The Victorian Government is asking the state’s residents, industry and councils to have their say about the cities, suburbs, towns and regions they want to live in, and the kind of Victoria they want to build for future generations.
As part of the landmark Housing Statement, the Government has kicked off community engagement across the state to develop a long-term vision for Victoria’s next 30 years.
Over the next few months, 60 pop-up community events will be held across Melbourne and regional and rural Victoria while an online program will also be held, said Minister for Planning, Sonya Kilkenny.
“We’re also engaging with local councils, industry and community leaders as well as Traditional Owners and the wider First Peoples Community,” the Minister said.
“We want as many Victorians as possible to have their say – so we have a shared vision on how to build 800,000 new homes over the next decade and millions more into the 2050s.
“Having applications sitting in the system doesn’t get homes built – we’ve established a new team to support councils to stop permit applications ending up in VCAT and ensure we can build more homes.”
More than 9,000 people have already visited the Engage Vic website since it went live and more than 200 industry and council participants have already been consulted, said Ms Kilkenny.
She said Councils will be supported by a new dedicated case management team to help resolve issues delaying planning decisions and prevent projects ending up in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
The team will work proactively with developers, councils and agencies to resolve issues on developments worth more than $10 million which have been stuck within the planning system for more than six months, the Minister said.
“This will support council to continue the work done since the Housing Statement to clear the backlog of planning applications for townhouses or apartments that had been stuck for more than six months waiting for a decision.”
“Developing a new plan for Victoria will ensure there is a shared vision for delivering 800,000 more homes – close to transport, jobs and essential services in vibrant, liveable, and sustainable cities, suburbs and towns over the next decade,” she said.
Visit the website to complete the survey: engage.vic.gov.au/developing-a-new-plan-for-Victoria.
