Planning powers could be overridden if local councils do not co-operate with the Victorian Government’s latest housing targets to reach 2.24 million new homes by 2051.
Macedon Ranges Shire is expected to accommodate an additional 13,200 houses by 2051 in updated plans released last week. It is an additional 500 homes on what was initially set for the Ranges in last year’s draft.
Other shires’ new housing targets to 2051 are: Mount Alexander 4500, Hepburn 3150, and Mitchell 66,000. Mitchell sits within the Urban Growth Boundary and 56,000 homes are planned for greenfield sites within that UGB area.
Last week, Premier Jacinta Allan warned councils: “It’s simple – work with us to unlock space for more homes or we’ll do it for you.”
“It’s not fair that Victorian families and young people have been completely locked out of living in some areas, while other parts of Melbourne have had to bear the brunt of all that growth. We’re in a housing crisis and the status quo is not an option. It’s time to shake things up.”
Plan for Victoria, to be released soon, will contain a declaration that the government will hold councils accountable with explicit directions to change planning schemes if they are not providing enough housing capacity.
About 25 per cent of the new housing targets to 2051 will be in regional Victoria.
Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said the targets for the Macedon Ranges were “modest” and ensured “more homes can be built where they are needed most, while also preserving the unique environment”.
Macedon Ranges Shire mayor Dom Bonanno said the council could meet the set targets but wanted infill housing opportunities to be considered alongside greenfield development.
“The increase to the target is not considered a significant change and appears to respond to council’s submission (to Plan for Victoria),” he told the Express.
“This target appears to align with council’s Settlement Strategy and we believe through the significant planning work we’ve done since the adoption of this strategy, we are well placed to partner with the Victorian Government to meet the housing targets set for the shire.”
Last year, MRSC adopted structure plans for Gisborne and Romsey which identified areas for residential, commercial and industrial growth.
Cr Bonanno said the Victorian Government needed to implement those plans, to help unlock much-needed land identified for more jobs and houses in both towns.
He said an essential aspect of meeting the future housing needs of the Macedon Ranges was ensuring affordable housing was available locally.
“The Victorian Government allocated a minimum $30 million investment to the Macedon Ranges through the Big Housing Build; however, to date, only $12.5 million has been allocated to our region.
“We have requested confirmation from the Victorian Government as to the availability of the remaining $17.5 million and how it will be allocated, and we welcome future partnership opportunities to provide more local affordable housing.”
