20 June Mr Michael Masson Chief Executive Officer Infrastructure Victoria Level 34, 121 Exhibition Street. Melbourne VIC 3000

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1 Victoria Level 3, 124 Exhibition Street Melbourne VIC 3000 A.B.N Leading effective planning for people and places 20 June 2016 Mr Michael Masson Chief Executive Officer Infrastructure Victoria Level 34, 121 Exhibition Street Melbourne VIC 3000 Via Dear Mr Masson, Re: Submission on Infrastructure Victoria s All Things Considered Paper This submission has been prepared by the Victorian Division of the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) in relation to Infrastructure Victoria s All Things Considered paper. PIA Victoria is encouraged by the introduction of an additional guiding principle integrate land use and infrastructure planning which is consistent with our submission to Laying the Foundations in March We are also supportive of the identification of many land-use planning options however caution against duplicating potential actions that flow from Plan Melbourne Refresh. While acknowledging that Infrastructure Victoria has been tasked with providing advice to the State Government on infrastructure options, PIA Victoria still wishes to stress the importance of amenity considerations and overarching governance associated with infrastructure delivery, monitoring/reviewing and funding mechanisms. Impacts on amenity and wellbeing from infrastructure Infrastructure Victoria s document We Hear You reported that Need 2D: Maximise positive impacts on amenity and wellbeing from infrastructure, was removed because it would be addressed through the triple bottom line assessment of options. A mechanism needs to be established where in the process of creating new or expanding existing assets, the design and subsequent amenity implications are considered. This is particularly the case for transport infrastructure assets in Melbourne and regional Victoria where, in some cases, expansion and/or ongoing maintenance does not have regard to overarching design which results in a detraction from amenity. The design of infrastructure assets and their incorporation into surrounding landscapes influences how users experience Melbourne and regional Victoria.

2 Option SCC Community health facility access identifies implementing regulatory amendments to ensure that accessibility is incorporated into the planning for new developments. An option for Infrastructure Victoria to explore is whether or not something similar could be undertaken to ensure that urban design is incorporated into planning for new or expansion of existing assets. Governance and funding PIA Victoria stresses the need for further exploration into an effective governance framework that coordinates the multiple agencies likely to be involved with the delivery of a state infrastructure plan and to ensure that there is no duplication of work being undertaken such as Plan Melbourne Refresh. In addition to this, such a governance framework would monitor whether or not the implementation of the infrastructure plan is effectively addressing the needs identified by Infrastructure Victoria. This would provide an evidence base to inform future revisions of state infrastructure plans. As a starting point we recommend that in a similar fashion to the approach for Plan Melbourne, Infrastructure Victoria confirms a lead agency (or agencies) for each option. This would provide greater certainty that collaboration is being encouraged and that duplication is being avoided. Efforts to explore various infrastructure funding options, in particular, beneficiary charges and property development is supported. The skills of the planning profession will contribute to the development of such mechanisms. Please refer to the accompanying table for PIA Victoria s feedback on options that have been put forward in All Things Considered and do not hesitate to contact the Victorian Executive Officer, Carmel McCormack on or myself to discuss any aspect of this submission. Yours sincerely James Larmour-Reid FPIA, RPIA (Registered Planner) Victorian President Planning Institute of Australia 2

