The Victorian Government has set up a dedicated taskforce to help keep the state’s building and development industry running. It has also announced the approval of four new projects worth more than $1.5 billion dollars.
Planning Minister Richard Wynne and Treasurer Tim Pallas will oversee the Building Victoria’s Recovery Taskforce which will investigate planning and investment opportunities in Victoria. These will aim to boost the building and development industry over the short, medium and long term.
Mr. Wyne also approved four new building projects located at 118 City Road, Southbank, 555 Collins St, 52-60 Collins St and 550 Epsom Road Flemington. These projects are hoped to create thousands of jobs.
The Taskforce will give real-time advice to Government on issues impacting industry, helping to remove barriers to building and development works that are vital for supporting Victorian jobs, housing and infrastructure.
It will work in conjunction with industry and unions to review existing major building and development projects, while also ensuring workers stay safe and healthy for the delivery of this infrastructure.
As an initial focus the Taskforce will oversee the fast-tracking of planning approvals using ministerial powers, where decisions have been delayed due to coronavirus related impacts.
The government will also seek the Taskforce’s advice on a pipeline of building and development projects over the longer term, including initiatives that further expand social housing options.
The co-chairs of the Taskforce, Roger Teale, Jude Munro AO and Stan Krpan, bring a depth of leadership experience in the private and public sectors.
Roger Teale was a former President of the Property Council (Vic) and Senior Executive at LendLease, Jude Munro AO is chair of the Victorian Planning Authority and Stan Krpan is a Victorian Public Service CEO.
The Taskforce will run for an initial period of three months, reporting back to government with recommendations.
Mr. Wayne said the Taskforce will help to ensure the building and development industry is a driving force for Victoria’s economy through the pandemic and beyond.
“It will help deliver existing projects more efficiently and assist new projects to get off the ground faster.”
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