NEW roads and train stations to cater for future growth in Melton will be funded by housing developers, according to Planning Minister Matthew Guy.
After the state government last month approved two new suburbs at Rockbank North and Diggers Rest, paving the way for more than 30,000 new residents, Mr Guy said a “works-in-kind” arrangement would mean vital infrastructure could be provided sooner.
Introduced last year, the policy permits developers to provide infrastructure or public facilities instead of cash contributions to government when building in growth areas.
The government’s growth corridor plans for Melton identify opportunities for new train stations at Toolern and at Paynes Road, Rockbank, along with upgrades to the existing Rockbank station.
Mr Guy said the stations were on the government’s list of long-term priorities.
“These projects have been identified in the long-term growth corridor plans so that when there is a need to built, it can be done sensibly and without hassles and possibly through the new works-in-kind regime,” he said.
This comes amid concerns Melton’s projected growth will put more pressure on already strained roads and services.
Melton Labor MP Don Nardella said Mr Guy needed to commit to funding much-needed infrastructure projects before building new suburbs. “What’s his log of claims to the developers? Is it Rockbank station, is it the upgrade of the Melton Highway? You don’t just allot 6500 blocks to be built in Rockbank North and then think about what’s needed.”
Melton Council last year cried foul over the works-in-kind arrangement, saying they excluded councils from the decision-making process.
Council’s planning manager, Luke Shannon, welcomed the approval of the new structure plans, which would create new commercial and retail opportunities in the shire. But he said it was crucial the government increased funding for major projects.
