Reforms to planning will make it easier to build or renovate a home, prevent deadly cladding fires and ensure Victoria’s apartments are built to the highest standards of quality.
The Victorian Budget 2018/19 includes $14.7 million to slash red tape and get new homes and renovations finished faster by putting an end to protracted permit applications for simple projects.
Victorians living in high rise buildings will be protected from combustible cladding fires, with a $25 million boost for safety inspections and to crack down on builders who flout the rules.
With more people choosing to live and work and visit Victoria, $9.7 million has been allocated to process more planning permits, and $3.5 million will help councils do faster subdivision approvals.
The Andrews Labor Government will provide $1 million to Land Use Victoria for a new online portal that will give communities better access to information on public land and $4 million to complete planning at Fishermans Bend for schools, public transport, open space and affordable housing that growing communities need.
$590,000 will fund new exterior design standards to make sure new apartments are built with the highest quality of materials and the best standards of sustainability.
These improvements build on the sweeping changes the Labor Government has already made to apartment design standards to ensure they feature light, ventilation and storage space.
The Budget also includes funding for early planning work on a new connection linking Fishermans Bend with the CBD.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Planning Richard Wynne
“We’re bringing Victoria’s planning system into the 21st century – cutting red tape and making it quicker and easier for Victorians to build and renovate.”
“There’s nothing more important than keeping people safe – that’s why we’re inspecting more high-rise buildings for dangerous and flammable materials, and cracking down on dodgy builders who flout the rules.”
“More and more Victorians are choosing to live in apartments. We’re making sure they’re built to a high standard of quality and no corners are cut.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020