Balfe Park Lane by Kerstin Thompson Architects – cited by the Victorian government as an example of well-designed, sustainable apartments. This kind of exemplar project embodies the high-quality design and sustainability standards that the Great Design Fast Track initiative aims to reward. Only developments demonstrating such excellence stand to benefit from the program’s streamlined approval pathway.
Overwhelming Early Interest
In just a short time since the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) launched the Great Design Fast Track initiative, the level of interest has been extraordinary. We’ve been fielding a significant volume of enquiries from developers and architects eager to take advantage of this new accelerated pathway. It’s inspiring to see such enthusiasm — it signals that our industry is keen to deliver better housing and recognizes this program as a serious opportunity to elevate architectural ambition. The excitement is palpable, and as an industry-leading professional at GIW, I share in that excitement. However, as was stated by Voltaire, “They must consider that great responsibility follows inseparably from great power”. Thus it must be understood that with this opportunity comes a responsibility to meet the moment with genuine quality.
No “Free Pass” on Permits
One thing needs to be clearly understood: permits won’t simply be handed out through this fast-track. This is not a free-for-all or a shortcut for projects that merely tick basic boxes. DTP’s message is clear that only truly outstanding proposals will qualify for the streamlined process. To earn a place in the Great Design Fast Track, a project must demonstrate both design excellence and sustainability leadership. In other words, it’s not enough to want a fast-tracked permit – you have to earn it with the caliber of your proposal.
Proposals will need to demonstrate:
- Exemplar architectural quality: Design that is outstanding in aesthetics, functionality, and context – essentially, projects that stand out as exemplars of great design in the community.
- Ambitious, rigorously conceived ESD outcomes: Sustainability measures that go well beyond compliance, with environmentally sustainable design (ESD) woven thoughtfully into the project from the ground up. The initiative explicitly “raises the bar for the sustainability and performance” of new developments, meaning developments must target above-standard environmental credentials (for example, the average 8-star NatHERS energy rating for apartments).
These requirements set a high threshold. This isn’t about doing the minimum; it’s about showcasing what best-practice design looks like in 2025 – from architectural innovation to energy efficiency and livability. We should all view this as a challenge to push our designs to the next level, rather than a fast-track rubber stamp.
Qualitative and Rigorous Assessment
It’s also worth noting that DTP’s assessment process will necessarily be qualitative in part, and the expectations will be correspondingly high. Unlike some planning pathways that might rely on quantitative checklists alone, the Great Design Fast Track involves an expert design review. In fact, the Office of the Victorian Government Architect (OVGA) is leading the assessment of applications against the GDFT design principles, to ensure a high standard is upheld. This means seasoned architects and design experts will be looking closely at the nuances of each proposal’s design quality and sustainability innovations.
The review process will be rigorous. Meeting the baseline criteria (such as the number of dwellings or an energy rating target) is just the start. The real question will be: Does your project holistically embody design excellence and sustainability? Does it inspire confidence that it will “stand the test of time in quality, design, aesthetics, sustainability and cost?” ( (to quote Minister Sonya Kilkenny’s vision). If the answer is yes, then the fast-track can reward you. If not, it won’t matter how quickly you came knocking – the pathway won’t open unless you genuinely meet the mark.
This qualitative judgment aspect is crucial. We as peers in the industry should see it as an encouraging sign: it’s not just fast track, it’s great design fast track – emphasis on great design. The initiative is essentially telling us that if you bring something remarkable to the table, we’ll streamline your journey. That’s a professional, thoughtful stance by DTP, and one that challenges us to aim higher. I find that aspirational.
A Strategic Reality Check
There’s another strategic consideration to keep in mind: If a proposal isn’t accepted via the fast-track stream, what might that mean for its prospects through the traditional Local Govenment and VCAT approval path? It’s a pointed question, but an important one for applicants to ask themselves. The Great Design Fast Track is setting a benchmark for what constitutes a high-quality development. If your project fails to make the cut in this program, that could be an early indicator that something fundamental needs improvement. After all, a design deemed not up to scratch by the OVGA and DTP’s criteria is likely to face even greater challenges under the usual scrutiny of local councils or VCAT. Neighbourhood objectors, council planners, and tribunal members are increasingly expecting better design and sustainability outcomes too. So if your fast-track application is declined, it’s wise to view it as valuable feedback. It may be time to reassess and uplift the proposal’s quality before proceeding down the conventional route (where the process can be even more protracted and uncertain if the design isn’t strong enough).
In short: treat the Fast Track’s high bar as a litmus test for your project’s overall viability. If you’re not hitting that mark now, take a step back and consider how you can improve the design or ESD features, rather than simply trying your luck through standard channels. It will save time in the long run and lead to better outcomes for everyone.
GIW is Ready to Help – Let’s Rise to the Moment
The Great Design Fast Track initiative represents a bold step towards better-designed, more sustainable housing in Victoria. It’s a call-to-action for all of us – architects, developers, ESD consultants, planners – to raise our game and deliver the kinds of projects that truly deserve to be fast-tracked. At GIW, we are excited about this momentum and fully prepared to help design teams and clients rise to this occasion. Our team has long been committed to delivering environmentally sustainable design excellence, and we see this as the perfect moment to apply our expertise in service of architectural ambition.
If you’re aiming to seize this opportunity, let’s collaborate. GIW is ready to guide project teams in meeting the GDFT’s high expectations – from crafting rigorously sustainable designs to ensuring your project exemplifies architectural excellence. We’re here to help you turn great ideas into great buildings, and to navigate the path to approval with both speed and excellence. Reach out to discuss how we can elevate your project to meet this new standard. Together, let’s embrace the challenge and set a new benchmark for what “great design” means in our city.