Victoria has launched a new Urban Renewal Authority (URA), formed from the existing VicUrban staffing structure.

The state’s Planning Minister Matthew Guy said it is part of their commitments to advance urban renewal in areas such as land north of Williamstown Road, south of the West Gate Freeway in Port Melbourne (Fisherman's Bend), the remainder of the Docklands precinct and other strategic sites like Richmond railway station.

"The URA will have a clear mandate to get on with the job of delivering urban change in strategic locations and will be a key part of the Victorian Coalition Government's commitments to tackle housing supply and housing affordability."

Guy said the URA will also focus on regional cities as well as Melbourne, reflecting the Coalition Government's focus on regionalisation.

A key objective of the URA is to attract private sector investment in strategic locations, to help to progress development and accommodate population growth.

The Property Council of Australia welcomed the new body, after lobbying for such an authority to cut red tape.

Executive director of the Property Council in Victoria, Jennifer Cunich, said: “The Victorian Government has a responsibility to deliver a world class planning system through coordinated delivery for metropolitan, regional and rural planning decisions. All Victorians deserve better outcomes from our planning system into the future.”

“The establishment of the Urban Renewal Authority to coordinate all areas of planning — tax arrangements, public transport, infrastructure, and infill development — is the missing piece in the planning puzzle.”

“Victoria faces major issues over the next few years and it is hoped the Victorian Government, through initiatives such as the URA will address these issues head on.

Victorian Urban Development Authority Amendment (Urban Renewal Authority Victoria) Bill 2011.

Architecture & Design Team

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