The Property Council of Australia welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback to the Legislative Council Select Committee on Victoria Planning Provisions Amendments VC257, VC267 and VC274.
The Property Council’s submission confirms that the industry, while dealing with significant taxation and economic challenges, requires the expedited planning outcomes all three planning scheme amendments enable. These will help to provide greater speed and certainty for planning outcomes, which supports the required level of investment needed to meet Victoria’s housing needs. It is our view that the planning scheme amendments are a legitimate and appropriate
response to a housing crisis that contribute to the objectives of the Planning and Environment Act.
Planning reform that meets the needs of current and future Victorians has been and must continue to be focused on how to deliver a greater number of new homes, while maintaining appropriate rights of appeal and local consultation for applications outside approved codes and standards.
- VC257 – Conceptually, the Property Council supports the development of activity centres as a strategic initiative to enhance urban growth, promote sustainable development and foster economic vitality across Melbourne. At the same time, we acknowledge the activity centres program needs to carefully balance the needs of existing communities.
- VC267 – The Property Council believes the new ‘Townhouse and Low-Rise Code’ is a significant enhancement for future housing delivery and makes more efficient use of underutilised land. It supports sustainable and efficient development, delivers industry clarity and lifts product quality without compromising market feasibility, contributing to greater housing diversity and affordability.
- VC274 – The Property Council supports the introduction of a new ‘Precinct Zone’, which applies a consistent planning framework, helping to attract the required level of investment needed to generate urban renewal outcomes. VC274 should retain sufficient flexibility for development in a variety of property sectors and types of residential redevelopment to cater for future market trends.
