Brimbank Council Meeting No. 636 - 20 August 2024
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12.6
Annual Report On Implementation Of Strategic Planning Strategies
12.6
Annual Report on Implementation of Strategic Planning
Strategies
Directorate
City Futures
Director
Kelvin Walsh
Manager
Leanne Deans
Attachment(s)
1. Heritage Strategy - Implementation Status Report July
2024 [
12.6.1
- 4 pages]
2. Industrial Land Strategy - Implementation Status Report
July 2024 [
12.6.2
- 10 pages]
Purpose
For Council to note the progress to implement the Brimbank Heritage Strategy 2018 -
2023 and Brimbank Industrial Land Use Strategy 2018-2030.
Officer Recommendation
That Council notes the:
a. Brimbank Heritage Strategy 2018-2023 - Implementation Status Report
(July 2024), shown at Attachment 1.
b. Brimbank Industrial Land Use Strategy 2018-2030 - Implementation
Status Report (July 2024), shown at Attachment 2.
Background
Brimbank Heritage Strategy
The Brimbank Heritage Strategy 2018-2023 (BHS) was adopted by Council on
11 December 2018 to replace the previous heritage strategy adopted in 2013. The BHS
provides the overarching policy context for heritage protection and management,
reaffirming Council’s vision for heritage in the local area. Implementation of the BHS is
based on 22 actions classified under four key areas comprising Knowing, Protecting,
Supporting, and Communicating and Promoting.
Brimbank Industrial Land Use Strategy
The Brimbank Industrial Land Use Strategy 2018 – 2030 (BILS) was adopted by Council
on 11 December 2018. The BILS provides the strategic directions for the development
and management of 19 industrial precincts within the municipality with framework for
encouraging and facilitating investment and renewal of existing, emerging, and
transitional industrial estates. The BILS contain 49 actions under five themes of
planning, environment, economic development, infrastructure and services, and
compliance and enforcement.
Matters for Consideration
Options
The following options are available to Council:
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A. That Council notes the Heritage Strategy and Industrial Land Use Strategy
Implementation Status Reports, shown at
Attachment 1
and
Attachment 2.
B. That Council notes the Heritage Strategy and Industrial Land Use Strategy
Implementation Status Reports, with changes.
C. That Council does not note the Heritage Strategy and Industrial Land Use
Strategy Implementation Status Reports.
Officers recommend Option A and highlight that considerable progress has been made to
implement the BHS and BILS. Officers are reviewing the BHS and planning to bring a
report to Council in 2025 regarding an extension of the current heritage program. This
will provide an opportunity for Council to discuss any proposed changes to the program.
Officers will also program an interim review of the BILS following the release of Plan for
Victoria.
Analysis
Brimbank Heritage Strategy
The Brimbank Heritage Strategy 2018-2023 - Implementation Status Report (July 2024),
shown at
Attachment 1
, contains 22 actions, where:
•
4 (18%) actions are completed
•
17 (77%) actions are ongoing
•
1 (5%) action has not commenced.
Substantial progress has been made implementing the BHS with 95% of actions either
ongoing or completed.
Highlights from 2023/24 includes:
•
Lodgement of a submission with Heritage Victoria to have the Former Sunshine
Technical School included on the Victorian Heritage Register
•
Advanced pre-construction work in relation to restoration of Robertson’s
Homestead
•
Continued ongoing exploration of options for Arundel Bridge, after it was
destroyed in the Maribyrnong River Flood in 2022
•
Recontracted the Heritage Advisory Service for a further period of three years
•
Revised the Heritage Advisory Committee Terms of Reference.
One action has not commenced in relation to reviewing and updating the list of heritage
tradespeople. This action is considered inappropriate as it may be misconstrued as an
endorsement of third-party services by Council.
Brimbank Industrial Land Strategy
The Brimbank Industrial Land Use Strategy 2018-2030 - Implementation Status Report
(July 2024), shown at
Attachment 2
, contains 49 actions, where:
•
7 (14%) actions are complete
•
37 (76%) actions are ongoing
•
5 (10%) actions have not commenced.
Substantial progress has been made implementing the BILS, with 90% of actions
ongoing or completed.
Highlights for 2023/2024 includes:
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•
Working with the Western Alliance for Greenhouse Action (WAGA) to delivery
two events on sustainable businesses practices
•
Initiating the formation of Business Renewables Buyer Group that is recruiting
businesses to work together in purchasing renewable electricity.
•
Holding several pre-application meetings to advise applicants of large industrial
development, with an estimated worth of $2 million plus.
•
Promoting industrial businesses and precincts in the revised Brimbank
Investment Prospectus and investment attraction videos
•
Approval of Amendment C225brim to introduce the Planning Policy Framework
into the Brimbank Planning Scheme to include:
o
The Western State Significant Industrial Precincts on the Economic
Development Framework Plan
o
New directions/policy content that provides guidance for non-industrial
and sensitive uses in industrial areas
o
New directions/policy in relation to adaptive re-use of industrial heritage
buildings
o
New directions/policy to minimise off-site amenity impacts by
encouraging separation distances
o
New directions/policy in relation to habitat connectivity and biodiversity
o
BILS as a Background Document.
The completion of the Brimbank Industrial Design Guidelines (Guidelines) was a key
action of the BILS, which has been on hold and awaiting the approval and gazettal of
Amendment C225brim. Council officers had prepared an amendment to implement the
Guidelines into the Brimbank Planning Scheme, which is now scheduled to Council in
2025.
