Victoria’s population is rapidly increasing, with the state seeing a growth of 2880 people every week. Melbourne has surpassed Sydney as Australia’s largest city and is projected to reach a population of 9 million by the mid-century. Premier Jacinta Allan sees this growth as an opportunity, emphasizing the need for more homes, infrastructure, and renewable energy to support the influx of residents. However, concerns arise about the long-term implications of such rapid growth, with questions of how big Melbourne should become and whether residents want the city to reach megacity levels.
The lack of a defined population policy in Australia means that growth is primarily driven by net overseas migration, without a clear national strategy in place. This absence of policy poses challenges for states like Victoria, which are left to deal with the consequences of rapid population growth without overarching guidelines. Experts offer differing opinions on the need for a population policy, with some advocating for a more holistic approach that includes housing, education, health, and employment considerations. The lack of coordinated planning and funding for addressing the housing crisis is a major concern, with calls for a comprehensive, whole-of-government response to the issue.
The Victorian government, led by Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny, is working on a Plan for Victoria initiative to address future population growth and housing needs. The plan aims to align new housing developments with job opportunities, transport services, and people’s preferences for living arrangements. However, skepticism remains about whether previous urban planning initiatives, such as Melbourne 2030 and Plan Melbourne, have been able to effectively shape the city’s growth. Infrastructure Victoria’s research suggests a shift towards a compact city model that focuses on high-density developments in established suburbs to accommodate population growth.
Infrastructure Victoria’s surveys indicate that while many residents still prefer detached homes in new suburbs, there is openness to living in apartments or townhouses closer to the city if they are affordable. The government’s emphasis on increasing housing options in established suburbs like Brighton, Malvern, and West Footscray aims to cater to these preferences and provide more housing choices to residents. However, concerns remain about the affordability of housing and the long-term impact of rapid population growth on Melbourne’s liveability. The challenge lies in balancing the need for housing with preserving the city’s unique character and ensuring a sustainable future for all residents.
