The Minister for Planning has announced the establishment of a dedicated taskforce to help keep the State’s building and development industry running through the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Minister, Richard Wynne with Treasurer, Tim Pallas are set to oversee the Building Victoria’s Recovery Taskforce, which will investigate planning and investment opportunities to boost Victoria’s building and development industry.
In a statement, Mr Wynne said the taskforce would provide real-time advice to Government on issues that impacted the industry.
“The taskforce will work with industry and unions to review existing major building and development projects,” Mr Wynne said.
“The taskforce will initially focus on overseeing the fast-tracking of planning approvals using Ministerial powers, where decisions have been delayed due to coronavirus.”
He said the Government would also seek the taskforce’s advice on a pipeline of building and development projects over the longer term.
Mr Wynne said the taskforce would also advise on financial incentives; current revenue measures; fast-track investment; and make recommendations to help businesses survive.
“The taskforce will receive advice from three Industry Working Groups and be guided by a steering committee involving representatives from industry peak bodies and unions,” he said.
Mr Wynne said the co-chairs of the Taskforce are Jude Munro, chair of the Victorian Planning Authority; Stan Krpan, Chief Executive of Solar Victoria; and Roger Teale, former President of the Property Council.
He said the Taskforce would run for an initial period of three months and report back to Government with recommendations.
