Preliminary steps will be taken to rezone three parcels of land to boost industrial land supply in Baw Baw.
After an economic land use paper identified a scarce supply of industrial land in Warragul and Drouin, councillors labelled the move an exciting step and turning point.
Cr Kate Wilson said the proposed planning scheme amendment also could progress council's ability to develop important initiatives such as the Longwarry Business Park and Warragul's health and education precinct.
The first step will be gaining authorisation from Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny. Officers would then need to prepare amendment C154 to go out for public feedback.
Ultimately, job creation and business growth are set to be the beneficiaries if the rezoning of land in Drouin, Nilma and Warragul gains approval.
The three parcels proposed to be rezoned for commercial and industrial use include: Princes Way, Drouin; Bloomfield Rd and Queen St in Nilma; and Queen St and Hazel Drv in Warragul.
All three were identified in the Baw Baw Economic Land Use Strategy, adopted in July 2023.
The land in Drouin is 305-319 Princes Way, adjacent to Waddell Rd. It is proposed to be rezoned to commercial one.
In Nilma, the land parcel near the intersection of Bloomfield Rd and Queen St is proposed to be rezoned to township. It includes 1 Bloomfield Rd; 455 Queen St; and, 365 Queen St.
The land at 219 Queen St is proposed to be rezoned to commercial two.
A clause to insert Longwarry Business Park, establishing a 99.5-hectare development along the Princes Hwy, as well as the Warragul health and education precinct are also proposed. The Warragul precinct would be anchored by the new Warragul hospital.
However, any plans to rezone land for the Longwarry Business Park are still waiting for technical investigations into traffic, flora and fauna and drainage.
An officer report said changes proposed to the Baw Baw Planning Scheme by C154 would have a significant positive economic impact for the shire.
"A growing supply of industrial and commercial land will ultimately benefit the fast-growing Baw Baw municipality," the report said, noting more floor space would expand employment opportunities and goods and services provided.
Cr Kate Wilson described the proposal as an exciting step forward for Baw Baw.
"As we well know, our shire is at a crucial point in its growth," Cr Wilson said. "We need to ensure that we support our community liveability as that growth comes upon us."
Cr Jess Hamilton said the proposed Longwarry Business Park would be "a real turning point" for the town.
"This will be a really good opportunity to bring jobs and growth to our area."
Acknowledging the Warragul and Drouin rezoning "makes sense to me", Cr Hamilton said Longwarry residents often felt frustrated and overlooked. However, the business park could see the town put in the spotlight.