3 Note: some options are listed for more than one need. To avoid duplication our comments for one option applies to all needs where it has been listed. 1. Address infrastructure Centralised planning scheme (CPS1) Deliver a centralised planning scheme with PIA is supportive of this option being explored further however noting that it is a demands in areas with aligned governance that is controlled and delivered by a central authority. significant option with wide-ranging ramifications. There needs to be more high population growth discussion and debate about this option in its own right and to ensure there is no duplication with the implementation of Plan Melbourne Refresh Subregional infrastructure planning (SIP) Formalise and simplify a whole-ofgovernment subregional infrastructure planning process. This would bring together (when and where required) three levels of government to jointly plan for infrastructure. Refer to page 100 of the Infrastructure Victoria Draft Options Book. PIA is supportive of this option being explored further because it drills down to the next level of detail for infrastructure planning, gives local governments greater input and encourages thinking beyond municipal boundaries. Urban development in established areas (UDC) Apply residential or other zoning that can facilitate greater residential development in specific areas where there is existing or planned infrastructure. Refer to page 379 of the Infrastructure Victoria Draft Options Book. PIA is supportive of this option being explored further particularly if it is aligned with value-uplift considerations regarding infrastructure funding. In addition, assessment of existing infrastructure assets must also be undertaken to ensure it can cope with additional growth. An upgrade/expansion of existing infrastructure will need to be considered as a priority to ensure this does not impede further development in established areas. 3. Respond to increasing pressure on health care, particular due to ageing 4. Enable physical activity and participation Greenfield development sequencing (GFS) Further improve the coordination, sequencing and delivery of infrastructure through the controlled release of land to ensure investment in infrastructure can keep pace with development. Major inner city hospital refurbishment or replacement (THR) Refurbish or provide new tertiary hospital facilities in Melbourne s central subregion to replace assets at the end of their asset life and respond to inner city population growth. Active lifestyle infrastructure regulation (ALR) Amend planning regulations to require that principles of active design are incorporated into the construction of new residential developments. This would involve providing cycle ways, parks and pedestrian infrastructure. Refer to page 397 of the Infrastructure Victoria Draft Options Book. PIA is supportive of this option being explored further however the name of the option is somewhat misleading. Refer to page 176 of the Infrastructure Victoria Draft Options Book. Refer to page 241 of the Infrastructure Victoria Draft Options Book. This will require clear guidance in relation to who will be responsible for the ongoing maintenance of such additional infrastructure and Departmental budgets reviewed accordingly. 5. Provide spaces where communities can come together Community and public space utilisation deregulation (CSU) Improve the use of community or public spaces through changes to financial and planning regulations. The program would be targeted at underused public spaces and standardise and streamline permit processes for hosting activities and events, installation of community infrastructure as well as use by community enterprise to increase their use. Refer to page 52 of the Infrastructure Victoria Draft Options Book. Refer to page 112 of the Infrastructure Victoria Draft Options Book. 3

4 Melbourne arts and sports precinct connectivity (CPC) Build a pedestrian walkway between Melbourne s sporting and cultural precincts to improve integration between these venues and activate the public space in these precincts. The path would also include space for cyclists, and pass through Domain Gardens, Refer to page 249 of the Infrastructure Victoria Draft Options Book. South Melbourne, the Yarra River, Federation Square and Birrarung Marr. 7. Provide better access Affordable housing sector regulatory amendment (SHS1) Use the Victorian PIA is supportive of this option being explored further, but emphasises that to housing for the most Planning Provisions to provide affordable housing in strategic urban renewal changes to the planning provisions alone will not provide sufficient impetus to vulnerable Victorians precincts and other areas of significant change. address affordable housing needs. 9. Provide access to highquality education infrastructure to support lifelong learning 10. Meet growing demand for access to economic activity in central Melbourne Affordable and social housing targeted development (AHR) Introduce inclusionary zoning, or the mandatory provision of more affordable rental housing through amendments to the State Planning Policy Framework and appropriate legislation. Affordable and social housing development incentives and fund (SAH) Develop and implement a planning policy which requires a proportion of new construction be affordable to people on low and moderate incomes (inclusionary zoning), and provide grants to developers for public improvements (incentive zoning). Education and medical research precincts linking with the private sector (SEP) Establish new education precincts that brings sectors together, driven by private sector demand for increased collaboration with the education sector. Car parking management (CPM) Reduce the attractiveness of commuting by car to the CBD by using the government congestion levy more effectively to increase parking prices. Changes to pricing could be done in conjunction with regulations to limit the physical availability of car parking in the CBD in future developments. Employment outside central city incentivisation (EOC) Provide planning and financial incentives to encourage businesses to locate outside the central city. Refer to page 61 of the Infrastructure Victoria Draft Options Book. PIA is supportive of this option being explored further and urges the Government to work closely with the development, design and planning sectors to ensure that any provisions are workable and economically sustainable. Refer to page 58 of the Infrastructure Victoria Draft Options Book. PIA is supportive of this option being explored further but emphasises that changes to planning provisions alone will not provide sufficient impetus to address affordable housing needs. Refer to page 57 of the Infrastructure Victoria Draft Options Book. PIA is supportive of this option being explored further noting that there are number of economic clusters that have been identified in Plan Melbourne which will require attention. Refer to page 146 of the Infrastructure Victoria Draft Options Book. PIA is supportive of this option being explored further noting that there would need to be a balancing between reducing the attractiveness of commuting by car with increasing public transport services and the attractiveness of active and transportation networks. Refer to page 92 of the Infrastructure Victoria Draft Options Book. However, this will require careful consideration to ensure the central city continues to thrive (sequential approach). National employment cluster areas will ensure that there are specific target areas outside of the central city. This will also assist with affordability and cost of living outside of the central city. Incentives should support the metropolitan spatial objectives outlined in Plan Melbourne Refresh. Refer to page 152 of the Infrastructure Victoria Draft Options Book. 4

