The Victorian Government has secured the passage of the Building Legislation and Treasury Legislation (Tax Relief) Amendment Bill 2026, introducing a suite of reforms aimed at improving consumer protection and confidence in the apartment market.

Resilience Insurance, Australia’s leading Latent Defects Insurance (LDI) provider, has welcomed the move.

The LDI elements of the Bill passed with bipartisan support and now moves to the Legislative Council where debate and passage are expected later this month. It represents a significant milestone in the national shift toward stronger, longer-term protection for apartment buyers.&nbsp;

The reform would deliver practical benefits across the housing system. Apartment owners will have stronger protection if major defects emerge, developers and builders will have a clearer quality framework to work within, and the State will reduce the risk of serious building failures becoming a long-term financial and social burden for households, communities and government.&nbsp;

LDI helps support apartment delivery while providing stronger protection for buyers and encouraging better construction outcomes.&nbsp;

Resilience LDI provides apartment owners with 10 years of insurance-backed cover for major structural defects from completion, with direct claim access to the insurer. This means owners are not required to first pursue developers or builders through costly legal action before accessing protection.&nbsp;

Resilience Insurance has been operating in Australia since 2022 and has already insured hundreds of development projects covering many thousands of apartments across Australia.&nbsp;

At approximately 1.8 per cent of build cost, it is a cost-competitive alternative to the traditional two per cent Strata Bond, bond while delivering significantly broader and longer protection.&nbsp;

“The Victorian Lower House vote shows that reforms like this succeed when they are practical, evidence-based and supported by industry," says Corey Nugent, CEO of Resilience Insurance.

"Victoria is moving quickly on a reform that will make a real difference for apartment buyers, while supporting better building outcomes and greater confidence in apartment delivery.

“This is step one. We look forward to the Bill completing its passage through the Legislative Council and to working with government and industry to implement the framework effectively.”&nbsp;

Fast Facts: What is Resilience LDI?&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Resilience Latent Defects Insurance (LDI): Covers major structural defects for 10 years from completion.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Consumer-first: Direct claim access, no need for lengthy legal action.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Cost advantage: At approximately 1.8% of build cost, LDI is typically priced below the traditional 2% Strata Bond while offering broader protection.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Market leader: Resilience Insurance is the first approved LDI provider in NSW.</li>
</ul>

The Building Legislation and Treasury Legislation (Tax Relief) Amendment Bill 2026 has passed the Victorian Lower House, putting Victoria on track to become the first state to legislate an industry workable LDI framework as a formal alternative to the Strata Building bond. 

Joel Robinson

10-year Latent Defects Insurance for new apartment buyers set to land in Victoria

Just a few months after acquiring a prime Broadbeach site on the corner of First Avenue and Surf Parade, family-run developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/raptis">Raptis</a> has filed fresh plans for a new apartment development.

Raptis is seeking to deliver a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/17-19-first-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4217">29-storey tower with 73 apartments</a> on the 818 sqm site. It will be the developer's seventh project in the suburb, as they are approaching completion of The Sterling on George Avenue.

There will be a pool, barbecue and outdoor dining area, residents lounge and dining, sauna and steam room, gym, and a Yoga and Pilates studio.

<img alt="Raptis" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b554da3f-7344-49aa-b1c9-44cf459af0d7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-05%20at%2010.41.45%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=zzjWu1iO1wnuYv4EV4fyOyf5nSXjGYut" />

Raptis Joint Managing Director, Evan Raptis, says they remain&nbsp;committed to developing quality infill sites across the Gold Coast in the lead-up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

"This project continues our long track record of delivery in Broadbeach, and we look forward to bringing another premium development to this thriving precinct."

