Joint Statement - Planning Minister’s planning amendment destroys value of Wonthaggi homes

Joint Statement – Planning Minister’s planning amendment destroys value of Wonthaggi homes

James Newbury, Shadow Minister for Planning

Renee Heath, Member for Eastern Victoria

Thursday 23 May 2024

Minister for Planning, Sonya Kilkenny, has confirmed the Allan Labor Government has no intention of helping hundreds of Wonthaggi residents after she approved a retrospective environmental overlay over hundreds of homes.

In January,the Minister for Planning approved Amendment C152basc to the Bass Coast Planning Scheme. The amendment applied an Environmental Audit Overlay to land identified as potentially contaminated land.

The overlay specifically impacted upon 251 properties, many of which are existing built homes. In many cases, the homes were built up to five years ago. Homeowners face estimated costs of tens of thousands of dollars to rectify their land through a risk assessment statement and then a full environmental audit.

When asked about what the Allan Labor Government intended to do to help hundreds of Wonthaggi residents, who are facing costs in the tens of thousands, the Minister said she would simply send letters of acknowledgement to any residents who contact her.

Shadow Minister for Planning, James Newbury, said: “The Allan Labor Government has retrospectively destroyed the value of hundreds of homes in Wonthaggi and effectively sent homeowners bills that will cost tens of thousands of dollars to rectify.”

“For the Minister to simply acknowledge the issue is a disgrace. Wonthaggi residents deserve better than this Labor Government.”

Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Renee Heath, said: “This affects young families and those trying to get into the property market the most.

“People who have sacrificed are now stuck with a mortgage for land which is shrouded in uncertainty, whether for an occupancy certificate or refinancing. The ripple effect is devastating.”

Renee Heath, Member for Eastern Victoria

James Newbury, Shadow Minister for Planning