Victorian Moves to Speed Up Well-Designed Developments

Victoria’s planning system will be transformed as the state government introduces measures to expedite approval processes.

The initiative, announced by planning minister Sonya Kilkenny, establishes a Great Design Fast Track pathway for residential projects of three to six storeys.

The system aims to accelerate planning approvals for developments that meet specific quality, design and sustainability criteria, operating similarly to the Development Facilitation Pathway.

Kilkenny said that “the community deserves affordable buildings that look great on the outside and feel solid as a rock on the inside”.

“Our plan is for more grand designs but without the grand cost,” Kilkenny said.

The State Design Book, scheduled for completion by the end of the year,. will catalogue exemplary existing developments alongside proposed future projects.

The state will incorporate newly completed developments up to six storeys that show sustainable, family-oriented design principles with communal spaces.

Public nominations will be sought for inclusion in the design catalogue, allowing residents to identify developments they consider worthy of replication across Victoria.

This represents the first instance of direct public contribution to the state’s architectural strategy beyond market forces.

The framework includes provisions for demonstration projects on government-owned land. Developments must exhibit superior design, liveability and sustainability characteristics.

▲ Ferrars & York building design speaks to quality, durability and long-term value, say co-designers HIP V. HYPE.

These properties will be accessible for public viewing before being made available for purchase or rental.

The reforms build upon the Better Apartments Design Standards, which established requirements for natural light access and outdoor space.

The government has indicated it will review these standards for potential enhancement.

Developers using the fast-track system will maintain community consultation obligations, but the streamlined process aims to prevent cost-sensitive projects from experiencing prolonged delays.

The initiative seeks to encourage architects and developers who prioritise design quality and community value in their projects.

The program forms part of Victoria’s broader housing strategy.

Public vote for green spaces

Property developers in Victoria will have access to a $30-million fund designed to enhance green spaces in growth areas from next year via a public voting scheme, Pick My Park.

▲ Parklands alongside Merri Creek in Melbourne’s inner north.

The initiative targets areas experiencing residential development with grants between $20,000 and $250,000 on offer for park creation and improvements.

The scheme aligns with Victoria’s recently announced developer contribution system for local infrastructure.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said, “One of the great benefits of ‘gentle density’ is suburban renewal—that’s why we’re creating and upgrading some wonderful, shared spaces that should be at the heart of every community”.

Projects must be in established growth areas, particularly those with limited access to open space. Geographical quotas will ensure fair distribution of funding, including allocation for regional urban areas.

Projects will require landowner support, typically from local councils, before proceeding. Developers and organisations can submit proposals alongside community members.

Kilkenny said the scheme’s “goal is to find and transform those small, under-utilised and forgotten urban spaces and give them a splash of greenery, life and energy so they can become a new community meeting place”.

The government will release final guidelines before submissions open in 2025.