More Homes – Faster – Near Jobs, Transport And Services

The Allan Labor Government is delivering more homes close to jobs, transport and services in 10 key suburban activity centres across Melbourne: Broadmeadows, Camberwell Junction, Chadstone, Epping, Frankston, Moorabbin, Niddrie (Keilor Road), North Essendon, Preston (High Street), and Ringwood.

Premier Jacinta Allan joined Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny at Camberwell Junction to announce the next stage in the Activity Centres program, with draft plans for each centre now released.

Under the pilot program, long and complicated ‘structure planning’ in the activity centres will be fast-tracked from up to 5 years in some cases, down to around 12 months – delivering more homes faster.

Under the draft plans, height rules and boundaries differ to suit each area. Generally, the commercial cores of the activity centres are proposed to accommodate taller buildings and larger developments. In Camberwell Junction, the proposed maximum height at the core will increase from six to 12 storeys.

Government will also consult on how projects within this commercial core can benefit from a more streamlined planning approval pathway.

In the catchment area surrounding the activity centres – everything that’s within a 10-minute walk of shops and transport – new rules will encourage more townhouses and apartments ranging from three to six storeys in height.

Government will consult with members of its landmark Affordability Partnership on ways to ensure enough affordable housing is delivered in and around the activity centres. Government will also continue the conversation with councils about infrastructure support that communities need.

These 10 centres were chosen for their potential to host more homes close to trains, trams, shopping centres, jobs and services – the things Victorians want linked to housing. Now, locals can have their say on the draft plans.

The Camberwell Junction area is well suited for more homes. The Lilydale line is now level crossing free, trains run frequently, the area is within walking and cycling distance of jobs and services, and the Labor Government has upgraded Camberwell High School, Camberwell Primary School, and more.

The Activity Centres program was outlined as part of the Government’s Housing Statement and will provide an additional 60,000 homes across the 10 centres by 2051. For more information and to have your say, visit engage.vic.gov.au/activitycentres.

Quotes attributable to Premier Jacinta Allan

“Victorians want more quality homes in areas close to jobs, close to transport, and close to where they grew up.”

“Busy areas with heaps of transport options like Camberwell shouldn’t be locked up, they should be opened up.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny

“Through these plans, we’re looking at how to deliver more homes – and more affordable homes – within walking distance of local shops, schools, services, parks and public transport.”