Plan Melbourne refresh Time for a deep breath

Plan Melbourne refresh: Time for a deep breathThe Property Council has expressed serious concern with the recommendations made by Plan Melbourne’s Ministerial Advisory Committee (MAC) citing a huge mismatch between their ambitions and the Government’s capacity to deliver.Property Council of Australia Victorian Executive Director, Jennifer Cunich, says no Victorian Government in the past 14 years had successfully implemented the recommendations contained within their planning blueprint for Greater Melbourne. “This history of failure is largely due to a consistent lack of funding, community support and political will for genuine implementation,” says Ms Cunich. “The Property Council is very concerned that too many of the measures proposed by the MAC will fall foul of the same fate. The problem with the latest attempt is that it has been written for a Government with unlimited resources and community support – and that simply does not exist. “Policy aspirations like the 20 minute neighbourhoods and a huge expansion of bus services are two examples of highly ambitious proposals where funding capacity is non-existent. “We will be recommending that the State Government proceed cautiously with their ‘refresh’ lest it suffer the same fate of its predecessors, Melbourne 2030 and Melbourne@5million. “The Property Council strongly supports many of the MAC’s measures and will work closely with the Government during the consultation and implementation phases. “Recommendations such as boosting climate change resilience, building energy efficiency, code assessment for multi-unit development and planning for future public transport infrastructure are all excellent proposals. “One of the best recommendations has been the proposal to reserve land for rail reservations and open space throughout the growth areas. This is a fantastic idea; however, our support will be reliant upon the Government acquiring the land at a fair market price. “Worryingly, the MAC has recommended a number of housing affordability killers like growth area resequencing, imposed housing diversity requirements and new taxes on residential development. These proposals will directly undermine housing affordability and housing choice. “The Property Council looks forward to working closely with the State Government and the MAC on seeing Greater Melbourne’s long term planning vision implemented.” Whether people know it or not, property touches the lives of all Australians. It creates prosperity, jobs and strong communities. Property is both a major part of the household balance sheet and the Australian economy. It is Australia’s biggest industry and the nation’s second largest employer. Australia needs a strong property industry now more than ever.That’s why the Property Council has launched its first public campaign to Let property grow the economy.Click here to find out more.Media contact: Asher Judah | M 0499 841 715 | E [email protected]