Residential Zones State of Play Reports released by Victorian Government
Melbourne’s northern council areas have the most land zoned for future housing and urban infill, while inner south areas such as Glen Eira and Bayside have far less land zoned for density, according to an independent planning review of Victoria’s residential zones.
“State of Play” reports have been released for suburban subregions and regional cities as part of the Victorian Government’s review of residential zone changes, introduced under the previous government.
Planning Minister Richard Wynne said the review was an election commitment after the previous government “rushed through major zone changes which drew criticism from neighbourhood groups, local government and the property industry for a lack of consultation an inconsistent approach across councils.”
Mr Wynne said land rezonings needed careful consideration, as zoning changes impact land values and dictate population concentration and housing density.
An independent advisory committee will use the information gathered to provide advice about future zone changes, to the need to protect neighbourhood character and cater for population growth.
The State of Play reports are available online and include demographic and population figures, and a breakdown of land zoned for residential development, future housing supply and anticipated residential growth.
Submissions are now open to the public and encouraged residents and businesses to provide feedback on how residential zones have changed, and make suggestions for improvements.
The review will establish whether Victoria’s residential zones require adjusting, however Mr Wynne has ruled out a block-by-block approach.
Mr Wynne said any future zoning changes would be transparent and draw on advice from the independent committee and reflect community expectations and input.
More information is available from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning website at <http://www.dtpli.vic.gov.au/planning/panels-and-committees/current-panels-and-committees/managing-residential-development/residential-zones-state-of-play-reports>.
Source: News Release, Urbanalyst, 08 February, 2016