The Victorian government has announced a ten-year plan that would see more than 5,800 hectares of greenfield sites across Melbourne and regional Victoria transformed into industrial land. According to the government’s media release, their vision is “to create jobs, attract investment, and give business the certainty it needs to grow.”
Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny commented, “We’re unlocking the land we need for the industries that power our economy – from freight and logistics to advanced manufacturing. This 10-year plan is about backing industry, backing jobs, and backing Victoria’s economy for the long-haul.”
The ten-year plan establishes a timeline for the release and rezoning of what the government describes as the state’s “most valuable tracts of industrial land,” in particular, the northern and western growth corridors of Melbourne and regional Victoria. Sites currently targeted include Merrifield North, Derrimut Fields, Altona North and Hastings, along with the regional precincts of Ballarat, Bendigo, Parwan and Avalon.
In addition, the government is accelerating rezoning by allowing parts of unzoned precincts to be fast-tracked if the required planning and infrastructure is already in place.
According to their vision, the state’s industrial land will need to cater for increased demand in warehouses and distribution centres, resulting from e-commerce and increased productivity from advanced manufacturing, automation and AI.
“AI is booming and data centres are the foundation of the digital economy. Availability of well-located and serviced industrial land in Melbourne is essential to support sector growth, offering ready access to skilled workers and proximity to clients advanced education and research services. The Victorian government is working to ensure that the energy and water needs of the sector can be sustainably met,” the plan reads.
In addition to ensuring industrial precincts are “powered sustainably by renewable energy”, the government’s emphasis is on “creat[ing] welcoming environments for workers and visitors. This includes high quality design and landscaping, public spaces and walking paths, wayfinding signage, lighting and security, and natural light integration into work spaces.”
The government expects the plan to unlock approximately $9.5 billion in new investment once fully developed.
Minister for Economic Growth Danny Pearson said, “This plan gives business confidence, cuts delays, and backs the people who build things, make things and move things – creating jobs and keeping Victoria’s economy strong.”
Source: Architecture - architectureau
