Homebuyers are set to be the big winners with an additional 24,500 hectares of land to become available for housing after plans to extend Melbourne’s Urban Growth Boundary were introduced into Parliament.

Town Planning Minister Justin Madden said the planning scheme amendment introduced today defined the city’s new boundary and set out the alignments for major transport initiatives such the Outer Metropolitan / E6 Transport corridor project and the Regional Rail LinkHomebuyers are set to be the big winners with an additional 24,500 hectares of land to become available for housing after plans to extend Melbourne’s Urban Growth Boundary were introduced into Parliament.

“Extending the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) is a key part of the Brumby Labor Government’s long term plan to manage growth and protect our enviable lifestyle,” Mr Madden said.

“Melbourne @ 5 million is a detailed strategy to build an additional 600,000 new dwellings with modern house plans over the next 20 years – 284,000 of these will be in new communities like those created within an expanded UGB.

“Making 24,500 hectares available for housing double’s Melbourne’s land supply which will keep housing affordable and ensure that growth happens in a managed and sustainable way.
“While redefining the city’s boundary, this amendment will protect Melbourne’s vibrant and distinctive look and feel and maintain our reputation as one of the best cities in the world.”
“These masterplans provide the foundation for our newest communities, laying out parks, shopping centres, schools, housing, employment precincts, roads and connections to public transport,” he said.

“These plans ensure that as housing is built, there is appropriate planning and resources to deliver vital infrastructure that new communities need to preserve our renowned quality of life
Mr Madden said the planning scheme amendment moved the Urban Growth Boundary in Casey, Whittlesea, Wyndham, Hume, Melton and Mitchell Shire Councils