City shakeup will change Melbourne

Protecting Melbourne’s unique urban character is the Property Council’s top priority.

Victorian Property Council Deputy Executive Director, Asher Judah, said the best way to ensure Melbourne remains Australia’s most attractive city is by maintaining the balance between the freedom to innovate and quality building design.

“In recent years, Melbourne’s best innovators have been let down by those who have not appreciated the consequences of poor urban design,” said Mr Judah. Today’s announcement is the end result of that behaviour.

“The Property Council embraces many elements of the Government’s Central City reforms (C270).

“We welcome the height bonuses for commercial office development and public open space.  These bonuses send the right message about combining economic and environmental benefits through good design.

“We also recognise that the proposed development bonuses have no height limits, meaning that Melbourne will continue to be an attractive city to invest in.

“Sadly, some elements of the Government’s design proposals are too prescriptive. 

“Plot ratios are a blunt planning instrument which were abandoned in the past for good reason.

“They have no regard for a site’s unique characteristics and will restrict design innovation. 

“The Government’s reforms will also reduce property values. Whenever major changes are made to the planning rules, property values change.

“The Property Council will work closely with the Government on these reforms to help deliver jobs, investment certainty and economic activity for Melbourne.”

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Media contact:  Asher Judah  |  M  0499 841 715 |   E  [email protected]