Tuesday, 9 September 2025

Hastings electorate planning

Paul MERCURIO (Hastings) (19:07): (1303) My adjournment matter tonight is for the Minister for Planning, and the action I seek is for the minister to come down to Hastings to meet with business and community leaders to talk about Plan for Victoria and how it can apply to the Hastings electorate. There are some exciting projects around the town of Hastings and the surrounding area, with the Victorian renewable energy terminal moving forward and, additionally, the work being done by the Port of Hastings to recognise excess land zoned port-related that could be rezoned into commercial, industrial or residential zonings.

In 2024 the minister asked the people’s panel to write a vision statement reflecting the aspiration of today’s and future generations of Victorians. Drawing on the findings of the community-led consultation, the panel, comprised of 49 Victorians selected from 20,000 people with different life experiences from Melbourne and cities, towns and communities across regional and rural Victoria, stated in their vision that:

By 2050, Victoria will be a vibrant, accessible and connected community, valued for its diverse cultures, sustainable environmental practices and respect for the First Peoples of Victoria.

Building a state that provides choices and opportunities for current and future generations of Victorians in quality housing, transport, employment, environment and connectivity will require input from the community, government, local businesses and industry alike.

We will create a society that caters to the unique needs of all Victorians, nurturing individual health through physical and cultural recreation.

The minister launched Plan for Victoria in 2025. Members of my community are very keen to talk with the minister about her vision, thoughts and goals for our community over the coming years. I look forward to the minister coming down.