The Victorian government has unveiled plans to build more than 70,000 additional homes above and around six Suburban Rail Loop precincts in Melbourne’s east by the 2050s.

On Sunday, the government released its proposed key directions for the project, including land-use changes around stations in Box Hill, Burwood, Glen Waverley, Monash, Clayton and Cheltenham.

It has proposed taller apartment and office buildings in concentrated commercial areas immediately adjacent to the new stations and more townhouses and mid-rise apartments alongside existing homes within walking distance of the stations.

Under the proposal, Box Hill could see buildings up to 40 storeys high constructed while Glen Waverley and Monash will house 25 storey apartments.

Premier Jacinta Allan said the government has a clear vision for more transport, more jobs and more homes for Victorians.

“Melbourne is growing fast and with the Suburban Rail Loop we’re making room for thousands of new homes in the right places — close to transport, jobs and services,” Ms Allan said.

She said the plans were derived from the local communities needs.

“We’ve heard from them [the community], how each of these areas can best accommodate the jobs, the services but also critically too the homes that we know need to be built here around the suburban railway stations,” she said.

“It helps take pressure off that outer suburban sprawl that really puts more pressure on our services and road networks.”

Minister for Transport Infrastructure Danny Pearson said it could ease housing pressures for the next generation.

“More housing options mean local kids have a better shot of owning a home close to where they grew up,” he said.

“We’ve taken on board years of community feedback and this is just the next step in a detailed and proper planning process that involves locals every step of the way.”

Community consultation on the key directions opens today.

‘Financial mess in the making,’ says opposition

Victorian opposition leader John Pesutto described the plans as a “cruel hoax by the government”.

“Make no mistake, there are 40 storey towers coming to a suburb near you,” Mr Pesutto said.

“What they’re going to do is deliver and impose upon communities 40 storey towers.”

He described the project as a “financial mess in the making” and called on the premier to explain “how all of this is going to be funded”.

“Does value capture mean taxes on local residents and local businesses?,” he said.