The Property Council is urging the Government to establish a single planning authority, responsible for strategic, land use, infrastructure and transport planning, to bring certainty back into the planning scheme.
Following the tumultuous week for planning in Victoria, executive director, Jennifer Cunich, said there is significant uncertainty amongst the development community about “where to from here”.
“The development industry needs certainty to allow it to move forward with proposed developments,
“We have had years of some local council’s meddling in development outcomes and now there is the perception the State Government could do the same,”
“Regardless of the reality this is not a positive outcome for the State of Victoria” said Ms Cunich.
The Property Council has been advocating for a number years for the establishment of a Victorian Planning Authority to make planning decisions in Victoria and separate planning from politics.
“The establishment of a Victorian Planning Authority to coordinate all areas of planning – tax arrangements, public transport, infrastructure, and infill development – is the missing piece in the planning puzzle,” said Ms Cunich.
“An authority, independent from both local council and government, is the only way to bring certainty back into the planning system,
“It is time once and for all, to take the politics out of planning and let the experts make the decisions that will shape the future of Victoria.”
-ENDS-
Media contacts:
Jennifer Cunich, Executive Director 03 9650 8300 or 0411 118 099
Rachel Saunders, Public Affairs Manager 03 9664 4230 or 0408 861 408
