A LEADING urban planning adviser has proposed that Bacchus Marsh residents pay a “metro improvement levy” to fast track much-needed infrastructure.
Professor Roz Hansen, chairwoman of the metropolitan planning strategy, floated the idea of property owners paying a fee tied to agreed projects in collaboration with local government and other agencies.
“It’s just as relevant for Bacchus Marsh,” she said. “It’s one of those outer settlements which is growing quickly.”
Professor Hansen said ratepayers had to follow the lead of previous generations which had invested in infrastructure like the Melbourne underground rail loop.
“We continue to pay an annual parks charge to enhance, manage and maintain our world-class network of major parks, trails, gardens and waterways,” she said.
Asked if it was fair that residents of East Balliang paid a charge to maintain city many parks and gardens, Professor Hansen said it was an investment in the state’s future. “They may not be paying this charge for their generation, but they could be paying it for coming generations. Their children might benefit. There is a shared cost and there is shared benefit.”
She also called for greater housing diversity and said too many large houses were built on small lots.