There are five actions that have not been commenced in the BILS, including:
•
Strategic work for minimum lot sizes, however, Amendment C225brim provides
guidance for large industrial lots, and further work can be considered for
programming in the years remaining, subject to resourcing.
•
Investigation of a rolling program for public realm and streetscaping
improvements, which will be subject to programming and allocation of future
budget. This does not prevent individual projects being considered through the
capital works program and budget process.
•
Considering the open space needs of industrial and employment areas, which
can be considered as part of a future open space strategy for the municipality.
•
Advocating for the State Government to facilitate acquisition of private land
along waterways to provide public access. Previous State Government forums on
this matter have ceased and there is limited interest in acquisition of land.
•
An evaluation of the BILS, which will be considered for programming following
the release of the new Plan for Victoria.
Next steps
Officers will continue to implement the strategies and provide quarterly updates through
the Council Plan reporting process.
Community Engagement
Council officers engage with a range of stakeholders through the delivery of the BHS and
BILS. No external consultation was required in the preparation of this report.
Resource And Risk Implications
Resource requirements can be met within the Annual Budget 2024/2025.
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Community:
potential impact on community, including public trust and customer
service impact
• Yes - The status of the BHS and BILS and considerable progress Council has made in
terms of its implementation contribute to public trust in Council’s ongoing commitment
to recognising and protecting Brimbank’s heritage and improving industrial and
employment areas.
Environmental:
impacts on environmental sustainability, including water/waste
management, climate change, and contaminated land
• Yes – BILS seeks to promote development and management of land uses in the
municipality’s industrial precincts in ways that promote environment sustainability and
minimise environmental risks. Council also works with businesses to reduce waste and
minimise water and energy use.
Financial:
significant financial impacts
• Yes – Delivery of the strategies is linked to Council’s operational and capital works
budget and resourcing. Council has limited resources, which can impact the prioritisation
of action to implement.
Safety:
health, safety or duty of care impacts
• Yes - The orderly management of industrial precincts and the prevention of non
compatible land use development should enhance safety and the perception of safety.
Legislation/Council Plan/Policy Context
This report supports the Council Plan 2021-2025 strategic direction and objective of:
1. People and Community - A welcoming, safe and supported community - An
inclusive place for all
• Pride and Participation - Community and cultural connections built through social and
artistic expression.
2. Places and Spaces - Liveable and connected neighbourhoods that support
healthy and sustainable futures - A green place for all
• Liveable and Connected - Inviting and liveable spaces and facilities, connected so
people can get around
3. Opportunity and Prosperity - A future focused, transforming city where all
have opportunities to learn and earn - A prosperous place for all
• Growing and Transforming - Optimise community opportunities through infrastructure
innovation and investment.
Council officers contributing to the preparation and approval of this report, have no
conflicts of interests to declare.
Brimbank Heritage Strategy (2018 – 2023) | 2024 Implementation Status Report
BRIMBANK CITY COUNCIL
BRIMBANK HERITAGE STRATEGY (2018 – 2023)
IMPLEMENTATION STATUS REPORT
–
JUNE 2024
Summary
A review of the implementation status of the 22 actions is summarised below:
Theme/Action Group
Completed Ongoing
Not
commenced
Total
Knowing Actions
1
3
0
4
Protecting Actions
1
4
0
5
Supporting Actions
2
4
1
7
Communicating and
Promoting Actions
0
6
0
6
Total
4
17
1
22
Timeframe
:
Short (to be completed within 0-2 years); Medium (to be completed within 2-4 years); Long (to be completed within 5 years); Ongoing (actions occurring through the life of
Strategy)
Ongoing
(Business as usual)
Not commenced
Completed
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Attachment 12.6.1
Brimbank Heritage Strategy (2018 – 2023) | 2024 Implementation Status Report
A. ‘Knowing’ Actions
Actions
Timeframe Status Where are we now?
1
Program regular heritage gap analyses to identify and assess properties
that may warrant protection under the Heritage Overlay.
Ongoing
Council regularly conducts heritage gap analysis to identify and assess properties that may require
protection under Heritage Overlay. Over the life of this strategy, the heritage gap analyses have been
completed for the Sunshine Barley Terminal Silos, John Darling and Son Flour Mill Silos, Beaufort Houses
and the Quonset Warehouse. Council officers also prepared a submission to the Heritage Council of
Victoria to potentially list the former Sunshine Technical School on the Victorian Heritage Register. The
submission was presented to Council and endorsed at the 19 March 2024 Council Meeting.
2
Review the GIS system to map places of potential heritage significance. Short
Council’s GIS system has been updated to include properties that are proposed to have the Heritage
Overlay applied including:
Beaufort Houses at 52A, 1/56 and 67 Derrimut Street, 1/11 Dubbo Street and 32 Selwyn Street,
Albion and 15 Servante Street, Sunshine
Sunshine Silos 2 Wright Street, Sunshine.
3
Undertake a survey of Council owned assets for potential heritage
significance and conduct heritage study to verify.
Medium
Council maintains a complete register of all public assets, including information about known heritage
status of assets and heritage overlays. Further investigations on heritage matters are carried out on as
needs basis.
4
Develop a register of Council owned heritage collections, objects or
archives (e.g., honour boards, statues) and publish on Council’s
website.
Long
The Arts and Culture Unit finalised a register in 2019-21 which was published on the Museums Victoria
Collection website which is regularly updated.
B. ‘Protecting’ Actions
Actions
Timeframe Status Where are we now?
