Thursday, 12 September 2024

 Wendy LOVELL (Northern Victoria) (12:54): (1121) My question is for the Minister for Regional Development, who has recently been spruiking the appeal of tiny towns. Minister, why is the government intent on destroying tiny towns in Macedon by forcing mid-density housing into country villages? Macedon Ranges shire is filled with villages that are small in size but big in charm and country lifestyle. Thirteen tiny towns in Macedon, including Riddells Creek, have recently received tiny town grants, but these towns will not remain tiny if the Labor government has its way, with housing targets for the shire set at a 60 per cent increase, including 12,700 homes and 35,000 people to be brought into the area. The Minister for Planning is currently considering approving a development proposal that would almost double the size of Riddells Creek, squeezing 3800 people into a town that has currently only 4500. The Labor government’s policy will destroy the charm and character of the tiny towns that make them so attractive, and I call on the government to reassess its approach to development in order to preserve the beauty and character of our tiny towns.