HEPBURN Shire Council has been hit by a planner shortage after two people resigned within three weeks.

In the past year, there have been four other resignations, including manager Judith Bedford, from the 10-member planning department.

The council promptly secured the services of contract and casual staff to ensure there would be no staff shortages until the positions were permanently filled.

Council chief executive officer Victor Szwed said there was a shortage of planners across Victoria.

"This has been recognised by the State Government and the MAV (Municipal Association of Victoria) which has initiated actions with councils to address this," he said.

"Many councils experience similar movement of planning staff as does Hepburn."

The two vacant positions include a statutory planner and a team leader.

The planning department, like many others around the state, particularly those within easy access to Melbourne and major centres, had been under pressure from an increased push for development, Mr Szwed said.

Mr Szwed said the council had appointed a new planning manager which was expected to reduce a back log of planning applications.

This is assisted by the implementation of a new computer planning application processing program.

Last month, survey results from The Association of Consulting Surveyors Victoria revealed the council was one of Victoria's worst municipalities at processing subdivision requests.

The council recognised that significant improvements were needed within the planning department.

As a result, council has created a dedicated position for a planning manager.

"This position previously also carried the title of economic development but the role has become too busy too combine the two," Mr Szwed said.