Labor’s plan for big high rise developments in our suburbs

Shadow Minister for Local Government, David Davis

Background

Planning Minister Richard Wynne today released Labor’s plans for new development options within existing suburbs.

The ‘State of Play’ reports outline planned changes that would allow for higher density housing within current residential areas.

Labor’s suggested “improvements” to existing Neighbourhood Residential Zones include:

• Increasing the maximum building height limit to 9 metres
• Providing for the maximum number of dwellings in the NRZ to not be less than 2 dwellings
• Removing mandatory height requirements.

Comments from Shadow Minister for Local Government David Davis

Daniel Andrews’ plan is to force high rise and high density developments into established suburbs.

This push by Daniel Andrews will lead to a new era of pitched battles in the suburbs as home owners are confronted with plans for neighbouring high rise and high density housing right on their doorsteps.

Labor is stalling new housing in the central city and outer suburbs in preference to bulldozing existing suburban homes.

Of course there should be appropriate development opportunities within existing suburbs but these must not proceed without proper consultation and sensitive planning.

Daniel Andrews and Richard Wynne are wanting to take us back to Labor’s old ‘Melbourne 2030’ tricks of forcing ugly and unwelcome development within established suburbs.

Labor should not ride roughshod over local councils and communities.  There must be capacity for local councils to ensure that local planning schemes are appropriate for their local areas.

Media contact: John Deller on 0400 496 596      john.deller@opposition.vic.gov.au