First 100 days of Victorian Government
Victoria’s new Treasurer, Tim Pallas, and Planning Minister, Richard Wynne (pictured), used a recent Property Council event in Melbourne to outline the government’s position on several key economic and planning issues.
The Treasurer recognised the importance of the property industry, which accounts for nine per cent of the State’s economy, and highlighted the low amount of GST Victoria receives.
On the task of bolstering the state’s economy, the Treasurer assured the audience that the Andrews’ Government was all about jobs and investment and that they intend taking the politics out of infrastructure delivery. Projects highlighted during the Treasurer’s address included the Melbourne Metro rail system and the removal of Melbourne’s most dangerous level crossings.
Minister Wynne provided an insight to the government’s thinking on developments saying that height was not a deal breaker when assessing developments, rather activation at the ground level, urban amenity and location were more of a focus for the new government. As an example of this policy, he cited the new laneway being created in Melbourne’s CBD as part of a project at 380 Lonsdale Street. The site, bought by Singaporean developer Hiap Hoe in 2013, will contain two towers of 51 levels and 67 levels.
“There is a place for height in the city but good design must be at the core of that and what is happening on the ground,” the Minister said.
Announcing the approval of three major developments in Melbourne, Minister Wynne stated that he would only consider using his powers under Section 20(4)s of the Victorian Planning and Environment Act in extraordinary circumstances, emphasising that approvals are the ambit of local councils.
The Property Council’s 100 Days in Government conference brought together senior ministers, bureaucrats and industry leaders. Other topics discussed included:
Apartment Sizes in Melbourne
Minister Wynne expressed concerns about the sizes of some apartments being built, including too small bathrooms and the lack of adequate cooking facilities.
Inclusionary Zoning
Minister Wynne reiterated that inclusionary zoning would be piloted on government land. He stressed the government’s commitment to increasing affordable housing stock and decreasing the waiting list for social housing from 34,000 or more Victorians.
Fishermans Bend and the residential zones were also discussed, with the Minister announcing that both would be reviewed by experts, with the potential of the Fishermans Bend precinct being recast by the government.