The Allan Labor Government is delivering on its long-term plan for Victoria’s future – more homes, more jobs, great communities, while embracing what makes every city, town and suburb special across the whole state.
The Labor Government launched the new Plan for Victoria today, the first whole-of-state plan in more than 30 years built on the voices of Victorians.
To meet the needs of our growing population, Victoria must build an estimated 2.24 million homes across the state over the next 30 years, with a quarter of those in regional Victoria, including 212,500 in Ballarat, Bendigo and Geelong.
Where these homes go matters – that’s why as part of the plan the Labor Government will develop new guidelines for regional growth boundaries starting with Victoria’s three major regional cities to help them grow sustainably.
The regional boundaries will help direct new homes where they’re needed most – close to jobs, transport, shops, schools, healthcare, and services. It will help protect what makes Ballarat, Bendigo and Geelong such great places to live by preserving the cities’ agricultural land, parks, forests, and natural resources.
These boundaries will be developed in partnership with council and can change over time based on the
community’s wishes, provided there is the necessary infrastructure to service more homes in those areas.
The Plan for Victoria sets out 22 actionable steps to help build more homes, grow job opportunities, and ensure communities have the infrastructure, services and green spaces they need to remain great places to live, work and play.
The Plan replaces the existing metropolitan strategy Plan Melbourne 2017-2050 and regional growth plans – guided by the largest statewide community engagement program ever undertaken.
More than 110,000 Victorians engaged either online or in person over 1,000 hours, with more than 15,000 pieces of feedback collected. The Government heard directly from communities, Traditional Owners and First Peoples, government agencies, local councils and industry at over 120 community events including 45 in regional Victoria.
Major housing initiatives announced this week including council housing targets, train and tram zones, and updated plans for activity centres all form part of the Plan for Victoria.
Quote attributable to Premier Jacinta Allan
“Whether it’s Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong or Melbourne – where we build homes in our cities matter. That’s why we’re drawing a line to make sure we build more homes close to transport, jobs, and service.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny
“We are releasing our long-term plan for the whole state, so that every Victorian can find a home close to what matters to them in the places and communities they love.”
Quote attributable to Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant
“Our corner of Victoria is filled with natural beauty and as it grows, we’ll protect what’s great about it.”
Quote attributable to Member for Geelong Christine Couzens
“Geelong is an incredible place to live, work, and raise a family – the perfect place for more homes for families and young Victorians.”
Quote attributable to Member for Lara Ella George
“Geelong is great place to live and while we get on with providing more homes for Victorians families, we’ll protect what’s great about the city and ensure it grows sustainably.”
Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney
“We’re building communities that have the infrastructure, services and green spaces they need to remain great places to live."
