Development Facilitation Program

The Development Facilitation Program (DFP) was introduced by the Victorian Government as a planning body with the purpose of accelerating approval of priority projects in order to stimulate the economy.

Under the DFP, the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning may consider new applications or existing planning applications facing significant delays in the planning system that meet the DFP eligibility criteria.

Fast Track Approval Process

On 14 March 2024, the Victorian Government announced that new renewable energy projects will be designated as significant economic development under the DFP, and therefore eligible for an accelerated planning approval pathway. Renewable energy projects already in the planning system will also be eligible to be accelerated.

The purpose of the changes is to limit the number of project applications before the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) and bypass lengthy planning approval timeframes.

The changes mean that renewable energy projects in Victoria will be designated as significant economic development and qualify for the fast-track approval pathway. Those projects will not be determined under the planning panel process or subject to third-party appeals in VCAT, which in effect will cut red tape.

The Minister for Planning is the responsible authority for all DFP applications, with an anticipated four-month assessment timeframe. 

What's next?

More information on the changes is expected to be released in the coming months.

If you have any questions on the announcement, please feel free to get in touch with our team.