The announcement follows strong delivery momentum for Raptis, with The Sterling Broadbeach nearing completion and construction well underway on the final stage of the Waterpoint community adjacent to Harbour Town. The developer's continued investment in the Gold Coast reflects confidence in the region's apartment market fundamentals, underpinned by sustained Southeast Queensland population growth.&nbsp;

The outlook for the region is further bolstered by infrastructure investment tied to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, which is expected to drive continued economic and population growth across the SEQ corridor.&nbsp;

Subject to a favourable response from Gold Coast City Council, construction on the new First Avenue tower is targeted to commence before the end of 2026.&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/it-s-all-in-the-family-four-decades-later-raptis-continues-to-shape-the-gold-coast-skyline">It’s all in the family: Four decades later, Raptis continues to shape the Gold Coast skyline</a>

Read more: <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/raptis-secures-prime-surf-parade-site-for-next-broadbeach-apartment-development">Raptis secures prime Surf Parade site for next Broadbeach apartment development</a> 
&nbsp;

Gold Coast developer brings seventh Broadbeach project to market, targeting construction commencement before year end

First look: Raptis lodges plans for new 29-storey Broadbeach tower 

Brisbane development veteran Kevin Seymour's Seymour Group is set to deepen its presence on one of Brisbane's most tightly held riverfront addresses, lodging revised plans for a luxury apartment development on Oxlade, just a few doors down from The Oxlade, which it completed in 2024.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/70-72-oxlade-drive-new-farm-qld-4005">new project at 70-72 Oxlade Drive</a>, directly north of The Oxlade, will have 27 apartments across a seven-storey building&nbsp;overlooking the Brisbane River and Merthyr Park. It's a revision from a 2021-approved design.

Designed by bureau^proberts, the project has evolved from the previously approved 26-apartment scheme, introducing an additional penthouse level while maintaining a low-density, boutique character. The development will comprise 26 three-bedroom apartments and a single four-bedroom penthouse, supported by two basement levels with 86 car spaces and 34 bicycle spaces.

The architectural response is centred around two distinct building forms separated by a landscaped open-air atrium.&nbsp;"This dual composition captures and embraces Brisbane’s subtropical environment whilst breaking down built form and scale," the submission to the Brisbane City Council noted.

<img alt="First look: Seymour Group returns to Oxlade Drive with revised riverfront apartment plans in New Farm" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c12d84d0-bc11-4067-b46f-5bd2d786a34d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/new%20farm%20landscape.png?VersionId=YEPc2k5CAdh6aAPlu4uVpgZadh4MEfRd" />

A defining feature of the design is a deep landscaped void running through the centre of the building, creating what bureau^proberts describes as a "natural ravine" that enhances airflow, daylight penetration and resident amenity. The design report notes that the separation of the two building volumes is intended to maximise natural light, cross-ventilation and outlook while strengthening connections to the surrounding riverfront setting.

Curved balcony edges, integrated planting and extensive landscaping throughout the façade reinforce the subtropical design approach. The building's façade is softened by elevated gardens and planter beds, creating a green edge that complements the established landscape character of Oxlade Drive and neighbouring Merthyr Park.

New Farm has become one of Brisbane's most sought-after suburbs for developers delivering premium downsizer-focused apartments.

GRAYA has been particularly active in the precinct, completing both Chalk and York in recent years, while construction of Moray House, being delivered for Spyre, is now nearing completion. Architect-turned-developer Joe Adsett recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/arcilla-new-farm-by-joe-adsett-28-maxwell-street-new-farm-qld-4005">Arcilla on Maxwell Street</a>, an exclusive collection of just nine apartments.

First look: Seymour Group returns to New Farm's Oxlade Drive with riverfront apartment plans

A new residential tower will be the first piece of a broader mixed-use precinct set to reshape a prominent Newcastle West site, with local developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> bringing its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/cambridge-quarter-newcastle-west-12-denison-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Cambridge Quarter</a> vision to market.

The first release, Tempo, will introduce 87 apartments across a 24-storey tower, marking Stage 1 of the residential component of a larger urban regeneration project planned for the western end of Newcastle's city centre, encompassing the former Cambridge Hotel site.

Positioned on Denison Street, Tempo has been designed as the inaugural building within Cambridge Quarter, a precinct that will ultimately combine apartments, retail activation and revitalised public spaces including the revamping of the Cambridge Hotel.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368853]

The tower will comprise a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, including layouts with multipurpose rooms, catering to a broad cross-section of owner-occupiers. Apartment sizes range from around 60 sqm to 192 sqm, with a number of residences oriented to capture views across Newcastle Harbour, the city skyline and coastline.

