The Sustainable Subdivisions Framework (SSF) is a framework that seeks to provide statutory planners with a basis for measuring and achieving stronger sustainability outcomes in residential subdivisions. This is being tested through existing planning process in a trial phase by 31 Councils in partnership with CASBE.  

The GMCA is highly committed to sustainability in land use planning. In November 2022 eight councils from the GMCA appointed a shared Environmentally Sustainable Development Advisor to specifically work on sustainable subdivisions with councils and developers in their municipalities for a 12 month period to October 2023.

Our ESD Advisor, Simon Blackwell, has commenced trialling the SSF in each municipality, including:

• Alpine Shire Council;
• Indigo Shire Council;
• Mitchell Shire Council;
• Greater Shepparton City Council;
• Strathbogie Shire Council;
• Murrindindi Shire Council;
• Rural City of Wangaratta;
• Towong Shire Council. 

Simon will work with council planning teams, and voluntary developers to ensure things like walkable and cyclable communities connected to social infrastructure such as parks, playgrounds, community gardens and open space, as well as integrated biodiversity values and water management in subdivision designs that support liveability and environmental protection.