As of March 2025, the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) has released the final draft of updated ResCode provisions, alongside a broader 30-Year Planning Vision. This announcement, led by Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny and Premier Jacinta Allan, forms part of the state’s commitment to deliver 2.24 million homes by 2051 and alleviate the ongoing housing crisis.
At the core of these reforms is the introduction of a ‘deemed to comply’ approach — a first for Victoria. This system streamlines planning assessments for proposals that meet predefined standards, effectively reducing delays in permits and approvals. The reforms are designed to benefit developers, homeowners, and the broader community by creating a more transparent, efficient planning process.
Two new code provisions have been introduced as part of Amendment VC267:
A summary of these changes is included in a table for ease of reference
A key element of the reforms is the introduction of new Activity Centres, many of which are positioned around major tram and train stations to support higher-density housing and mixed-use development.
Notable inclusions:
These areas were selected based on their transport capacity, accessibility to services and employment, and their environmental suitability for increased density.
Complementing the immediate code reforms is a long-term 30-Year Plan for land use and development. This framework replaces the Metropolitan Strategy Plan (2017–2050) and focuses on five core pillars:
A new housing map will accompany the strategy to guide future development locations.
These reforms mark a fundamental shift in how projects will be assessed and delivered. As your trusted planning and design partner, we are actively reviewing these updates and how they may affect current and upcoming projects. Where applicable, we will reach out directly to advise on project-specific impacts or opportunities.
If you have any questions or would like a more detailed breakdown of the ResCode changes or activity centre locations, please don’t hesitate to contact our Town Planning team.
