Victorian Voters Will Decide Melbourne's Housing Density Future This November

The proposed referendum asks Melbourne voters to approve changes to state planning rules that would require local councils to fast-track medium-density housing applications in 12 designated corridors, including parts of Wyndham, Hume and Whittlesea.

The measure comes as the Victorian government prepares its next infrastructure statement, with the existing Metro Tunnel project already under construction and the West Gate Tunnel due to open sections in late 2026.

Daily effects for residents in affected postcodes

Households in growth corridors would see more planning permits processed within 60 days instead of the current average of 120 days, according to the legislation's explanatory memorandum. Residents near existing rail stations in those corridors could face more construction traffic on local roads, while property owners in inner areas such as Yarra and Port Phillip would continue under existing rules with no automatic change to their streetscapes.

Local advocates note that the shift could alter access to services, with new residents in outer suburbs placing pressure on already stretched bus routes and schools in Melton and Casey.

Budget figures and next steps

The 2025 Victorian Budget papers list $11 billion committed to the Metro Tunnel, which the government says the policy will complement by locating more homes near completed stations. The legislation states that any approved corridors must be within 800 metres of a train line or major bus interchange.

Voters will decide the question on 28 November. If passed, the Department of Transport and Planning will publish the first list of designated corridors by March 2027, after which councils must update their planning schemes within six months.