Plan Melbourne, Victoria’s integrated land use, community infrastructure, and transport strategy, was released in late May.

The new plan, which will guide the state’s development through 2050, includes for the first time a dedicated regional authority, the Metropolitan Transit Authority, or MTA, to implement the goals of the plan. Community, professional, and industry stakeholders collaborated for more than two years to develop Plan Melbourne.

The Metropolitan Planning Authority was created in 2013 to facilitate implementation and enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of projects.

“The MPA will drive the delivery of Plan Melbourne and an authority such as this has been the missing link in other strategic Plans,” said Jennifer Cunich, executive director of the Victoria Division of the Property Council Of Australia.

The MTA is charged with working with stakeholders such as landowners, developers, local governments, and state government agencies.

“It will focus on facilitating appropriate development and help to coordinate government investment. It will also work to speed up development processes and advise on opportunities to cut red tape in these areas,” the plan states.

In addition, five new subregions were created to streamline the functions of local governments.

According to the plan, Melbourne is facing robust growth and will reach a population of 7.7 million people by 2051, a gain of 3.4 million. Approximately 1.7 million new jobs and 1.6 million new dwellings will be needed over that time frame, as well.

In the past decade alone, over 600,000 new residents have moved to the Melbourne area, with nearly 60 per cent choosing to live in the outer suburbs. The city’s infrastructure and service systems have been strained by the pattern and rate of growth....Continue Reading

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