Cardinia Shire Council

## Cardinia Shire Council Planning Department Analysis **Cardinia is widely regarded as one of Victoria's most developer-friendly councils**, actively embracing its role as a major growth corridor with ambitious targets of 30,000 new dwellings by 2051. The council has established a **proactive and supportive approach** to housing development, particularly in designated greenfield areas around Pakenham, Officer, and Clyde. **Processing times are generally competitive** for a growth council, though the sheer volume of applications can create bottlenecks during peak periods. Pre-application meetings are encouraged and typically well-resourced, with planners who understand the commercial realities of large-scale development. **Common delays center around infrastructure contributions** and developer contribution plan negotiations rather than design objections. The council's engineering referrals can be thorough, particularly for subdivisions requiring new infrastructure in growth corridors. **The planning department operates with a commercial mindset**, recognizing their economic development role while maintaining appropriate standards. Staff are generally experienced with large-scale residential projects and subdivision processes. **Strategic priorities strongly favor housing delivery** in designated growth areas, with minimal resistance to appropriately located developments. However, expect **strict protection of rural areas** and hills townships where neighbourhood character policies apply more rigorously.