Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) would like your feedback on two draft updated guidelines that provide advice on recommended industry separation distances and landfill buffers – the distances typically between industries and sensitive uses (such as homes and schools) that may be affected by odour, dust and other risks.

Separating incompatible land uses protects communities from industries and activities that pose health, safety, and amenity risks.

Buffers and separation distances are often used as a planning tool to address these risks by keeping conflicting land uses apart. They also protect existing industry from inappropriate land use and development nearby. As Victoria continues to grow, there is pressure to ensure new land use and development is compatible with existing land uses.

In-field experience and evidence-based research by scientific experts has informed EPA's draft guidelines. They reflect the current state of knowledge on:

• recommended separation distances
• landfill buffers
• methods to apply separation distances and landfill buffers.

 When finalised, these guidelines will support:

• planning decision makers
• local and state government agencies
• industry
• developers
• and communities

to make informed land use decisions under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 and the Environment Protection Act 2017. It is intended that these guidelines will be referenced in the Victoria Planning Provisions.

You can view both draft guidelines and provide feedback via engage.vic.gov.au/separation-distances-and-landfill-buffers. You can provide feedback until 5pm on Friday 17 February 2023.

Please contact planningpolicy@epa.vic.gov.au if you have any queries.