Labor set to review residential zones if elected on November 29

LABOR will review residential zones if it wins the state election, but has stopped short of rubberstamping Moonee Valley Council’s plan to restrict development.

Niddrie traders and Niddrie MP Ben Carroll have been calling the council for a new toilet block at Keilor Rd with no success. Pictures Angie Basdekis

LABOR will review Planning Minister Matthew Guy’s decisions on residential zones if it wins this month’s state election, but has stopped short of rubberstamping Moonee Valley Council’s plan to restrict development.

A review would look at the consultation process, departmental advice on zone applications and what weight was given to heritage, local character and housing needs, and alternative ways to meet housing demand.

Niddrie state Labor MP Ben Carroll said the review would “take the politics out of planning”, after the state was accused of giving eastern suburbs councils greater protection than some in the northwest.

In September, the Liberal Government rejected Moonee Valley Council’s plan to place 75.5 per cent of the city under the most restrictive zone and ordered a new proposal.

Moreland Council suffered a similar fate, but while Labor has promised it would push through Moreland’s residential zones if elected, it has not committed to the same for Moonee Valley.

Mr Carroll said rather than an incoming Labor Government rubberstamping Moonee Valley Council’s plan, he prefers more consultation.

Moonee Valley Mayor Narelle Sharpe said a review was welcomed, but it couldn’t just be a “toothless tiger”.

“It has to change things, because at the moment Moonee Valley is a sitting duck for overdevelopment and already we’re seeing a huge increase in planning applications,” Cr Sharpe said.

Mr Guy said he believed Labor would tear up the Neighbourhood Residential Zone and bring back Melbourne 2030.

“Labor wrecked our suburbs when last in government, and ... they’ll do it all over again,” he said.