Areas across Victoria named to host new homes
State Government finds seven sites which will be fast-tracked through the rezoning process to deliver more houses.
THE Victorian Government has identified more sites across the state to build close to 10,000 new homes.
Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny announced the first seven sites that will be assessed through the Unlocking Strategic Sites program.
The program fast-tracks the rezoning of underutilised land – like former industrial land, golf courses, race tracks and surplus university sites – to build new homes and job precincts sooner.
Right now, rezoning land through councils can take two or more years.
Under Labor’s streamlined approach, this process could be cut in half, getting more homes built faster.
“We’re unlocking land that’s been sitting idle for years and turning it into more homes and jobs,” Kilkennt said.
“If land is ready for housing, it shouldn’t be stuck waiting to be rezoned – we are cutting red tape to get more homes built sooner and where we need them most.”
The first seven sites identified that are underutilised or vacant could deliver around 9155 homes and 8900 jobs.
They include:
- Surplus land at Mount Scopus Memorial College, Burwood
- A former Bunnings retail area, Preston
- Rezoned land at Wodonga Golf Club, Wodonga West
- Rezoned land at La Trobe University, Bundoora
- The edge of the Kilmore Racing Club facility, Kilmore
- A former radio station, Bendigo
- Radio Australia site, North Shepparton.
Every project will be subject to planning assessment and community consultation.
Projects will require a minimum of 10 per cent affordable housing.
This new pathway will be delivered through the Development Facilitation Program.
It’s part of the Economic Growth Statement, which aims to drive investment, create jobs and support key sectors.
