The council is in the process of updating its planning scheme, with a view towards rezoning land in and around townships to make it easier for people wanting to build a house.

The aim of the proposed rezoning is to allow more residential development, preserve farming areas, and cut down on red tape.

Moyne Shire’s sustainable development director Oliver Moles said two extensive reports had been completed, with the first looking “at which small towns are able to accommodate growth”.

“The focus is providing for growth in the shire … and supporting townships,” Mr Moles said.

The second report examines the environmental impacts such growth might have and the environmental overlays currently in place. 

Mr Moles said some parts of the overlays were “overkill” and more work needed to be done to help farmers while still protecting “vital environmental elements”.

He said there had already been positive feedback from landowners, adding that a key factor of the proposed changes was getting land zoning to match the character, capabilities and needs of the towns.

The shire’s planning manager Michelle Grainger said the proposed plan aimed to change some land zoning in towns such as Grassmere and Southern Cross from farming zones, which discourages residential development, to rural living zones. 

Ms Grainger said Hawkesdale and Woolsthorpe would potentially benefit from the addition of rural living zone areas, while sections of Bushfield in Moyne Shire would likely see a change in minimum block sizes more appropriate for modern housing trends in that region. 

Following ministerial authorisation, the recommendations will be exhibited for 60 days and the council will receive submissions.

Councillors will examine the submission before finalising the plan and sending it to the planning minister for approval.