By Callum Ludwig
The Victorian Government has put the onus on councils across the state to help them deliver crucial housing stock where it’s needed as part of a new plan for Victoria.
The new plan, building on the Housing Statement announced in September 2023, will require councils to meet housing targets in a plan to increase housing supply and density over the next 30 years.
Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny said they’re travelling to all corners of the state to hear from Victorians how they can address important issues like housing, affordability, jobs, infrastructure and sustainability and develop a new vision for the state.
“Building on our landmark Housing Statement – a new plan for Victoria will set out what our towns, cities and regions look like as we get on with building 800,000 new homes over the next decade and millions more into the 2050s,” she said.
“The status quo is not an option – by acting now, we can work together as a state to ensure we maintain and build on what we love for future generations.”
The targets for councils will include where and how many houses should be built, with consultation having begun late last year.
Yarra Ranges Council appears well-placed to take on the challenge, with the council’s own Housing Strategy announced in October last year identifying the townships where improved supply and density of housing should be targeted.
Director of Planning and Sustainable Futures at Yarra Ranges Council Kath McClusky said Yarra Ranges Council recognises that housing is a fundamental human right.
“Providing more housing stock and having access to housing choices that are well located, affordable, safe and secure enables people to live with dignity, provides access to education and employment choices, and encourages participation in everyday community life,” she said.
“Our planning scheme is guided by State Government policies which includes future housing requirements, so we’re looking forward to working with the State Government on the new Plan Victoria so that they’re aware of the unique challenges we have in Yarra Ranges,”
“Our draft Housing Strategy aligns with some of the State Government’s policies, such as providing more housing in suitable areas that are close to major activity centres and public transport, while also encouraging the creation of diversified housing to meet the needs of a growing and changing population.”
The population of the Yarra Ranges is expected to grow by almost 23,000 by 2041 alone, while Victoria’s population is anticipated to exceed 10.3 million by 2051. A goal of 2.24 million homes across the state would be required to keep up with that growth, including a target of 425,600 in the regional and rural areas.
Yarra Ranges Council identified Lilydale, Mooroolbark and Chirnside Park as target townships for higher-density housing as well as suitable medium-density development in the townships of Mount Evelyn, Healesville, Yarra Glen and Yarra Junction.
In the Yarra Ranges, stand-alone dwellings currently make up 93.3 per cent of the housing stock, while the total housing share in the urban areas will rise from 69.3 per cent over 2016-2021 to 82 per cent over the 15 years from 2021-2036.
