The Victorian Planning Authority (VPA) is a State Government statutory authority within the Department of Transport and Planning that reports to the Minister for Planning.
Victoria is growing, with a projected population of up to 10 million people by 2050.
It is the VPA’s main task to make sure Melbourne and Victoria’s regions remain great places to live. This requires vision and long-term planning, to ensure Victorians have equitable access to employment, public transport, attractive public space and affordable housing.
The VPA was founded in 2006, originally as the Growth Areas Authority (GAA), to plan Melbourne’s new suburbs in our growth corridors.
Our work has since been expanded to undertake strategic planning and coordinated infrastructure for the future growth and transformation of Victoria’s cities and regions – from new suburbs in growth areas, to areas undergoing change and growth in inner and middle Melbourne and our growing regional towns and cities.
From 1 January 2025 the Victorian Planning Authority (VPA) became part of the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP).
The VPA Board consists of a sole Commissioner, the Secretary of the Department of Transport and Planning, who oversees and assumes responsibility on behalf of the Minister for Planning for all VPA roles and functions undertaken by the VPA Board.
The CEO, Victorian Planning Authority, is also the Head of Spatial Planning in the Department of Transport and Planning.
The Spatial Planning Division is tasked with delivering place-based plans that provide zoned permit-ready land to enable housing and jobs creation, and to coordinate State Government interests as that land is developed.
The Executive Director of the New Communities Team is responsible for delivering the VPA’s greenfield work program across Victoria including Melbourne and regional centres and reports to the Head of Spatial Planning.
The VPA assists with the implementation of the initiatives articulated in the long-term planning blueprint for our state, Plan for Victoria. Working closely with councils, government departments and the community, the VPA’s program focuses on land use and infrastructure planning for strategically important precincts.
The VPA work program comprises of projects approved by the Minister for Planning in our most recent annual Business Plan, as subsequently varied by the Minister.
The VPA will retain its existing identity and presence with the Victorian community, including as the gateway for industry. The VPA website will continue to be the key platform for project updates and accessing relevant project information for stakeholders and the community.
Find out more about the VPA’s governance.