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FROM THE MINISTER FOR PLANNING, OFFICE OF THE PREMIER AND TREASURER

DATE: Friday, February 11, 2000


MINISTER ENCOURAGES STRONG AND PROSPEROUS BUILDING INDUSTRY

The building industry is fundamental to the economic health of Victoria and the Government fully supports and encourages its growth, the Planning Minister, Mr John Thwaites, said this morning.

Speaking at an industry breakfast hosted by the Property Council of Australia (Victoria Division), Mr Thwaites reinforced the Government’s commitment to a prosperous and strong property sector.

“The Government will facilitate the growth of the property sector through strategic planning and a system that provides greater certainty for all its users.

“Looking at residential housing demand alone, Melbourne’s population is projected to increase by 12 per cent over the next fifteen years. At the same time, household size is continuing to decrease. This means housing demand will grow at a faster rate than the population.

“The attraction of the city and inner suburbs continues to grow and this will see the redevelopment of sites in Melbourne’s inner city region - as happened with Southbank and Beacon Cove.

“Strategic handling of this housing demand will ensure development is sustainable. There is a sensible balance to be had, and the Government’s State Planning Agenda sets out in detail how this balance can be achieved.”

Mr Thwaites said the agenda’s main points were:

· improving the role of councils in the planning system so planning decisions are consistent and based on strategically devised schemes

· by developing metropolitan and regional strategies to guide and direct infrastructure, service delivery and investment, and ensure economic, social and environmental objectives are coordinated across the State and

· introducing a new, comprehensive code for residential development to replace the dysfunctional Good Design Guide for medium-density housing and VicCode1 for single dwellings and subdivision, and provide greater clarity and consistency for all users of the planning system.

“The adhoc planning of the Kennet Government was bad for developers and the community,” Mr Thwaites said.

“A more strategic and sustainable approach will provide greater certainty for investors, councils and the community and ensure the vital long term health of Victoria’s building industry.”

Mr Thwaites said the property sector is now in a better position to operate confidently and efficiently in a planning system that can be relied on.

“We’re aiming for a balanced system that encourages development but responds to the community and manages the natural environment in a better way than in the past,” Mr Thwaites said.