The Victorian Government is spruiking its “new greenfield plans” claiming they will unlock “thousands more homes” and deliver Victoria’s “longest ever pipeline of land”.
Cute, from a State government which continues to deliver policies intended to reduce #greenfield release, and push people into highrise #apartments in #activitycentres.
Let’s examine at what’s actually being delivered.
This latest announcement opens consultation on just two precincts: • Merrimu – ~8,000 homes • Cardinia Creek South (Part 2) – ~1,200 homes
That’s a potential of ~9,200 homes in total.
In a state facing a five‐year housing shortfall of >160,000 dwellings, this is not a solution; it’s a rounding error.
Now the uncomfortable bit: Actual PSP delivery has only continued to deteriorate: • In the mid‐2010s, the Victorian Planning Authority routinely approved 2–3 PSPs per year.
• Over the past five years, PSP approvals have slowed to an average of less than 1 per year, with many “priority” PSPs taking 7–10+ years from initiation to approval.
• PSPs now cost 6x what they used to.
At the same time: • Infrastructure funding in growth areas has been cut back or deferred • Costs have increasingly been shifted onto developments (and ultimately buyers) through higher ICPs and levies • Project feasibility has been systematically eroded • PSPs aren’t progressing unless developer funded
Planning announcements, unachievable #housing targets and “consultation” don’t build houses. Approved PSPs + funded infrastructure + feasible contributions do.
🤔Until the Victorian Government stops confusing process with progress, greenfield supply will continue to lag – no matter how many press releases they issue.