1 Continue funding the current Heritage Advisory Service and undertake
a review and necessary procurement arrangements to inform
continuation of a service.
Medium
The service was renewed in May 2024 for a period of three years.
2 Run a targeted bi-annual heritage workshop for Council staff including
inviting suitable qualified experts to facilitate workshops where
necessary
Ongoing
This action is being implemented through relevant staff attendance at external forums and workshops
including attendance at:
The Heritage Council’s Local Government Heritage Forum in May 2024.
Training on the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Register and Information System in May 2024.
The Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) Planet course on Infill Development in Heritage Areas.
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Attachment 12.6.1
Brimbank Heritage Strategy (2018 – 2023) | 2024 Implementation Status Report
3 Program the preparation of planning scheme amendments to add
more heritage sites to the Heritage Overlay, if identified in heritage gap
studies.
Ongoing
The following planning scheme amendments have progressed including:
Amendment C200 Part 2 to properties in the Grand Junction Estate and Matthew’s Hill Precinct,
Sunshine
Amendments C202, C234 and C240 to apply interim heritage controls to five properties Grand
Junction Estate and Matthew’s Hill Precinct, Sunshine
Amendment C219 to apply the Heritage Overlay on a permanent basis to five properties affected by
Amendment C240, six Beaufort Homes and the Quonset Warehouse at 134 Hampshire Road,
Sunshine
Amendment C227 to apply the Heritage Overlay to 2 Wright Street, Sunshine (Sunshine Silos).
4 Investigate if legislation could be strengthened to address ‘demolition
by neglect’.
Long
A report was presented at the Council Meeting of 18 April 2023, which explained that recent changes to
the heritage provisions do not:
Impose a duty or obligation for an owner to maintain a heritage building,
Enable a Council to require property owners to carry out maintenance or repair, or
Enable Council to take planning enforcement action in relation to disrepair.
A presentation on the changes was also given to the Heritage Advisory Committee at the June 2023
Meeting.
5 Continue to implement heritage management plans for Council owned
assets including H.V. McKay Memorial Gardens.
Ongoing
Council continues to implement the HV McKay Memorial Gardens Management Plan 2017. In 2023/24
Council officers commenced a review and update of the Management Plan and it is anticipated this will
be presented to Council in 2024/25. Council has allocated funding for preliminary works to preserve and
restore Robertsons Homestead and officers are investigating opportunities for the site.
Council officers have been liaising with Hume City Council and Heritage Victoria to investigate
opportunities for the former Arundel Road Bridge. Council officers continue to liaise with the owner of
Sydenham Railway Station to facilitate the preservation, restoration and adaptive reuse of the site.
C. ‘Supporting’ Actions
Actions
Timeframe Status Where are we now?
1
Delivery of an annual community information session targeting
owners and developers of heritage properties.
Ongoing
Strategic Planning facilitated an online community heritage forum on 4 August 2021 involving a
presentation by Council’s Heritage Advisor. The forum provided information about heritage places in
Brimbank, and heritage resources available to the community. Since Covid there has been a decrease in
community interest in these sessions. Officers are planning to trial another forum in 2024 and have
engaged Council’s Heritage Advisor to prepare another presentation.
2
Review and update the list of heritage tradespeople as required.
Ongoing
This action has not been implemented due to the procurement related risks associated with creating a
list of qualified tradespeople, which may be seen as an endorsement by Council to use these services.
3
Investigate the potential to reduce planning application fees charged
for places covered by the Heritage Overlay.
Short
The statutory fees that are charged for a planning application and set by the Victoria Government.
Regulation 20 of the Planning and Environment (Fees) Regulations 2016 allows Council to waive or
rebate a fee under certain circumstances. Council also engages a heritage expert to provide advice at no
charge to landowners.
4
Continue to monitor heritage funding grants and other financial
support.
Ongoing
In 2021, Council received a Living Heritage Grant from the Victorian Government to partly fund the
restoration of the Keilor Police Hut. Council continues to monitor other grants and funding opportunities
that will support heritage management.
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Attachment 12.6.1
Brimbank Heritage Strategy (2018 – 2023) | 2024 Implementation Status Report
5
Review the role and function of the Heritage Advisory Committee
including its terms of reference and greater cross function
engagement.
Short
The Heritage Advisory Committee’s Terms of Reference was revised and endorsed at the Council
meeting of 18 July 2023. The Terms of Reference are identified for review in 2027.
6
Continue to advise Local Historical Societies and community groups
about funding opportunities.
Ongoing
The Heritage Advisory Committee and Library services liaise with and advises local Historical Societies
about funding opportunities.
7
Program the review of the Heritage Design Guidelines and
incorporate sustainable building design.
Medium
In October 2018 the ESD policy was introduced in the Brimbank Planning Scheme as a local policy at
Clause 22.02 and a suite of guidance was recently published in 2023/24. The ESD policy applies to
heritage applications where there are two or more dwellings and some commercial buildings. Further
work may be programmed to determine if a review of the heritage design guidelines is necessary and
what existing ESD guidance is required for heritage, subject to budget allocations.
D. ‘Communicating and Promoting’ Actions
Actions
Timeframe Status Where are we now?
1 Continue to update Heritage pages on Council’s website as a one
stop shop and promote through Council’s media channels.
Ongoing
Updates continue to be made to the heritage page on Council’s website on an at needs basis.
Councils social media channels promote relevant heritage related planning scheme amendments and
other updates.
