Residents and Opponents Left Disappointed by Victorian Premier’s High-Rise Plan
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan is facing criticism for her proposal to develop 50 sites in Melbourne’s inner-city transport network amidst a housing crisis. These sites will be centered around well-connected train stations and will include high-rise buildings and townhouses, adding 30,000 more homes for Victorians by 2051.
Announced on Oct. 20, the plan includes sites near stations like Hawthorn, Toorak, Brighton, Armadale, Tottenham, Carnegie, and Glen Iris. Allan believes that building more homes near these zones will provide better housing options for young people and families, close to public transport, jobs, and services.
Despite these intentions, Member for Goldstein Zoe Daniel has criticized the lack of consultation and planning for the project. She argues that provisions must be made for childcare, healthcare, schools, and transport, and that the character of the suburbs will be impacted.
The timing for the plan is deemed appropriate by Allan, as the government has already upgraded schools and kindergartens in the proposed zones, removed level crossings, and is developing the Metro Tunnel for improved public transport. Allan describes herself as a “builder, not a blocker,” emphasizing the importance of providing housing opportunities for the younger generation.
However, Victoria’s Opposition Leader John Pesutto has labeled the plan as “inaccessible,” claiming that the homes will be out of reach for those who need them the most. He also criticizes Allan’s government for announcing the plan during the caretaker period for local government elections, preventing meaningful engagement from local authorities.
Community members have also expressed their discontent with the plans, with Moonee Valley resident Peter Riley requesting proper community consultation. Angry residents gathered around the hotel where Allan made the announcement, chanting “Shame, premier, shame.”
Construction Call
Meanwhile, the Business Council of Australia has proposed a new plan to rezone more land and establish a national fund to build more homes and reduce construction costs to address the housing crisis. They call for urgent action from all levels of government to fix the housing supply crisis, suggesting the use of skilled migrant labor to address worker shortages.
Federal opposition housing spokesman Michael Sukkar has expressed support for some of the proposed plans, while Labor notes that the organization’s ideas align with existing housing policies that they have implemented.
