Council
24 August, 2026
MP calls for planning transparency
SOUTH West Coast MP Roma Britnell has called for greater transparency and community consultation in the state’s planning system, following concerns raised by residents about developments occurring in their neighbourhoods.
Ms Britnell recently told Parliament that residents across the region are increasingly contacting her after learning about significant developments only once work has commenced, tenders have been issued, or construction fencing has been erected.
She said residents should have clear information about proposals that may affect their homes, streets and communities, and should have meaningful opportunities to understand and respond to those proposals.
Ms Britnell cited concerns raised by Warrnambool residents about a proposed rooming house, including questions about parking and the potential impact on the surrounding neighbourhood.
She also raised concerns from residents who had become aware of a proposed high-security development involving a fence topped with razor wire.
Ms Britnell said the limited information available to neighbours had contributed to uncertainty and anxiety.
Other residents have contacted her about renewable energy and battery storage proposals, raising questions including stormwater management, fire hazards and impacts on neighbouring properties.
“These issues demonstrate the importance of providing communities with timely and accessible information about significant developments” she said.
“I’m also concerned about the increasing centralisation of planning decision-making, including the use of fast-track approval pathways and ministerial intervention powers.
“Residents deserve to know what is being proposed in their neighbourhoods and to have an opportunity to understand and contribute to decisions that affect their communities.”
Ms Britnell also noted that good planning should recognise the value of local knowledge and give communities access to information before decisions are made, rather than leaving residents to find out after construction has begun.
“The Liberal Party has committed to returning consultation to communities as an essential part of good planning,” she said.
“Residents should have confidence that their concerns will be heard and that information about significant developments will be available to them in a timely way.”
