Local opposition politicians have slammed the Allan government’s latest move to order councils to provide housing plans or lose their planning powers.
Premier Jacinta Allan warned the state government council would step in if local government failed to overhaul their processes so that new homes can be built in Victoria.
Western Victoria MP and Shadow Minister for Local Government, Bev McArthur said the latest move is a desperate attempt to shift blame for its housing crisis.
“Labor has driven up housing costs with excessive taxes, red tape, and bureaucratic roadblocks,” Mrs McArthur said.
“Now, instead of taking responsibility, they want to scapegoat local councils.
“This is a government addicted to control and incapable of consultation.”
On Monday, the Allan government revealed its final targets for the number of residential properties it expects to be built in every local government area by 2051.
Of the 2.24 million homes the government wants to build, around a quarter of them will be in regional Victoria, 128,600 of those in Greater Geelong.
“Councils will be held accountable for meeting their targets,” an announcement from the state government said.
“It’s up to councils to work together with Government and industry to unlock this capacity in a way that’s right for the community.
“But if councils have no interest in doing so, there will be consequences – Government will intervene and unlock space for more homes, including through rezoning.”
Polwarth MP and Shadow Housing Minister, Richard Riordan said the latest announcement was unfair on regional Victorian’s.
“They’ve completely forgotten about Geelong, they’ve forgotten about Ballarat, they’ve forgotten about Bendigo” Mr Riordan said.
“They’ve forgotten that Victoria is a state of cities, not a city-state.
“This policy, this announcement for more housing in Victoria has completely excluded everybody from outside of Melbourne.
“It’s simply not fair and it doesn’t make sense.
“Worse still, the government is blaming local councils, not themselves, and the endless war on landlords and housing and property in the state of Victoria.
“Victorian’s are being taxed senseless on owning property and while this crazy situation exists, people simply will not be investing in property here in Victoria.”
