First it was “can we allow Marysville to rebuild – because is clearly is a fire risk”. Now new housing projects on the city fringe are being delayed by red tape as a councils claims the State Government’s bushfire planning rules are unworkable.
Developers say some councils are reluctant to issue permits for outer suburban housing estates that are in fire-prone zones mapped in the wake of the Black Saturday disaster.
Urban Development Institute of Australia state executive director Tony De Domenico said “You’ve got areas with developments all around and people are hesitating to give permits” he said.
The Planning Minister, Matthew Guy, said the council’s claim about the bushfire rules was unproductive.
“These are the most stringent bushfire regulations in the world and there will be issues with their implementation, which the Government will resolve.” He said.