The Andrews Labor government announced that it would be comprehensively reviewing Victoria’s building and planning approvals processes to remove red tape, and streamline local and state government planning systems.
The state’s planning system currently suffers from multiple referral processes and duplications, as well as widely variable internal referral processes within local government.
Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas and Planning Minister Richard Wynne have instructed the Red Tape Commissioner to conduct a complete assessment, to avoid delays and support the delivery of essential housing and infrastructure.
“We want to create a more streamlined, efficient, and effective planning system to deliver construction projects, support jobs quicker, and boost our economic competitiveness. We’re striking the right balance between thorough scrutiny and efficiency in our planning decisions,” said Wynne.
The review will build on the findings of the Essential Services Commission review of electricity connection delays to identify further improvement opportunities for early-building works approvals and utility connection.
The process will also centre on the internal and external referral processes that affect the state’s capacity to deliver housing, business, and infrastructure investment efficiently.
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) welcomes the move from the government, noting the significant burden the delays in planning approvals and excess red tape bring to the sector.
“At a time when there is an expected slowdown in building activity in Victoria, but with the population growing at a healthy rate, it is important that Victoria’s planning and building approval systems are able to help the industry keep up with growing demand for housing. This means not only doing away with excess red tape and lengthy delays but also means keeping existing programs and process,” said Fiona Nield, HIA’s Victorian Executive Director.
A focus on the application of the current planning requirements and the operational delays in the current system might help in creating efficiencies, according to Nield.
