State Government Planning Reforms
Victoria is undergoing transformative change, with the State Government’s release of a number of important planning reforms.
These changes will affect the way that Manningham grows and will have impacts on the character and liveability of our neighbourhoods.
We will continue to advocate to the State Government on the implications of these reforms. We’re urging the State Government to continue to consult with us as we work closely with our communities to ensure these reforms align with their needs.
Plan for Victoria
The State Government released its new statewide strategy, Plan for Victoria, on 28 February 2025.
The Plan for Victoria focuses on directing housing to activity centres close to stations and public transport. With updated planning controls, activity centres and priority precincts have been identified as the key places for the delivery of more homes.
The identified priority precincts are based around the Suburban Rail Loop precincts, including Box Hill and Burwood. The targeted activity centres are focused around the 60 identified activity centres that have both fixed rail and tram infrastructure.
It’s proposed that new planning controls will provide for taller buildings in the core of these centres and lower rise apartments within walking distance of the centre. None of these precincts or activity centres fall within Manningham.
The Plan Victoria is based around five pillars:
- Housing choice at an affordable price and close to daily needs. This includes the Activity Centre Program – planning for more homes in and around activity centres and the housing targets
- Accessible jobs and Services
- Great Places, Suburbs and Towns
- Sustainable Environments
- Self Determination and Caring for Country
Housing targets
On 24 February 2025, the Minister released the final housing targets for each local government area within Victoria, for delivery over the next 30 years.
Following Council advocacy, Manningham’ s housing target has been reduced to 28,500 dwellings, from the original target of 39,000 dwellings.
This revised target will have implications on Manningham’s future residential growth strategy and the identification of areas for increased densities.
Manningham Residential Strategy
We’re currently preparing a draft Residential Strategy that will respond to this target.
The next stage of consultation on the draft strategy will focus on identifying how housing growth and diversity of housing types will be managed in the urban parts of the municipality.
Townhouse and Low-rise Code
On 25 February 2025, the Victorian Government announced a new Townhouse and Low-rise code to come into effect in all planning schemes.
These changes represent a significant departure to the standards for multi-unit development under ResCode, which have been in place for many years. In addition, where a development proposal is deemed to meet the Code, residents will still be able to lodge an objection to council, however, will be unable to appeal the matter in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
Activity Centre Program
On 27 February 2025, the Victorian Government announced the final 25 ‘train and tram zone’ locations to the Activity Centres Program.
This program is part of the Victorian Government Housing Statement reforms to provide capacity for 300,000 additional homes to 2051.
No additional activity centres within Manningham have been identified as part of this announcement.
We’re currently preparing detailed draft Activity Centre Design Guidelines to manage built form outcomes for residential development within our neighbourhood activity centres.
What happens from here
We expect that the implications of these reforms will become clearer in the coming months.
The changes will have direct impacts on a number of strategic projects being progressed by Council.
We’ll continue to keep you updated on any further changes announced by the State Government.
