The Victorian Government has released its long awaited Growth Area Corridor Plans and the Biodiversity and Conservation Strategy for Melbourne’s Growth Areas.
The Property Council welcomed the Victorian Government’s release of the Growth Area Corridor Plans which provide the overarching planning framework for Melbourne’s urban growth corridors.
Following significant delay, the release of the Growth Area Corridor Plans has ended a period of uncertainty felt by all stakeholders as the Victorian Government’s plans for land use, transport, and infrastructure are revealed.
Jennifer Cunich, Victorian Executive Director of the Property Council, commented that, “The Victorian Government has a responsibility to provide the community with its vision for Melbourne’s growth areas so that people are able to fully understand the opportunities and challenges Victoria faces as we grow.”
The Growth Area Corridor Plans provide a high level overview of potential infrastructure provision, transport corridors, employment and residential land uses as well as biodiversity values for Melbourne’s growth corridors. The Corridor Plans do not contain a timeline to fund or deliver the Victorian Government’s vision.
“Timely delivery and implementation of this vision will be vital to the success of Melbourne’s urban growth areas. So far the Victorian Government has not outlined how it plans to fund or deliver its vision,” said Ms Cunich.
“The community and industry will welcome these Corridor Plans but if we are going to create truly successful neighbourhoods in Melbourne’s growth areas, the Victorian Government must provide a program to plan, fund and deliver its vision, ” said Ms Cunich.
Property Council is encouraged by the economic analysis that has been undertaken by the Growth Areas Authority with regard to employment patterns which has fed into its land use planning. The same level of analysis however, has not been undertaken to determine the impact of biodiversity in Melbourne’s growth areas.
“Biodiversity must be dealt with strategically and the Victorian Government must fully understand the economic impacts of its policies before these policies are implemented. Consultation will be the key,” urged Ms Cunich.
The Victorian Government has a responsibility to consult widely with all stakeholders, including members of the industry and the community; without consultation the current uncertainty will continue and the Victorian Government will place the positive working relationships that currently exist between the public and private sectors at risk.
Property Council will be holding an industry briefing titled Improving Biodiversity in Melbourne’s Growth Areas on 6 December 2011 at which both the Growth Areas Authority and the Department for Sustainability and Environment will present.
Source: PropertyOz
