General Plan Report Is in Draft Form Only and Has Not Yet Been Adopted by Council

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I .. DRAFT 3rd Edition - 29.6.92 ~~~" ~ Co,111 I ·~ ~ ~ 1P I .....~ ~.... I c:» CD SHIRE OF BULLA I I I GENERAL I PLAN I Towards 2011 I I ,I I I

f' R E f' A R E 0 f 0 R T H E

.I Shire of Bulla I 8 y Henshall Hansen Associates Gerner & Sanderson Australia Pty Ltd I Arup Transportation Planning McVicar & Reynolds I WBCM Group 711. 3099 I 452 BUL I JUNE 1992 ------

I l i~t MVGLS008902itl~lli ~l ~il~~i~ ~~ ~ ~~ I NOTE FOR PUBLIC EXIDBITION This General Plan report is in draft form only and has not yet been adopted by Council.

I Council has resolved to put the General Plan on public exhibition to enable the community to comment and to make submissions regarding the document. The submissions and any modifications which may be warranted as a result of the I community's response will be taken into account by Council prior to finally adopting the report (modified as appropriate) as a statement of Council's strategic planning policy for I the Shire of Bulla over the next 20 years. This report represents only stage one of General Plan Study currently being undertaken by I Council. Stage 2 involves the preparation of more detailed strategy plans for Sunbury, Craigieburn, Greenvale/ Attwood and the Rural Areas of the Shire. The Strategy Plans contain considerably more detail for the areas to which they relate than the General Plan, I and as a result of these more detailed investigation some modifications to the overall principles contained in the General Plan may be required. The Strategy Plans are currently being prepared and will also be placed on public exhibition for community I comment prior to them being adopted by Council. I ~ Infrastructure Library I I I I I I

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711 . 3099 00103881 I 452 BUL Shire of Bu lla general plan towards 2011 I r)'D I I SHIRE OF BULLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I I BRIEFLY- ABOUT THE GENERAL PLAN The Shire of Bulla General Plan describes the planning and development outlook for the Shire of Bulla over the next 20 years and presents a statement of the Council's and the community's goals and policies for the I growth and development of the Shire throughout that period. Essentially the Plan recognises the existing features of the Shire of Bulla which appeal to current residents I and which characterise the municipality: these include its rural character, natural features, and the identity and character of its urban areas. The General Plan aims to retain and enhance these features, and presents strategies as to how Council can manage the rapid levels ofpopulation growth which are expected I to occur between now and 2011, to achieve this aim. Some of the principal elements contained in the General Plan include:

I * Acknowledgment of a forecast population increase of more than 67,000 from 39,500 to over 106,000 between 1991 and 2011.

I * Recognition that the population balance of the municipality will shift from Sunbury in the west towards Craigieburn in the east within the 20 year period of the Plan.

I * Recognition that both Sunbury and Craigieburn will continue to experience rapid population growth, but that the population capacity of Sunbury is likley to be reached towards the end of the I period, whilst Craigieburn will retain considerable junher growth potential well beyond 2011. * Policies to contain the development of Sunbury within the confines of the Jackson Creek Valley and surrounding hilltops and the Calder Highway, in order to retain an open rural backdrop to the I town, and its unique "country town character". * Policies which recognise the role of Craigieburn as a major metropolitan growth area within the I Merri Corridor, but which emphasis the urgent need to engender a sense of character and identity into Craigieburn as pan of new urban development. This will be achieved by containing the ultimate size of Craigieburn within clear boundaries; providing a physical open space/rural buffer between Craigieburn and any urban development which may occur junher nonh in the Merri I Corridor in the longer term,· retaining surrounding hilltops for open space or rural purposes and incorporating them as integral design features into the planning of new urban areas,· establishing a major regional open space network linking Craigieburn to the metropolitan system; and ensuring a I sense of civic pride is designed into public places and facilities.

* Policies reflecting the limited infill growth opponunities which exist at Greenvale and Attwood, I which endeavour to better link those two communities, and which resolve land use issues surrounding the east west flight path from Melbourne Airpon.

