Residents in Moreland who feared their neighbourhoods would be destroyed thanks to poor planning policy have been reassured their streets will be protected.
Member for Brunswick Jane Garrett has delivered on the election promise made to her constituents ahead of the 2014 election that planning zones would protect, not destroy, their neighbourhoods.
Speaking in Brunswick on Thursday, Ms Garrett announced new zones for Moreland had been introduced.
Zones for Moreland under the previous Coalition planning minister threatened to allow unsuitably tall apartment buildings on streets better suited to lower-density housing. Acting on behalf of locals, Ms Garratt has worked with Planning Minister Richard Wynne towards appropriate zones which allow for new housing but protect neighbourhoods.
The Residential Growth Zone, General Residential Zone and Neighbourhood Residential Zone have been applied across the municipality following broad consultation by Moreland City Council.
The zonings offer greater certainly to residents and developers about what type of development can occur in Moreland.
The Andrews Labor Government is working to rebuild community confidence in the planning system, and is committed to striking a balance between protecting valued local heritage and character, supporting growth and catering for the diverse housing needs across the State.
The government has committed to an independent review of the previous government’s process of applying new residential zones. The Minister for Planning will ensure future zoning applications will involve transparency and consultation.
Quotes attributable to Member for Brunswick, Jane Garrett:
“The Coalition government wanted the streets of Moreland to be a free-for-all for developers.
“Local neighbourhoods define our quality of life and it is our responsibility to ensure their heritage and liveability are preserved, not torn apart through inappropriate development.
“These changes are about listening to the local community to encourage development in Moreland that reflects local expectations, improves liveability and encourages vibrant, healthy and sustainable neighbourhoods.
Reviewed 19 August 2020