The Victorian Government is implementing major changes to the planning system which could dramatically alter your neighbourhood.

We want to ensure that the community is aware of these reforms and how they could impact the liveability of Bayside.

The key reforms include:

• The introduction of Housing Targets and the new ‘Plan for Victoria’
• State Residential Design Standard (ResCode) Review
• The Activity Centre Pilot Program for Hampton East/Moorabbin
• Suburban Rail Loop Precinct Planning.

The Victorian Government has not undertaken proper analysis of the implications of proposed growth on the need for more public open space, schools, health services, drainage and sewage systems which are all critical to support population growth as a result of increased housing.

Plan for Victoria and proposed Housing Targets

The introduction of the proposed Housing Targets seeks to almost double the number of dwellings in our city by adding an additional 31,000 dwellings, an increase of 70 per cent of our housing supply.

This housing target is meant to be achieved by 2051 and will require annual development levels in the municipality to increase by 150% of what they have been over the last 10 years.

State Residential Design Standard (ResCode) changes

Developments in Bayside could be generically designed, built closer to the street and take up more space on a site under planning changes proposed by the Victorian Government.

The changes to the State Residential Design Standards (ResCode) pose a significant threat to the neighbourhood character and amenity of Bayside.

The ResCode changes include:

• Reducing rights to object to planning applications in some circumstances
• Removing neighbourhood character and street integration standards
• Removing overlooking and screening requirements
• Reducing maximum street setbacks from 9 metres to 6 metres
• Increasing building site coverage
• Allowing all canopy trees (except those listed as significant) to be removed if retained tree canopy covers 10% of a site.

The Activity Centre Pilot Program – Hampton East/Moorabbin

Hampton East/Moorabbin is one of 10 proposed activity centres across Melbourne in which the Victorian Government will have control of planning decisions including building heights and design.

It is proposed to extend 800m in all directions around the Activity Centre, which would mean 6-storey high developments could be approved within an 800m radius of the centre, extending to streets beyond Bluff Road to the west of the Moorabbin Train Station.

Consultation for phase 2 of the Activity Centre program closes on 29 September.

Suburban Rail Loop

We have provided feedback to the Suburban Rail Loop Authority outlining our views on built form, open space, access and movement, and the development of Bay Road as proposed in the SRL Precinct Key Directions.

Excessive height limits, increased traffic congestion and a squeeze on open space and community infrastructure are just some of the potential impacts on Bayside.

Council and the community will have further opportunities to provide feedback on the proposed SRL Precinct Structure Plan when it is exhibited in early 2025. We will also continue to advocate for positive outcomes for Bayside from the SRL with the Victorian Government, local MPs and community groups.

What you can do

Make your voice heard on the Victorian Government’s plans for Bayside.

• Share your feedback on the Hampton East/Moorabbin Activity Centre before 29 September – go to Moorabbin Activity Centre, or email moorabbin@vpa.vic.gov.au
• The Victorian Government is not actively seeking community feedback on the proposed changes to ResCode, Plan for Victoria and the housing targets but you can make your concerns known to the Minister for Planning and the Department using the contact information below:
  • Contact the Department of Transport and Planning on 9655 6666
  • Email the Minister of Planning, sonya.kilkenny@parliament.vic.gov.au
• Subscribe to our SRL Have Your Say page to be kept up to date on opportunities for feedback.