Murrindindi Shire Council

## Murrindindi Shire Council Planning Department Analysis **Murrindindi operates as a cautious, risk-averse council** heavily influenced by the 2009 Black Saturday bushfire experience. The department takes a **conservative approach to development approvals**, particularly around bushfire management and environmental protection, which can extend processing times significantly. **Processing times are typically longer than metropolitan councils** due to extensive bushfire risk assessments and environmental referrals. Pre-application meetings are highly recommended and often essential for complex proposals, with the council preferring early engagement to avoid costly RFIs later in the process. **Common delays stem from bushfire management plan requirements**, vegetation assessments, and referrals to CFA and DELWP. The council's **small planning team can create bottlenecks** during peak periods, particularly in summer when bushfire season restrictions add complexity to assessments. **The department demonstrates flexibility for tourism-related developments** in key townships like Marysville and Alexandra, aligning with economic recovery priorities. However, they maintain **strict standards for rural residential subdivisions** and developments in high-risk bushfire areas. **Strategic priorities clearly favor controlled growth** in established townships over rural sprawl, with strong resistance to development near Lake Eildon and forested areas. Applicants should expect thorough scrutiny of bushfire risk mitigation and environmental impact, regardless of development scale.