The purpose of this Act, consisting of 11 Parts, is to establish a framework for planning the use, development and protection of land in Victoria in the present and long-term interests of all Victorians (sect. 1).

This Act, consisting of seven Parts, provides for the reservation of certain Crown lands and their management. Reserved lands are managed by committees of management whose functions and powers are defined in Part 3. Part 4 contains special provisions on certain reserved lands: land used for horse or greyhound racing, landing grounds, marinas, sport facilities and activities and mineral springs. Part 6 contains provisions relating to particular Crown land reserves.

Under the Act, “settlement” includes “an instrument or instruments which under this Act or the corresponding previous enactments is or are deemed to be or which together constitute a settlement, and a settlement which is deemed to have been made by any person or to be subsisting for the purposes of this Act”, what constitutes a settlement is defined under section 8. The Act defines the rights and powers of tenants for life (sects. 12-29 and Part II), including mining and building leases, provides for the procedure for the settlement of disputes (sects.