The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad has urged the Premier to address a lack of transparency on Land Use Activity Agreements (LUAA) in Victoria, as vital projects are delayed.
Ms Broad said much-needed housing and public projects were being held up by the agreements, in some cases by up to two to three years, while adding thousands of dollars to the cost.
“All Victorians deserve to know the detail behind these agreements – the conditions, the charges and where the money is going,” Ms Broad told Parliament.
“I looked into this issue after a small residential housing development in White Hills came to a standstill when the developer, partway through a project, was informed by the City of Greater Bendigo that a LUAA applied to his development, and he refused to accept the conditions imposed.
“When a LUAA applies, the payment of community benefits to the traditional owner group is required. A short extension of a road triggered the agreement with the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation. He was informed that costs based on a percentage of the land value would be applied in accordance with their valuation.”
Ms Broad said further investigation revealed this was not an isolated incident.
“There is no transparency, no reporting of these issues or a right to appeal, no timeframes imposed and no opportunity to question the land valuations imposed by those charging the fee. It appears that conditions are set, and costs imposed without question.”
Ms Broad said: “At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter who’s funding these projects, all Victorians are paying the price.”
The full speech is available on Hansard:
Question 1398 – Land use activity agreements (Adjournment Matters) – Parliament of Victoria
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764 linda.barrow@parliament.vic.gov.au
