The Victorian Government has set up a dedicated taskforce to help keep the state’s building and development industry running through the coronavirus crisis, while announcing the approval of four new projects worth more than $1.5 billion dollars.

Planning Minister Richard Wynne and Treasurer Tim Pallas will oversee the Building Victoria’s Recovery Taskforce, which will investigate planning and investment opportunities to boost Victoria’s building and development industry over the short, medium and long term.

Minister Wynne has also approved four new building projects located at 118 City Road, Southbank, 555 Collins St, 52-60 Collins St and 550 Epsom Road Flemington – creating thousands of Victorian jobs at a time when they are needed most.

The Taskforce will provide real-time advice to Government on issues impacting the industry, helping to remove barriers to building and development works, vital for supporting Victorian jobs, housing and infrastructure.

The Taskforce will work with industry and unions to review existing major building and development projects, ensuring workers stay safe and healthy while we deliver the infrastructure Victoria needs.

The Taskforce will initially focus on overseeing the fast-tracking of planning approvals using Ministerial powers, where decisions have been delayed due to coronavirus related impacts on the Victorian Planning System.

The Government will also seek the Taskforce’s advice on a pipeline of building and development projects over the longer term, including initiatives that further expand social housing options.

The Taskforce will advise on financial incentives and current revenue measures – such as land tax, developer contributions, fees and rates – and make recommendations to help businesses survive and fast-track investment.

The co-chairs of the Taskforce — Roger Teale, Jude Munro AO and Stan Krpan – bring a depth of leadership experience in the private and public sectors.

Roger Teale was a former President of the Property Council (Vic) and Senior Executive at LendLease, Jude Munro AO is chair of the Victorian Planning Authority and Stan Krpan is a Victorian Public Service CEO.

The Taskforce will receive advice from three Industry Working Groups and be guided by a Steering   Committee, involving   representatives   from   industry   peak   bodies and unions.

The Building Victoria’s Recovery Taskforce will run for an initial period of three months, reporting back to government with recommendations.