Shadow Minister Recover and rebuild

The planning portfolio is about envisioning our state at its best and then facilitating that vision. It is about setting goals and achieving them, to benefit all Victorians. In my experience, previously holding various portfolios particularly Roads and Infrastructure, Resources and Energy, I have learned that planning impacts almost every aspect of our lives.

As our population grows (albeit, with a current downtrend due to two years of government restrictions) and as we focus on postpandemic recovery, it is important that thoughtful, long term planning occurs to ensure that the vibrant central core of the city is restored, that busy activities areas are rebuilt and our quiet neighbourhoods are reimagined. It is essential that the focus is on rebuilding Victoria so that it can become an international destination for liveability, re-attaining the status of the world’s most liveable city. I want Victorians to be proud, once again, of where they live.

The Current Landscape

Our planning system has conventionally been one that allows for, and facilitates, consultation through the engagement of local

Hon Ryan Smith MP, Shadow Minister for Planning and Heritage

councils and local communities. It has traditionally been open and transparent, reflective of the wider democratic system we live under.

However, a number of councils have highlighted, with alarm, that recent reforms to the planning processes have seen the Minister reduce local government power and community third party rights through evading that key consultation component. The Minister is no longer obligated to listen to the public on key projects of state significance, with objector appeal rights removed.

Projects of state significance, as designated by the Andrews government, are now able to legislatively circumvent the regular planning process that we, rightly, have an expectation should be followed. Planning schemes can be modified without notice or consultation with, worryingly, poor provision of detail regarding these projects.

Separately, many Ratepayer and Community Action Groups have contacted me expressing their fears that Melbourne’s personality and neighbourhood character are becoming lost amongst inappropriate community developments. Particularly in regional townships, there is encroaching developments that detract from the character of the heritage areas.

In other areas of the state, such as the greater Geelong Region, not enough is being done to keep pace with population growth and the rising demand for services. Rather than stifling such growth, appropriate development and planning should be employed to manage and mitigate resource strain.

These concerns deserve to be addressed with sympathetic consideration, not ignored by a Minister who seems to prefer following the path of least resistance. Further, as each area of the state faces different planning conundrums, solutions must be adaptive and particular to the character of the area rather than broad sweeping and standardised.

Moving Victoria forward

There needs to be careful thought to renew, restore and reform the current processes and landscapes to revive Melbourne, and Victoria’s, most liveable status again. It’s not lost, only dormant. It can be done. With effort, care and proper planning. We can recover and we can rebuild.

Renewal – The first step is to facilitate and reinstate community and council consultation on key projects that will impact neighbourhood characteristics. Taking actions that protect green spaces and the environment through guaranteeing that inappropriate development won’t overshadow these areas. We should be planning to revamp suburban areas to ensure they are greener, cleaner and healthier for Victorians who reside there. It is possible to expand growth areas whilst being environmentally conscious and building infrastructure that lasts. In 20 or 50 years’ time we should look back on this period as the era of opportunity and recovery. We should look back with pride knowing that the government did everything they could to give rise to the renewal of Victoria.

Restoration – Melbourne. The heart of Victoria. In some small way, so many Victorians have encountered the City and connected with it. Whether they live, work or simply daytrip there. Prior to the pandemic, Melbourne was the centre of events and activity – from sports to festivals, shows to shopping. Restoration of Melbourne’s centre will bring back the life and vibrancy of our great city, which will permeate throughout the state. Again, looking forward, this should be done in an environmentally conscious way. We have a unique opportunity to develop the city to be a leader in green operations and connectivity. It starts with planning.

Reform – We must release the full potential of our available land, facilitate the necessary change and protect the heritage of certain areas. Law and planning process reform must occur. Starting with the review of any clauses of planning law that remove powers from councils and communities. Local communities need to be supported and strengthened through open and transparent state government processes. Further, there needs to be more codified protections of greenspaces, parks and neighbourhood structural facades that ensure communities are protected from overdevelopment in inappropriate circumstances. This means that details surrounding key state projects are released, not hidden.

As Shadow Planning Minister, I seek to support Victoria in its recovery. To see our beautiful state feeling like home once more. It’s time to move forward and begin our recovery post-pandemic. Its time Victoria started looking forward and rebuilding for the future.