2 Promote heritage tourism opportunities to owners, managers and
heritage organisations to participate in Council’s business
development program and Experience Brimbank Visitor Strategy
2018 - 2023.
Ongoing
In 2021 Council created the Experience Brimbank website which is supported by marketing collateral
including heritage visitor destinations that is regularly distributed across the municipality. Council seeks
appropriate opportunities to promote business development opportunities to Brimbank businesses
through the business eBulletin and Western Melbourne Tourism, including its PRIME Mentoring
program.
3 Prepare and publish positive heritage stories through appropriate
communication channels and local media.
Ongoing
Over the life of this strategy, several heritage stories have been published in the Star Weekly and
promoted through Council’s social media pages including the proposal to place the former Sunshine
Technical School on the Victorian Heritage Register, upgrades to Harrick’s Cottage and the Keilor Police
Hut, as well as Brimbank’s culinary heritage.
4 Continue to liaise with historical societies and community groups. Ongoing
The Heritage Advisory Committee includes representatives from Brimbank’s Historical Societies and
community groups and provides an opportunity to liaise with them.
5 Investigate the extent of heritage information that is not
digitised and the type of support that would be required to
facilitate this.
Medium
In 2022 Council’s Libraries Department purchased a scanner specifically to help heritage societies to
digitise the local history collection. In February 2024, Libraries organised a discussion on a possible
platform to digitally store and promote Council’s heritage, art and local history collections with ongoing
consideration being given to this and other platforms.
6 Continue to investigate ways to celebrate Brimbank’s heritage
through public art, interpretative signage, and public realm
improvements.
Ongoing
A range of interpretation signage and public realm improvements have been delivered including:
Interpretative signage for the Keilor Police Hut
Interpretative signage for 47 McIntyre Road, Sunshine for the former Wunderlich Factory
The ‘duplicates’ installation in Hampshire Road.
Work is also progressing for the design of an interpretive signage package for Yaluk barring Park
(formerly Sydenham Park).
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Attachment 12.6.1
Brimbank Industrial Land Use Strategy (2018 – 2030) | 2024 Implementation Status Report
BRIMBANK CITY COUNCIL
BRIMBANK INDUSTRIAL LAND USE STRATEGY (2018-2030)
IMPLEMENTATION STATUS REPORT – JUNE 2024
Summary
A review of the implementation status of the 49 actions is summarised below:
Theme
Completed Ongoing
Not
commenced
Total
Planning
4
9
2
15
Environment
0
11
3
14
Economic
Development
2
6
0
8
Infrastructure and
Services
1
7
0
8
Compliance and
Enforcement
0
4
0
4
Total
7
37
5
49
Implementation timeframe: Short (0-5 years), medium (5-7 years) and long (10-12 years)
Ongoing
(Business as usual)
Not Commenced
Completed
7, 14%
37, 76%
5, 10%
Completed Ongoing Not Commenced
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Attachment 12.6.2
Brimbank Industrial Land Use Strategy (2018 – 2030) | 2024 Implementation Status Report
A. Planning
Objective 1: To provide planning certainty and facilitate investment
Actions
Timeframe Status
Where are we now?
1.1 Include the Western State Significant Industrial Precinct
and Employment Areas as Strategic Sites within the
Brimbank Planning Scheme.
Short
The Western State Significant Industrial Precinct and Employment Areas were included on the Economic
Development Framework in the Brimbank Planning Scheme on 27 June 2024 as part of Amendment C225brim.
1.2 When requested, provide guidance to land owners on
the preparation of Development Plans / Master Plans for
Industrial and Employment areas identified in the
Industrial Precinct Reports.
Short
The preparation of Development and Master Plans are generally proponent or applicant led. Council officers
conducted a preliminary assessment on the Orica Precinct Development Plan which was placed on advertising
on 20 June 2024. Officers have also been working with the State Government on the McIntyre Road Precinct as
part of Precinct Planning for land around Albion Quarter which has included preparation of a submission for
the July 2024 Council Meeting.
1.3 Apply appropriate planning tools / controls to sites
where a Development Plan / Master Plan has been
submitted to Council or strategic work has been
prepared for industrial land in the City (such as the
Development Plan Overlay).
Medium
Council officers have:
Provided feedback on the Orica Development Plan
Conducted a preliminary assessment of the Jonesfield Corner Development Plan in Ardeer
Worked with the State Government in their planning for the Albion Quarter.
1.4 Undertake strategic work to review, update and prepare
new Industrial Precinct Design Guidelines as directed in
the Strategy. Program the preparation of Design and
Development Overlays to implement these Guidelines
into the Brimbank Planning Scheme.
Short
Council adopted the Brimbank Industrial Design Guidelines (BIDG) in August 2021, which consolidated
separate design guidelines for industrial areas within the municipality. Council officers have prepared draft
Planning Scheme Amendment C231brim to include the BIDG in the Brimbank Planning Scheme, subject to
Council approval. It is anticipated that Amendment C231 will be presented to Council in 2025 and was delayed
until the Planning Minister gazetted Amendment C225, which occurred in June 2024.
1.5 Continue to provide a pre-planning application service
for developments greater than $2 million to identify
issues and facilitate a streamlined planning permit
process.
Ongoing
Council officers provide pre-application meetings as requested by applicants. In 2023/24, officers held
meetings for several industrial projects in Deer Park, Tullamarine, Brooklyn, and Ardeer.
1.6 Undertake an evaluation of the BILS every five years and
comprehensively review the BILS in 2030.
