Leading construction body Master Builders Association has acknowledged the Napthine Government’s recent announcement of commercial and industrial zone reforms across Victoria, saying it will cut red tape for builders in the state.
On May 6, Victorian Planning Minister Matthew Guy released sweeping reforms to Victoria’s existing business
and industrial zones designed to drive employment, productivity
growth and respond to challenges the state will face in the
future.
One of the main changes include merging five existing building
zones into two new commercial zones. One zone will provide for
diverse mixed uses including retail, office and residential while
the other will be a flexible employment-only zone.
“These reforms untangle the complex web of business zones in
Victoria, replacing them with a common sense approach to our
commercial areas,” Guy says.
Master Builders’ Executive Director Brian Welch agrees and says
Victoria’s overly-complex planning system often acts to stifle
investment aimed at building better communities.
“Today’s reforms will simplify planning zones and support
investment in both commercial and industrial buildings across the
state,” he says.
“Construction jobs will be supported by these reforms, allowing
our industry to be better placed to build the offices, retail
centres, bulky goods zones and workplaces that will provide
long-term employment opportunities for all Victorians.”
According to data released by Victoria’s Building
Commission, the value of commercial building permits have
declined 34 per cent between 2008 and 2012.
“Cutting red tape will create more opportunities to drive
investment in commercial building and stimulate activity,” Welch
says.
He adds the zoning changes will also support Victoria’s
manufacturing industry which is one of the state’s largest
providers of full-time jobs.
“Master Builders encourages the Napthine Government to continue
efforts that will reduce regulatory burdens that strangle our
industry, both through its forthcoming Metropolitan Planning
Strategy and beyond,” he says.
Under the reform, industrial zones will no longer restrict
office space and permit limited commercial development in some
areas.
The body also strongly endorses the government’s concept of
creating a 20-minute city which it says will enshrine the state’s
status as one of the world’s most liveable communities for years to
come.