By Gladys Barreta
The highly anticipated construction of Mt Atkinson Road, Kirkpatrick Boulevard and Highline Boulevard is set to begin in mid-2025, developers say.
However, residents are skeptical believing that the promised road infrastructure from private developers, Stockland, may never be delivered.
Residents of Mt Atkinson have long raised their concerns with Stockland about the much-needed development of the intersection. They’ve expressed how the absence of a connecting road to other communities has negatively impacted their quality of life.
Without the construction of the Boulevard, residents are currently traveling approximately 15 minutes more than necessary.
These concerns come as new schools are set to open in the area, with parents and students hoping the critical alternate route will ease congestion and improve accessibility.
The Notice of Motion was presented at the March Council meeting on March 24 by Councillor Dr. Phillip Zada, requesting the Council to fast-track the road’s delivery.
Sam Romaszko, Director of City Futures at Melton City Council said the Council passed the Notice of Motion to send a letter to Stockland requesting the expedited construction of Highline and Kirkpatrick Boulevards in Mt Atkinson.
“Council will now write to Stockland as a matter of priority,” he said.
StarWeekly contacted Stockland for a timeline of the construction, and a spokesperson confirmed that work should begin in the coming months.
“Subject to approvals, construction of the Mt Atkinson Road, Kirkpatrick and Highline Boulevard intersection is expected to start in mid-2025 and is expected to open in 2026,” the spokesperson said.
Resident and mother, Maria Carrubba, is skeptical of the many promises Stockland has made to residents, having been disappointed time and time again.
The residents of Mt Atkinson were promised a Westfield shopping center but plans to build it were abandoned last year due to the company citing “lack of feasibility.”
“Until we see the construction of Kirkpatrick and Highline Boulevard or see it happening, we can’t believe it,” Ms. Carrubba said.
“If we can’t be promised amenities, then how can we trust they will deliver the road infrastructure?”
Ms. Carrubba emphasised that improving road infrastructure is high on the residents’ priority list, particularly for easing the daily routines of parents who have to drop off children at school and go to work.
“It will take a lot of stress off residents’ daily lives and once you take that stress away, people will be more inclined to stay here,” she said.
“We moved here at the start of 2022 and have only seen very slow development in the estate. It’s becoming more populated, and the infrastructure is not catching up with that, which is a bit worrying.
“It’s very conflicting because we’re getting a lot of different information from Stockland. They say they’re building it, but I don’t feel like they are being forthright with their residents. We need to know their intentions and where they are going with everything.”