GWH has emphasised liveability in the design, with open-plan layouts extending to generous balconies and terraces. Residents will have a choice of two interior palettes, while specifications include engineered stone benchtops, SMEG appliances, full-height bathroom tiling and secure building access. Premium upgrade packages will also be available.

Multiple rooftop resident retreats will provide communal outdoor space overlooking the harbour and city, offering an elevated amenity layer above the activity of the precinct below.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368851]

The broader Cambridge Quarter vision extends beyond the residential tower itself. Ground-level retail activation and landscaped public areas are planned throughout the precinct, creating a walkable neighbourhood environment connected to the surrounding renewal of Newcastle West. The Cambridge Hotel is also earmarked for future redevelopment into a family-friendly hospitality venue integrated with the new precinct.

The project is strategically positioned within walking distance of Newcastle Interchange, providing access to light rail, regional rail services and direct connections to Sydney. Residents will also be close to Honeysuckle, Newcastle Harbour and the city's beaches and coastal walkways.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368852]

For GWH, Cambridge Quarter represents one of its most significant Newcastle developments to date. The locally based developer, which has operated in the Hunter region since 1995, describes the project as a new chapter in the ongoing transformation of Newcastle West.

GWH Executive Director Jonathan Craig said the project had been shaped by a focus on creating lasting community connections.

"We take pride in creating places that last. Spaces where people feel connected, comfortable and a genuine sense of belonging," Craig said.

"Cambridge Quarter is something we are truly proud of, a place shaped by local knowledge, built with care and designed to be part of Newcastle's next chapter."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135876]

GWH unveils first release at landmark Cambridge Quarter precinct in Newcastle West

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ss-projects">S&amp;S Projects</a>,&nbsp;Rainbow Bay's busiest developer,&nbsp;has officially lodged plans for the largest development in its booming local portfolio, seeking approval for a further 88 apartments on Boundary Street.

The proposal&nbsp;at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">209–213 Boundary Street, Coolangatta</a>,&nbsp;marks the next chapter in the developer's transformation of the southern Gold Coast beachside precinct. It will be its fifth in the area, having already delivered Flow, Awaken and Esprit, while construction continues on the 38-apartment Radia. The new project would rise 57 metres above a consolidated 1,518 sqm site, on the same street as Radia and Esprit.

&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>, the proposed development comprises 88 two and three-bedroom apartments across a contemporary podium-and-tower form that integrates extensive landscaping from street level through to the rooftop.

The tower would be delivered above a basement and multi-level podium accommodating resident and visitor parking, with the residential component commencing from level three. The design incorporates cascading planting throughout the façade, landscaped podium edges, and deep planting zones along the Boundary Street frontage.

<img alt="First look: S&amp;S Projects lodges plans for 88-apartment wellness tower at Coolangatta's Boundary Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="677e6615-b5c0-4b6c-b4f9-efb14fcde1a6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ss%20da%20pers.png?VersionId=YOnPKQm7IFXv0M5H326djEpxk80500Hi" />

A key feature of the development is its expansive rooftop wellness and recreation precinct. Plans reveal a resort-style pool deck, gymnasium, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, rooftop terraces, barbecue areas and landscaped relaxation spaces positioned to capture views across the southern Gold Coast coastline.

The rooftop wellness focus builds on the vision S&amp;S Projects first outlined when it acquired the site for $20.25 million last year.

"We are taking every advantage to create a truly unique rooftop wellness experience with a natural feel for residents, offering stone features throughout and an underlying theme that emulates a botanical garden," S&amp;S Projects founder and director Paul Gedoun said at the time.

The proposal seeks a 57-metre building height, representing a 50 per cent uplift on the site's mapped 38-metre height limit. Planning documents argue the additional height is consistent with recently approved and emerging towers in the immediate Boundary Street and Rainbow Bay precinct.

Urbis, acting as planning consultant, said the development would provide "88 dwellings, comprising a mix of two and three-bedroom apartments, contributing to housing choice and supply within an established medium to high-rise coastal urban neighbourhood."

The scheme has undergone extensive pre-lodgement consultation with the City of Gold Coast, with the design refined following feedback relating to architectural expression, landscaping, traffic access and podium treatment.

