The Victorian State Government has released its awaited housing statement, and announced a new affordability partnership with the housing industry.
The statement sets a target of 800,000 new homes over the next decade, and outlines five focus areas to tackle housing supply.
They are described as:
- Good decisions, made faster
- Cheaper housing
- Protecting renters’ rights
- More social housing, and
- A long term housing plan
Councils will be most interested in the detail of the ‘good decisions, made faster’ plank of the announced reforms.
The government says it will have a dedicated team working with project proponents, councils and referral agencies to “resolve issues delaying council decision-making.” It claims there is a backlog of 1,400 housing permit applications that have been stuck with councils for more than six months.
The Minister for Planning will be made the decision maker for significant residential developments that include affordable housing, and the planning process will be streamlined for medium to high density residential developments that meet set criteria.
Planning controls will be introduced for 10 initial activity centres in Melbourne: Broadmeadows, Camberwell Junction, Chadstone, Epping, Frankston, Moorabbin, Niddrie, Essendon, Preston and Ringwood.
Other measures announced include making it easier to build a second home on the same lot; streamlined assessment pathways for new Deemed to Comply residential standards; implementation of Red Tape Commissioner recommended reforms; and the employment of 90 new planners at the Department of Transport and Planning.
The Planning and Environment Act 1987 will be re-written to become a modern, fit-for-purpose planning system, with clarified roles and responsibilities for all players in the system including councils.
Plan Melbourne will be updated to become a statewide planning strategy.
And as predicted, a short stay accommodation levy will be introduced with revenue to go to Homes Victoria to support the delivery of social and affordable housing across the state, including 25% dedicated to regional Victoria.
Read more on the announcement from ABC News