We note this week’s announcements from the Victorian Government with interest. From recent community engagement, we know that homelessness is of significant concern to our community. Many of our young people and residents are worried about homelessness and housing insecurity for our community more broadly, and not only for themselves and their families.
We welcome the Victorian Government’s commitment to pulling a range of levers to increase the stock of housing, including fast tracking access to new greenfield sites within the urban growth boundaries, stamp duty concessions to encourage investment in new developments and unlocking government-owned land near train stations.
However, we are concerned that this cluster of announcements has been made during the Local Government Election Period. Councillors’ terms conclude this weekend and they are constrained from entering public discussion on these topics.
Local Government plays a very important role in strategic and statutory planning. We are proud that Greater Dandenong is consistently the highest performing Council in Victoria at having planning applications decided within statutory timeframes. Through our planning processes we strive for the best outcomes on amenity, maintaining and improving tree canopy, water management and flood risks. We support the Municipal Association of Victoria’s calls for planning experts and local government to be involved in reforms to developer contributions, and for a joined-up vision for greater metro Melbourne.
We hope that the Victorian Government stands by its commitment to engage genuinely and sincerely with local communities in implementing this range of measures, so that we achieve liveability, affordability and vibrant communities as well as merely increasing housing stock.
We will continue to advocate for great outcomes for our vibrant city of opportunity. We are ready to support authentic, timely Victorian Government consultation with our local community.
Jacqui Weatherill
Chief Executive Officer