Reduced timeframes for objector review applications under section 82(1) Planning and Environment Act

Published 30 June 2026

From 6 July 2026, new applications filed with VCAT under section 82(1) of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 (Vic), sometimes referred to as ‘objector review applications’, will benefit from reduced timeframes.

A 6 month trial will see the following changes to objector review applications:

  • A compulsory conference will be scheduled 10 weeks following application lodgement, instead of 12 weeks at present. This represents a time reduction of 2 weeks.
  • A hearing will be scheduled 8 weeks following the compulsory conference, instead of 12 weeks at present. This represents a time reduction of 4 weeks.

For a case that proceeds to its hearing, the revised schedule will therefore see a reduction of 6 weeks from the current timeframe.

Applicants and parties will need to ensure that all necessary documentation is provided to us in a timely manner to align with the compressed timeframes.

The changes facilitate faster outcomes for users of the Victorian planning system and VCAT.