Unveiling a map of the new Urban Growth Zone to fast-track 37 new Melbourne communities, Planning Minister Justin Madden said the planning reforms would significantly simplify and speed-up the supply of new homes and improve the quality of lifestyle in growth areas.

“The Brumby Government is taking action to improve planning for our newest suburbs, so they are well serviced by schools, shops and provided with jobs closer to where people live,” Mr Madden said.

“This single zone will be used for future growth area developments in conjunction with a single plan for new communities – the Precinct Structure Plan.”

As announced by the Premier in March, the UGZ will strip time out of the planning system in new urban developments, saving more than a year in approval times and up to $10,000 for home-buyers on the price of a new house block.

Mr Madden said the funding from this year’s budget would assist implementation of the UGZ which now applies to the growth areas of Casey, Cardinia, Hume, Melton and Wyndham councils.

The $9 million will be invested across the following areas:

$5.5 million over four years towards the master-planning of 37 new communities and an expanded role for the Growth Areas Authority (GAA) in Precinct Structure Planning;

$3.5 million over two years for mapping of native vegetation sites across the growth areas. This will help achieve the best environmental and heritage outcomes; and

A dedicated specialist planning team at the Growth Areas Authority (GAA) to work in partnership with councils to complete master-plans and reduce the lag time in housing and infrastructure.

“The zone allows us to combine two lengthy processes into one, and the GAA will work closely with councils to not only reduce time but improve the quality of planning for future communities,” he said.

“Through better designed and connected suburbs, new residents will be able to walk to schools and shops and have less distance to travel to work.”

Draft guidelines for Precinct Structure Plans will soon be released for consultation, to address important issues including density and housing choice, access to jobs and transport links.