Housing development will be unlocked in Wallan and Beveridge, contingent upon the completion of a thorough review of local Precinct Structure Plans (PSPs).
Last month, the State Government announced its housing plan for 27 additional greenfield areas that will deliver 180,000 homes over the next decade.
Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny announced the first three greenfield plans slated for release in 2024–25, including an employment precinct in the Whittlesea Council area, dubbed the Northern Freight Precinct.
The PSP for Beveridge North West is projected to be completed by the end of 2028, while Beveridge South West, Wallan East (Part 1 and Part 2), and Wallan South will commence between 2025–26 and 2028–29, with completion expected by 2033.
Stage three contains Beveridge North East among other residential and employment plans, with works expected to commence between 2029–30 and 2033–34.
The timeline for the Beveridge North West PSP shows it is nearing completion, but is contingent on ministerial consideration.
Mitchell Shire Council Chief Executive Brett Luxford said council understood that the Ministerial Advisory Committee completed hearings in June 2022 and delivered its report to the minister shortly afterwards.
“A key factor in the PSPs’ progression is the proposed quarry, which has faced strong opposition from both council and the community,” he said.
“We hope that the minister’s decision will align with community concerns, allowing Beveridge North West to develop as a sustainable community without a quarry at its centre.”
A Victorian Government spokesperson said the Beveridge North West PSP was being considered by the Department of Transport and Planning.
“We’re getting on with delivering a pipeline of new land for new homes and backyards that are great for big, growing families,” they said.
Speaking to the close collaboration council has had with the State Government on the PSPs, Mr Luxford emphasised the importance of aligning the process with a guaranteed infrastructure pipeline to meet the needs of rapidly growing communities.
“For communities like Beveridge and Wallan, where growth has often outpaced infrastructure, the alignment of PSPs with essential services—such as transport, schools, and health facilities—will be key to creating vibrant, healthy neighbourhoods,” he said.
“The inclusion of Beveridge South West PSP is particularly welcomed as it unlocks significant housing opportunities and delivers key transport infrastructure, including a major north-south arterial road to improve connectivity across the region.
“Council’s focus remains on advocating for infrastructure to keep pace with development, and we appreciate the structured approach that provides a clearer framework for collaboration as we advance housing and infrastructure initiatives.”
However, Shadow Minister for Outer Suburban Growth Evan Mulholland said the announcement was ‘yet another sham’ that would do nothing to address Victoria’s housing crisis.
“Only 10 of the 33 PSPs Labor claims to be unlocking are already in development, while a further 10 will not be complete for another decade,” he said.
“This means landholders will continue to pay land tax, increasing the cost of land for future homebuilders, and that cost passed onto homebuyers in the future.
“Nothing has been sped up. This is nothing more than a plan for a plan. Giving the illusion of getting more people into homes while failing to address key housing and infrastructure issues in our growth areas.
“This will do little to address the supply and affordability issues young Victorians are experiencing now.”
