- Published:
- Sunday 12 April 2026 at 11:00 am
The Allan Labor Government has identified more sites across the state to build close to 10,000 new homes.
Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny today announced the first seven sites that will be assessed through the Unlocking Strategic Sites program.
The program fast-tracks the rezoning of underutilized land – like former industrial land, golf courses, race tracks and surplus university sites – to build new homes and job precincts sooner.
Right now, rezoning land through councils can take two or more years.
Under Labor’s streamlined approach, this process could be cut in half – getting more homes built faster.
The first seven sites identified that are underutilised or vacant could deliver around 9,155 homes and 8,900 jobs:
- Surplus land at Mount Scopus Memorial College – Burwood
- A former Bunnings retail area – Preston
- Rezoned land at Wodonga Golf Club – Wodonga West
- Rezoned land at La Trobe University – Bundoora
- The edge of the Kilmore Racing Club facility – Kilmore
- A former radio station – Bendigo
- Radio Australia site – North Shepparton
This is about getting homes built faster where Victorians need them most – while creating thousands of local jobs.
Every project will be subject to planning assessment and community consultation.
Projects will require a minimum of 10 per cent affordable housing.
This new pathway will be delivered through the Development Facilitation Program.
It’s part of our Economic Growth Statement, which aims to drive investment, create jobs, and support key sectors.
Victoria continues to build thousands of more homes than any other state and our leading reforms are making it easier to deliver them right across the state.
Jess Wilson’s Liberals have made it clear they will rip up our planning reforms – cutting 300,000 homes, delivering more delays and locking young Victorians out.
Only Labor has new solutions to make life easier and more affordable for Victorians.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny
“We’re unlocking land that’s been sitting idle for years and turning it into more homes and jobs.”
“If land is ready for housing, it shouldn’t be stuck waiting to be rezoned – we are cutting red tape to get more homes built sooner and where we need them most.”