The Victorian government has unveiled a comprehensive plan to transform Melbourne's skyline, announcing 25 additional areas targeted for high-rise housing development. This initiative aims to increase building height limits in ten key hubs throughout the city. The strategic focus is on locations around tram and train stations, aligning with the government's objectives to boost housing supply and affordability.
The plan is part of a broader effort to address the growing demand for housing in Melbourne. Community consultations are set to begin in April for the first 25 locations, with further discussions on the next batch of sites later this year. The government plans to decrease housing targets in some areas while increasing density around public transport hubs, highlighting areas like Cranbourne/Pakenham, Frankston, Glen Waverley, Sandringham, and Alamein train lines.
The ambitious proposal includes 60 locations slated for fast-tracked high-rise development, with more than half situated in Melbourne's inner and outer south-east. The goal is to finalize new planning rules across Melbourne by early 2026, paving the way for over 300,000 new homes. This initiative involves close collaboration with local councils and community consultations to ensure tailored planning reforms for each area.
"I want to hear from the community because your voices matter." – Sonya Kilkenny
Housing Minister Sonya Kilkenny emphasized the importance of community input in shaping the future of Melbourne's urban landscape. Her statements underscore a commitment to listening to residents' concerns and incorporating their feedback into the planning process.
"We want to hear from you and we're listening." – Sonya Kilkenny
The government aims to provide certainty for both the community and industry stakeholders regarding future housing developments. By focusing on areas well-served by public transport, the plan intends to leverage existing infrastructure and services to support increased housing density.
"It just makes sense to build more homes close to these stations, close to these existing services." – Jacinta Allan
Jacinta Allan, another key figure in the initiative, highlighted the logical approach of situating new housing developments near public transport nodes. This strategy is expected to not only ease commuting challenges but also enhance the overall livability of these areas.
"We need to also shake up the planning system." – Jacinta Allan
However, the plan has not been without its critics. Some argue that regional solutions have been overlooked in favor of urban-centric approaches. Concerns have been raised about potential impacts on community character and market dynamics.
"Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, regional Victoria — not mentioned once as a solution for the housing crisis."
"Quite frankly, the war against developers, the war against home owners continues here in Victoria."
Opposition figures like Richard Riordan have voiced their criticism, suggesting that more needs to be done to incentivize market-driven housing solutions that reflect Victorians' preferences.
"We are simply not doing enough to encourage the market to build the homes that Victorians want." – Richard Riordan
"It says to them, the city, the neighbourhood, the community that you have loved… is now under threat and will not be the same into the future." – Richard Riordan
Kilkenny reassured stakeholders that this initiative is about long-term planning and providing clarity for future developments.
"This is about developing planning rules for the next 10, 20, 30 years so that community has certainty and industry has certainty about where homes can go." – Sonya Kilkenny
