Committee calls for increased density for Melbourne and establishment of a final urban growth boundary [17.07.2009]
An overarching planning policy for Melbourne should be established including emphasis on increasing density within existing urban areas and the delineation of a final urban growth boundary, according to the Committee for Melbourne’s CEO, Ms Sally Capp.
In a submission to the Urban Growth Boundary Review, the Committee recognised the need to accommodate new growth areas for future Melbourne, but urged the Government to consider greater emphasis on policies to increase density within existing areas as a preference over further expanding the city’s boundaries.
“As Melbourne’s population expands, the Government and the community need to develop creative ways to accommodate people close to where they will work, shop, study and enjoy recreational activities,” Ms Capp said.
“Housing needs to be affordable, but so do living costs and this can only be achieved along with a high quality sustainable lifestyle if transport is readily accessible and travel times are kept to a minimum,” she said.
“An overarching policy is needed for Melbourne of increasing density along arterial transport routes as a matter of right with height limits sensitive to neighbourhood planning and with appropriate protections to preserve the character and liveability of existing suburban communities encased within the arterial boundaries.
“A final urban boundary also needs to be established to provide long term clarity as to the final limits of Melbourne with future growth beyond this to be achieved through increasing density in existing areas or the further development of regional satellite centres in Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat and Gippsland centres,” she said.
Ms Capp said further development of regional rail links was supported to improve connections to Melbourne.
The Government was also to be applauded for its consideration of the impact of expanding growth areas on sensitive ecosystems in the Urban Growth Boundary Review and its efforts to provide offsets to protect and preserve our environmental heritage, she said.
“Melbourne’s reputation for liveability is in part related to its public spaces and green areas. Existing parklands and green wedges surrounding Melbourne must be preserved and enhanced despite the pressure of population growth,” she said.