Developers will have to pay towards providing and maintaining open space for parks in new residential, commercial and industrial spaces.
Brimbank council voted last week to amend a clause in its planning scheme that will allow it to implement a fixed monetary contribution rate for all eligible subdivisions, with a 5 per cent flat rate for residential and commercial subdivisions, and 2.5 per cent for industrial subdivisions.
The council has traditionally charged an open space levy on residential subdivisions greater than two lots, but developers have been able to challenge the levy at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. The amendment removes the right to challenge.
Brimbank administrators chairman John Watson said money raised by the open space contribution would help fund the council’s Creating Better Parks policy, which promotes creation and maintenance of parks.
“Open space contributions are one of the mechanisms that the Creating Better Parks Policy and Plan identifies to provide for continued investment in parks and open spaces,” Mr Watson said.
“An open space contribution on eligible residential, commercial and industrial development is appropriate as it’s generally acknowledged development generates a need for open space, and is applied by a number of councils.”
The public open space contribution will be determined by a land valuation at the time the plan for development is lodged with Brimbank council. City development director Stuart Menzies said the amendment cemented what was already standard practice across local government and the building industry. Brimbank council will now forward the planning scheme amendment to the state Planning Minister for approval.
