Baw Baw Shire Council

## Baw Baw Shire Council Planning Department Analysis **Baw Baw Shire is notably developer-friendly** among regional Victorian councils, actively encouraging housing growth to meet their ambitious target of 25,700 new dwellings by 2051. The council recognizes the growth pressures from Melbourne's expansion and has positioned itself as **supportive of subdivision and development**, particularly in the Warragul-Drouin corridor. **Processing times are generally reasonable** for a regional council, though pre-application meetings are highly recommended given the significant growth occurring. The department tends to be **proactive in facilitating development** that aligns with their strategic growth areas, with faster turnarounds for projects in designated growth zones. **Common delays typically involve referral authorities** rather than council bottlenecks, particularly VicRoads for developments near major transport corridors and Melbourne Water for subdivision applications. The council's **under-resourced planning team** occasionally struggles with the volume of applications, especially during peak development periods. **Strategic priorities clearly favor growth-oriented developments** in Warragul, Drouin, and emerging townships like Longwarry. The council actively resists inappropriate rural development but is **flexible with density and design** in growth areas. Applicants should expect a collaborative approach for projects that support their housing targets and regional growth strategy.