<img alt="S&amp;S" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0a2d70fd-62ac-4b83-97c6-b798fc1243dd" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-05%20at%209.16.31%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=yHmghUwKM3IVGpBktQU1mE.0Lpf3WimG" />

The architectural team is led by Brisbane-based Cottee Parker, one of Australia's most active residential design studios, with landscape architecture by Dunn + Moran. The consultant team also includes ADG Engineers, Windtech and Acoustic Works.

S&amp;S Projects has become one of the most influential private developers operating on the southern Gold Coast. Since entering Rainbow Bay in 2022, the company has assembled a portfolio exceeding $1 billion in end value, establishing itself as a key player in the area's evolution into a premium apartment destination. Pezet Matheson will again handle the sales for S&amp;S.

Coolangatta is entering another wave of apartment development, following the delivery of several prominent residential projects in recent years.

John Kearney's Immerse Projects will launch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kaiya-kirra-beach-5-haig-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Kaiya on Haig Street</a>&nbsp;soon, meanwhile, Palm Beach-based Sherpa Property Group is preparing to bring its debut Coolangatta development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-viver-87-griffith-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Flourish Viveré</a>, to market later this year, subject to approvals.

First look: S&S Projects proposes 88-apartment wellness tower at Coolangatta's Boundary Street

Myki

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The Altona loop is next in line to get the construction blitz treatment with the level crossing removal programme for the area set to shut the line down for approximately six weeks.

Between the 16th of June and the 29th of July buses will replace trains on the Altona Loop as work continues to remove the Kororoit Creek Road level crossing.

Contracts were signed in May 2017 for the Altona Loop line level crossing removal at the same time as contracts were awarded for Abbotts Road in Dandenong South, Aviation Road in Laverton and Furguson Street in Williamstown.

The Altona loop railway track will be elevated above Kororoit Creek Road and the new rail bridge will also include duplicated track.  The existing level crossing consists of a single bi-directional track which splits in two at the junction with the main Werribee line to the north of Kororoit Creek Road.

The level crossing removal will extend the duplicated track south of Kororoit Creek Road, however, the entire Altona loop will not be duplicated as part of the level crossing removal programme.

A Spring Street media release says there will "also be some overnight closures of Kororoit Creek Road at the level crossing with traffic detours in place, and some off-peak closures of the Werribee Line, where buses will replace trains between Newport and Werribee".

Continuing an Australian-first construction technique that has already been used in rail bridges on the Skye/Overton Road level crossing removal and Mernda railway line extension project, the Kororoit Creek Road level crossing removal will be made up of forty L-shape beams that will be transported overnight from Kilmore and then craned into place during the day.

<h2>Mobile Myki trial announced</h2>

The Minister for Public Transport has announced a trial to allow public transport commuters to use their Android smartphones to pay for fares.

The trial will utilise a custom-built Android app and near-field communication technology to integrate with the existing Myki ticket barriers and card readers across the Victorian public transport network.

Initially, the trial will be limited to a small industry-based test user group on Android devices with a wider public test group to be included in the trial later in the year.

A Spring Street media release states "discussions will continue during the trial to explore other smartphone users access Mobile Myki".

The trial period is expected to run until early 2019 when a decision will be made about a system-wide rollout.

For more information, see <a href="https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/mobilemyki">ptv.vic.gov.au/mobilemyki</a>
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Alastair Taylor

Level crossing removal construction blitz for Altona as mobile Myki trial announced

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The Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan has announced that current Myki operator NTT Data has been awarded a new seven year, $700 million, contract to operate Victoria's public transport ticketing system.

In a media release distributed on Tuesday morning, the Minister stated "this is a stronger contract that provides a better deal for Victoria and paves the way for major improvements to myki. It provides stronger performance requirements and will deliver better value for money by ensuring any unanticipated costs are borne by the operator - not taxpayers".

The Minister also stated that the government will "immediately begin investigating new contactless technology, including the ability for passengers to touch on and off with their credit card or smart phone".

