News from AILA Victoria Chapter 29 November 2022
Victoria Decides!
‘A greener, connected, sustainable, liveable, and more productive Victoria’
The votes are in, and the Andrews Government (ALP) has, which might surprise some given recent years and political tensions, outstandingly reclaimed the leadership of the State of Victoria.
So, what does this mean for our industry? What does this mean for Landscape Architects?
In the lead up to the State Election, the State Chapter and Executive prepared the 2022 Election Manifesto to campaign all candidates and major parties to acknowledge the need for greater consideration to our environment.
As part of the manifesto, we identified four positive State shaping priorities:
• Climate and biodiversity positive design through strengthening legislation and standards related to the built and natural environment
• Dedicated green infrastructure investment to improve the State’s climate resilience and urban and rural liveability
• Supporting workforce and gender equality to help cultivate a future ready workforce capable of delivering projects of state significance
• A new approach to designing on Country through authentic, genuine and meaningful partnerships and an Indigenous voice in parliament
A link to our manifesto can be found here
With the Andrew’s Government (ALP) being on track to win more than 50 of 88 lower house seats and could yet exceed the 55 it won at the 2018 election, now is the time to ramp up our interactions and advocacy for a ‘A greener, connected, sustainable, liveable, and more productive Victoria’
As Mr Andrews has stated in his winning speeches, "We are a progressive state, we are a thoughtful state, we are the centre of critical thinking, we are the centre of all the big ideas in our nation." and “We will govern for you. We will govern for your kids, for your health, for your education, your future,"
The following outlines some of the key election promises made by the ALP in the lead up to election day:
Environment & Farming
• Aim to cut the state's greenhouse gas emissions by 75-80 per cent by 2035 and to net zero by 2045, reviving the State Electricity Commission to play a key role in the transition
• A $10 million "nature fund" to support biodiversity projects being led by private or philanthropic groups
Energy:
• A goal of 2.6-gigawatts of renewable energy storage capacity by 2030 — which the government says is enough to power around half of Victoria's current homes at peak energy use
Transport:
• A continued focus on Transport (the Big Build) with key significant projects such as Melbourne Airport Rail and Suburban Rail Loop
Health:
• Significant commitments to the Health sector across the board including new and upgrades Hospitals, along with greater support services.
Social Support and Housing:
• A project to build more than 12,000 social housing homes by the end of 2025 - $5.3b
Education:
• Significant commitment to the ongoing upgrades and Expansions of Primary and Secondary schools across the state.
Community Facilities:
Significant commitment across the State toward:
• Facility Upgrades
• New sporting facilities planning
Tourism, Trade and Business:
• The government has already locked in Victoria as the host state for the 2026 Commonwealth Games
• A Tiny Towns Fund to deliver better public places and spaces - $10m
• Funding for a plan aimed at boosting Aboriginal employment and economic self-determination
For a more complete list of election promises visit 2022 Election Commitment Tracker (pbo.vic.gov.au)
What’s next? As an Executive our task is to connect with the Premier and relevant Ministers and continue to advocate for a solid response to each of our four positive State shaping priorities, while continuing to drive an open dialogue with the government around matters relating to our core focuses (as they evolve), working towards ‘A greener, connected, sustainable, liveable, and more productive Victoria’.
As a member your task is to be a voice, be an advocate, be a champion of each project you are engaged with, all with the view of achieving ‘A greener, connected, sustainable, liveable, and more productive Victoria’.
In comparison to other professions, we may be a small team, but we are an essential one! We must use our voice, connect, and lead the way to a better Victoria for all.
Regards,
Heath Gledhill