Victoria’s push to curb urban sprawl by building more homes in established suburbs is faltering, with new data revealing the proportion of new housing approved on the city’s fringe is now higher than the five-year average. Two years on from the housing statement, the government’s plans are off track. Credit: Joe ArmaoThe latest density figures cast fresh doubt on the government’s ability to meet its 2023 housing statement commitment – made in the dying days of Daniel Andrews’ premiership – that 800,000 homes would be built by 2034. The government fell 20,000 homes short of the annual 80,000 target last year and forecasts predict continued major shortfalls despite expectations of Melbourne’s population exceeding 9 million by 2050. But the Allan government insists its strategy of changing planning laws to allow higher-density developments and setting local housing targets will provide more housing and rein in urban sprawl.