MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire Council has thrown its support behind the revised target of 24,000 new homes on the peninsula by 2051 despite it being a reduction of 7000 homes to the number set in last year’s draft target.
Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny announced the final council housing capacity targets on 24 February, saying the government had met with every Victorian council to understand their “plans and the barriers they face in unlocking the capacity”. The new target for the Mornington Peninsula was down from the original 31,000 marking a 22.6 per cent decrease. But mayor Cr Anthony Marsh said the council welcomed the revised target, which aligned with the shire’s existing housing and settlement strategy and planning scheme amendment C219morn.
The amendment, which is with the planning minister for final approval, was adopted by council in August 2024 and aims to provide about 1200 new homes per year to house its growing population, which is expected to reach between 180,000 and 200,000 residents by 2036. “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,” the council said in a statement.
But Nepean MP Sam Groth said the 7000 drop in the housing target raised “serious concerns” for homelessness and housing stability. Groth said 35 per cent of residents were in rental stress and in 2023-24 there were as many as 689 people experiencing homelessness. “The need for affordable housing is urgent. We must prioritise policies and initiatives that address the root causes of housing instability, rather than cutting targets and removing the voice and choice of local communities,” he said. “Together, we must build a future where everyone has a place to call home.”
Cr Marsh said while the shire’s current planning for housing was consistent with the new targets over the next 15 to 20 years, he noted “in the longer term, additional land would be required”. “With around 70 per cent of the shire being green wedge, there is a limited supply of residential land,” he said, adding there was a “significant opportunity on the Western Port side of the peninsula” that was currently used for industrial purposes associated with the Port of Hastings.
“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 3500 hectares, spanning from Somerville to Crib Point, all within the urban growth boundary,” he said.
“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.”
The government said its landmark Plan for Victoria would be released soon, which would contain a declaration that “government will hold councils accountable with explicit directions to change planning schemes if they are not providing enough housing capacity – and, if required, the government will step in to update planning schemes”. The Planning Minister will also retain her powers to intervene or fast-track developments.
First published in the Mornington News – 4 February 2025