I * Policies which retains the rural landspace which characterises the Shire of Bulla and which provides a separation between urban centres within the municipality and to metropolitan Melbourne, whilst recognising the need for more flexible planning policies to enable an appropriate I evolution of land use throughout the rural pans of the Shire over the next 20 years. I These matters provide the essence of the General Plan presented in this document. I I I SHIRE OF BULLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I I CONTENTS I .PREFACE ~nfrastructure Library

I CHAPI'ER 1 WHY IS A GENERAL PLAN NEEDED?

I A. PLANNING IN VICTORIA? ...... : ...... 1 B. WHAT IS A GENERAL PLAN? ...... 1 C. WHY IS A GENERAL PLAN NEEDED? ...... 2 I D. THE CONTENT OF THE GENERAL PLAN ...... 2 E. HOW THE GENERAL PLAN IS USED ...... 3 F. MAPS ...... ·...... 3 I G. LINKS WITH OTHER COUNCIL POLICIES ...... 4 H. REVIEW AND MONITORING ...... 4 I I. THE GENERAL PLAN IS A COMMUNITY PLAN ...... ; ...... 5

CHAPI'ER 2 I THE SHIRE OF BULLA - AN OVERVIEW

A. INTRODUCTION ...... 6 I B. HISTORICAL CONTE){1l ...... 6 C. PHYSICAL FEATURES OF THE MUNICIPALITY ...... 7 I D. POPULATION AND HOUSING ...... 8 E. ECONOMIC ACTIVITY ...... 8. F. RURAL PARTS OF THE SIDRE ...... 9 I G. HUMAN SERVICES ...... ·: ...... 9 H. PHYSICAL SERVICES ...... 9 I. TRANSPORT AND ACCESS ...... 9 I J. THE MAIN PRESSURES FOR CHANGE ...... , .. 10

I CHAPI'ER 3 OVERALL GOALS & POLICIES AND THE GENERAL PLAN

I A. MUNICIPAL GOALS ...... 11 B. KEY PLANNING POLICIES OF THE GENERAL PLAN ...... 12 , I C. THE GENERAL PLAN ...... 15 I

I CONTENTS Page i I SHIRE OF BUlLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I I CHAPTER 4 · THE ENVIRONMENT AND LIMITS TO URBAN GROWfH .. ~ . ! -.. ~ ~. .,_..,. .· .:-~ ·:· .- . . ; I .·A~ c<;>~XT .·: ,.. r .• · . ·.i. •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• ·• • • 17 ;B. >i'i .;'FORECASTS ·:·. ' ... J ...... , ...... 19 :.t. . ISSUES ...... , ·.. ~ ...... 19 . I D:' GOALS AND POLICIES ...... ·...... 28 E. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES .' ...... 33 I

CHAPTER 5 I POPULATION

A. CONTEXT ...... ·...... 35 I B. FORECASTS ...... 35 C. ISSUES ...... 37 D. GOALS AND POLICIES ...... · ...... 39 I E. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES ...... 41 I CHAPTER 6 HOUSING AND RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT I A. CONTEXT ...... · ...... 42 B. FORECASTS · ...... 42 C. ISSUES ...... 43 I D. GOALS AND POLICIES ...... 45 E. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES ...... 47 I

CHAPTER 7 I IIUMAN SERVICES AND FACILITIES

A. CONTEXT ...... 48 I B. FORECASTS ...... 49 c. ISSUES ...... 50 D. GOALS AND POLICIES ...... 53 I E. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES ...... 57 I I I I CONTENTS Page ii I I SHIRE OF BUlLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I CHAPTER 8 I ECONO:MIC DEVELOPMENf AND JOBS A_ CONTEXT ...... 58 B. FORECASTS ...... ; . 60 I C. ISSUES ...... 63 D. GOALS AND POLICIES ...... 64 I E. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES ...... -. . . . 67

I CHAPTER 9 TRANSPORT AND ACCESS

I A. CONTEXT ...... 68 B. FORECASTS ...... 69 C. ISSUES ...... 70 I D. GOALS AND POLICIES ...... , ...... 73 E. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES ...... 78 I CHAPTER 10 I PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE A. CONTEXT ...... 81 I B. FORECASTS ...... 81 C. ISSUES ...... 84 D. GOALS AND POLICIES ...... · ...... 87 I E. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES ...... 89

