THE Baillieu Government finds itself stuck between a green wedge and a hard place.
On one hand the new government needs to find more vacant land to fulfil its election pledge to tackle housing affordability. On the other it has to ensure Melbourne's urban expansion does not destroy the character, environment and liveability of our city. Premier Ted Baillieu (right) will win praise for his latest plan to free up more land in the hope of driving down prices in urban growth areas.
Few people will see anything wrong with giving first-home buyers a helping hand to be able to enter the market.
But they may have a problem with today's revelation that the Government will consider extending the urban growth boundary if its new land affordability plan doesn't work.
Former premier John Brumby announced in December his government would consider tens of thousands more hectares of land outside the existing boundary if Labor returned to power.
His demise has put the plan in Mr Baillieu's hands and it seems the Coalition intends to act fast.
Land cleared for release under the new plan will come from within the urban growth boundary - for now.
Though any further extension of the boundary will please developers and land buyers, it will infuriate conservationists who will watch closely, fearing signs of over-development.
Planning Minister Matthew Guy acknowledges land supply is not the only factor driving up prices. But it is a major one.
The Baillieu Government went to the polls promising to make it easier for Victorians to buy their first home. The reality is that Melbourne land prices have become untenable for many, even in outer areas.
More land is needed to help solve the problem, and it is needed now.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/opinion/green-wedges-face-the-chop/story-e6frfhqf-1225992948481
