The Master Plan

This week's reading talks about the master plan and its importance in the planning process. Although there is no one definition or formulation of a master plan, they are generally non-statutory documents that act as a guide for future developments. Through the use of charts, diagrams, standards and policies, master plans provide a vision for the future of an area. The reading heavily emphasises the fact that master plans address physical land use planning. Although I think in the face of issues like climate change and changing population demographics; social, environmental and economic considerations are essential for the success of a master plan.

 After looking at the Tuggeranong and Erindale Town Centres Draft Mater Plan, it seems that economic, environmental and social issues were raised in the consultation, and then taken into consideration when outlining physical land use measures.

 Six of the main uses of a master plan are listed as:

1. A source of information

2. A program of correction

3. An estimate of the future

4. An indicator of goals

5. A technique for coordination

6. A device for stimulating public interest and responsibility


The author suggests that the perhaps the main purpose of the master plan is the mutual interaction between those making plans and those whom the plans impact. Through the preparation of a master plan the community can take an active role, particularly since a master plan is a vision of the future of a place, something that local residents, businesses and organisations are likely to have an interest in. If the stakeholders take part in the formulation of the master plan, it’s possible that subsequent planning documents will cause less disputes because they comply with the ideas outlined in the master plan that were guided by the community. Do you think this is a likely outcome?