I CHAPTER 11 DEVELOPMENf FUNDING

I A. CONTEXT ...... 90 B. FORECASTS ...... 91 C.· ISSUES ...... 91 I D. GOALS AND POLICIES ...... 94 E. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES ...... 95 I I I I CONTENTS Page iii I ------I SHIRE OF BULLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I CHAPTER 12 ACTION PROGRAM I A. INTRODUCTION ...... 96 B. ACTION PROGRAM ...... 96 I C. ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE WITHIN COUNCIL ...... 96 D. COUNCIL RESOURCES ...... 97 E. COORDINATION ...... 97 I F. REVIEW OF ACTION PROGRAM ...... ·. 97 I I LIST OF PLANS I Map 1 Existing Features of the Shire of Bulla- 1991 I Map 2 General Plan - 1991 to 2011 I I LIST OF FIGURES I Figure 1 Population Distribution in the Shire of Bulla- 1990

Figure 2· Forecast Population Growth - 1991 to 2011 I Figure 3 Comparison of Yearly Population Increases in Fringe Metropolitan Locations I Figure 4 Estimated Population Growth in Different Parts of the Shire of Bulla (199112011) · I Figure 5 New Lots/Dwellings Created Each Year Between 1986/87 & 1990/91 Figure 6 Approximate Distribution of New Dwellings in Urban Centres (1991 to 2011) I I I I CONTENTS ·Page iv I I

I GENERAL PLAN I Towards 2011 I PREFACE I I

eople enjoy living in the Shire of Bulla - it offers something different which is not available I in other municipalities closer to Melbourne. To coin the Shire's theme, it offers the opportunityP for "city living" in a "country style".

I To a large degree this enjoyment stems from the attractive lifestyles available to people who choose to live in the Shire. People can live in a country town, a residential suburb or rural area, and still be close to the wide range of employment opportunities and metropolitan services I provided in Melbourne.

The rural landscape which predominates throughout the Shire has a strong influence on the I character of the municipality and on the quality of life of its residents. The extensive areas of farmland present a visual backdrop to the towns and settlements, aiui physically separate them from metropolitan Melbourne. The rural areas also provide a lifestyle opportunity in themselves I by allowing people to "live on the land" within a convenient drive of the centre of Melbourne. The resolution of long standing issues regarding the future use of land in these rural areas is I fundamental to the future planning of the Shire. Whilst the rural pans of the Shire. "bind it together" each of the urban areas has its own unique I character and identity, and its own special needs. Sunbury is a long established "country town " which has experienced considerable growth over recent years, but has still been able to largely retain its character and appeal. Craigiebum is a potential growth centre which is lacking the I established character and amenity of Sunbury, and which is searching for its own identity rather than being swallowed up by Melbourne's seemingly never ending outward urban expansion. Other areas such as Greenvale and Attwood, and the smaller township of Bulla, have their own I unique features which will require individual consideration in the General Plan. The challenge for the General Plan is to recognise these intrinsic features which mean so much to I residents and ,to retain them , wherever possible ,in the face of increasing metropolitan growth pressures. The General Plan must also identify and provide for the needs of existing and future residents of the municipality over the next twenty years, during which time many more people will I . chose to enjoy the benefits. of living in the Shire of Bulla. I I I r------~---- -~------I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

I CHAPTER 1 I WHY IS A GENERAL PLAN NEEDED? I I I I I

CHAPTER 1 I 6ENERAL PLAN I Towards 2011 I WHY IS A GENERAL PLAN NEEDED? I A. PLANNING IN VICTORIA B. WHAT IS A GENERAL PLAN? I The objectives of planning in Victoria as· set out in the Planning and Environment Act 1987 are: The Shire of Bulla General Plan is an overall plan for the whole of the municipality which sets I to provide for the fair, orderly, economic out Council's and the community's aspirations for and sustainable use and development of land; the Shire of Bulla over the next 20 years. The Plan essentially does three things:· I to provide for the protection of natural and man-made resources and the maintenance of (1) It identifies the pressures for change which ecological processes and genetic diversity; the Shire of Bulla is likely to experience over the next 20 years; I to secure a pleasant, efficient and safe working, living and recreational environment (2) It describes a desired direction towards which for all Victorians and visitors to Victoria; planning and development in the Shire should I occur within this period; and to conserve and enhance those buildings, areas or other places which are of scientific, (2) It ·presents a strategy which outlines how I aesthetic, architectural or historical interest, Council's goals for the municipality will be or otherwise of special cultural value; achieved.

