Time is money and the current
existing planning system had become a hostage to excessive complexity that is
ultimately paid for by the community in excessive costs and charges.
Executive Director of the
UDIA (VIC), Tony De Domenico said, "The introduction of the new zones, which
released some 2700 hectares of land across Victoria for industrial and commercial
development, will spark development and investment interest in Victoria.
"The Victorian development
industry which directly employs around 310,000 full time employees, contributes
around 12 per cent of the state's gross domestic product and $4.6 billion in taxes
to all tiers of government, is looking to create urgently needed jobs and requires
investment and projects in the pipeline."
Mr De Domenico said the consolidation of five existing
business zones into two commercial zones at the start of the new financial year
will remove the hidden tax on the community of excessive and confusing regulation.
"Unlocking the current
complex, expensive and non productive planning regime of commercial and industrial
zones across Victoria, which has added great cost to doing business in Victoria
through delays, should not be under rated in relation to its economic benefits.
"The
implementation of the two new zones will provide a far more structured certain
guide to investors and companies looking to expand commercial and industrial activities
within Victoria.
"With Victoria's population
growing at over 90,000 annually and the pressure to supply housing increasing
on the fringe, there is also pressure to build employment centres into growth
areas such the Cities of Wyndham, Whittlesea, Hume, Casey and regional areas such
as Geelong and Ballarat to take pressure of Melbourne's transport infrastructure
and road network.
"The planning reforms
on commercial and industrial zones announced today will assist."
Mr De Domenico said the simplification
and commonsense approach to the commercial and industrial zoning will boost the
opportunities for the Victorian Government, local government and the development
industry to work in a cohesive and coordinated manner to maximise the economic
and social outcomes for all Victorians in urban, regional and country areas.
Media
Enquiries:
Ron
Smith, Corporate Media Communications, UDIA (VIC) - Mobile: 0417 329 201
