The Allan Labor Government is opening doors to build thousands more homes right across Victoria - unlocking development in Melbourne's north and inviting locals to have their say on more housing in Warrnambool and Ballarat.
Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny has approved the Greenvale North (Part 2) Precinct Structure Plan, paving the way for more than 300 new homes for more than 1,000 residents - with the new neighbourhood set to seamlessly connect with the surrounding communities of Greenvale North and Craigieburn West.
The suburb will include new local parks, community facilities, walking and cycling links, and open space that reflects the area's landscape and heritage.
The new residents will be well connected to transport, with the first upgrade to Mickleham Road already slashing congestion and the next stage on its way. From next month, the bus Route 543 will also be extended to Greenvale North and with an extra 183 new services every week- with buses to run every 20 minutes during the peak.
At the same time, communities in Warrnambool and Ballarat are being invited to have their say on draft Precinct Structure Plans that will deliver more than 10,000 new homes and more than 1,500 local jobs.
The Ballarat North Precinct Structure Plan proposes to build around 5,600 new homes and support 1,050 jobs - with everything families need close to home including two new government primary schools, a secondary school, two community facilities, local sporting reserves, and spaces for shops and dining.
The plan also complements recent upgrades to the Western Freeway and Midland Highway, which are already improving connections across Ballarat and to Melbourne.
The East of Aberline Precinct Structure Plan in Warrnambool proposes 4,500 new homes and 550 jobs, along with sporting reserves, a new neighbourhood centre, and more than 13 hectares of local parkland.
It will build on recent road improvements to Aberline Road and Horne Road, ensuring new neighbourhoods are connected to Warrnambool's CBD, train station and services.
Consultation for the draft plans will open on Friday, 19 September - community members will be able to view the draft plans and make a submission via the Engage Victoria website.
The Greenvale North (Part 2) Precinct Structure Plan forms part of the Labor Government's 10-year greenfields plan - providing the space and completing the planning work to deliver 180,000 new homes over the next decade.
These projects will not only provide new homes but also the infrastructure, services, and jobs that growing communities need. It's part of the Government's Plan for Victoria, a blueprint to unlock the 2.24 million new homes the state will need by 2051.
As stated by Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny
"We're unlocking space for more homes not just in Melbourne but right across the state so more Victorians can have a chance to own a home close to family and where they grew up."
As stated by Member for Greenvale Iwan Walters
"We're making space for families right here in Greenvale in a way that's planned and sustainable. By filling in the gaps between existing residential areas, this development will unlock new transport connections, enabling residents to move around and across our community more easily and quickly"
As stated by Member for Ripon Martha Haylett
"Ballarat is one of the best places to live - and this is about making sure we are unlocking the space to ensure our children and grandchildren have the opportunity to own a home in our community."
