MELBOURNE City Council this week endorsed the proposed municipal strategic statement (MSS) and amendment to the Melbourne Planning Scheme. The amendment will now be submitted to Victorian Planning Minister Justin Madden for his authorisation to exhibit for public consultation.

The city's original MSS was introduced in 1999 and reviewed in 2004. City of Melbourne has said that a new MSS is required to respond to changes that have occurred since that time, such as altered demographic, economic, social and environmental landscapes; new state government policies and directions; and new local strategic policies.

Future Melbourne Committee (Planning) Chair, Cr Peter Clarke, said the strategy highlighted the need for new development in areas of the city that were vacant, underutilised and requiring repair and rejuvenation, while maintaining established residential areas.

"We are planning now for the development of our city over the next 20 years and the MSS demonstrates the approach we are taking to secure that vision for Melbourne," Cr Clarke said. The MSS is about well-designed urban renewal, using land efficiently and effectively, about making this city a better place to live for years to come," he said.

The new MSS defines three types of areas in the city: Stable Areas, Ongoing Change Areas and Urban Renewal Areas, in order to detail the growth and change that is expected in different areas.

Future key development sites identified in the MSS include the City North, Southbank, Kensington, West Melbourne, E-Gate and Docklands precincts.

Following authorisation from Victorian Planning Minister Justin Madden, a formal public exhibition process will begin.