Cleeland: More can be done to address developers’ concerns

By Georgia Tacey

Jun 27, 2023

Housing crisis: Annabelle Cleeland is calling on the Victorian Government to ensure developments in regional areas face fewer obstacles. Photo by Bianca Hall

State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland has called on the Victorian Government to address the concerns of developers.

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Developers have shared their concerns about planning capabilities of local councils, as well as permit delays and a lack of transparency and approval.

Ms Cleeland said it was important for councils to receive the appropriate amount of assistance from the government so that future developments could go ahead without these issues.

“I have called on the minister for planning to introduce a planning squad that can help relieve some of the pressures that our local councils are facing,” she said.

“These developers are not asking to build massive mansions or shopping centres, most of these projects are for modestly sized residential options that are so badly needed.

“We are currently in the middle of a housing crisis, particularly in regional areas, and we must look at ways to increase the opportunity for more affordable options that are so badly needed.”

Over the past year, rental prices and homelessness were big issues in the Euroa electorate, with the Strathbogie Shire seeing the largest rise in median rental prices across the entire state.