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Unlocking surplus government land

We’re rezoning and re-building on land government no longer needs.

Opening doors by unlocking government land

The Victorian Government is identifying more opportunities for affordable housing across Victoria through better use of surplus government land.

As announced in Victoria’s Housing Statement, we are working to unlock and rezone surplus government land to deliver around 9,000 homes across 45 sites in both metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria. At least 10 per cent of affordable homes will be built across these sites.

These homes will be close to jobs, community infrastructure, public transport, giving Victorians the opportunity to remain connected with community.

New homes all around Victoria

The Victorian Government is delivering new land for more homes around the state through various government initiatives.

Through the Land Coordinator General and the Government Land Planning Service,(opens in a new window) we’re also establishing partnerships with private sector developers to deliver new housing opportunities in areas close to transport, jobs and services.

VicTrack land for more homes near trains

We’re unlocking two government land sites near Oakleigh and Footscray stations, along the Metro Tunnel’s train line – delivering more homes near public transport.

The two sites are well suited for mid-rise living and have the potential to deliver around 240 homes, with a minimum of 10 per cent affordable homes.

VicTrack is currently overseeing the Expression of Interest (EOI) process to explore commercial partnerships that boost the number of homes on these surplus land sites – homes for young people to buy or rent. The successful bidders will determine the type of housing offered at each site and will be required to start construction within 18 months.

More homes through the Small Sites program

The Victorian Government’s Small Sites program is unlocking government land to deliver housing in prime locations across Melbourne with connection to jobs, transport, education and services.

The Small Sites Pilot Program launched in 2024 saw four sites of surplus government land unlocked in Alphington, Coburg, Malvern and Preston – with a potential for 260 homes to be built. 10 per cent of affordable homes will be built across these sites to accelerate medium density housing projects where people need it most.

Following the success of the pilot program which received strong market interest from developers, the Victorian Government has announced six additional sites – across Regional Victoria and Metropolitan Melbourne as part of a second tranche of the Small Sites program in Croydon South, Heidelberg West, Carlton, Baxter, Bendigo and Geelong.

Across all 10 sites, the Small Sites program will deliver approximately 600 homes, in collaboration with councils, industry partners and local communities to ensure these developments are delivered to accelerate housing supply for Victorians.

More sites are expected to be added to the second tranche of the Small Sites program before the release of the Expression of Interest.

You can learn more about the Small Sites program through Development Victoria(opens in a new window).

New homes in the Arden Precinct

The Victorian Government is progressing work to develop the Arden Precinct into a home for 20,000 Victorians. A Request for Proposal (RfP) process is underway on the government landholding area in Arden Central for up to 6000 residents. The RfP requires a minimum of 1,000 residential dwellings be delivered in stage 1 of development.

Future residents will be conveniently situated on the doorstep of the new Arden Metro Tunnel train station.

Learn more about the Vision for the Arden Precinct and the Arden Central Request for Proposal process.

https://www.development.vic.gov.au/projects/arden?page=overview

Updated 16 May 2025

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