Guides and resources

Everything you need to guide you through the planning panels process.

What is a planning panel?

What is a planning panel?

Everything you need to know about Planning Panels Victoria.

Read the guide
How to make a submission

How to make a submission

Submissions must be made in writing to a planning authority, and can be presented at a hearing.

Read the guide
How public hearings work

How public hearings work

What you can expect if you attend a public hearing.

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For everyone

Types of panels

Different types of panels and committees may be appointed to consider and advise on planning proposals and policies.

Committees and inquiries

Understanding the role of advisory committees and environment effects inquiries.

Recording hearings

Planning panel proceedings are not usually recorded, to encourage public participation.

Experts

Understand the responsibilities of an expert when participating in a planning panel hearing.

Privacy

How we handle the information we collect and how it might be used in a planning panel.

Online hearings using MS Teams

How to set up and use MS Teams for an online hearing.

Hearing requirements for in-person, online or hybrid hearings

Practice note for planning authorities, project proponents and other organisations about committee or inquiry hearing requirements for in-person, online and hybrid hearings.

Presenting at an Environment Effects Statement Hearing at Planning Panels Victoria

An EES Hearing provides opportunities for the Proponent to speak about its Project and for submitters who want to be heard the chance to speak about their submission and highlight key concerns.

Heritage Issues: Summaries from Panel Reports

This report compiles extracts from panel and committee reports regarding heritage related issues.

Built form Issues: Summaries from Panel Reports

This report compiles built form-related planning panel and advisory committee reports from 2010-2025.

Legal Assistance Service

The Legal Assistance Service delivered by Foley’s List offers no-cost or low-cost legal advice and representation to eligible submitters participating in Planning Panel Victoria processes.

Navigating the 'basis of documents’ process

This guide explains how Planning Panels Victoria may consider submissions 'on the papers' – that is, without a public hearing. It outlines the steps involved, the role of the panel and relevant persons, and what submitters can expect.

For planning authorities

Pre-setting hearing dates

What planning authorities need to consider when setting planning panel hearing dates.

Making a panel request

How to formally request a planning panel for planning authorities.

Hearing process for planning authorities

What a planning authority must do after a planning panel is appointed.