- Minister for Planning
The Andrews Labor Government is helping councils manage population growth with $4 million in grants and planning support for local governments across Victoria.
Minister for Planning Richard Wynne today announced funding for 54 town planning projects that will streamline processes and lift the quality of development around the state.
Forty-one councils are set to benefit from the funding as part of the Victorian Planning Authority’s (VPA) Streamlining for Growth program.
The program, now in its fourth year, provides grants and staff assistance for local town planning initiatives that result in new housing, jobs and infrastructure. This year more than half of the funding will be distributed in regional Victoria.
The projects include:
- $130,000 for two projects in Ballarat – $90,000 to help plan for redevelopment around the railway station and $40,000 to support the development of an Urban Design Framework, Design Guidelines and associated planning controls for the CBD
- $50,000 to help the City of Port Phillip develop a precinct plan for the redevelopment of Waterfront Place and Station Pier in Port Melbourne
- $120,000 to assist nine metropolitan and regional councils, led by Wodonga City, use compulsory developer contributions to build great new communities.
Since the Streamlining for Growth Program was established in 2016, $24 million has been allocated to over 230 projects in Victoria, delivering more than $170 million of economic benefit.
Through the VPA, the program has delivered a range of benefits for metro and regional councils by helping them speed-up subdivision approval processes, implement new technology systems to cut red tape and enhance the capabilities of regional councils to undertake large-scale town planning projects.
The Labor Government supports the development of well-planned towns and municipalities, which play a vital role in growing our regions and delivering lifestyle benefits, vibrant streetscapes and essential infrastructure.
For a full list of the projects receiving funding in the 2019/20 year, visit vpa.vic.gov.au.
As noted by Minister for Planning Richard Wynne
“We’re supporting councils to manage their growing communities with funding and cutting-edge planning assistance through the VPA.”
As noted by Treasurer Tim Pallas
“Cutting red tape makes Victoria a better place to invest and to build which creates jobs and boosts liveability across the state.”
