By Callum Ludwig
The Department of Transport and Planning has released draft targets for all of Victoria’s 79 councils on where future homes should be built.
The targets form part of the government’s plan for Victoria to boost housing stock by 2.24 million homes by 2051 across the state.
The Yarra Ranges has been given a target of 28,000 new homes by 2051.
Yarra Ranges Mayor Sophie Todorov said their teams are still reviewing information from the State Government following their announcement of housing targets for different municipalities.
“The draft targets are designed to create more housing choice around existing and planned public transport, jobs and services, taking current development trends and environmental hazards into consideration, to accommodate 2.24 million new homes over coming decades,” she said.
“We’ll be meeting with representatives of the Department of Transport and Planning to discuss the proposed targets, and drafting a submission on the Plan for Victoria on these targets and other areas of the document.
“We will also be meeting with representatives from other Councils through the Municipal Association of Victoria next month to discuss this key issue.”
The Knox LGA has been given a target of 47,000 new homes by 2051.
Knox Mayor Jude Dwight said Knox City Council is currently developing their own housing strategy that sets out their plan for managing housing growth and development to respond to the current and future housing needs of our community.
“Council recognises the need for more housing to accommodate our growing population,” she said.
“A scaled approach is needed with more change in some parts of Knox and limited change in other areas to protect our green and leafy character and areas of environmental significance.”
The Knox LGA currently has 63,000 homes.
Mayor Dwight said that while Knox Council know their population is expanding and we welcome people to our municipality, this will inevitably put more demands on our natural assets and the services and facilities that Council provides.
“Growth will put pressure on our transport network, drainage and other infrastructure, open spaces, schools, and health and community services,” she said.
“We need to ensure that the planned rate of growth does not result in negative impacts for our community.”
Cardinia Shire has been handed a target of 36,000 new homes.
Cardinia Shire Council’s General Manager of Liveable Communities Lili Rosic said Cardinia Shire Council recognises the important role that Council plays in supporting the development of new homes through its local planning policies and granting of permit approvals.
“Council supports the objective of creating housing choice where there is existing and planned public transport, jobs and services. Other key considerations include protection of environmental features and assets, the shire’s unique character and containing growth to the urban growth boundary,” she said.
“Council will consider its position on the draft housing targets, and will participate in consultation opportunities as part of the new plan for Victoria on behalf of the Cardinia Shire community.
“Cardinia Shire Council is committed to continuing to respond to the needs of our growing and diverse community and to building a strong and sustainable shire for present and future generations to enjoy.”
Maroondah City Council has been given a goal of 44,000 new homes.
Maroondah City Council Mayor Kylie Spears said the Council has done significant work over the previous years to establish the Maroondah Housing Strategy 2022 and planning controls that allow for substantial future housing growth in Maroondah.
“As a result, Council believes it is theoretically possible to meet the Victorian Government’s housing targets in Maroondah as there is substantial capacity to absorb additional Housing, for example there is current capacity within Ringwood Metropolitan Activity Centre for an additional 14,800 dwellings and 1100 dwellings in the Croydon Major Activity Centre,” she said.
“To accommodate additional future growth in an effective and enduring way, it will require further detailed analysis of where the housing is best located and in what form. Our
approach to housing in Maroondah has always aimed to ensure that new housing is located in areas with good access to public transport, employment and services while also minimising environmental impacts.
“However, the current low industry demand, coupled with permit applications in Maroondah that are approved for nearly 1000 dwellings but not yet started, are not reflective of the existing opportunity and supply.”
The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) has also issued a statement on the targets.
MAV President Cr David Clark said the sector welcomes the opportunity to work with the State Government to further develop housing targets for all municipalities, to ensure all councils can share in the growth of the state to meet current and future community needs.
“We recognise housing targets are only meaningful if they are linked to specific areas of development. Sustainable growth requires the associated community infrastructure to make areas liveable and to have employment and services close by are part of the development process,” he said.
“Across Victoria’s cities, suburbs, and regional towns a key focus must be on the quality and diversity of housing type.”
Cr Clark said councils had already acknowledged their role in addressing the housing crisis and have been working hard to facilitate solutions.
“Many councils are continuing to re-zone land and lodge planning scheme amendments to allow the possibility of additional housing stock to be built. We seek to work with the Planning Minister to open up these pathways to providing new housing development opportunities,” he said.
“We will also seek to work with the development industry and the State Government to get the more than 100,000 dwellings that have already been approved by councils – but not yet begun construction – built.
“Alongside these key partners, we’ll continue the task of stimulating development by discussing incentives to achieve these targets, reduce other market impediments, and standardise a robust, place-based, developer contribution system across the state to accelerate housing development.”
Residents across Victoria can have their say on the government’s targets until the end of August.
Mayor Dwight said she urges their residents to get involved to ensure the community’s voice is heard during consultation.
“Knox Council will be making a submission on the government’s plan for Victoria and the most recent housing targets they have set for Knox,” she said.
“While we understand the government’s rationale for setting housing targets, we are yet to know how they have arrived at the targets proposed for Knox.”
To provide feedback or learn more about the draft housing targets, visit: engage.vic.gov.au/shape-our-victoria
