The state government has announced changes to car parking requirements designed to make it easier to build homes in areas with strong public transport connections.
“Old rules from Victoria’s lowest era of train usage are now blocking new homes for people who rely on public transport,” Premier Jacinta Allan said in announcing the reforms on Wednesday.
“We’re changing them, because the status quo doesn’t cut it.”
The key changes include updating outdated car parking requirements, which have long been a barrier to home building in well-connected areas. Under the new rules, homes built next to high-frequency public transport will no longer be required to provide the same number of car parks as those built further away from train stations.
“These changes align Victoria’s car parking requirements with the transport system, reducing costs and speeding up the delivery of new homes where they’re most needed – near trains, trams, jobs and services,” Ms Allan explained.
In addition to the parking reforms, the government is also extending its infrastructure contributions system to more Train and Tram Zone Activity Centres across the state. This will ensure that new homes are accompanied by necessary local infrastructure, such as roads, parks, and community facilities.
“As we build more homes near public transport, we’re also delivering funding for the local parks, roads, schools and facilities that keep these communities great places to live,” Ms Allan said .
Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny emphasised that these reforms are a win-win, benefiting both the housing industry and local communities.
“All up, this is a win for industry who build new homes near public transport, a win for young people who’ll buy them – and a win for their neighbours in the local community,” she said.