I to protect public utilities and other assets and The- strategy contained within the General Plan enable the orderly provision and co does not just respond to expected pressures. ordination of public utilities and other Rather, it seeks to influence the direction of I facilities for the benefit of the community; change in a way that will result in the greatest overall benefit to existing and future residents of to facilitate development in accordance with the Shire of Bulla, as well as for residents of the I the above objectives. wider metropolitan area generally.

These general objectives. for planning in Victoria A General Plan is a new concept in Victoria and I are very broad and have little meaning for a is not referred to as such in Victorian planning municipality such as the Shire of Bulla, unless legislation. The Planning and Environment Act they are translated into planning goals and which controls planning in this State establishes I policies which address the specific issues that are planning schemes as the principal means of relevant to the future of the Shire. controlling land use and development and of achieving the planning objectives set out above. I The General Plan provides this translation and The Act does not require any strategic planning presents a planning strategy that is aimed at to be undertaken by planning authorities. achieving overall planning objectives for the However, planning practice over the years has I Shire of Bulla.

I CHAPTER 1 PAGE 1 I I SHIRE OF BUllA GENERAL PLAN- Towards 2011 I identified the need for soundly based planning years, and to ensure that a proper balance is strategies to be prepared to form the basis of the achieved between environmental, social and statutory controls which are included in planning economic considerations, both Council and the I schemes. In recognition of this, the Act does community need a general plan for the whole of provide the power for planning authorities to the municipality. The Plan sets out what the "carry out studies and commission reports" which Shire wants to achieve in terms of the social, I are necessary to carry out their functions as economic and environmental planning and responsible . planning authorities; these studies development of the municipality and how it is may include strategy plans. The Act also going to achieve and facilitate · the planning I provides a valid role for strategy plans in the process and hence the achievement of these statutory process by enabling planning schemes to objectives, goals and priorities. Without an "provide for any matter which may be included overall vision describing what Council and the I in a strategy plan prepared by . . . a municipal community want the Shire to be like in 20 years council ... " and by enabling planning schemes to time, the municipality cannot hope to maintain "adopt or incorporate any document which relates the features which presently make it such an I to the use, development or protection of land" - enjoyable place to live nor expect to attract ie strategy plans. businesses and investment and hence jobs to the area. The Shire of Bulla General Plan presented in this I document has the same meaning implied for a Council and the community need a plan which strategy plan in the Planning and Environment addresses important questions like: Where should Act. new urban development occur? How much I development should occur and how much can occur within the environmental capacity of the I C. WHY IS A GENERAL PLAN municipality? What important environmental NEEDED? features need to be protected and enhanced in the future? What new services and facilities will be needed by new residents of the Shire and how I Twenty years ago the population of the Shire of can Council meet the full needs of a much larger Bulla was 8,200. The population is now verging population? How can development be planned to on 40,000 and is expected to more than double to retain the intrinsic character and lifestyle which is I over 106,000 over the next 20 years. so important to existing residents of the municipality? What initiatives can be taken to At the time of preparing this General Plan strengthen and diversify the local economic and I Council had before it four major development employment base of the Shire? applications for new residential subdivisions which alone covered more than 1,500 hectares of The Shire of Bulla General Plan addresses these land and would more than double the population I and other issues that are important to the future of the municipality. Numerous other smaller planning of the municipality. applications for development and subdivision also existed. These applications presented the I potential to significantly change the character of the municipality, and yet Council had no overall D. THE CONTENT OF THE strategy to guide the future direction of GENERAL PLAN I development and against which to assess the appropriateness or otherwise of those proposals. The General Plan sets out goals and policies for the whole of the Shire of Bulla. However, given I In order to ensure appropriate growth and the diversity that exists between different parts of development in the municipality over· the next 20 the municipality and the need .for specific I I CHAPTER 1 PAGE 2 I I SHIRE OF BULLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I objectives to accommodate the particular needs of E. HOW THE GENERAL PLAN different areas, a number of special policy areas