Wednesday, 4 February 2026

 Nicole WERNER (Warrandyte) (14:44): (1482) My question is to the Minister for Planning. Over 600 residents in my community of Ringwood North have signed a petition expressing serious concern about a massage parlour proposed to open at the local shopping strip on Warrandyte Road. Many local families have contacted my office, worried about how this will change the character of their neighbourhood, particularly given its proximity to shops frequented by children. The 2022 planning law changes, specifically amendment VC217, have stripped councils and residents of their ability to object. Minister, my community wants to know: why did this government remove the ability of ordinary residents to have a say in decisions that directly affect the character and safety of their communities?