5 Strategic transit-oriented development corridors (STO) Designate a set of strategic transport corridors that are suited for increased development. These would be located around existing transport services, like train stations and tram routes, to better connect employment centres and join these employment centres to the central city. PIA is supportive of this option being explored further noting that these corridors should reinforce the spatial objectives of Plan Melbourne Refresh. Refer to page 377 of the Infrastructure Victoria Draft Options Book. Geelong fast rail (GRF) Implement a fast rail service (less than 30 minutes) between Geelong and Melbourne (Southern Cross Station). PIA is supportive of improved access between Melbourne and regional cities as it may ease growth pressures in Melbourne, open up growth opportunities in regional Victoria and upgrade vital infrastructure to align with current international standards. 11. Improve access to middle and outer metropolitan major employment centres 13. Improve the efficiency of freight supply chains 14. Manage threats to water security, particularly in regional and rural areas 16. Help preserve natural environments and minimise biodiversity loss 18. Transition to lower carbon energy supply and use Residential and commercial property densification (RCP) Increase residential and commercial density at employment centres through changes to the planning scheme. Freight precinct land use planning (FPL) Ensure appropriately zoned land is available for freight and logistic activities around key freight infrastructure. Stormwater harvesting and re-use for non-potable purposes (SRH) Harvest stormwater in Melbourne and regional cities for use in a range of non-potable purposes such as watering of public spaces and meeting water demands at urban and industrial sites. Habitat corridor link expansion and improvement (HCL) Develop and implement mechanisms to better link key habitat areas and improve the migration of key species. Energy efficient development (EED) Revise building regulations to improve energy efficiency across existing and new stock. Local solar energy generation (LSE) Further development of solar generation projects at the residential, commercial and industrial building level. Refer to page 169 of the Infrastructure Victoria Draft Options Book. As above, will assist in addressing affordability by reducing living costs however this approach should reinforce the spatial objectives of Plan Melbourne Refresh. Refer to page 324 of the Infrastructure Victoria Draft Options Book. Consider another review of State Significant Industrial Land. Refer to page 163 of the Infrastructure Victoria Draft Options Book. PIA is supportive of this option being explored further as it is also important for greening cities which also has a positive impact on amenity, health and wellbeing. Refer to page 375 of the Infrastructure Victoria Draft Options Book. Refer to page 181 of the Infrastructure Victoria Draft Options Book. And also an incentive programme that encourages the use of sustainable materials (e.g. reinforced wood instead of cement). Refer to page 159 of the Infrastructure Victoria Draft Options Book. Need to be mindful of how and where this is applied as it may have implications on areas that are experiencing urban densification - solar access. Refer to page 240 of the Infrastructure Victoria Draft Options Book. 5