Plan Harcourt is a Council document that explores land use planning, town centre design, and local economic development ideas. Plan Harcourt has two parts:
- The Harcourt Framework Plan(PDF, 1011KB)
- Shine Harcourt Leanganook
A Harcourt Strategic Infrastructure Plan is also being prepared. Further information about the Harcourt Strategic Infrastructure Plan will be made available in late 2024.
Latest news
Visit News and updates for an update on the Harcourt Town Centre Vision and biodiversity assessment work.
Background documents
- Stage 1 Strategic Level Biodiversity Assessment (PDF, 4MB)
- (PDF, 4MB)Commercial Land Demand Assessment (PDF, 2MB)
- (PDF, 2MB)Plan Harcourt: Discussion paper - 2018(PDF, 5MB)
- (PDF, 5MB)Harcourt: After the Bypass (PDF, 3MB)
- (PDF, 3MB)Harcourt Town Centre Master Plan(PDF, 4MB)
- (PDF, 4MB)Harcourt Community Plan(PDF, 15MB)
- (PDF, 15MB)Harcourt Landscape Master Plan(PDF, 9MB)
- (PDF, 9MB)Mount Alexander Planning Scheme
- Planning policy - Clause 21.12-6 - Harcourt(PDF, 4MB)
- (PDF, 4MB)Planning policy - Clause 22.05 - Spray drift(PDF, 28KB)
- (PDF, 28KB)Project Bulletin - May 2020(PDF, 1MB)
Harcourt has been identified as a small town that's set up to handle future growth in the region. This is acknowledged in both the Loddon Mallee South Regional Growth Plan 2014 and the Mount Alexander Planning Scheme.
As Harcourt grows and changes over time, it's important to plan carefully. This means keeping in mind the local values of the area and the productive farming that happens nearby. Any plans for growth in Harcourt should make sure there's enough infrastructure in place and that the natural and cultural features of the area are protected for the benefit of future residents.
The Harcourt Framework Plan is a strategic planning document that forms the basis of future changes to the Mount Alexander Planning Scheme.
The Plan includes policy directions and a graphical map that designates future growth and change in the township.
The planning scheme currently includes policy and a framework (graphical) plan for Harcourt. It is proposed to update the policy and the framework (graphical) plan with the new policy and plan prepared by this process.
July 2020 - Plan Harcourt adopted by Council
November 2022 - Minister for Planning and DEECA authorised Council to proceed with the amendment subject to conditions
January 2022 to March 2022 - Eight week exhibition period (submissions were received from the public)
June 2022 - Council considered all submissions
September 2022 - Planning Panel hearing to resolve all submissions
November 2022 - Planning Panel report released
April 2023 - Commercial land demand assessment completed
June 2023 to April 2024 - Biodiversity assessments undertaken
May 2024 to June 2024 - Community engagement
Find out more information about the planning scheme amendment process.
The panel recommended that Mount Alexander Planning Scheme Amendment C94malx be abandoned until further work is completed. The panel also made recommendations that Council should:
- Prepare a strategic level biodiversity assessment
- Prepare a commercial land demand assessment
- Update Plan Harcourt to ensure it is consistent with the further work and updated amendment
Since the report was released, Council officers have received support from the Department of Transport and Planning’s Regional Planning Hub to undertake the commercial land demand assessment and a two-stage biodiversity assessment.
The assessment has been completed and can be viewed by downloading the Stage 1 of a 2 Stage Strategic Biodiversity Assessment(PDF, 4MB).
Stage 1 focused on reviewing background documents and a desktop analysis of high value biodiversity assets in Harcourt. Consultation and brief site assessments were also conducted to inform findings. No detailed plant and animal assessments were undertaken for this study.
These findings confirmed that further assessments are required to determine the extent of high value areas and means of biodiversity protection through appropriate planning controls.
As a result, Council officers engaged Ranges Environmental Consulting to conduct Stage 2 of the Strategic Biodiversity Assessment.
The assessment has been completed in draft form and can be viewed by downloading the Stage 2 Strategic Biodiversity Assessment(PDF, 34MB).
A number of important plant and animal species were identified in the strategic biodiversity assessments. Proposed draft planning controls aim to protect biodiversity by guiding development away from sensitive areas. The consultation period commenced on Friday 10 May 2024 and ends on Monday 10 June 2024. People can review the changes and submit feedback during this time.
For more information and details on how to make a submission, visit the Mount Alexander Shire Council SHAPE page.
Superb Fairy Wren
Council officers completed the Commercial Land Demand Assessment(PDF, 2MB) that was recommended by the panel.
The assessment found that Harcourt doesn't need as much commercial land as initially proposed. Instead of 2.9 hectares, only 2.0 hectares are necessary, including the 1.2 hectares already in use for commercial activities.
In light of the commercial land demand assessment’s findings, Council will update its Plan Harcourt amendment documentation according to the findings. This will see the amount of land proposed to be rezoned to Commercial 1 Zone reduced.
Consultation period for Stage 2 of the Strategic Biodiversity Assessment and new draft planning controls - Friday 10 May 2024 to Monday 10 June 2024
During this time, the community can view and make a submission on the proposed changes. For more information and details on how to make a submission, visit the Shape Mount Alexander Shire Council page.
Drop-in Session
Come along to the Harcourt Bowls Club to meet Councillor Cordy and the project team. Updates and information on the drop-in session is available on the Shape Mount Alexander Shire Council page.