State legislation

The following Acts influence Council's strategic direction for sustainably managing the natural and cultural assets of the municipality.

Crown Land (Reserves Act): This Act covers a range of Crown Land issues including municipal buildings, ecologically significant areas and sewerage works.
Environmental Protection Act: Providing a legislative framework for environmental protection, this Act establishes environment protection principles by which the Government of Victoria appoints the EPA to administer.
Environmental Effects Act: Before commencing public works, Environmental Effects Statements must be submitted for approval. This Act provides the legislative power for such statements.
Planning and Environment Act: The purpose of the Planning and Environment Act is to regulate land development so that significant areas are protected.
Planning and Environment (Planning Schemes) Act: In terms of planning, this Act is instigates the preparation of Municipal Strategic Statements for Local Government and for the development of Victoria Planning Provisions.
Victoria Planning Provisions: These are essentially a state wide reference template from which planning schemes are sourced and constructed.
Local Government Act: This Act appoints Local Government to position. Under this act communities can be provided with an accountable system of governance and local legislation and policy to direct sustainability initiatives.
Coastal Management Act: For the sustainable management of Victoria's coast, the Coastal Management Act, 1995 instigates regulatory bodies so that coordinated strategic planning is possible for Victoria's coast.
National Parks (Marine National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries) Act: Marine National Parks and sanctuaries can be established under this Act. It provides a pathway for Government departments to select suitable coastal areas for National Park status.
Catchment and Land Protection Act: This Act provides a framework for the integrated management and protection of catchments. Its purpose is to encourage community participation in the management of land and water resources and to etablish a control system for pest flora and fauna.
Conservation, Forests and Lands Act: Essentially, this Act has provided a framework for a land management system. The act allows for necessary administrative, financial and enforcement provisions associated with land management.
Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act: This Act establishes a legal and administrative structure so that the conservation of Victoria's native flora and fauna is ensured. It endorses a choice of procedures which can be used for the conservation, management and control of flora and fauna (including the management of potentially threatening processes).
Wildlife Act: Under this Act, procedures have been established for the protection and conservation of wildlife, access to wildlife, and the prohibition and regulation of activities concerning wildlife.
Water Act: This Act has several purposes, including providing for the integrated management of the water cycle and making sure that water resources are conserved and properly managed for sustainable use. The Act highlights the importance of community involvement in conservation and management of water resources.
Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animals Act: The purpose of this Act is to promote animal welfare, the responsible ownership of dogs and cats and the protection of the environment.
Archaeological and Aboriginal Relics Preservation Act: To ensure Victoria's cultural heritage, this Act makes provisions for the preservation and protection of archaeological and aboriginal relics.

21-Apr-2009