On 7 April 2016 the Latrobe Planning Scheme Amendment C94 introduced a Parking Overlay in the Traralgon and Morwell Central Business Districts (CBD) and prescribes parking rates and cash-in-lieu contributions as relevant. The amendment implements the recommendations of the Latrobe City Council Car Parking Framework Review Traralgon & Morwell August 2014 as a reference document. The Parking Overlay is identified in the Latrobe Planning Scheme as Clause 45.09 which operates in conjunction with Clause 52.06.
The Parking Overlay ensures that if a planning permit applicant cannot meet their car parking requirements, there will be a cash-in-lieu requirement, which is a mechanism for Council to collect cash-in-lieu contributions for car parking in Traralgon that is to be held in a ‘car parking fund’. The fund is to be spent on car parking improvements around the Traralgon CBD, including construction of new car parking facilities and improving existing facilities to encourage higher use. The Parking Overlay cash-in-lieu requirements ensure the cost of this new car parking is shared fairly between ratepayers and businesses within Traralgon’s CBD.
There is no cash-in-lieu requirement for Morwell as it is not considered appropriate at this time, as the activity centre is already experiencing high vacancy rates and competing retail facilities at Mid Valley and surrounding main towns. Close monitoring of the competitiveness of Morwell’s CBD is required and it is expected that a cash-in-lieu contribution in Morwell can be revisited at an appropriate time in the future.
Existing businesses will only be affected by the Parking Overlay if a Planning Permit is required for a new use and development or an expansion in either floor size or use.
Where does the Parking Overlay apply in Latrobe City?
Currently, this overlay applies to the Traralgon and Morwell CBD as shown in the maps below:
What is the cash-in-lieu contribution amount?
The below car parking cash-in-lieu contribution amount is updated each year on 1 July with increases in the Building Price Index:
- $10,748 per space (adjusted 1 July 2023).
This contribution is only payable for Traralgon CBD Planning Permit applications where the parking requirements cannot be met.
Any contribution required will be conditioned as part of any Planning Permit issued.
Applying for a Waiver of the Traralgon CBD Financial Contribution
At the 3 October 2022 Council Meeting, Council resolved:
That Council:
1. Offers a waiver for the payment of the Traralgon Central Business District (CBD) Parking Overlay financial contribution to eligible small business planning permit applications for a further 24 month period which meets the following criteria:
- That the planning permit is for a small business (including not for profit):
o of fewer than 10 full time equivalent employees; and
o has an Annual Victorian Payroll of less than $10 million.
- That this only applies to the development of an existing vacant premise where they do not benefit from a parking credit or an extension of an existing building where they do not benefit from a parking credit;
- That an application is made requesting a waiver from Council and include the following:
o Details of how they meet the above criteria, including:
- Number of full-time equivalent employees;
- Relevant planning permit; and
- Clear financial documents reporting on Annual Victorian Payroll.
- A building occupancy permit (if required) for the development.
- Whether the application is for a full of partial waiver of the parking overlay financial contributions and reasons why.
2. Allocates funds from the Accumulated Unallocated Cash Reserve to fund the waiver to the payment of the Traralgon CBD Parking Overlay financial contribution; and
3. Requests a review be undertaken following the completion of the 24-month waiver period and a report be presented to Council on the outcomes of the program.
An application can be made in writing to latrobe@latrobe.vic.gov.au and must include details of how the above criteria is met and must have:
- Number of full-time equivalent employees;
- Relevant planning permit; and
- Clear financial documents reporting on Annual Victorian Payroll.
- A building occupancy permit (if required) for the development.
- Whether the application is for a full of partial waiver of the parking overlay financial contributions and reasons why.
This waiver if being offered for a further 24 month period, application can be made anytime up until 8 October 2024.
More Information
For further information, please contact the Strategic Planning Team on 1300 367 700.