Key infrastructure and transport projects could be delivered sooner following changes to developer contributions in growth areas.
Planning Minister Matthew Guy last week released growth areas infrastructure contribution (GAIC) works-in-kind guidelines, which will allow developers to provide capital works instead of paying the GAIC in cash.
“As people move in to new suburbs, we want them to have immediate and easy access to connected roads and transport, employment opportunities and nearby community facilities,” Mr Guy said.
“Through GAIC works-in-kind, we can deliver infrastructure alongside new housing, removing the costly need to acquire land later and ensuring better integration of public and private facilities.”
Previously, developers paid a cash contribution, which was later allocated to help fund works in growth areas.
Only one project across the growth areas has been completed under the old GAIC guidelines: the recently opened traffic lights in Ferris Road, Melton.
Mr Guy said potential projects that could be funded under the new guidelines included “a road overpass in the western growth corridor”. When asked, Mr Guy’s office said that the project, if funded, would be in Wyndham.
Melton council’s planning and development general manager, Luke Shannon, said residents would benefit from the fast-tracking of projects.
“This will provide the community access to key infrastructure early in the life of new developments,’’ he said.
‘‘The announcement will also ensure that all GAIC contributions collected from development in the City of Melton will be spent on infrastructure in the municipality.
“Council will continue to work closely with the state government and key developers in advocating for the early provision of key state infrastructure for the benefit of the municipality.”
