Victoria planning report card revealed

Development assessment processes in Australia aren’t making the grade, according to new research from the Residential Development Council (RDC) and the Property Council of Australia.

The RDC/Property Council of Australia’s Development Assessment Forum (DAF) Reform Implementation Report Card identifies progress on DA reform across the states and the necessary steps that must be taken to fully implement the 10 Leading Practice Principles developed by the DAF to improve development assessment processes.

Victoria scored 6.2 out of 10. However, this grade will increase marginally if Victoria implements proposed amendments to the Planning and Environment Act and will increase further again if the Government implements a range of planning recommendations advocated by the Property Council.

Victorian executive director, Jennifer Cunich, said that streamlining the planning system across the country is a core plank of the Property Council’s policy platform. Implementing the DAF leading practice model and establishing a Victorian Planning Authority will further enhance reforms already going on in Victoria.

“Victoria is on the right track when it comes to planning reform but more could be done; the Development Assessment Forum (DAF) leading practice model is part of the solution,

“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.

Victoria’s performance in the RDC/Property Council report demonstrates the Victorian Government has a responsibility to improve its performance in planning and an election year provides an ideal opportunity for the Government to take on board Property Council recommendations.

“Victoria’s future liveability rests heavily on such a body being able to adequately and efficiently deliver the projects and infrastructure required to make the plan a reality,” said Ms Cunich.

While the Property Council applauds the government in its approach to reforming the planning process in Victoria, Ms Cunich said the Victorian Division of the Property Council will continue to push for greater reform to speed up the planning process and further cut planning red-tape.

-ENDS-

For further information see the tables below or contact:

Jennifer Cunich, Executive Director (03) 9650 8300

Rachel Saunders, Public Affairs Manager (03) 9664 4230 or 0408 861 408

The following report card grades each state based on their current performance against each of the 10 DAF principles:

The following report card grades states on their future potential. It is based on the planning reform announcements and commitments by governments that have not yet been implemented.