To plan for the changing needs of residents and to help facilitate sustainable housing development, growth and affordability, Murrindindi Shire Council has developed a draft Housing and Settlement Strategy (H&SS).
In line with the requirements of the Victorian Government's Planning Policy Framework, the Strategy will assist Council in identifying future housing needs across Murrindindi Shire over the next 20 years, with a focus on both short-term and long-term opportunities for housing growth.
Community feedback on housing and settlement issues, gathered during the development of the 2021-2025 Council Plan, was used to inform the draft H&SS. We are now encouraging the community to get involved and provide their feedback on this important strategic document.
Council's Mayor Sue Carpenter acknowledged Council's need to support growth, while preserving the Shire's rural characteristics and natural beauty.
'Murrindindi Shire, along with many other regions across Victoria, is experiencing unprecedented rises in property values and Council is under significant pressure to provide appropriate land to enable sustainable residential, commercial and industrial growth.
'A Land Supply Analysis was undertaken in 2021, which told us that there is appropriately zoned land supply to deliver 1,385 residential lots across the Shire, including 704 undeveloped residential lots in Alexandra. Additional land supply is also available through low density and rural living style development, equating in total to almost 15 years of residential land supply, even accounting for the extra population growth experienced in the last few years.
'The draft H&SS reflects Council's commitment to sustainability and the need in balancing future development against the valued characteristics of our towns, settlements, and rural communities. It seeks to provide a logical framework that will assist Council in planning and decision-making, so we can ensure we're encouraging and supporting the right developments in the right locations.
When considering how we grow sustainably, the Strategy outlines key areas where residential growth will be encouraged – with development being directed to the serviced townships of Alexandra, Yea, Eildon and Marysville. It also looks at how we can improve the supply of housing and land, including facilitating discussions with landowners and other agencies and prioritising planning applications for multi-dwelling developments and subdivisions.
'We're also looking at how we can support higher density housing, including units and townhouses, which are in short supply. As outlined in the Strategy, our plan is to encourage innovative and contemporary development types, which make efficient use of land and resources', Cr Carpenter added.
To learn more and provide your feedback on the draft H&SS, complete our online survey here or come along and chat with Council officers at one of our community pop-up events
