UPDATE: The Victorian government has just announced a transformative plan to overhaul the state’s planning system, marking the most significant change in 38 years. This urgent reform aims to expedite home construction by significantly cutting red tape and eliminating the ability for neighbors to object to most residential developments.
Authorities report that the current average planning application takes 140 days to approve, extending to a staggering 300 days if objections arise. Under the new system, introduced in parliament on October 28, the majority of applications are set to be processed in just 10 days. Premier Jacinta Allan emphasized that these reforms are crucial for providing more housing options for young Victorians, stating, “We want a planning system that makes better, faster decisions.”
The changes will implement three distinct application streams based on the size of the proposed development. The first stream will handle small projects, such as standalone homes and minor subdivisions, with a streamlined six-step approval process promising decisions within 10 days. The second stream, for more complex projects like townhouses, will take up to 30 days, while the third stream for large developments will guarantee a decision within 60 days, ensuring public notification for high-density projects.
Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny reassured that while neighbor consultation will be limited, transparency will still be upheld for significant developments. “New homes shouldn’t be delayed by people who don’t live anywhere near a proposed project. It’s not common sense,” she stated.
However, regional experts have expressed cautious optimism about the reforms. While they welcome the acceleration of approvals that could alleviate the regional housing crisis, there are concerns about the potential loss of public scrutiny in the planning process. Peter Burley, director of Buxton Real Estate Ballarat, noted that the changes would allow developers to move forward with long-stalled projects, benefiting both small and large residential developers.
Conversely, concerns have been raised regarding the impact on community engagement. James Hanley, general manager of Cavalier Homes in Bendigo, highlighted that excessive red tape had previously limited their capacity to assist clients, saying, “The amount of work and documentation has increased so much that we now might only be able to look after half of that.”
Local government representatives are also voicing worries about the reforms. Ben Blain, mayor of Warrnambool City Council, expressed reservations about the reduced opportunities for public input, cautioning that a lack of transparency could erode trust in the new laws. The overarching concern shared by many experts is that without adequate funding for local councils, the proposed efficiencies may not be achievable.
Experts stress that successful implementation of these reforms hinges on proper resourcing for local government planning departments. James Laycock, a planning consultant, urged that if the new system is to function effectively, significant investment in local planning resources is essential.
As Victoria enters this new planning era, the immediate impact on housing availability and community dynamics remains to be seen. Residents and stakeholders are advised to stay informed as the government moves forward with these groundbreaking changes.
