Skipton Structure Plan

Council is committed to supporting Skipton’s future by creating sustainable communities, through the development of a Structure Plan for the town.

The key aims of the Skipton Structure Plan (the Structure Plan) is to plan for and develop a shared vision for the town, including identifying the type and amount of land use change projected within the town.

The structure plan is a tool to help manage, influence and facilitate change within the town in accordance with the directions of planning policy, and responds to increased community interest regarding long-term planning and future growth opportunities. The Structure Plan will consider all land within the town boundary, and include discussion of future growth areas, where the town boundary might be expanded.

A Strategic Development Plan was undertaken for Skipton in 2001 and Council are now at the point in which the land use planning framework is outdated and no longer aligned with State and regional planning policy.

Purpose

There is a need to review Skipton to understand its long-term land use requirements, to support the future growth and development of the town over a 15-20-year horizon. The Structure Plan for Skipton will help position the town to capitalise on future development opportunities and provide clear direction on sustainable change. It will aim to direct and promote residential growth, protect the Mt Emu creek environs, and plan for the growth of commercial, industrial and tourism opportunities.

The Structure Plan will set a vision, strategies, and a clear action plan, to implement a land use framework that will provide the town with the strategic direction it requires to facilitate appropriate growth and support a thriving community.  

Background Report

Background analysis and technical reviews have been undertaken for the project.  The Skipton Background Report provides a summary of the issues and opportunities facing the town. 

This report and supporting documents are now available to view via the links on this page, and we welcome your feedback.   

Project Program and Consultation

The Skipton Structure Plan project commenced in March 2023, with the aim for completion by early 2024. As part of the work program, Council’s planning consultant Niche Studio, will be undertaking community engagement on the Background Report.

Council is now seeking community feedback on the vison and future direction of Skipton, to inform its preparation of the Skipton Structure Plan. Consultation with the community is a key input into understanding the issues and opportunities of Skipton, to manage future growth and prosperity.

A survey has been prepared to identify and discuss key structure planning considerations, namely activities and land use (residential; enterprise, retail and business; civic, cultural and community facilities), character, open space, movement and transport, and cultural and environmental values (European and Aboriginal heritage, environmental).

Council invite you to complete the online survey, and have your say! Click here to fill in our online survey.

Additionally, a community ‘drop-in’ session will be held on Wednesday August 23 in the Skipton Mechanics Hall. You are invited to meet with Council staff and the project team anytime between 2.30 pm and 7.30 pm to discuss the project, get further information, and provide us with your ideas for the future of Skipton.

After community consultation, a Draft Structure Plan will be prepared, utilising the outcomes of the Community Consultation and the Background Report

The Draft Structure Plan will then be presented to the community in a second engagement period, at the end of 2023. This will give the community the opportunity to provide feedback on the draft Structure Plan, before it is finalised for Council adoption.  

For more information on the Skipton Structure Plan, you can email planning@corangamite.vic.gov.au or contact Kristen Wilkes (Strategic Planner) or Aaron Moyne (Manager Planning) on 03 5593 7104.