Ongoing
A review of BILS has not commenced and is subject to future budget allocation. In late 2023 the Victorian
Government commenced discussions regarding a new Plan for Victoria to guide future growth and
development to 2050. In the context of a new Plan for Victoria a review of BILS was considered premature and
will be considered for programming after it has been released. Officers prepared an initial submission to Plan
for Victoria and presented this to council at the 18 June 2024 Council Meeting.
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Attachment 12.6.2
Brimbank Industrial Land Use Strategy (2018 – 2030) | 2024 Implementation Status Report
Objective 1: To provide planning certainty and facilitate investment
Actions
Timeframe Status
Where are we now?
1.7 Consider planning controls for areas around Major
Hazard Facilities.
Short
The State Government is working with Council officers and WorkSafe to finalise the application of the Buffer
Area Overlay for Major Hazard Facilities. Council’s new Housing Strategy adopted 16 April 2024 proposes to
rezone areas surrounding the Major Hazards facilities to restrict development intensity and include minimum
lot size controls.
Objective 2: To promote development of Industrial and Employment Areas.
Actions
Timeframe Status
Where are we now?
2.1 Maintain existing industrial zonings in Western State
Significant Industrial Precinct (WSSIP).
Ongoing
Council reaffirmed its position regarding these areas as industrial precincts by including the Western State
Significant Industrial Precinct (WSSIP) on the Economic Development Framework in the Brimbank Planning
Scheme as part of Amendment C225brim. Amendment C225brim was gazetted on 27 June 2024.
Although this action has been classified as ‘ongoing’, it is considered ‘complete’ as any proposal to rezone the
land contravenes local and State policy and would not be supported.
2.2 Update the Brimbank Planning Scheme to:
include decision guidelines for:
- non-industrial uses in industrial areas
- sensitive uses in Industrial Areas (i.e. Caretakers
residence and Childcare centre)
- encouraging restricted retail uses to locate on main
roads
include the BIL’s as a reference document.
Short
Decision guidelines are no longer permissible under the Planning Policy Framework however, Amendment
C225brim (approved 27 June 2024) included:
New strategic directions/policy content that provides guidance for non-industrial and sensitive uses
in industrial areas
Incorporates BILS as a reference document in the Brimbank Planning Scheme.
2.3 Undertake further strategic work to determine the
preferred minimum lot size for new subdivisions within
the WSSIP and Industrial and Employment Areas, and
prepare an amendment the Brimbank Planning Scheme
to include decision guidelines for preferred minimum lot
sizes in these areas.
Short
Amendment C225brim included local policy that seeks to support the retention and creation of large industrial
lots to maintain land supply for large scale operations. Precinct specific work for preferred minimum lot sizes
for new subdivisions has not yet been programmed, and if still required, is likely to require consultancy
expertise and would form part of a future budget submission.
Objective 3: To encourage a transition from industrial uses.
Actions
Timeframe Status
Where are we now?
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Attachment 12.6.2
Brimbank Industrial Land Use Strategy (2018 – 2030) | 2024 Implementation Status Report
3.1 Provide guidance to property owners who are interested
in redeveloping their sites listed as transitional areas in
the Strategy (where strategic work has justified the
transition).
Ongoing
Council officers provide pre-application meetings as requested by applicants. In 2023/24 guidance was provided
regarding the redevelopment of transitional sites in St Albans and Sunshine North.
Objective 4: To persevere places of heritage significance in Industrial and Employment Areas.
Actions
Timeframe Status
Where are we now?
4.1 Undertake strategic work to identify preferred outcomes
for places of heritage significance in Industrial and
Employment Areas, including how surrounding
development responds to the heritage significance of the
place and prepare an update the Local Heritage Policy.
Short
Amendment C225brim included new local policies that relate to adaptive re-use of industrial heritage buildings
for non- industrial uses and to support demolition/removal of relevant heritage fabric to enable continued
operation of historically significant uses.
The Brimbank Industrial Design Guidelines (BIDG) also provide guidance on:
Alterations and additions to heritage buildings
New buildings adjacent heritage buildings
Subdivision (in relation to heritage places).
Council officers have prepared draft Planning Scheme Amendment C231brim to include the BIDG in the
Brimbank Planning scheme subject to Council approval. It is anticipated Amendment C231 will be presented to
Council in 2025.
4.2 Update the Heritage Overlay to include places of
Aboriginal cultural heritage significance.
Short
Strategic Planning work was undertaken to examine the use of the Heritage Overlay (HO) in relation to
protecting Aboriginal cultural significance. This work identified that HO is not appropriate and that the
Aboriginal
Heritage Act 2006
provides the highest form of protection for Aboriginal cultural heritage. A Briefing Note was
provided in the 2023/24 about this matter.
4.3 Continue to identify places of industrial heritage
significance and include them within the Heritage
Overlay as recommended.
Ongoing
Council has identified places of industrial heritage significance and progressed two planning scheme
amendments to apply the Heritage Overlay to the Sunshine Silos, 2 Wright Street, Sunshine (Amendment
C227brim) and Quonset Warehouse, 134 Hampshire Road, Sunshine (Amendment C219brim).
Objective 5: To encourage appropriate change in transitional areas.
Actions
Timeframe Status
Where are we now?
5.1 Apply the Development Plan Overlay or Design and
Development Overlay to guide the future development
of transitional areas.
Ongoing
The application of the Development Plan Overlay or Design and Development Overlay is generally proponent or
applicant led as part of a Planning Scheme Amendment application.
