Enter your email and password to access secured content, members only resources and discount prices.
Did you become a member online? If not, you will need to activate your account to login.
If you are having problems logging in, please call HIA helpdesk on 1300 650 620 during business hours.
If you are having problems logging in, please call HIA helpdesk on 1300 650 620 during business hours.
Enables quick and easy registration for future events or learning and grants access to expert advice and valuable resources.
Enter your details below and create a login
The development of this Bill was first announced by the government as part of its Housing Statement’s long-term housing plan to help build the 800,000 homes.
“HIA has long advocated for substantial planning reform including major reforms to the Planning and Environment Act. While the detail in this Bill will need to be considered the structure of the reforms announced today are positive. This Bill builds on other positive planning reforms introduced over the past two years.
“The three main elements of this Bill, as announced today, are all important reforms and should especially help HIA members build more homes.
“Faster timelines for simpler projects by the introduction of three planning streams should help with planning approvals for detached and semi-detached homes; which continue to be the majority of new homes built.
“Common sense appeal rights will relieve VCAT of having to hear unnecessary planning appeals and provide far greater certainty for the home building industry and aspiring home owners. The removal of notice and third-party appeal requirements for lower density housing is especially welcomed.
“Faster processes for updating planning rules and planning schemes where proposed changes are simple will also be of benefit. Over the past two years the government has shown a willingness to update planning instruments, and these reforms should ideally continue that momentum.
“While planning reform will take time to result in more homes being built the announcements today by the Victorian government give the home building industry more confidence that the planning system will evolve to work with, and not against, the home building industry and importantly the many Victorians who want one of the 800,000 homes built,” concluded Mr Ryan.
In what has been a difficult time for many Victorians, HIA welcomes the package of support measures announced by the Allan and Albanese Governments to support businesses, individuals and communities affected by the recent Victorian bushfires.
“HIA is disappointed that the Victorian government has announced new proposals to further increase property taxes,” stated HIA Executive Director Victoria, Keith Ryan.
HIA says residential builders and trades remain cautious about hiring in 2026. Not due to a lack of housing demand, but because of mounting cost pressures, regulatory hurdles, and persistent skills shortages, according to a survey of small to medium enterprise members.
The Victorian state government has introduced new provisions in Clause 52.06 of planning schemes specifying car parking requirements in new developments.