Suburban Rail Loop to Bring 70,000 New Homes to Melbourne's East
The Victorian government has unveiled ambitious plans to build over 70,000 new homes around six Suburban Rail Loop precincts in Melbourne's east by the 2050s. This ambitious project aims to address the growing housing needs of the region while promoting sustainable development.
The proposed key directions for the project include significant land-use changes around stations in Box Hill, Burwood, Glen Waverley, Monash, Clayton, and Cheltenham. These changes involve constructing taller apartment and office buildings in concentrated commercial areas near the stations. Additionally, more townhouses and mid-rise apartments will be built alongside existing homes within walking distance of the stations.
The plans envision Box Hill with buildings reaching up to 40 storeys, while Glen Waverley and Monash will see 25-storey apartments. This densification aims to create vibrant mixed-use communities with convenient access to public transportation.
Premier Jacinta Allan emphasizes the government's vision for "more transport, more jobs, and more homes" for Victorians. She highlights that the plans were developed in response to the needs of local communities.
"We've heard from them [the community], how each of these areas can best accommodate the jobs, the services but also critically too the homes that we know need to be built here around the suburban railway stations," she said.
"It helps take pressure off that outer suburban sprawl that really puts more pressure on our services and road networks."
Minister for Transport Infrastructure Danny Pearson believes the project can ease housing pressures for future generations.
"More housing options mean local kids have a better shot of owning a home close to where they grew up," he said.
"We've taken on board years of community feedback and this is just the next step in a detailed and proper planning process that involves locals every step of the way."
However, the opposition leader, John Pesutto, expressed concerns about the project. He described the plans as a "cruel hoax" and questioned the financial viability of the project.
"Make no mistake, there are 40 storey towers coming to a suburb near you," Mr Pesutto said.
"What they're going to do is deliver and impose upon communities 40 storey towers."
He called the project a "financial mess in the making" and demanded transparency from the government regarding funding sources.
"Does value capture mean taxes on local residents and local businesses?," he questioned.
The Suburban Rail Loop project is undoubtedly ambitious and faces challenges. However, the government's commitment to community engagement and sustainable development offers hope for a successful outcome that benefits both current and future generations.