Environmental Planning

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Environmental planning focuses on assessing and mitigating potential environmental impacts of development projects. A major goal of environmental planning is to create sustainable communities, which aim to conserve and protect undeveloped land.

Our environmental planners review project documentation and conduct site visits to investigate the environmental effects of planning proposals. They identify measures to reduce adverse impacts to ensure that Hume promoted sustainable development which protects natural resources and adheres to State and Federal environmental laws. 

Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD)

Hume City Councils vision is to grow in a in a way that creates sustainable neighbourhoods which benefit future generations whilst also protecting the environment.

For this, Council is committed to strengthening environmental sustainable design (ESD) outcomes across the municipality as part of any subdivision and development.   

Councils seeks best practice outcomes from the design stage through to construction and operation, which consider the environmental performance when assessing planning permit applications.  

Council can assist you to incorporate environmentally sustainable design into your application and encourages you to come in for a pre-application meeting and/or speak to Council's ESD Planning Advisor to discuss your application.

ESD in Subdivision Applications

  • Ensuring the design of subdivisions achieves attractive, safe, accessible, diverse and sustainable neighbourhoods is a requirement under the Hume Planning Scheme, Clause 15.01-3S Subdivision Design and other planning policy.
  • To support existing planning policy, applicants are encouraged to utilise the Sustainable Subdivisions Framework.
  • The framework provides a guidance on how to achieve best practice environmentally sustainable design (ESD) outcomes as part of subdivisional planning.
  • Please click here for further information on how to achieve Sustainable Subdivisions using the Sustainable Subdivisions Framework.

ESD in Development Applications

  • Incorporating environmentally sustainable design (ESD) into new development is now a requirement under the Hume Planning Scheme, Clause 15.01-2L-03 Environmentally sustainable development – Hume.
  • The policy provides objectives and application requirements for residential, mixed use and non-residential development.
  • It recognises the importance of considering environmentally sustainable design at the time of planning approval for new development.
  • Please click here for further information on how developments can achieve environmentally sustainable design in Hume .

Environmental Planning Considerations

Environmental planning in Hume City involves a comprehensive approach to managing land use, development, and environmental protection within the municipality. Some key aspects of environmental planning in Hume are:

Hume Planning Scheme: The Hume Planning Scheme is a statutory document that outlines rules and regulations for how land can be used, developed, and protected in Hume. It covers various aspects such as zoning, overlays, and restrictions.

Zones and Overlays: Different areas within Hume are designated with specific zones and overlays. These designations impact land use, development, and environmental considerations. For example, understanding your property's zone helps determine what activities are allowed there.

Aboriginal Cultural Heritage: Environmental planning also considers Aboriginal cultural heritage. If your property has any significance in this regard, it may affect development plans.

Landscaping Requirements: There are guidelines for landscaping in Hume, ensuring that green spaces are well-maintained and contribute positively to the environment.

Industrial Stormwater Compliance: Businesses and industries must comply with stormwater management regulations to prevent pollution and protect waterways.

Climate Action: Hume City Council actively addresses climate change through initiatives like the Climate Action Plan 2023–2028(PDF, 8MB) . This plan aims to reduce emissions, promote sustainability, and create a carbon-neutral future.

Live Green: The Live Green Plan 2021–2026(PDF, 3MB)  encourages sustainable living, community programs, workshops, and education related to environmental practices. 

Remember that environmental planning in Hume extends beyond Council operations—it involves the entire community working together to create a healthier and more sustainable environment

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