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Quality, infrastructure & liveability standards

Quality housing. Proper infrastructure. Stronger protections.

Principle

More housing must be supported by high-quality design, proper infrastructure and strong environmental and liveability standards.

Why it matters

Lowering planning and design standards to accelerate development risks poorer housing outcomes, greater pressure on infrastructure and the loss of neighbourhood liveability. Good planning should improve communities for both existing and future residents — not simply deliver more dwellings.

What this requires

  • Infrastructure planned alongside population growth.

  • Retention and strengthening of planning, building and design standards.

  • Protection of privacy, solar access, tree canopy, deep soil and meaningful landscaping.

  • High-quality, adaptable homes with strong liveability outcomes.

  • Planning for transport, schools, health services, parks, community facilities and all infrastructure needs.

  • Protection of biodiversity, habitat and ecological connectivity.

  • Climate-resilient neighbourhoods through stronger environmental standards and the retention of existing green spaces.

  • Heritage retention that respects the character and identity of established neighbourhoods.

  • Repeal of the VC267 Townhouse and Low-Rise Code.

  • Repeal of the VC300 Mid-Rise Code.

Growth and good design should go hand in hand. Communities should never be asked to choose between them.