IS USED I have been identified. These include: The General Plan is a statement of Council's Sunbury; I planning policy which is used by the Shire of Bulla to guide its decision making on all matters Craigieburn; relating to future planning and development in the municipality. In particular, the plan will be used Greenvale and Attwood; and I in the following ways: the rural parts of the municipality. I (1) To provide the overall principles within Specific goals and policies are set out in the which more detailed strategy plans and local structure plans will be prepared for special General Plan for each of these special policy policy areas within the municipality. I areas. These are summarised in Chapter 3 and will be the focus of strategy plans for implementation in conjunction with the General (2) In assessing requests to rezone land and for other amendment proposals to the planning Plan. The area covered by each of these special I scheme. policy areas is shown on the General Plan· (Map 2 - see Chapter 3). (3) In assessing planning permit applicat~ons to use or develop land. I In addition, there are a number of key issues that affect planning throughout the municipality (4) To guide Council's decisions regarding generally which need to be addressed in the future investment in physical infrastructure I General Plan. These include: and community services and facilities. the natural , physical and built form (5) To co-ordinate action between various I environments, government authorities and agencies active in the Shire of Bulla. · people, communities, and the services and I facilities they need; (6) To protect and enhance the environmental features and attributes of the municipality. I housing; economic development and jobs; F. MAPS I transport and access; The General Plan includes two principal maps. public utilities; and The first map summarises the key features of the I municipality as they existed at the time of the funding of development preparation of this plan in 1992; this map is provided as a reference against which to assess I The. General Plan presents goals and policies for the extent of change envisaged over the next 20 each of these key issues and implementation years. The second map shows the overall land measures to ensure the goals are achieved. use pattern and movement system envisaged for the municipality at the end of the 20 year I planning period - ie in 2011. This second map is I referred to as the General Plan. It provides the I CHAPTER 1 PAGE 3 I I SHIRE OF BUllA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I physical framework emanating from the goals and Where structure plans and the like presently exist policies set out in this document. for different parts of the Shire (for example the Sunbury Town Centre), they will continue to It should be noted that the boundaries of different apply to the extent to which they are consistent land use categories· shown on the General Plan with the General Plan. Where differences exist are not legal boundaries. In most cases the they will need to be reviewed to reflect the goals boundaries are· based on major physical or and policies of the Plan. topographical features which are used to delineate general land use areas. Precise details of land A large number of detailed guidelines and policy I use boundaries will be determined when the more statements have been prepared by the Shire over detailed strategy plans, local structure plans or the years for specific uses or issues (ie residential planning scheme maps are prepared as part of the development, advertising signs etc). .These will I implementation of the Plan. continue to have force except where they contradict the General Plan. However, review of many of these policies will be required to ensure G. LINKS WITH OTHER conformity with the General Plan. COUNCIL POLICIES The Bulla Planning Scheme represents the I statutory control over land use and development The existing Council policy document which in the municipality. The planning scheme will provides the overall direction for the future of the need to be amended to reflect the strategic Shire of Bulla is the Shire of Bulla Comorate planning policies contained in the General Plan. I Plan. The General Plan is consistent with the Until a complete review of the planning scheme overall directions of the Corporate Plan. The is undertaken, Council will adopt the goals and General Plan replaces all . previous municipal policies contained in the Plan where it. has I strategic planning policies which applied discretion in the consideration of applications throughout the municipality prior to its under current zoning and planning controls. adoption .. I Council also has many other strategic policy However, the General Plan is only the beginning documents which are interrelated to planning and of a comprehensive review of planning policies development, and to other activities undertaken I for the Shire. More detailed work is required to by Council. For example, Council has recently implement many of the recommendations completed a Conservation Strategy and is contained in the Plan. For instance: currently undertaking a Community Safety I Program. These documents will continue to Strategy plans need to be prepared for each apply and wherever possible have been taken into of the special policy areas · of Sunbury, account in the preparation of the General Plan. Craigieburn, Greenvale and Attwood, and the I rural parts of the Shire.

