Liam McNally
A new development is expected for Hopetoun Park that would see it grow by 62 hectares and nearly double its population, following a rezoning greenlight from Moorabool council.
At a council meeting on Wednesday, February 7, a Planning Scheme Amendment came before council to rezone 62 hectares of land from the farm to neighbourhood residential.
The development area, which council has called Hopetoun Park North, is immediately north of the current Hopetoun Park, bordered by the Western Highway to its north, Hopetoun Park Road to the east, and the natural escarpment to the west.
The proposed future development would provide for about 1200 residents and include about 400 lots to be comprised of 1500sqm lots around the periphery of the site, and 800sqm lots within, significant native vegetation to be protected in reserves, active open space, up to 6ha of conservation reserve, an area identified for local activity and retail centre land for a kindergarten, community centre and Maternal Child Health Centre and a drainage reserve of approximately 0.9ha.
More than $10 million will be provided in developer contributions.
In its current form, existing land uses are limited to cropping, and some grazing and equine activities. There are two rural dwellings located within the site and identified areas of remnant native vegetation.
The land is held by three owners, however the proponent of the rezoning holds the vast majority, 58 ha of the developable land.
To progress the Planning Scheme Amendment for Hopetoun Park North, Council is required to seek authorisation from the Minister for Planning to prepare and exhibit the amendment.
Following state government authorisation, a period of public exhibition will be undertaken. Relevant residents, landowners and the wider community will be invited to make submissions to Council on the proposed amendment.
A report will be brought to Council following public exhibition and Council will be able request a planning panel to consider any unresolved submissions.
Moorabool council chief executive Derek Madden said Hopetoun Park North was identified within the Bacchus Marsh Urban Growth Framework as a future residential growth area.
“The amendment will support the creation of a master planned subdivision with supporting community infrastructure located to the north of the existing residential area of Hopetoun Park,“ he said.
“Council will now submit the amendment to the Minister for Planning for consideration.“
