Onus on City to unlock land for new homes

THE State Government has declared that Victoria needs 2.24 million new homes by 2051, with one quarter required in regional Victoria including 37,000 in Bendigo, under new greenfield housing sub-targets.

Since releasing draft targets last year, it has met with every Victorian council to understand their plans and the barriers they face in unlocking capacity.

Each council’s target was calculated based on each area’s proximity to jobs and services, level of access to existing and planned public transport, and environmental hazards like flood and bushfire risk.

Last year, it announced it would back regional and rural councils with funding for planners and resources to meet the objectives.

Councils are expected to be accountable in reaching their allocated number of homes and it’s been left up to them to work together with Government and industry to unlock land.

If councils have no interest in doing so, the Government said it may intervene and unlock space for more homes, including through rezoning.

The Minister for Planning will also retain her powers to intervene or fast-track developments.

“Our regional councils are already doing great work to deliver more housing and we’ll continue to work with them to make sure they have the support they need to get more off the ground,” Premier Jacinta Allan said.

Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards added that Bendigo is an incredible place to live, work, and raise a family. “These targets will make sure more regional Victorians have a chance for a place to call home.”