Detailed local structure plans are needed to H. REVIEW AND MONITORING I coordinate development in newly developing urban areas. The General Plan presents a framework in which to guide and influence development in the future; I Detailed structure plans will be required for it does not and cannot present a static blueprint major activity centres, employment nodes as to what the municipality will be like in 20 and other key land use areas. years time. I I I CHAPTER 1 PAGE4 I I SHIRE OF BUlLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I Whilst the General Plan endeavours to look 20 years ahead, the uncertainties which exist in long I term forecasting mean that ongoing monitoring is required to assess whether the growth assumptions incorporated in the Plan are actually I being achieved. A complete review of the General Plan will be required at least every 5 years, with ongoing modifications in the interim I (as required), in order that Council may adjust its policies to reflect the changes which are I' occurring in the municipality. I. THE GENERAL PLAN IS A .I CO:Ml\tiUNITY PLAN

The General Plan has been prepared with I extensive input from the local community and others.

I Apart from advertising seeking community input into ·the preparation of the Plan, and its exhibition prior to adoption by Council, a number of I community reference groups were established at the outset of the study to participate in generating policies · and reviewing. the progress of the I project. The "Background and Issues Report", which preceded the preparation of the General Plan, incorporates key issues raised in discussions wi~ Councillors, residents, business people, landowners and others.

Whilst not all segments of the community will I necessarily agree with the Plan, . Council is confident that the Plan has the endorsement of the I majority of people in the municipality. I I I I'

I CHAPTER 1 PAGE5 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

I CHAPTER 2 I THE SHIRE OF BULLA -AN OVERVIEW I I I I I

CHAPTER 2 I GENERAL rLAN I Towards 2011 I THE SHIRE -OF BULLA AN OVERVIEW

A. INTRODUCTION The discovery of gold in the Bendigo fields I brought development to Sunbury, but for many years it remained in the shadows of the towns of This chapter presents a brief overview of the Diggers Rest and The Gap, which were located existing situation in the Shire of Bulla and a I directly on the new route to the Bendigo summary of the pressures for change which it is goldfields (the original route of the Calder likley to face over the next 20 years. It "sets the Highway) and which consequently attracted most scene" for the strategy contained in the General I of the passing trade. However, the opening of Plan. the railway iil 1859 put Sunbury on the map and it was not long before local businesses began to The main features of the Shire - as at 1991 - are flourish in the town. shown on Map 1. The vineyards which are a local feature of I Sunbury were established in the 1860s as a result B. IDSTORICAL CONTEXT of government initiatives to create new industries to alleviate unemployment after the gold rush I The. first European settlers in the Shire of Bulla days. During that time Sunbury was the largest were pastoralist who established large tracts of wine producing region in the State, and it grazing land in the early to mid 1800s on the continues to be a producer of quality boutique I open plains which predominate throughout the wines today. district. The early pioneers included the likes of John Aitken, George Evans and the Jackson Continued population growth throughout the late I Brothers. Their names denote many of the 1800s soon lead to Sunbury becoming the largest physical features and landmarks of the area and settlement in the area - it soon developed the role are a lasting legacy of the pioneering heritage of of an important service centre for the surrounding the early days. rural district. This role continued throughout the I early part of this century and it was not until the The Bulla township (originally known as Bulla mass popularity of the private car during the Bulla) was one of the first settlements to emerge, 1950s and 60s that more rapid growth in Sunbury I It was an important stage coach stop located at occurred due to the opportunity to commute daily the crossing of Deep Creek and on the original to Melbourne for work. route between Melbourne and Bendigo and onto I Sydney. The township of Bulla also provided the During the mid 1960s and early 70s Sunbury was first services to surrounding farmers, with the identified by the State Government, along with first post office being opened in 1850. · Melton, as a "satellite town", with the intention I that it accommodate a very significant part of The area around Sunbury essentially remained a Melbourne's future population growth. Plans pastoral run until 1851 when government were prepared for a town of approximately I surveyors pitched their tents near the site of the 100,000 people, with a large development present bridge over Jacksons Creek and corridor extending onto "the plains" to the north I commenced laying out the town of Sunbury. of the town. Those plans were abandoned and I CHAPTER 2 PAGE 6 ~I I SHIRE OF BULLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I scaled down by successive State governments the first settlers - the pastoralists - to the area in during the .1980s as other plans were made to the early to mid 1800s. accommodate Melbourne's population growth, I and as the difficulties of providing water to The landform of the municipality is characterised Sunbury gained prominence. by open, flat plains throughout the central and eastern parts of the Shire which are dissected by I Most of the early history of the municipality the deeply incised valleys of the Jacksons, Deep relates to the western cparts of the Shire and is and Emu Creeks, which form the headwaters to centred around the townships of Bulla, Diggers the Maribyrnong River. The Moo nee Ponds I Rest, The Gap and Sunbury. Little urban Creek, which is one of its major downstream development activity occurred at Craigieburn tributaries of the Maribyrnong River, has its until the 1950s. During that time, the Hume beginnings in the south-eastern part of the Shire. I Highway developed as a major road transport Isolated hilltops are scattered throughout the corridor to Sydney and development pressures Shire and present dominant visual features in the followed the highway to the north of Melbourne. landscape which provide vantage points over th~ I This was especially the case for large scale surrounding rural areas and backdrops to urban industrial activities which concentrated along the areas. highway. The physical features of the municipality have It was during this time that the township of substantially influenced the pattern of settlement. Craigieburn gradually grew from a small The two major highway corridors which border . commuter settlement to a fledgling suburb in its the Shire (the Calder to the west and the Hume to own right. Whilst presently surrounded by the east), combined with the barrier to movement paddocks, the town is located in the middle of across the Shire, caused by Deep Creek and the the Merri Growth Corridor, which is one of the expansive central plains, have polarised urban I major growth areas identified for metropolitan growth in two main locations: in Sunbury to the Melbourne in the years ahead. Whilst growth in west, and in Craigieburn to the east. The amount this corridor has been deferred by the State of movement between these two parts of the Shire I government for many years now, pressures are is presently fairly limited. mounting for it to be "brought on stream" and major expansion is envisaged within the 20 years As a result, each of these two settlements have I timeframe of the General Plan. established their own character and identity.

