Protests break out as Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan unveils plan to fast-track high rises amid local outrage

One Aussie state has unveiled a drastic plan to help young people currently locked out of the housing market – but it’s earned the ire of some and led to fierce protests.

Melbourne’s skyline is set to be transformed under a new housing plan to rezone “activity centres” across the city’s suburbs, but locals aren’t happy.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allen on Sunday unveiled plans to overhaul planning rules for 50 locations to clear the way for taller buildings and increased housing density around train and tram stations.

The plan will change Melbourne’s skyline. Picture: NewsWire / David Geraghty

Premier Jacinta Allan said the plan would help young people enter the property market. Picture: NewsWire / Nadir Kinani

At Middle Brighton Station, Ms Allen said the plan would help deliver 300,000 additional homes across Melbourne by 2051.

“Building more homes around 50 inner-suburban train stations means young people have more opportunity to rent or buy a place that’s directly connected to public transport,” she said.

“I know it won’t fix everything, but it will deliver more homes and new life to inner suburbs that are full of jobs, transport and services – where young buyers and renters are currently locked out.”

But local Brighton residents were unhappy about the planned changes, chanting “shame” as Ms Allen made the announcement alongside planning minister Sonya Kilkenny.

Member for Brighton James Newbury was among protesters at the event. Picture: NewsWire / Nadir Kinani

Local MP James Newbury could be seen holding a sign saying; “Bayside don’t want 20 storey apartments Jacinta”.

The premier announced 25 of the 50 planned activity centres, including ritzy Melbourne suburbs like Armadale, Hawksburn, Malvern and Toorak, with the remaining 25 to be announced later this year.

Purple dots indicate locations of the new activity centres. Picture: Supplied.

The Victorian Government says the planning changes will include setting clear expectations for long-term growth, giving the community a say, and streamlining planning to unblock home building.

The changes will allow construction of “taller” apartment buildings in the immediate vicinity of the train station, with low-rise apartments and townhouses allowed in 800m catchments around the stations.

Protesters gathered ahead of the announcement. Picture: NewsWire / Nadir Kinani

The government said in the rights of residents to appeal development “will not change” within the 800m catchments.

Planning minister Sonya Kilkenny said the charges were necessary to address population growth in Melbourne.

“This isn’t about overnight change – this is about incremental change that sets Victoria up for the next generation, so we can have more opportunities for young people and better communities for everyone.”

“Many of these communities have never had a formal plan for their future before, and this process will enhance what’s special about these suburbs while delivering more homes near transport, shops, schools, services and parks.”

Originally published as Protests break out as Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan unveils plan to fast-track high rises amid local outrage