Minister for Planning Richard Wynne has started the independent review into Melbourne’s planning zones, making sure communities have their say in future neighbourhood development.
The review is the Andrews Labor Government’s latest move to rectify the planning mess left behind by the former Liberal government.
Residential zones were introduced by the former government in a rush, with little consultation, leaving councils and communities with complex and uncertain rules.
Mr Wynne has appointed an independent advisory committee to examine how residential zones have been applied in the context of managing population growth, the need for more housing in the inner suburbs and improving housing affordability.
Victoria’s population is growing and this is projected to continue with the number of households in greater Melbourne expected to almost double from 1.6 million in 2011 to 3.1 million in 2051.
Mr Wynne said the conversation about suburban development needed to move beyond protecting some areas at the expense of others, and rather, move to talking about best ways to allow for more growth.
Consultation will be a fundamental element of the review, councils and the wider community will have opportunities to provide written submissions and be heard at a public hearing through the Advisory Committee process.
The Andrews Labor Government will make sure future suburban zonings are clear, transparent and introduced following consultation.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Planning Richard Wynne
“We need a transparent planning system which the community has confidence in. Suburban planning needs to maintain what is great about our neighbourhoods while helping to accommodate new population growth.”
“Having an independent panel assess the zoning process removes the politics from the review and ongoing consultation means we are addressing the individual needs of our suburbs.”
Reviewed 10 February 2021