The Victorian Government’s housing reform package
Over the past few years, the Victorian Government has radically rewritten planning in Victoria. These rushed reforms are designed to guide population growth in Melbourne to 8 million by 2050. To “speed up” the implementation of the reforms the Minister for Planning has overridden the usual consultation and expert external review. While the Minister is acting within her powers it is only more recently that they have been
used to implement such broad ranging change.
The main reforms of this package include:
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Activity Centre Program
Read more: Activity Centre ProgramActivity Centres are locations identified by the Victorian Government for 3-6 storey apartments and townhouses based upon their access to infrastructure, jobs and being a “great place to live”. 360,000 new dwellings are anticipated across 60 Centres in Melbourne by 2050.
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Better decisions, made faster act
Read more: Better decisions, made faster actLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
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Great design fast track
Read more: Great design fast trackLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
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The development facilitation program
Read more: The development facilitation programFast track planning approval pathways for $50mln+ housing developments offering 10% affordable housing and developments Developers apply directly to State Government rather than councils
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The mid-rise code
Read more: The mid-rise codeChanges in the draft 4-6 storey code are more permissive than those for 3 storeys: front setback of 3m, no recessing of upper storeys, no assessment of existing solar.
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The townhouse and low-rise code
Read more: The townhouse and low-rise codeThe Victorian Government lowered the building standards for townhouse and low-rise apartment buildings