The ESD (Environmentally Sustainable Development) principles aim to enhance subdivisions by improving residents' quality of life and encourage effective use of resources.
When it came to trialing the ESD assessment principles in practice, the Baw Baw Shire decided it was not in a position to continue with its participation. It appears this method of assessing Greenfields subdivision applications was not added into our Council Plan for adoption in the future. Mention is made in its Environmental policy document.
Other participating Councils are now trialing the ESD framework in practice.
Unless the ESD principles and aligned documents are inserted into our shire's Precinct Structure Plans for Drouin and Warragul and into Settlement Plans for smaller towns, as well as into our general planning scheme, our planners have to find "'work-around' methods to achieve a better, but not best result for residents.
The Baw Baw Sustainability Network will continue to work on advocating for residents in the Baw Baw Shire, and ensuring developments in the area follow best practice, and sustainable decision making.
For a brief explanation please read the Best Practice ESD Principles brochure below.
More documents on this subject are available:
Sustainable Subdivisions Framework:
SSD Framework Explained:
ESD for Regional Victoria:
If you would like more information about this article, please contact Inge Mitchell (BBSN Vice-President) at: bawbawsn@gmail.com