The Allan Labor Government is opening doors for young Victorians and families – boosting housing supply through a new planning pathway which will fast-track the redevelopment of underutilised sites across the state.
Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny today launched the Unlocking Strategic Sites pathway, which will fast-track the rezoning of underutilized land – like former industrial land, golf courses, race tracks and surplus university sites – to build new homes and job precincts sooner.
This new pathway allows the Labor Government to step in when rezoning has stalled, speeding up approvals and getting vital housing and employment projects moving.
Right now, rezoning land through councils can take two or more years. Under this streamlined approach, that process could be cut in half – getting more homes off the ground faster.
The Government is now calling on councils and developers to submit Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for eligible sites. Projects must meet criteria including size, location, scale, complexity, and delivery confidence to be considered, with successful projects progressing through the streamlined assessment and amendment process.
This initiative is part of Victoria’s Economic Growth Statement, which aims to drive investment, create jobs, and support growth across key sectors.
This new pathway will be delivered through the Development Facilitation Program – which has already fast-tracked more than 5,000 homes since it introduced the planning permit pathway for homes late 2023.
Councils and developers can submit an EOI via the Engage Victoria website: engage.vic.gov.au/unlocking-strategic-sites-expression-of-interest.