Professor warns Melbourne will ‘descend into a state of dysfunction’ under development plan

A planning professor says Melbourne’s plan for new high-rise precincts around transport hubs is “the wrong way to go” and the city will “descend into a state of … dysfunction” if it goes ahead.

Councils will lose their decision-making powers in precincts around train stations in inner and middle suburbs as part of a push to fast-track the development of a million new dwellings.

Professor of planning at RMIT, Michael Buxton, says high-rise housing has “serious impacts” and doesn’t deliver the promised density benefits.

Press PLAY below to hear why Professor Buxton fears Melbourne will descend into “dysfunction”