News and updates

Housing Statement Reform

Consumer and Planning Legislation Amendment (Housing Statement Reform) Act 2025 changes provisions of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 (Vic) and the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 1998 (Vic).

Consent order update

Our information for filing common consent orders to end planning proceedings has been updated.

Planning hearings and compulsory conferences at suburban VCAT venues

More planning cases will now be heard at VCAT locations outside the Melbourne CBD, specifically at Bundoora, Frankston and Oakleigh.

Advice on preparing and presenting your submission to a hearing

VCAT has prepared two short videos on preparing and presenting your submission at a planning or environment hearing.

Faster resolution of cases

We're making important changes to how cases are managed to make for shorter waiting times and faster case resolution.

Reminders for efficient processing of emails

To ensure your application proceeds as quickly as possible, we share a few reminders for when emailing us.

Recent planning and environment practice day hearings

Practice day hearings deal with directions, interim orders or procedural applications. 

Determination of a waterway under the planning scheme

This decision provides a summary of the legislative framework for the determination of a ‘waterway’ under a planning scheme.

Practical implications of third party exemptions in an integrated omnibus permit application at VCAT

This article summaries a VCAT decision about a proposal for tourist accommodation which required various planning permissions under four planning controls. 

Effect of third party exemptions on 'omnibus' permits at VCAT

This article analyses the implications of a Supreme Court of Victoria ruling on a VCAT decision related to the Planning and Environment Act 1987 (PE Act).

Changes to being added as a party in planning permit cases

In 2023, VCAT introduced changes for cases involving planning permits that set out how someone can be added as a party.