The number of building permit approvals issued in Wyndham continues to skyrocket despite the COVID-19 pandemic, with a total of 7586 approvals issued in 12 months.
Figures from the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) show that the municipality recorded the second-highest number of permit approvals in the state during the 2020-21 financial year.
The neighbouring area of Greater Geelong placed first with 7770 building permit approvals issued.
Across Victoria, building permits approvals were at their highest level in the past decade, with 123,330 given out – an increase of 18 per cent from the 2019-20 financial year, when 104,560 building permits were approved.
The VBA’s chief executive Sue Eddy said the building and construction sector has remained strong throughout the pandemic.
“It has been a challenging time for all Victorians, however the resilience shown by the building and plumbing industries, and its ability to adapt, has meant Victoria has continued to grow,” Ms Eddy said.
“With continued cooperation, collaboration and safety front of mind, we will hopefully see this positive trend continue through 2021-22 and beyond.”
Melbourne’s north east, north west and south west regions all saw their building permit approval figures increase by more than 30 per cent.
In outer Melbourne, there was 51,422 building permit approvals in the 2020-21 financial year, a 17.7 per cent increase compared to 2019-20 (when 43,680 building permit approvals were recorded).
So far this year, some of the most expensive building permits approved by Wyndham council have been located in Truganina.
This includes a $39 million freezing and cool storage warehouse to be built at 442-540 Dohertys Road and a $27 million town centre, comprising three mixed use buildings, apartments, dwellings and open space, at 50 Mainview Boulevard.
Another permit, for a 10-storey integrated entertainment and commercial venue with a serviced apartment hotel at 231 Leakes Road, was valued at $18 million.
The council has also approved an $18 million permit for the use and development of land for warehouses at 151 Leakes Road.