No timeframe for the implementation of new access technology was provided however this new aspect of Myki 2.0 builds upon the marked improvements made to fare gates at central Melbourne and select suburban stations; the reduction in time it takes for online topups to credit to a Myki account; and the speed improvements to Myki readers on trams.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/myki_vix_gates_springvale.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="New Myki gates at Springvale Station. Image Marcus Wong"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/myki_vix_gates_springvale.jpg?itok=o5rmXx1x" title="New Myki gates at Springvale Station. Image Marcus Wong" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>New Myki gates at Springvale Station. Image <a href="https://railgallery.wongm.com/myki/F110_1946.jpg">Marcus Wong</a></figcaption></figure><h2>Comment</h2>

Famed for its Oyster smartcard system, implemented last decade, Transport for London (TfL) now <a href="https://tfl.gov.uk/fares-and-payments/contactless/other-methods-of-contactless-payment">offers a myriad of payment options</a> that utilise contactless technology either through smart phones or smart phone accessories.

TfL accepts payment through apps that utilise Apple Pay (launched through ANZ in Australia) and Android Pay (imminent launch by ANZ and Westpac in Australia) as well as local payment methods such as utilising mobile phone credit through the UK Vodafone network.

If I were to create a wishlist for Myki 2.0, it would include the same depth of payment options as TfL's repertoire. Access should also be granted to the public transport network through the use of Bank-issued Visa Paywave and Mastercards Paypass enabled cards.

Notwithstanding the benefits to the Victorians who currently don't have a Myki card, as Melbourne gains more and more interstate and international travellers, allowing them to utilise a wide range of payment options can only be a good thing.

Likewise, bringing non-Myki services like Skybus on to the network should be a priority. An inbound traveller to Melbourne should simply be able to walk off the plane, collect their luggage and then walk on to the bus, swiping their credit/debit card or smartphone in the process and then be on their way.

There would be different fares for Skybus (and no doubt with any future airport rail service) but Myki 2.0 should aim to make access as universal as possible, without the need to have a specific card.

Lead image credit: <a href="http://www.danielbowen.com/2015/12/11/myki-evolution/">"Myki improvements are an evolution, not a revolution" (danielbowen.com)</a>
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Myki 2.0 contract signed, new payment technology to be investigated

