Red and Black Architect interviews the Planning Minister

It is almost 1 year since the Andrews Labor Government swept to power in Victoria. As noted at the time, the 2014 election was dominated by built environment issues. The then Planning Minister, Matthew Guy, had recently rezoned Fishermans Bend had been given the title of ‘Mr Skyscraper’ from certain sections of the mainstream media. Tony Abbott was in the action too, by proclaiming the state election as ‘a referendum on the East West Link’. Architects, planners and urban design professionals were becoming increasingly frustrated, as experts were ignored and undermined by political ideology.

Enter a new Planning Minister, Richard Wynne.

After such a polarizing election, there is a lot of expectation about the new direction that is currently being navigated. Plan Melbourne, the strategic document that sets the agenda for the growth of Victoria’s Capital, is being given a refresh. Public transport is now back on the agenda, aided in no small part by the change in Prime Minister. Apartment standards are now being given serious and substantial attention.

Nearly 12 months into the job, Richard Wynne took the time to answer a broad spectrum of planning and built environment questions.

In part 1 of this interview, the Planning Minister fields questions on Plan Melbourne, the resolution of the East West Link planning approval and the progress on apartment design standards.

Continue reading part 1 of the interview on the Red and Black Architect's blog.