MELTON City Council has vowed to voice its concern on the proposed increase in VCAT costs.
At last week’s meeting councillors unanimously moved a recommendation to write to the Department of Justice advising of its concerns with the proposed surge in Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal fees.
A regulatory impact statement published by the Department of Justice proposes to increase fees across the board, with an expectation to collect an extra $22 million over the next three years from the new charges.
Manager for planning Bob Baggio said the changes would affect Melton’s smaller developers or resident objectors opposed to a particular proposal.
Mr Baggio said while the changes may reduce the number of “frivolous or vexatious appeals”, it may also discourage residents who are genuinely concerned by a decision on a planning proposal.
The report tabled at the meeting said the council had a responsibility to voice its concerns, but also acknowledge that a fee increase would be appropriate if it was based on CPI levels which would be more reasonably affordable to residents.
Cr Sophie Ramsey said it was important residents were still able to afford the costs associated with VCAT so they can continue to have a say on the relevance of developments in the area.