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Attachment 12.6.2
Brimbank Industrial Land Use Strategy (2018 – 2030) | 2024 Implementation Status Report
B. Environment
Objective 6: To improve the environmental performance of Brimbank’s Industrial and Employment areas.
Actions
Timeframe Status
Where are we now?
6.1 Identify recommended separation distances around
facilities with the potential to cause off site risk or
amenity impacts including a risk matrix to inform the
potential application of the Environment Significance
Overlay and decision guidelines for the assessment of
uses within the buffer areas.
Short
Council officers continue to work with the Victorian Government to address issues of risk and adverse amenity
potential from industrial operations. In February 2023, Council made a submission towards the EPA’s new draft
Separation Distance Guideline and Landfill Buffer Guideline, which is currently in draft stage. Amendment
C225brim included new strategic directions/policy content that relate to minimising off-site amenity impacts by
encouraging separation distances and was gazetted in June 2024.
6.2 Continue to work with the Victorian Government on the
proposed reforms to the VPPs to address issues of risk
and adverse amenity potential from industrial
operations.
Ongoing
Council officers continue to engage with the State Government and provide feedback about planning controls to
manage risk. In June 2024, Council made a submission to Plan for Victoria which called for a regional approach to
managing risks and adverse amenity from industrial operations.
Objective 7: To ensure that industry doesn’t adversely impact the health, safety and amenity of the community.
Actions
Timeframe Status
Where are we now?
7.1 Promote education and other programs including
Light$smart to encourage energy and water efficient
practices.
Ongoing
Council’s work has included:
Ongoing promotion of the Environmental Upgrade Agreements, which has led to over $1.9 million in
sustainable upgrade investments and over $7 million in operational savings for businesses in Brimbank,
including in the industrial precincts.
Development of a data dashboard in 2023/24 for energy use at Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre
(BAWC), which will be promoted to industrial business in the future.
7.2 Ensure the inclusion of environmental sustainability
design outcomes including off site water capture, storage
and treatment in industrial precinct design guidelines and
development plans / master plans.
Short
The Brimbank Industrial Design Guidelines include ESD objectives around water capture, storage, and treatment
for individual sites as well as large-scale developments or master planned areas. In 23/24 Council officers also
prepared a suite of ESD guidance for the assessment of major projects and development plans, which are
generally proponent or applicant led.
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Attachment 12.6.2
Brimbank Industrial Land Use Strategy (2018 – 2030) | 2024 Implementation Status Report
7.3 Promote industry environmental best practice through:
environmental fact sheets
promotion of sustainability events and sustainability
champions
information of government grants.
Ongoing
In 2023/24, Council delivered promoted industry best practice through:
Work associated with the Business Renewables Buying Group
Working with WAGA to promote two events on sustainable businesses practice
Promotion of case studies about environmental upgrades and funding opportunities through the
Brimbank Business e-bulletin and the Sunshine Rising and GO St Albans newsletters
Promotion of the 100% Renewable Brimbank page on Council’s website.
7.4 Work with asset and service authorities and local land
owners to identify and pursue opportunities for precinct
wide sustainable water and energy projects.
Ongoing
Council has undertaken work to identify and pursue sustainable water and energy projects including:
Working with the Maribyrnong and Werribee Integrated Water Management Forums, which comprise
DEECA, Melbourne Water, Greater Western Water, Wurundjeri, Bunurong and the relevant LGAs.
Working with DTP through participation in the Stony Creek working group.
Developing a business case to examine solar plus and a battery at Sunshine Energy Park.
Developing work that examines the potential for a community battery project in Sunshine.
7.5 Review the application of Environmental Significance
Overlays (ESOs) along waterways in industrial areas and
identify gaps where new ESOs may be required.
Short
Officers presented a review of the Brimbank Biodiversity Strategy and Brimbank Habitat Connectivity Plan to
Council at the 18 June 2024 Council Meeting. The review of ESOs will be considered as part of a new Biodiversity
Strategy, which is being developed for presentation to Council in 2025.
7.6 Continue to monitor funding opportunities to address
reuse of landfills where possible.
Ongoing
Council continues to monitor funding opportunities to address landfill reuse, including the Sunshine Energy Park.
In 2022, Council was awarded a grant by Sustainability Victoria to create a feasibility plan for the construction of
a new Resource Recovery Centre located at Sunshine Energy Park.
7.7 Consider the Brimbank Habitat Connectivity Corridors
when assessing permit applications and developing
landscaping requirements for industrial precincts.
Ongoing
The Brimbank Habitat Connectivity Corridors (BHCC) were considered during development of the Brimbank
Industrial Design Guidelines. Amendment C225brim included new strategic directions/policy content in relation
to habitat connectivity and biodiversity in the Brimbank Planning Scheme.
Objective 8: To improve the appearance of Industrial and Employment areas.
Actions
Timeframe Status
Where are we now?
8.1 Investigate the development of a rolling program for
public realm and streetscape improvements.
Ongoing
A rolling program for public realm and streetscape improvements around industrial areas is yet to be developed
and has not yet been programmed due to financial constraints. This doesn’t prevent individual projects from
being considered through the capital works and budget process for site specific improvements.
8.2 Consider how precincts can be branded through signage
and other mechanisms.
Short
The BIDGs seek to improve the existing conditions and branding over time. A background audit is being
undertaken as part of preparation for a municipality-wide signage strategy and will identify opportunities to
improve the appearance of industrial areas.
