Metro, regional and rural projects fast tracked
In a bid to help the state’s economy recover from the coronavirus pandemic, the Andrews Government has fast-tracked approval on a number of development projects. See which projects will be happening in your neighbourhood.
Victoria
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Development projects worth $1bn will get fast-tracked approval to help the state’s economic recovery.
The state government will announce them on Wednesday. They are spearheaded by a $250m eight-storey commercial hub at Toorak Village shopping strip.
Toorak Traders Association president Tony Fialides said it would “revitalise’’ the area. “I think it will be good for the village at a time when a lot of shopping strips are doing it tough,’’ he said.
The approved private projects, including a 36-storey mixed-used development at Fishermans Bend worth $100m, are aimed at easing the financial impact of the coronavirus crisis.
Other significant projects given the green light include a 75-megawatt solar farm in the Latrobe Valley worth $110m and a $206m three-tower development in South Melbourne.
A $17m 14-storey residential tower with 63 homes will be built near Geelong’s waterfront, as building and development permit approvals are accelerated statewide.
A 20-storey commercial and retail development in Bertie Street, Port Melbourne, costing $66m will also be given the go-ahead.
Planning Minister Richard Wynne said the building and construction industry would play a key role in Victoria’s economic recovery.
“It’s more important than ever we continue adding to our pipeline of shovel-ready projects to create jobs and stimulate the economy as we get to the other side of this second wave,’’ he said.
The $1bn portfolio of works includes new planning permits worth $933m and more than $100m of amended planning approvals.
Mr Wynne will call in plans for 14 new cabins as part of the White Horse Village development at Mt Buller alpine resort, and seize control of an application for a Lilydale retirement village.
More developments are likely, with a dedicated team set up within the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning to review projects for accelerated approval for at least the next year.
Treasurer Tim Pallas said Victoria’s building and development sector was a key driver of the economy.
“These projects signal our commitment to give this industry the support it needs,’’ he said.
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