Councils Get First Shot At Unlocking Space For More Homes

Victoria’s councils will have the first chance to show where and how they can unlock space for new homes over the coming decades, with the Allan Labor Government kicking off the next stage of local government consultation on draft housing capacity targets tailored for every local government area (LGA) in the state.

Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny joined City of Kingston Mayor Jenna Davey-Burns to announce the draft targets for each LGA – with final targets released by the end of this year.

Victoria has the largest annual population growth of all Australian states, and it needs more than two million additional homes by the 2050s. But where these homes go matters.

More homes are needed in established suburbs – close to jobs, transport, education, and services – to give more young people the chance to live near where they grew up, and to reduce future growth pressure on families in Melbourne’s booming outer suburbs. That’s where the targets come in.

The draft council housing targets are largely based on access to the jobs, transport and services Victorians need.

By 2051, the well-connected Boroondara LGA is proposed to accommodate 67,000 new homes – which would represent a significant increase in new dwelling approvals against its recent average. The Kingston LGA is proposed to accommodate 59,000 new homes – contributing to a pattern of growth along the Suburban Rail Loop corridor.

By reaching their targets, many council areas across inner and middle Melbourne would double their number of new dwellings every year – helping deliver the Housing Statement goal of 70 per cent of new homes going in established areas and 30 per cent in outer-suburban growth areas.

In regional cities and rural areas, the targets will also help deliver more new homes in cities and towns to boost key worker and affordable housing. The City of Greater Geelong is proposed to accommodate 139,800 new homes by 2051.

Victoria’s councils have the powers to unlock space for more homes by proposing changes to local planning rules. The Government will consult closely with councils to harness their local knowledge, with councils to report back on the draft target and the local changes they propose.

While the Labor Government has invested billions of dollars in level crossing removals, public transport upgrades, new schools and hospitals – and is getting on with the Suburban Rail Loop – it also wants to hear from councils about the continued infrastructure support that communities need to grow sustainably.

The targets were outlined in the landmark Housing Statement and are the next stage of the discussion Government is having with Victorians as part of the new plan for Victoria – a long-term vision for Victoria’s next 30 years.

The draft targets for each local government area can be found at engage.vic.gov.au/project/shape-our-victoria/page/housing-targets-2051.

Quote attributable to Premier Jacinta Allan

“To give industry the confidence they need to get on and build, we need Government and all councils working towards the same goal: more homes for Victorians – in the right places.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny

“We want to work in partnership with councils to build more homes in the areas where people want to live – close to the people they love and the things they love to do.”

Quote attributable to Member for Southern Metropolitan Region Ryan Batchelor

“Record investment in infrastructure, including the level crossings at Charman Road and Park Road make Cheltenham the ideal location to build more homes, giving residents access to jobs, services and world class transport.”