Council welcomes State Government’s revised housing targets
Published on 26 February 2025
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council welcomes the Victorian Government’s revised target of 24,000 new homes on the Peninsula by 2051, which aligns with the Shire's existing Housing & Settlement Strategy and planning scheme amendment C219morn.
Amendment C219morn was adopted by Council in August 2024. It changes existing residential zones and planning controls to ensure housing growth occurs in appropriate locations within our major activity centres and townships, and away from areas of landscape and environmental significance or subject to bushfire, flooding and erosion risks.
Amendment C219morn will provide for about 1,200 new homes per year to house our growing population, which is expected to reach 180,000- 200,000 residents by 2036.
Our Green Wedge will be protected – the Urban Growth Boundary will not change.
The amendment ensures new development respects the Peninsula’s special values and character by introducing new controls relating to, for example, building height and design, siting, landscaping and fencing.
Amendment C219morn also simplifies existing planning controls to make them easier to understand and reduces red tape, particularly for one house on a lot. This means more applications can be processed under the Building Regulations, without needing a planning permit.
The amendment is currently with the Victorian Planning Minister for final approval. The planning scheme changes proposed by amendment C219morn will only come into effect if the amendment is gazetted by the Minister.
Quote attributable to Mayor Cr Anthony Marsh:
“We welcome the revised housing targets and look forward to the Minister approving planning scheme amendment C219morn so we can get on with supporting housing growth on the Peninsula.
“While our current planning for housing is consistent with these new targets over the next 15- 20 years, in the longer term, additional land will be required. With around 70 per cent of the Shire being Green Wedge, there is a limited supply of residential land.
“There is a significant opportunity on the Western Port side of the Peninsula for land that is currently locked up for industrial uses associated with the Port of Hastings to be released for other uses, including housing, industry, farming and conservation.
"Council has been calling on the State Government to identify land that is surplus to the Port’s needs and to comprehensively plan for this area with Council and the community. It is a significant area that covers approximately 3,500 ha, spanning from Somerville to Crib Point, all within the Urban Grown Boundary.
“We also know that land alone is not sufficient for these homes to become thriving, sustainable communities. We’ll require additional funding to deliver vital infrastructure such as footpaths, roads and community facilities.
“We look forward to working with the State Government to achieve sustainable and supported housing growth on the Peninsula.”