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Peri Urban Councils of Victoria welcome government's review of infrastructure contributions to address housing crisis in Gippsland

Peri Urban Councils Victoria welcomed the Victorian government's review of infrastructure contributions, addressing planning challenges and funding gaps as they prepare for increased housing demand in their communities.

By news@gippsland - 22nd October 2024 - Back to News

Peri Urban Councils Victoria (PUCV) have today welcomed an announcement from the Victorian government that a review of infrastructure contributions will be undertaken and released by March 2025. PUCV spokesperson and CEO of Baw Baw Shire, Mark Dupe said "As towns and cities change rapidly and Councils aim to appropriately plan for housing, township character, open spaces, transport and more, planning processes are simply not keeping pace. The current system is not fit for purpose and is making the task of addressing the housing crisis a challenge."

Peri Urban Councils Victoria welcomed the Victorian government's announcement of an infrastructure contributions review, supporting efforts to address the housing crisis and state housing targets

Housing funding gaps

Mr Dupe said, "Peri Urban Councils Victoria are willing to play our part in addressing Victoria's housing crisis and our members are supportive of the housing targets set by the state government."

"Various infrastructure contribution schemes such as developer contribution plans or Section 173 agreements however are creating large funding gaps which is a risk to peri urban council's ongoing financial sustainability and the future liveability of our communities." Mr Dupe said.

This review is expected to include programs such as Developer Contributions Plans and Section 173 Agreements that are in place in the growth areas of PUCV member councils. "Peri urban councils have smaller rate bases, limited borrowing capacity and more responsibility for essential infrastructure, challenges that metropolitan councils do not have," Mr Dupe said.

Peri-Urban growth

Mr Dupe also said, "Yet, Peri Urban Council Victoria members are expected to need an additional 70,000 houses in the next 15 years which will become homes for about 180,000 new residents. This means growing our current communities by as much as 50 percent. We have forecasted an immediate need of $230 million for essential infrastructure like drainage, utilities and roads alone to enable 40,000 new homes to be built," Mr Dupe said.

We congratulate the government for taking the step to review the existing infrastructure contribution schemes and look forward to engaging with Minister for Planning, the Hon Sonya Kilkenny to gain a seat at the decision making table, to make sure any new scheme will meet the needs of peri urban communities," Mr Dupe concluded.

Pictures from Peri Urban Councils of Victoria.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com