Sunbury possesses an established "country town" I C. PHYSICAL FEATURES OF character, resulting from its traditional beginnings THE MUNICIPALITY as a service centre for surrounding rural areas, and due to its attractive natural setting within the I Jacksons Creek Valley. Its location "just off" the The Shire of Bulla is a diverse and expansive Calder Highway has fortunately lead to Sunbury municipality with a total land area of about being somewhat of a "refuge" from metropolitan 422km2, which is located on the north-western I Melbourne, which has enabled it to retain much fringe of the rapidly growing Melbourne of its charm and character in the face of metropolitan area. increasing pressures for urban growth. I Whilst it has experienced considerable population In contrast, Craigieburn has more recent origins growth over recent years due to its proximity to and is essentially a new suburban outpost to the Melbourne, it retains its largely rural character, north of Melbourne which provides alternative I with broadscale agricultural pursuits continuing housing choices to more established locations on · the long held tradition of farming which attracted the fringe of Melbourne such as nearby I I CHAPTER 2 PAGE 7 I. I SHIRE OF BUlLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I Broadmeadows and Coolaroo. Unfortunately the This represents an annual average increase of Craigieburn of 1991 lacks the established urban 5.1 %. I character and sense of place so pronounced in Sunbury. The attractive natural setting which is In line with its rapid population growth in recent also characteristic of Sunbury is not evident in years, high rates of residential development have I Craigieburn and yet the potential is there to also occurred in the municipality. On average, create these features. over the past five years, 820 new residential lots and 709 dwellings were created or constructed I Both of these towns have traditionally been each year. separated from the urban area of Melbourne, although the newly approved suburb of Roxburgh I Park will eventually result in continuous urban In order to achieve the population growth forecast development between Broadmeadows and for the municipality over the next 20 years, some Craigieburn. 21,700 new dwellings will be required, which is I an average of about 1,080 dwellings a year Urban development in the adjoining municipality throughout that period. Obviously the location of of Broadmeadows extends to the boundary of the these new residential areas and the many and Shire in its south-east corner. As a result, varied services needed to cater for the needs of I incremental urban growth has extended over the existing and new residents will place significant municipal boundary in the Greenvale and pressures on Council and community resources. Attwood areas. Each of these localities has its I own special character. I E. ECONOMIC ACTIVITY .. D. POPULATION AND HOUSING Economic activity at the local level is crucial to providing jobs for existing and future residents of The estimated total population of the Shire in the Shire of Bulla, and thus minimising the need I 1991 was 39,500 persons. Over the previous 10 for residents to commute outside the municipality years the population of the municipality more for employment. than doubled from approximately 19,000 persons. I This represented an annual average growth rate Based on 1986 figures Qatest available) only 20% of some 8.0% and placed the Shire of Bulla of the Shire's labourforce worked within the among Melbourne's fastest growing municipality. The remaining 80% worked I municipalities. outside the Shire with the most popular destinations being the Melbourne CAD and The town of Sunbury is the largest settlement and Broadmeadows. Given a forecast population I accommodated the greatest population increase increase of 67,000 new residents over the next 20 over the past 10 years, growing from 11,000 to years, 20,000 new local jobs would be needed over 19,000 persons. Craigiebum, which is the just to maintain commuter patterns at their I second largest town, grew from 4,300 to 9,800 present levels. persons in that period, whilst Greenvale and Attwood also achieved significant increases (from The main sectors of the local economy in 1986 I 2,100 to 4,700 persons