Owners of coastal vacant land are no closer to answers on whether they will be allowed to build a home on their property despite the question being raised directly with the Minister for Planning in Parliament.
The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien says the cause of unrest is a planning scheme amendment resulting in a change to state planning policy that requires all planning decisions along the Victorian coastline to consider a sea level rise of at least 0.8m.
Mr O’Brien said he recently asked the Minister to provide clarity on the matter, specifically asking whether permits will be granted for home construction in affected areas and was met with trademark Allan Labor Government spin.
“It is disappointing for both landowners and our local governments, who are doing their best to navigate the minefield this change has created, that the Minister is failing to offer any real guidance,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Our local governments deserve leadership from the state government on how these changes will impact future planning decisions for their towns.
“I understand the need to ensure future developments are planned carefully as we face increasing challenges with flooding, particularly in coastal areas, but it is not good enough for the Minister to hide behind jargon on such an important matter.”
Mr O’Brien said it is clear that the Allan Labor Government cannot offer strong leadership and it is local governments and coastal property owners who are paying the price.
“Gippslanders deserve a state government that provides clarity on important matters like planning policy.”