Mitchell Shire Council

Encourages housing growth and densityGenerally supportive of subdivision

Housing Strategy

Mitchell has the highest growth rate of peri-urban councils, with 66,000 additional dwellings target. 56,000 homes planned for greenfield sites within UGB. Mitchell would grow from less than half Bendigo's size to the same size in 20 years. Council adopted Affordable Housing and Subdivision Strategy October 2023. [Sources: Mitchell Affordable Housing and Subdivision Strategy 2023; Plan for Victoria Feb 2025]

2051 Housing Target

66,000

Source: Plan for Victoria (February 2025) - 56,000 greenfield sub-target

Data Confidence

high

Growth Areas

WallanKilmoreBeveridgeBroadfordSeymour

Minimal Change Areas

Rural areasTownship heritage areas

Planning Overview

## Mitchell Shire Council Planning Department Analysis Mitchell Shire is **highly developer-friendly** with Victoria's most ambitious growth agenda, targeting 66,000 new dwellings by 2051 - transforming from a small rural shire to match Bendigo's size. The council actively **encourages housing growth** and is **supportive of subdivisions**, particularly in designated growth areas like Wallan, Beveridge, and Kilmore. **Processing times are generally reasonable** for a growth-focused council, though the department faces significant pressure from unprecedented development volumes. Pre-application meetings are encouraged and typically productive, with the council keen to facilitate compliant proposals in growth areas. **Common delays** stem from infrastructure referrals rather than council resistance - particularly VicRoads, Melbourne Water, and utility authorities struggling to keep pace with development demand. **Vegetation assessments** can create bottlenecks in greenfield areas, and heritage considerations may slow applications in established townships. The planning department is **well-resourced for growth management** but stretched thin by application volumes. Staff demonstrate **flexible interpretation** of planning provisions when proposals align with strategic growth objectives, taking a **proactive approach** to facilitating development in targeted areas. **Strategic priorities strongly favor** residential subdivisions and medium-density housing in growth corridors, while maintaining protection for rural landscapes and township heritage areas outside the Urban Growth Boundary.