 30th June, 1959, to thirteen persoiL';; being one less than at the 30th June, 1957. 120. No changes took place in the technical personnel and the retention of those officers who, by reason of additional experience and attendance at the university course in town planning are becoming more trained and efficient in their duties, is a matter of gratification to the Board. 121. The work of examining and reporting on the numerous planning schemes submitted for the approval of the Governor in Council, the preparation of planning schemes when requested by the Minister and the discharge of other duties imposed on the Board has necessitated a very considerable effort on the part of all existing staff. 122. Although the Board has not been able to discharge all its commitments as early as it would have desired, it is well aware that if it had not been for the loyal and efficient co-operation of all members of its staff much greater delays would have occurred. 123. The Board records its appreciation of the valuable services they have so cheerfully and conscientiously rendered.

Yours faithfully, FRED C. COOK, Chairman. A. N. KEMSLEY, Member. A. C. COLLINS, Member.

BRUCE J. OPIE, Chief Planning Officer. 7th December, 1960.

•r Authority: A. c. aaooKs, Govemment Printer, Melbourn~.