Final step for Victoria’s zone reform
Planning Minister Matthew Guy has today announced the final step in ensuring the Victorian Coalition Government's zone reform package delivers productivity growth and drives investment and liveability outcomes for Victorians.
An expert advisory committee consisting of Ministerial Advisory Committee Chairman Geoff Underwood, Chris Canavan QC and Liz Johnstone of the Planning Institute of Australia will review all submissions and provide advice back to the Coalition Government.
With the ten week consultation closing on 21 September the expert advisory committee will report back to the Coalition Government by 30 November 2012, ensuring that zone reform will be in place early next year.
"Having council and industry representatives provide thorough advice back to the Coalition Government and a fair and reasonable review of submissions will ensure that zone reform reflects the views of all Victorians," Mr Guy said.
"This is a marked departure from Labor's sham consultation processes," Mr Guy said.
Earlier this year, the Coalition Government introduced a package of sweeping reforms to planning zones.
Proposed reforms to Victoria's residential, commercial, industrial and rural planning zones include:
- The introduction of a new Neighbourhood Residential Zone, a new General Residential Zone and a new Residential Growth Zone;
- Improvements to the existing Mixed Use Zone, Comprehensive Development Zone and Activity Centre Zone;
- New and more flexible Commercial 1 and Commercial 2 Zones replacing five existing Business zones;
- Reform to support tourism activities in Farming Zones, the Rural Conservation Zone and the Green Wedge Zones; and
- Significant reforms to rural zones to promote the growth of agricultural activity."The Coalition Government considers planning zone reform as a key part of its planning reform agenda and an important step to provide greater certainty to residents, councils and investors," Mr Guy said.
"Modernising Victoria's planning system is not optional; it is a vital plank of social and economic reform for our state's long term future."
