City of Boroondara has responded to the housing statement released by the Victorian Government in September.
Victoria’s Housing Statement proposes 32 planning reforms, many of which give the Minister for Planning greater power over local planning matters. The changes reduce community and local government input on local planning decisions for housing and, in some cases, take decision-making powers away from Council.
The statement was released without consultation with councils, even though local government plays the key role in planning for local communities.
We have the appropriate resources, knowledge and systems at Council to understand and respond to community needs and achieve the most appropriate outcomes for Boroondara.
Council has prepared a Housing Strategy and supports additional housing being provided in the most appropriate locations such as Camberwell Junction.
We also have a firm view that broad community notification and third-party appeal rights are fundamental to a fair, transparent and effective Victorian planning system.
We’ll continue to advocate strongly for this result and for appropriate community engagement on all reforms.
We have responded to the Minister and Department of Transport and Planning to address the various issues we’ve identified with Victoria’s Housing Statement.
You can read our full response on our Response to the State Government's housing strategy page.