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Last month <a href="http://urbanmelbourne.info/transport/2013/05/11/williams-landing-station-a-photographic-overview#content" target="_blank">Williams Landing Railway Station</a> opened to much fanfare, and much relief for the residents of Point Cook and Williams Landing. Costing a total of $110 million (Station $86 million, access road $24 million), it's the Taj Mahal of train stations! Containing 500 car spaces, a bridge linking Point Cook and Williams Landing and a major bus interchange, it should be a commuter's wet dream. But it has one major drawback - it's in zone 2.
I attended the grand opening of the station, where it seemed hundreds of families admired the very grand architecture, the impressive view from the bridge, and the somewhat ghost town appearance of the multiple bus stops stretching out into the distance waiting to be used. It turned out I was quite naive in thinking people were there to check out the facilities for possible future use - it seems they were there for the free balloons and sausage in a sandwich. The more I listened to people comment on it, the more disturbed I became...
"Looks nice but there's no way I'm gonna use it as it's in Zone 2. Still gonna drive to Laverton".
Now for anyone that hasn't tried to park at Laverton Station in peak hour before, let's just say you have a better chance of getting a park at Highpoint on Christmas Eve! Yet due to the price differential between Zone 1 and 2, people are still happy to run this gauntlet, and even risk fines for parking in illegal spots.
I've often heard the argument of 'My station is just outside of the boundary, they should just change it to Zone 1'. Of course, you can take this argument to the nth degree. If you keep moving the boundary by one station, people who use the next station will always be 'just one station from the boundary'. Eventually you'll just end up with the whole network in Zone 1! And whilst many people would be happy with that scenario, it's hardly viable economically, nor fair, to have someone traveling from Footscray to Flinders St (2 stops, 6.4km) pay the same as some traveling from Pakenham (29 stops, 56.9km).
So lets do the maths. A full fare 7 day Zone 1 Myki Pass costs $35, compared to a Zone 1/2 pass at $59.20. That's a weekly saving of almost $25, quite substantial by most people's standards. And rightfully so - $25 buys you almost 3 bottles of Holgate 'Temptress' Chocolate Porter at the Station Hotel in Footscray on a lazy Sunday afternoon. So people are well vindicated in their avoidance measures.
Current weekly rate 7 day pass
<img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_702px" height="80" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Zone_1-2_Price_table.jpg?itok=Rj2eegxe" width="702">
So what's the solution? Basically the price gap needs to be narrowed between the zones; so much so the incentive to drive to Zone 1 is no longer there. Dramatically reducing the cost of a Zone 1/2 ticket will create the inequality mentioned earlier, not to mention a massive revenue shortfall. So my solution is... (drum roll for expectant backlash)... More zones! (OK, I'm covering my face; you can throw the tomatoes now)!
Now I'm not advocating a return to the old 3 zone system with its associated price structure. The old cost of a zone 1/2/3 ticket was cost prohibitive. The cost of a zone 1 ticket should remain the same as a minimum, and the highest cost should be the same as the maximum now, i.e. of a zone 1/2 ticket. However, there should be 6 zones in between.
Proposed weekly rate 7 day pass
<img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_702px" height="72" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Zone_1-6_Price_table.jpg?itok=6F5dXM3T" width="702">
* Any combinations of zones 2-6
People's first reaction may be that this is too complex. However the introduction of Myki has taken any guess work out of the equation - you don't need to know what zones you are traveling through, Myki will automatically work out the appropriate fare for you.  Zone boundaries would be at 10km intervals.  This would mean that the current end-of-the-line stations would be in the following zones:
Zone 1: Flemington Racecourse (7.8km)
Zone 2: Alamein (14.9km), Williamstown (15.5km), Sandringham (17.9km)
Zone 3: Upfield (20.1km), Glen Waverly (20.9km), South Morang (24.7km), Craigiburn (27.0km)
Zone 4: Werribee(32.9km), Hurstibridge (36.7km), Lilydale (37.8km), Melton (39km), Sunbury (39.5km)
Zone 5: Belgrave (41.3km), Frankston (42.7km), Cranbourne (44.0km)
Zone 6: Pakenham (56.9km), Stony Point (73.3km)*
* Technically Stony Point would fall outside of Zone 6 (50-59km). Myki is soon being rolled out for regional areas, which have their own Zone system, but could easily be integrated with this proposal by beginning at Zone 7.  However as the Stony Point Line is currently part of the Metro network, I am happy for it to remain so as part of an 'extended' Zone 6.
Under this proposal, no-one in the current Zone 2 would pay more.  As the radius of the current Zone 1 is approx 20km (it varies for each line), some people in the current Zone 1 may incur a slight increase.  This is not only necessary to balance the the revenue shortfall of the people paying less in the other zones, it is also fair.  Not only do commuters closer to the city have a greater choice (trams, more train lines/stations closer together), they also benefit from more frequent services), thus making the small price differential justifiable.  Furthermore PTV could impose a 3 year price freeze to offset any of the once off price increases.
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Huntingdale%20Rd.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Huntingdale Rd in the morning"><img alt="" class="image-article-half-width-351px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_half_width_351px/public/pictures/article-images/Huntingdale%20Rd.jpg?itok=UPNi0WFc" title="Huntingdale Rd in the morning" typeof="Image"></a>
Huntingdale Rd 'Car park' in the mornings
A $5 weekly fare gap is much lower than $25, and should reduce the incentive for people to drive across zones to catch a train.  In fact, in my initial example, Williams Landing would be in the same zone as Laverton, thus sparing Laverton station car park the massive overcrowding it currently suffers.  Huntingdale station is another that comes to mind, with cars parked along Huntingdale Rd for several hundred metres, much to the chagrin of the local residents.  
It also makes sense that commuters who travel further distances, placing more running and maintenance costs on the system, pay for this imbalance. And that the price rises incrementally, rather than one huge jump as is now.  
As a bonus, it may act to help something this very website is trying champion - the reduction of urban sprawl.  If prices are significantly dearer on the outer rim, maybe, just maybe, people will start to think twice before buying that McMansion in Pakenham!
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