A MESSAGE FROM VIC CHAPTER PRESIDENT STEPHANIE BULLOCK

Advocacy continues to be a priority for the Victorian Chapter as we work across government and allied professions to champion high-quality, inclusive and climate-responsive outcomes.

Earlier this month, we wrote to the City of Melbourne to express strong support for the First Nations commitments in its Draft Council Plan 2025–2029. These commitments – embedding First Nations knowledge in planning, advancing self-determination, and supporting Indigenous-led cultural initiatives – demonstrate an important shift from symbolism to structural change. We’ve urged Council to activate these commitments through tangible live projects underpinned by business cases that explicitly address systemic injustice.

Today, the Institute lodged its formal submission on the Mid-Rise Standards Consultation Draft, prepared by the Housing Committee in consultation with members experienced in multi-residential housing. While we strongly support streamlined approvals for well-located housing, we have expressed concerns about the draft’s implications for design quality, sustainability and community amenity. We believe any fast-tracked pathway must deliver better-than-minimum environmental and housing outcomes.

In parallel, the Chapter partnered with PIA, AILA and the Urban Design Forum in submitting a joint letter reinforcing our shared concerns on the proposals. Together, we have called for a revised approach that aligns with Victoria’s climate commitments, protects contextual design, and retains a role for meaningful community and professional input.

Finally a reminder that this Thursday, the Chapter will host our next Sustainable Architecture Forum: Electric Futures – Delivering All-Electric Buildings in Victoria. Join us for a critical discussion on pathways, policy and project examples shaping our transition to all-electric buildings.