News | 05 August
Victorian Housing Forum panel discussion
Victorian Housing Forum panel discussion focused exclusively on property challenges

Prioritising civil infrastructure statewide must be baked into Victoria’s Housing strategy to enable the State Government to achieve its 800,000 new homes target.

CCF Victoria joined 200 property and construction leaders at the Victorian Housing Forum on Monday (August 5th) convened by the government to update industry on its plan to tackle the housing crisis.

Frustratingly, the sole reference to any significant civil infrastructure was the Suburban Rail Loop, on which the Government is banking to shoulder the bulk of new homes and predicted population growth,” CCF Victoria CEO Lisa Kinross said.

“You cannot spend a dollar on housing until you’ve invested a dollar in civil infrastructure,” Ms Kinross added.

“Unfortunately, there was little mention or representation of the statewide civil infrastructure that underpins our communities, our cities and towns; the very foundations on which homes are built.

“Civil construction remains the hidden link that connects all the pieces together.”

Before governments or private housing providers can commence work on a housing project, the civil industry is required to:

  • Unlock the development with demolition, earthmoving and land development services;
  • Build the roads, rail, tunnels and bridges that connect communities, support suburban growth and create liveable, thriving neighbourhoods;
  • Connect the properties to utilities and lay the foundations for future development.

“Civil infrastructure ensures the development of sustainable, affordable housing and choice, caters to a growing population and ultimately reduces the cost of living,” Ms Kinross said.

“The government talked about pulling every policy lever to achieve its housing ambitions, including speeding up planning approvals.

“We are keen to see planning approvals and processes not only fast-tracked but also simplified; a appropriately higher level of greenfields opportunities, and; civil construction and maintenance cemented into the plan – measures that will help deliver the housing targets.

“Our civil contractors are ready to work with the Government to collaboratively deliver this visionary objective for the benefit of Victoria’s growing community.”

Latest News