Eddie Russell
Melton and Moorabool councils have warned more infrastructure will be needed to accommodate the state government’s proposed 2051 housing targets.
Under the draft target released last week, Melton is set to receive 132,000 homes – the third most in the state after Greater Geelong (139,800) and the City of Melbourne (134,000).
It means the number of homes in Melton, which is currently 69,300, will almost triple in less than three decades.
Melton mayor Kathy Majdlik said that the houses could not be built without regard for other essential services.
“There needs to be considered planning around a diversity of housing stock and accessible active open spaces,” she said.
“We also need assurances of timely delivery of critical state infrastructure including water, power, communications, roads, public transport, education and allied health services to support this growth.”
However, she said that Melton council would make the necessary efforts to help where it could with the project.
“As one of Australia’s fastest growing metropolitan areas, Melton City Council continues to be committed to working with the Victorian Government on delivering all that our city needs.”
Moorabool is also set to see a significant increase.
It already has 16,300 current homes, and is expected to receive a further 19,100.
Merrimu, Parwan, Hopetoun Park, and Ballan are all areas that have been earmarked for growth moving forward.
Moorabool council chief executive Derek Madden said the targets were manageable provided infrastructure projects were met.
“The Victorian Government targets, although higher than what council have forecast, are within an acceptable range based on our current planning,” he said.
“Overall, the growth targets are not a huge concern provided investment is made in much needed community infrastructure projects such as the local indoor pool and major road works.”
