A Public Acquisition Overlay (PAO) is a planning scheme that identifies land required for a future public purpose, such as roads, public transport, open space, or community facilities.

The PAO reserves the land for acquisition by a public authority (in this case, the City of Whittlesea). It does not transfer ownership of the land immediately. Instead, it signals that the land may be acquired in the future to deliver important infrastructure or services.

While the PAO is in place, certain types of use and development may be restricted to ensure the land remains available for its intended public purpose.

If the land is acquired, compensation is generally payable to the landowner in accordance with the Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986.

Once the Minister for Planning authorises a Planning Scheme Amendment, Council must publicly exhibit the amendment within 40 days. Exhibition includes formal notice and additional communications to inform the community.

During the exhibition period, any person can make a submission on the amendment.

After exhibition closes, Council prepares a report summarising the submissions received and considers whether any changes are required.

Council must then decide whether to adopt or abandon the amendment within 60 days of the close of exhibition.

If Council adopts the amendment, it must notify the Minister for Planning within 10 days. The amendment is then submitted to the Minister for final approval.

Council planning officers can be reached on:

Name: Strategic Futures

Telephone: (03) 9217 2170

Email: strategic.planning@whittlesea.vic.gov.au

Formal submissions to the exhibited amendment need to be made in writing by Friday, 19 June 2026.

• By email, send your submission to strategic.planning@whittlesea.vic.gov.au and reference Whittlesea Planning Scheme Amendment C291wsea in the title of your email.

• By post, send your submission to:
  Chief Executive Officer
  City of Whittlesea
  Locked Bag 1
  Bundoora MDC VIC 3083

• Or, fill in the submission form on this page.