The Environmentally Sustainable Development (ESD) Policy has been developed to help guide the design and construction of new buildings and subdivisions across the shire.
The policy applies when a planning permit is already required for residential or non-residential development, or for subdivisions creating more than two lots. It doesn't create any new requirement for a planning permit, but it does mean qualifying applications now need to show how they've considered things like energy and water efficiency, indoor air quality, waste management, and the protection of local biodiversity.
Larger developments, such as those with two or more dwellings, bigger non-residential buildings, or subdivisions of more than two lots, will need to include a Sustainable Design Assessment or Sustainable Subdivisions Framework Assessment as part of their application. This means applicants will need to demonstrate how their proposal responds to climate change, uses water efficiently, makes the most of solar orientation, and fits with the shire's broader environmental strategies.
The policy builds on Indigo Shire's Climate Emergency declaration in 2019 and years of involvement with the Council Alliance for a Sustainable Built Environment (CASBE).
The policy was adopted by Council on 24 February 2026 following public exhibition and consultation with the community and Indigo's Environment Advisory Committee.