Working together to build our recovery

What kind of future do we want?

That’s the fundamental question we need to keep asking each other as the Australian community and economy recovers from the initial shock of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This is an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of Victorians right here and now through prioritising practical actions through the planning system – actions that create jobs, housing and infrastructure.

Actions that improve affordability and liveability and build the foundations for a fairer, greener, healthier future.

That’s why, last year, we delivered a State Budget of unprecedented scope and ambition – with heavy investments in every part of our economy and community.

At its heart was a $5.3 billion social and affordable housing program. That program, Big Housing Build, is unlike anything else any Australian jurisdiction has seen.

In just four years, the Big Housing Build will deliver more than 12,000 new homes across metro and regional Victoria – creating more than 10,000 jobs each year and changing countless lives.

In recent weeks we announced $948 million will be invested through the Big Housing Build to spot-purchase properties and buy new homes in construction projects that are either in progress or ready to build.

Not only will this investment secure 1,600 social housing properties and 200 affordable homes – it will bolster the construction industry and support jobs.

We also need to focus on the details and partnerships to make that future a reality.

Just as building back better from the pandemic requires unprecedented investment and vision – it requires a new sense of respect and collaboration at every level of our planning and development system.

Just as conflict, disagreement and distrust doesn’t help fight this virus – it won’t help us recover from the significant impacts it has had.

We can’t sit back and wait for the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines. We have to keep planning and building a better future.

That’s why, in 2021, Victoria will look for ways to improve the building and construction sector and help facilitate construction across the State.

We will continue to modernise planning, environmental and heritage processes in practical ways that will create the future we really want.

By striking the right balance – and focusing on the public interest – we will fast-track Victoria’s recovery as we stay safe, stay open and build a better future.

Vpela Annual Dinner

Early bird bookings close 26 March

You can download the invitation and booking form from our website https://www.vpela.org.au/events/event/vpelas-aussie-galah-2021