More homes mean more opportunity - and the Allan Labor Government will deliver more homes in regional communities, so young working people can find a home in the places they know and love.
But where these homes go matters. That's why regional growth boundaries will be developed for Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo - to manage outward sprawl and encourage more homes in the centre of town.
Premier Jacinta Allan and the Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny today visited Ballarat to launch Plan for Victoria, which includes the pledge to develop the regional city boundaries in partnership with regional councils.
Plan for Victoria
Plan for Victoria is a long-term plan for the whole state that's about delivering more homes, more jobs and great communities. It's the 30-year blueprint for how Victoria will support a growing population while protecting and improving all that we love about the places we live, work and play.
It's not just about vision. It's about action. Plan for Victoria sets out 22 concrete actions, including:
Implementing housing targets for every Victorian local government area
Implementing new controls to streamline planning in activity centres
Incentivising more social and affordable homes across the state
Designing and building better quality homes and apartments
Protecting tree canopies and introducing minimum open space requirements in planning
It won't sit on a shelf: the short-term actions will be constantly measured, reviewed and updated, with new actions to be developed over time - and it's supported by a raft of steps Government is already doing to build more homes.
The Plan has five pillars: housing for all Victorians, accessible jobs and services, great places, sustainable environments, and self-determination and caring for Country. Detailed maps throughout the Plan show where more housing can go while preserving and improving what makes communities great.
The Plan replaces the existing metropolitan strategy Plan Melbourne 2017-2050 and regional growth plans. It was developed following the most extensive community-led consultation ever. More than 110,000 Victorians engaged either online or in person, producing hundreds of submissions and more than 15,000 items of feedback.
Regional Growth Boundaries
One of the 22 key actions in Plan for Victoria is a commitment to "carefully manage the outward sprawl of regional cities and towns."
As part of the Plan, regional boundaries will be developed in partnership with councils, and they will "only expand outward if this is consistent with the vision for these places and if and when councils and other authorities can provide the necessary infrastructure (such as water and sewerage) for more people."
Melbourne has a defined boundary, and the Bass Coast, the Surf Coast, the Bellarine Peninsula and Macedon Ranges have or will soon have protected settlement boundaries. Plan for Victoria doesn't change these.
But it's only fair that the boundaries of regional cities get recognition to help them grow sustainably - starting with Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo, where more than 200,000 additional homes will go over the next 30 years.
Where these homes go matters. More homes with backyards for families is a good thing, but too much, too soon can put a strain on services for people already living there - and it can also impact agricultural land.
Regional boundaries are all about making sure growing areas can keep growing in a sustainable way - and it will protect Ballarat, Bendigo and Geelong by preserving agricultural land, parks, forests, and natural resources.
Regional boundaries will also direct more homes where they're needed - close to jobs, transport, shops, schools, healthcare, and services - and produce more affordable housing options for the next generation of young people who want to stay and buy in the city where they grew up.
The new guidelines and settings that Government will develop with councils for establishing and amending regional city boundaries will also be available for other regional cities and towns.
The boundaries help deliver the promise of Plan for Victoria for everyone in this state - delivering more homes, more jobs and great communities, while embracing what makes every city, town and community special.
As stated by Premier Jacinta Allan
"We need to do everything to give our kids a shot at living, working and raising a family locally. That starts with making sure there's enough affordable housing choices everywhere in town."
"My big fight is getting young people into homes, and Plan for Victoria really brings it all together. This is how we'll find space for those homes in a way that's right for every community."
As stated by Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny
"Our long-term plan for Victoria will protect what we love about our communities and ensure that more Victorians can find a home in the places know and love."
"Regional boundaries will make sure growing areas can keep growing in a sustainable way. Regional councils know their community best - that's why we'll be working with them."
As stated by Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison
"Ballarat is an incredible place to live, work, and raise a family - perfect for more homes for families and young Victorians."
As stated by Member for Eureka, Michaela Settle
"We can deliver more homes in the regions, but how the regions grow matters. We'll protect what's great about it."
As stated by Member for Ripon, Martha Haylett
"We're building communities that have the infrastructure, services and green spaces they need to remain great places to live."
