Environmentally Sustainable Development (ESD) requirements are being strengthened across Victorian planning schemes. Tucked away in Clause 15 – Built Environment and Heritage – Green Travel Plans are taking on an important role in supporting transport habits as we build more homes and destinations.
Changes to the Victorian Planning Scheme can easily fly under the radar for most transport engineers. At Ratio, we stay across these changes so our clients can plan with confidence and give their communities more choice in how they travel. Our review of the Local Planning Policy Framework (PPF) has revealed that a number of metropolitan councils, and some regional councils, are updating their ESD requirements for new developments.
So, what does this mean for your project?
Each council has adopted its own ESD framework, which is divided into residential and non-residential applications.
Residential projects
For smaller residential developments (typically 3–9 dwellings or accommodation buildings between 1,000 sqm and 2,499 sqm), the requirement is a Sustainable Design Assessment (SDA), typically using assessment tools like BESS or STORM.
For larger projects, the assessment escalates to a Sustainability Management Plan (SMP), including an assessment against BESS or Green Star, and the requirement for a Green Travel Plan (GTP).
Most councils with ESD policies require a GTP for residential developments of:
As always, there are exceptions. For example, Kingston City Council requires an SDA for 1,000 – 2,499 sqm GFA and an SMP with GTP above 2,499 sqm, whereas Brimbank City Council requires an SMP with GTP above 2,000 sqm.
Non-Residential projects
For non-residential projects, the variation in thresholds is greater across councils. GTP triggers range from 1,000 sqm to 10,000 sqm of GFA across different municipalities, so each council policy needs to be inspected for its ESD requirements.
Mixed-use developments
In mixed-use developments, the relevant components are assessed against the residential and non-residential triggers. This means a GTP may be required for a 30-dwelling apartment complex in Greater Geelong but not for the three small commercial tenancies on the ground level if they have less than 1,500 sqm of GFA.
Now that you know when a GTP is required, the next question is: what makes one effective?
More Than a Compliance Document
A good GTP goes beyond compliance. It’s a practical tool that helps people understand their transport options and makes sustainable travel choices easier. The best GTPs are written as handbooks for residents and tenants, not tick-box documents to be filed away after approval.
Presenting Real Transport Options
There is more to Green Travel than identifying the local bus route or where to park a bicycle. It’s about presenting real choices to residents, building owners, tenants, or body corporates on how people can move to and from their building every day.
By focusing on the different options that people have access to, a well-designed GTP accounts for diverse accessibility needs and delivers practical information to each new reader on how they can meet their transport needs in a new environment. The goal is to create a resource that empowers people to make informed decisions on each trip they take in their local area.
A Tool for Building Managers
GTPs should give building managers practical tools to support travel planning for their occupants. They should establish a clear baseline, alongside resources to help managers organise their buildings and people. This equips managers to lead with personalised travel plans, support and appropriate building amenities.
Targets and Measuring for Accountability
Effective GTPs include measurable targets for relevant transport modes. This accountability framework ensures proposed initiatives are implemented and monitored, helping people, managers and companies follow through on enabling genuine transport choice.
By tracking how people are travelling to and from a building over time, changes in behaviour and demand can be identified early. This allows support and building provisions to adapt before shifting transport needs begin to impact resident or tenant experience.
At Ratio, we treat Green Travel Plans as a tool for real transport choice.
Our approach focuses on:
We work closely with you to understand your project context, the local transport network, and the needs of future residents or tenants. The result is a Green Travel Plan that adds value beyond compliance and supports better outcomes over time.
The growing focus on ESD policy presents an opportunity to give people greater choice in how they move around our urban centres.
If you’re looking to understand how Environmentally Sustainable Development requirements may impact your project, or want to deliver practical, people-first transport solutions for your residents or tenants, reach out to our team at mail@ratio.com.au
