A Green Travel Plan involves implementing, monitoring and improving green travel initiatives for a new development.

This allows residents to live without a car/car space or staff to access a building via alternative sustainable transport modes (i.e. non-private motor vehicle).

The site’s location is a key consideration with the following supporting green travel and a move away from private vehicles:

• The development’s proximity to public transport
• All essential services available within a short distance of the development
• Access to car-share schemes for residents that need a car infrequently

Council approval of Green Travel Plans requires these issues to be thoroughly addressed before granting approvals.

As expected, Green Travel Plans are generally targeted to developments in inner and middle-suburban areas, where car ownership is not as necessary relative to outer suburban areas.

Knowing this, inner-city councils such as Melbourne, Port Phillip, Yarra, Stonnington and Moreland actively encourage green travel plans for new developments, often making them part of the conditions for new planning permits.

As more Melbourne councils get an influx of high rise developments increasing density, green travel plans look set to become more commonplace across the suburbs in the years to come.

The push towards sustainability has changed the way people live their lives. Gone are the days of quarter-acre blocks and multiple cars per household. The rise in high-density living has dramatically reduced the need to own a car. With green travel plans and new developments going hand in hand, expect that trend to continue.

If you need a green travel plan for your development, contact us today.