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Push For Better Apartments Draws Voices

09 July 2015

Minister for Planning, Richard Wynne, today chaired a local government and industry forum on the Andrews Labor Government’s Better Apartments discussion paper.

Mayors, council chief executives, planning and policy experts and representatives from industry groups gathered at the Darebin Arts and Entertainment Centre in Preston for robust talks about apartment design.

Mr Wynne, who launched the discussion paper for consultation in May, said all the participants shared a common goal: the desire to encourage innovation and best-practice design in the apartment industry so future buildings offer decades of liveability.

The Andrews Labor Government is taking the lead to guide and inform the debate around apartments to make sure all views are heard before determining the best course of action.

Issues raised at the ministerial forum included:

  • Apartment sizes, ceiling heights and whether a minimum size should be set
  • Daylight and borrowed light in bedrooms
  • Separation between buildings, privacy
  • Noise
  • Car and bicycle parking

The government’s Better Apartments discussion paper continues to generate healthy debate on housing needs, market demands, affordability and building standards.

The discussion paper has already received more than 500 responses, with the community encouraged to have its say before submissions close 31 July.

Further practitioner and industry workshops are scheduled over the next few months before an options paper is prepared in late 2015. Guidelines are expected to be in place mid-2016.

The discussion paper, an online survey and information about submissions is available via the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning website: http://delwp.vic.gov.au/External Link

Quotes attributable to Minister for Planning, Richard Wynne

“The Better Apartments discussion paper has stimulated a broad debate about residential needs and market drivers. The level of engagement is encouraging, and I welcome all views as we shape apartment guidelines.

“This forum was about listening to local government, industry and planning experts on issues impacting apartment design and amenity. Today was not about pre-empting outcomes, but instead making sure we continue to consult with experts in this field.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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