Our plan for Plan Victoria

Targets to reduce car use, tree planting next to paths and investment in walking are just some of Victoria Walks’ recommendations for the state’s new planning strategy.

The government released a discussion paper for a new Plan Victoria earlier in the year and Victoria Walks recently put forward our submission.

There is actually a lot to like in the discussion paper although, as always, the devil will be in the detail.

One of the ‘Big Ideas’ in the paper is “more homes in locations with great public transport access.” It also talks about prioritising homes close to services and shops. This reflects the government’s approach to housing, which sets draft targets for every council in order to add 2.24 million houses across the state by 2051 (you can check out the target for your local area by clicking on the map here).

But to get the full benefits of delivering housing within potential walking distance of destinations, this strategy needs to be matched with investment to deliver more walkable neighbourhoods.

We argue that, in line with UN recommendations, the Plan should commit to spending 20% of Victoria’s transport budget on walking and cycling.

Victoria Walks also says the government should set targets for increased walking, cycling and public transport. And this should be matched with a target to reduce private vehicle use.  The Welsh Government has set a target to reduce miles travelled by 10%.

Victoria Walks supports the aspirations in the discussion paper for "more trees and urban greening in our parks and community spaces” to “make our streets cooler and greener” and the suggestion of “targets to increase tree canopy coverage.”

But to maximise the benefits of urban greening, it is important to target tree planting to places that provide direct shade to people, protecting them from heat and harmful UV.  Trees next to footpaths or along paths in the park provide multiple benefits to people, wildlife and the planet.

Local shops are the heart of our towns and suburbs. In the middle and outer suburbs of Melbourne, people are 3.5 times more likely to walk to main-street style suburban centres than shopping malls dominated by car parking. However, current planning provisions force developers and businesses to provide large areas of parking. Despite the problems of drink driving, even pubs are required to provide large car parking areas!

Victoria Walks recommends removing or reducing the car parking requirements for offices and shops. This will be critical to delivering the “thriving and liveable suburbs and towns” the government aspires to.

Read our submission here