Rezoning Pathway Opens for Surplus Land Across Victoria

A new pathway for landowners and developers in Victoria to accelerate the rezoning of underused or surplus land is under way as the state calls for expressions of interest for the scheme.

Introduced in September, the Unlocking Strategic Sites initiative expands on the Development Facilitation Program.

It is designed to identify and redevelop strategic parcels of land such as former industrial areas, disused golf courses, racetracks and surplus university sites to support the state’s housing and employment needs.

Expressions of interest are open via the Department of Transport and Planning’s website until November 19. Successful applicants will be announced in early 2026.

The new pathway streamlines the rezoning process, which can currently take two years or more, cutting the timeframe by as much as half for eligible projects.

It is intended for sites that do not yet have a planning permit application but would be suitable for a planning scheme amendment under section 20(4) of the Planning and Environment Act 1987.

Projects will be assessed against criteria focused on location and scale, complexity and delivery confidence.

The criteria include that sites must align with state, regional and local planning policy, sit within or next to defined urban zones, span at least 2ha and demonstrate broader planning significance.

Residential proposals must include at least 10 per cent affordable housing as defined under the Planning and Environment Act.

▲ The pathway is also open to councils and industry to put forward suitable surplus sites to be rezoned.

As well, projects will need to show adequate servicing by infrastructure agencies, resolution of environmental and heritage matters, and the delivery of public benefits such as jobs, community spaces and utilities.

Applicants must also demonstrate investment commitment, evidence of planning delays and a capacity to submit a planning permit application within 12 months of rezoning.

The Unlocking Strategic Sites pathway is a key initiative of the Victorian Economic Growth Statement and complements the existing Development Facilitation Program by targeting longer-term redevelopment opportunities.

It forms part of a broader government strategy to boost housing supply, attract investment and stimulate job creation across Victoria’s growth areas.

Expressions of interest are also being sought from councils and industry for suitable surplus sites to  be rezoned through the new pathway.