The Victorian government has "called in" 26 live tower development applications in Melbourne's Fisherman's Bend.
The Property Council has called on the Victorian government to consult with industry and develop a "considered vision" for Fisherman's Bend, after Victoria's minister for planning, Richard Wynne, "called in" 26 live tower development applications.
Wynne issued a statement yesterday saying the government is halting the DAs to ensure "Australia’s largest urban renewal project creates a neighbourhood families can be proud of – and not just a windfall for lucky landowners."
"We make no apology for putting a stop to this development free-for-all – we’ll get the planning right," said Wynn.
Government intervention in the planning process without consultation "does nothing for the community, and damages investor confidence," said a statement from the Property Council.
"The minister has his reasons for this announcement but, sadly, a continuing policy pendulum means that after years of talk we appear no closer than ever to achieving serious progress," said the Property Council's deputy executive director, Matthew Kandelaars.
"The Property Council acknowledges and supports the need for a well-designed, sustainable and liveable precinct, and we agree with the minister’s desire to achieve the right balance.
"However, outcomes will only be achieved when the blame game ends and a line in the sand is drawn."
"The private sector needs certainty and confidence to invest and to risk its own capital to develop a world-class precinct," said Kandelaars.
Kandelaars said the main issue the government needs to address immemdiately is details transport plans, with funding models and timeframes.
The member for Albert Park, Martin Foley, said the "planning mess" "left us with a soulless Fishermans Bend where unplanned high rises were let loose on the community, and the interests of local residents were ignored."
Read the complete statement from minister for planning, Richard Wynne.
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