Last Thursday’s announcement by Premier Jacinta Allan — “A planning system that says Yes in My Backyard — Literally” — was made without any consultation with us. We first heard about it through the media, not the Victorian Government.

We agree the planning system needs reform. Removing red tape to speed up decisions makes sense. But stripping neighbours of their right to have a say is unnecessary and unacceptable.

Glen Eira is not anti-development. Last financial year, we approved 99 per cent of residential applications. Only seven were appealed at VCAT. That’s a strong track record of supporting appropriate growth that preserves neighbourhood character and amenity.

We’re concerned by the lack of detail in the Victorian Government’s announcement. If these changes apply across all residential zones, they risk encouraging more low-density, luxury townhouses — not the diverse, affordable housing Victoria urgently needs. This approach undermines the government’s own goals for rapid, high-density development.

We urge the Victorian Government to give local government a seat at the table to shape a responsible plan to tackle Victoria’s housing crisis.