Industry congratulates the Victorian Government on its blueprint for Melbourne's Growth Areas

The Property Council of Australia has congratulated the Baillieu Government following Minister Guy’s release of the Growth Area Corridor Plans. The Corridor Plans have been established by the Victorian Government as the blueprint for the evolution of Melbourne’s designated growth suburbs.

Jennifer Cunich, Victorian executive director of the Property Council said today that, "the Growth Areas Authority and the Victorian Government should be commended for its work in reaching this point.

"The finalisation of the Corridor Plans have established greater certainty for industry and the community and will be looked to for guidance and understanding by Victoria’s investment community."

The Property Council has cautioned the Victorian Government about the lack of delivery mechanisms attached to the planning framework.

"Melbourne’s growth areas present a unique set of challenges in delivering not just new housing, but jobs, transport and services. As a community, Victorians need to be encouraging all levels of government to commit to funding and delivery timelines for key infrastructure and services," said Ms Cunich.

The Property Council’s recently released report Securing Victoria’s Future – A Program to Plan, Fund and Deliver Infrastructure puts forward alternative funding mechanisms such as Growth Area Bonds and urges the Victorian Government to consider these mechanisms to ensure infrastructure is delivered where it is most needed.

Ms Cunich said today that, "Melbourne’s new communities need infrastructure, they need services and facilities, but they also need to be able to purchase their homes at an affordable price."

"The Victorian Government is making significant progress with its reform agenda around development contributions and GAIC Works In Kind agreements. Through partnerships and other non-traditional models between government and the private sector, we can ensure that the growth areas become vibrant suburbs."

While the Property Council welcomes the employment aspirations contained in the Corridor Plans, it has strongly recommended that the Victorian Government develop an economic development strategy to ensure the right framework is in place to turn this aspiration into a reality.

"Strategic policy needs to be reflective of and responsive to evolving market realities such as the changing nature of work and employment in Victoria. The final Corridor Plans demonstrate an improved understanding of this however the Property Council believes there is still a lot of work to be done before we will be able to turn employment policy aspirations into real outcomes."

The Property Council notes that the Biodiversity Conservations Strategy is yet to be finalised and will work closely with the Victorian Government and the Commonwealth to ensure that an equitable approach is reached based on good environmental and economic outcomes.