The Property Council of Australia has welcomed the appointment of Justin Madden as the dedicated Victorian Minister for Planning in the Bracks Government cabinet reshuffle.
Property Council of Victoria’s executive director Jennifer Cunich said the appointment is an acknowledgement by the Bracks Government that planning issues are an important priority in its third term.
“With the forecast growth for Melbourne, it is essential that planning has been given a top priority. We look forward to working with Minister Madden on issues such Melbourne 2030 audit and streamlining red tape.
“We also believe the decision to create the portfolio of water, environment and climate change is the right step in addressing critical issues relating to the goals of a sustainable environment and how this will relate to the projected increase in Victoria’s population in the next two decades. We also look forward to working with Treasurer John Brumby on taxation matters and new Minister for Local Government Richard Wynne on local government issues,” she added.
Meanwhile, Cunich said infrastructure is a significant issue and she was a little surprised that it has been split across portfolios.
“We would have preferred that it was kept within one portfolio and we will be looking to see how well this functions,” she concluded.
By Kathryn O’Meara
