What Is the Great Design Fast Track?
Great Design Fast Track (GDFT)
The Great Design Fast Track (GDFT) is a bold initiative by the Victorian Government to accelerate planning approvals for high-quality, sustainable housing—without compromising on design excellence. It’s part of the broader strategy to meet Victoria’s housing targets while ensuring new developments are liveable, climate-resilient, and community-focused.
The GDFT is a streamlined planning pathway for apartment and townhouse proposals that are:
- 2 to 8 storeys high
- Include 8 or more dwellings
- Demonstrate exceptional design and sustainability performance
If a project meets the criteria, it can bypass traditional planning bottlenecks—cutting approval times from over a year to as little as 4 months
The 7 Principles of Great Design
The 7 Principles of Great Design
Developments must align with seven design principles, crafted in partnership with the Office of the Victorian Government Architect which are:
- Neighbourly Homes - Enhance local identity and social value
- Welcoming Homes - Promote safety, family, and community
- Landscaped Homes - Support biodiversity and nature connection
- Sustainable Homes - Minimize environmental impact, embed resilience
- Healthy Homes - Improve wellbeing through design
- Adaptable Homes - Meet diverse and changing household needs
- Good Value Homes - Encourage affordability and innovation
These principles are detailed in the State Design Book, which offers visual examples and guidance for applicants.
Eligibility Highlights - Why Sustainable Design Matters More Than Ever
To qualify for the GDFT, proposals must meet strict benchmarks:
- NatHERS rating:
- Apartments: Average 8.0 stars, no dwelling below 6.5 stars
- Townhouses: Minimum 7.5 stars
- Effective natural ventilation in all dwellings
- Design excellence across seven key principles
- Sustainability leadership in materials, water, and indoor environment
Projects under this pathway are exempt from third-party appeals, and the Minister for Planning can waive certain planning requirements like setbacks, height limits, and garden area provisions.
How We Can Help
We provide end-to-end support to help your project meet Great Design Fast Track (GDFT) requirements and stand out for its environmental performance, we help with the following
- NatHERS Energy Ratings - Accurate thermal modeling and star ratings for compliance
- Blower Door Testing - Airtightness verification for improved IEQ and energy performance
- SDA Documentation - Sustainable Design Assessments tailored to GDFT standards
- Client-Ready Reports - Clear, professional documentation for planning approvals
We support:
- Architects & Designers seeking fast-track approvals
- Builders & Developers aiming for high-performance homes
- Planning Consultants needing SDA documentation
Whether you’re building townhouses, apartments, or infill housing, we help you meet the GDFT’s sustainability benchmarks with confidence.
Why Choose Us?
- Green Star Accredited Professional (GSAP) expertise
- Proven track record in NatHERS, BESS, and SDA compliance
- WHS-compliant testing and risk documentation
- Fast turnaround and strategic advice
- Melbourne-based, servicing all of Victoria
- We don’t just tick boxes—we help you build homes that are healthier, smarter, and future-ready.
Projects under this pathway are exempt from third-party appeals, and the Minister for Planning can waive certain planning requirements like setbacks, height limits, and garden area provisions.