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Attachment 12.6.2
Brimbank Industrial Land Use Strategy (2018 – 2030) | 2024 Implementation Status Report
8.3 Consider the need for open space in industrial and
employment areas as part of the next review of the Open
Space Strategy.
Ongoing
The preparation of a new Open Space Strategy has been identified as future work and will inform the provision
of open space in industrial and employment areas.
8.4 Advocate to State Government to implement the
Maribyrnong River Valley Design Guidelines and the
Kororoit Creek Regional Strategy 2005 – 2030 to facilitate
the acquisition of private land along waterways where
this is required to provide public access and connectivity.
Ongoing
Council officers monitor funding opportunities and negotiate with owners developing land along the
Maribyrnong River to improve access and connectivity. Officers have previously been involved in the trial of the
State Governments Maribyrnong River Valley Coordinating Committee back in 2010 however this has been
inactive for a number of years.
Council officers have previously formed part of the Victorian Governments, now defunct, Maribyrnong River
Valley Coordinating Committee where key tasks included:
planning and prioritise capital works and land acquisition along the Maribyrnong River
investigating mechanisms to protect remaining, undeveloped Brimbank escarpment land including
seeking funds for acquisition for public open space.
It is noted that the Committee was established prior to the adoption of the Brimbank Industrial Strategy and ran
for a trial period of two years.
8.5 Continue to monitor the need for cleaning, maintenance
and compliance in relation to rubbish dumping.
Ongoing
Council continues to monitor cleaning, maintenance and compliance of rubbish dumping through:
Reactive work by the Cleansing Team, who respond to reports to collect dumped rubbish across the
municipality including industrial estates.
Investigation by Local Laws Litter Prevention Officers into incidents of dumped rubbish to identify and
prosecute offenders where possible.
Proactive inspections by Council’s Road Asset Inspector undertakes of the road network including
industrial estates.
C. Economic Development
Objective 9: To encourage the growth of existing business in Industrial and Employment areas.
Actions
Timeframe Status
Where are we now?
9.1 Review and update Positioning Brimbank branding and
marketing material.
Short
Council prepared the Brimbank Investment Prospectus in 2021 and updated it in 2023/24, which included
production of five marketing videos across industrial areas in Brimbank.
9.2 Maintain updated investment material.
Ongoing
Council regularly updates its investment collateral and publishes on the Brimbank website.
9.3 Develop and implement a business and industry
visitation program.
Short
Council maintains a regular business visitation program and continually updates its business information.
9.4 Develop a strategy to promote existing and emerging
clusters including materials recycling (Brooklyn), food
manufacturing (Tullamarine), and data centres
(Derrimut).
Short
Council completed a Municipal Industry Analysis and Cluster Development Plan in 2019 and also identified
existing and emerging industrial clusters in the adopted Brimbank Economic Development Strategy (2022 –
2027).
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Attachment 12.6.2
Brimbank Industrial Land Use Strategy (2018 – 2030) | 2024 Implementation Status Report
9.5 Continue to support the implementation of the Brooklyn
Evolution Work Program and the Brooklyn Industrial
Precinct Committee (BIPC).
Ongoing
Council maintains the Brooklyn Industrial Precinct Committee and reports annually to the group about the
Brooklyn Implementation Strategy.
9.6 Develop and maintain a register of vacant or
underdeveloped sites within Industrial and Employment
Areas to provide development facilitation and assist
business development, relocation and expansion.
Short
Work has commenced to identify sites across the municipality and officers are working to develop this register
on Council’s GIS platform.
Objective 10: To build the capacity and economic resilience of business in Brimbank.
Actions
Timeframe Status
Where are we now?
10.1 Deliver a program of business development and events. Ongoing
Council delivers an annual program of business development and networking which is promoted to the
Brimbank business community. In 2023/24 the program included 17 business development workshops, two
sustainable business practices events, two Brimbank Business Breakfasts, one Women in Leadership Luncheon,
and monthly Brimbank Business Link Meetups that is available to all businesses in Brimbank.
10.2 Promote relevant business networking and engagement
events being held by other relevant organisations.
Ongoing
Council promotes a range of networking and engagement events through the 41 editions of business ebulletin
include those held by third parties such as Melbourne’s North Food Group, Business Victoria, Industry Capability
Network and the Aussie – Filo Business Group.
D. Infrastructure and Services
Objective 11: To enhance freight access to and within Industrial and Employment Areas.
Actions
Timeframe Status
Where are we now?
11.1 Advocate to the Victorian government for
improvements to the Principal Freight Network that
benefit Brimbank and the western region.
Ongoing
In 2020 the former Department of Transport undertook a review of the Principal Freight network and Council
provided comments as part of the consultation process. Council adopted the Brimbank Transport Priorities Paper
on 19 April 2022, which includes advocacy for the prioritisation of the Western Intermodal Freight Terminal
(WIFT).
11.2 Engage with the Victorian government regarding the
alignment, timing and mitigation options for the
Western Goods Line (WGL).
Ongoing
Discussions are held periodically with relevant State Government departments and agencies regarding the
planning and progress of several State Government infrastructure projects including updates on the WIFT and
Western Goods Line.
11.3 Prepare local area traffic management plans as required
to address and manage the conflict between freight
vehicle movement and pedestrian movement.
Ongoing
Council continues to prepare and require the preparation of Local Area Traffic Management Plans as required.
11.4 Consider the car parking needs in the development of
the Brimbank Car Parking Strategy.
