Compulsory conferences to increase in the Planning and Environment List

From 1 January 2023, the number of proceedings listed for a compulsory conference in VCAT’s Planning and Environment List will increase. This will occur in stages and will involve standard planning cases, not Fast Track and short cases. 

Standard planning case applications (not including Land Valuation and Environment & Resources applications) will be listed for a compulsory conference as follows:

Stage 1: Applications lodged on 1 January 2023 onwards under Section 79 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987.

Stage 2: Applications lodged on 1 April 2023 onwards under Section 80 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987. 

Stage 3: Applications lodged on 1 July 2023 onwards under Section 77 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 and require a hearing of 2 or more days.

Stage 4: Applications lodged on 1 October 2023 onwards under Section 77 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 with a duration of 1 day or less.

It is envisaged that standard case proceedings will be listed for a compulsory conference about 10-12 weeks before the hearing. 

The listing of a proceeding for a compulsory conference will not affect the date on which the matter is listed for hearing.  

All proceedings in the Major Cases List and those lodged under Section 82 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 will also continue to be listed for a compulsory conference. 

Proceedings that are in the Fast Track and Short Cases List will continue to be listed for a prompt hearing only.