Peri Urban Councils Victoria (PUCV), of which Moorabool council is a member, has welcomed the Victorian emsgovernment’s Housing Statement, noting the government’s intention to address housing problems in peri urban areas.
PUCV chair Michael Leaney said the fast-growing fringe suburbs are feeling the pressures of population growth and this regional housing package is a step in the right direction.
“The Housing Statement contains some key initiatives that can, in the short-term, ease the pressure on a tight housing market, particularly the streamlining of larger housing developments, reducing some of the planning red tape for simple builds and helping more people get into the housing market with more money for the home buyer fund,” he said.
PUCV noted however that in the bid for a more efficient planning system, community involvement will be reduced and this could create some local tensions, which will need to be considered.
Premier Daniel Andrews announced the Housing Statement last week, which the government hopes will clear a backlog of 1400 housing permit applications that have been stuck with councils for more than six months.
Residential developments worth over $50 million in Melbourne and $15 million in regional Victoria that set aside at least 10 per cent for social housing will be assessed by the planning minister rather than councils. The change aims to speed up application assessments from more than a year to four months.
Granny flats or dwelling garden units won’t require permits if they’re less than 60 square metres.
There will also be new residential standards to allow council planners to quickly approve permits for houses that meet requirements.
Mr Andrews said building, buying, renovating and renting just shouldn’t be this hard.
“We need to build more homes, with the best design standards, where people want to live. And that means going up and out – not just out,” he said.
Moorabool council chief executive Derek Madden said council will review the statement in response to the housing crisis and need for policy intervention.
“The Housing Statement announced a range of reforms, including planning changes and a proposed new Plan Victoria, with further announcements pending. Once all information is received, we will review the announcement in more detail,” he said.
Melton council was contacted for comment.