Short
Council prepared and adopted the Brimbank Parking Strategy 2019-2029.
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Attachment 12.6.2
Brimbank Industrial Land Use Strategy (2018 – 2030) | 2024 Implementation Status Report
Objective 12: To improve public and active transport options to Industrial and Employment Areas.
Actions
Timeframe Status
Where are we now?
12.1 Advocate to the Victorian government for
improvements to public transport in and around
Industrial and Employment Areas including bus network
improvements, a new commuter station at Calder Park
and a light rail service along Ballarat Road to Deer Park.
Ongoing
Council has undertaken a range of advocacy work in relation to public transport in and around Industrial and
Employment Areas which has been identified in the Transport Priorities Paper 2022 and Sunshine Priority
Precinct Vision 2050 including the need for:
An improved Bus Network to enhance connectivity and accessibility to key employment/industrial
areas
Upgrades to rail networks and train stations (including Sunshine Super Hub/Station and Albion Station)
Provision of new stations that improves access to industrial precincts in Deer Park and Keilor Park
Electrification of the Ballarat train line to Melton / Bacchus Marsh
Active transport (missing links and connections, bicycle parking at railway stations, off road bike paths)
A new light rail service.
12.2 Consider active transport linkages that better connect
industrial and employment areas with the surrounding
network through implementation of the Brimbank
Cycling and Walking Strategy 2016.
Short
Council continues to implement the Brimbank Cycling and Walking Strategy 2016 by seeking opportunities to
create active transport linkages that better connect industrial and employment areas with the surrounding
network. While primarily focusing on residential areas, the following projects funded through the 2023/24
budget improve active transport access to employment areas:
Berry Street upgrades, Sunshine North
Foleys Road upgrades, Derrimut
George Street upgrades, Sunshine, and
St Leonards Avenue upgrades, Derrimut.
Objective 13: To encourage the delivery of services and infrastructure to support the viability of Industrial and Employment Areas.
Actions
Timeframe Status
Where are we now?
13.1 Develop local area infrastructure plans for undeveloped
industrial precincts to inform infrastructure and service
requirements.
Long
The preparation of service and infrastructure plans generally occurs as part of a future development
proposals/subdivisions and therefore are proponent or applicant led. Council officers assess the Engineering
Infrastructure and Services Report (the Report) submitted as part of a Development Plans, such as the plans for
the former Orica site which is currently on advertising. The Report examines existing conditions in relation to
roads, drainage and utility services and responds to the conditions on the site and application.
13.2 Continue to monitor funding opportunities to upgrade
existing or provide for new local infrastructure, where
required.
Ongoing
Council continues to monitor funding opportunities. Council was recently awarded a $1.67 million grant to
construct and seal the western end of Old Geelong Road in Brooklyn. Works are expected to be completed in the
2024/25 financial year.
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Attachment 12.6.2
Brimbank Industrial Land Use Strategy (2018 – 2030) | 2024 Implementation Status Report
E. Compliance and Enforcement
Objective 14: To improve the amenity of Industrial and Employment Areas through compliance and enforcement.
Actions
Timeframe Status
Where are we now?
14.1 Continue to work with the Environment Protection
Authority and business owners to ensure permit
conditions and recommended separation distances
between sensitive and industrial uses are complied with.
Ongoing
Planning Compliance regularly liaises with the EPA, businesses and individuals regarding compliance with
planning permits and licences, including undertaking joint inspections throughout a number of industrial areas.
Planning Compliance actively participates in the Waste Intelligence Network (WIN) & the Local Intelligence
Network (LIN) which membership includes various councils, EPA, WorkSafe, Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV),
Sustainability Victoria (SV), Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) and Victoria Police.
14.2 Prepare an Industrial and Employment Land Compliance
Action Plan to ensure regular and prioritised
enforcement within industrial estates across the
municipality. (Include liaison with Environment
Protection Authority, Victoria Police and opportunities
to increase covert surveillance).
Short
Planning Compliance regularly works with State Government agencies such as the EPA, Victoria Police and
WorkSafe on various matters and undertakes joint investigations and sharing of intelligence. Planning
Compliance has introduced various proactive programs including:
Establishing and implementing the Coordinated Prevention Response Framework and subsequently the
Capacity Building Program for High Risk and Hazardous Waste program
Implementation of a ‘Dust Management’ compliance program on known emitters
Development of a proactive ‘Precinct Enhancement Program’ between Planning, Assets, City Laws, Victoria
Police and EPA.
14.3 Seek input from EPA on the update of Council’s
“Guidance about Site Redevelopment” and make
available to land owners.
Ongoing
The update to this guidance was delayed due to changes to the
Environment Protection Act 2017
and Victoria
Planning Provisions introduced on 1 July 2021 when Victoria’s new environmental regulatory regime came into
effect. Council officers have commenced work to understand the above regulatory changes in the broader
Brimbank context including ongoing liaison with relevant stakeholders, such as the EPA, and potentially seeking
expert advice. The implementation of these changes in the relevant guidance is ongoing and will include input
from the stakeholders.
14.4 Review standard permit conditions for industrial uses to
ensure conditions are enforceable and address on-site
storm water retention, water quality treatment and
adverse amenity impacts.
Ongoing
Planning Permit conditions are regularly reviewed as required. Council officers undertook a major review of
standard permit conditions in 2021 to ensure they are enforceable and address the water management and
amenity issues. Work has also commenced to review and standardise ESD conditions and is expected to be
completed in 2024/25.
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Attachment 12.6.2
