On 1 January 2024, the Victorian Government introduced the requirement for new Victorian homes to be all-electric. CASBE congratulates the Victorian Government on this important reform which aligns with the Elevating ESD Targets planning scheme amendment lodged by twenty-four councils last July.
Amendment VC250 makes a range of changes to the Victoria Planning Provisions, including the introduction of a new particular provision at clause 53.03 to prohibit new gas connections to new dwellings, apartment developments and residential subdivisions (where a planning permit is required).
The provisions apply to relevant permit applications lodged on or after 1 January 2024. We look forward to similar provisions covering other development types.
In anticipation of this reform, BESS Version 1.8.1 went live on 14 December 2023, making changes to the Energy category. Further changes are planned for early 2024 to support applications to implement these reforms.
This reform is a significant step towards zero carbon development, a key objective of the Elevating ESD Targets Planning Scheme amendment.
We call on Minister Kilkenny to build on this positive announcement and progress the Elevating ESD Targets amendment so that we can deliver more sustainable and resilient buildings for the Victorian community.