between 1986 and 1991). were transport arid communications which accounted for 40% of jobs in the Shire, followed by community services and manufacturing (16% I The most recent Department of Treasury each) wholesale and retail (9%). Significant population forecasts available for the Shire opportunities exist for additional local indicate that the population is expected to grow employment in the future, especially in areas I by over 67,000 to 106,690 persons by 2011. which service an increased population, like I CHAPTER 2 PAGE 8 I I SHIRE OF BUllA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I retailing and community services. . . Forecasts services which cover the whole of the Shire. The suggest that well over 100,000m2 of additional level and range of services provided in other retail floorspace may be required. However, towns and population centres is more limited. As I other opportunities for local jobs will also need to a result of the dispersed nature of residential be pursued. The existing economic strengths of communities in the S.Qire, and the difficulties the municipality will need to be built upon and . residents in Craigieburn, Greenvale and Attwood I strengthened in order to create new employment have with accessing services in Sunbury, a opportunities. number of services and facilities have had to be duplicated in response to community needs and I expectations. F. RURAL PARTS OF THE SIDRE Planning for the provision of community services I and facilities to meet . the needs of a rapidly growing population must be a major activity of Rural land comprises about 77% of the total land Council to ensure that people living within the I area of the Shire of Bulla and is an important part Shire are not denied reasonable access to a range of the municipality's "City Living - Country of services and facilities. Style" theme. I The rural areas are essentially held in broadacre parcels and are used for grazing and cropping H. PHYSICAL SERVICES activities. Changing economics of agriculture I and the advancement of urban development have The capacity and availability of physical services, significantly impacted on the viability of farming especially sewerage and water, are important in the Shire over recent years to the extent that considerations in determining development I few viable operations remain. . State and potential throughout the Shire. metropolitan pl~ing policies have sought to maintain rural land in 'large parcels suitable for Sunbury is potentially the most affected by I broadacre farming and to maintain an servicing constraints due to the capacity environment conducive to ongoing farming constraint posed by the water supply .from the activities in the long term by removing the Rosslyn Reservoir. This will need to be element of speculation. Despite these policies, supplemented to accommodate significant I many traditional farmers have left the area and development. A scheme for the dispo~al of many new owners tend to be part time farmers or treated effluent from the sewerage works will people searching for alternative rural lifestyles. also be required .. I

Poor land management is prevalent throughout The immediate future development of Craigieburn the rural parts of the Shire and few new farming is also restricted by the capacity of the I' enteq)rises have located in the area of recent Craigieburn Sewerage Treatment Plant, local times. sewerage . catchment constraints, and height limitations for water supply from the existing Mt · I Aitken Reservoir. G. HUMAN SERVICES I Residents of the Shire have access to a wide I. TRANSPORT AND ACCESS range of human services. As the largest and most established community in the municipality, Access throughout the municipality is dominated I· Sunbury has the most developed range of services by the radial pattern of movement towards and facilities and contains most of the municipal Melbourne which is established by the Calder and I I CHAPTER 2 PAGE9 I I SHIRE OF BUlLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I Hume Highways. East-west movement across the the character of its residential areas municipality, especially between Craigieburn and generally. I Sunbury, is extremely poor. (4) The need to provide a proportion of jobs for Public transport access is also an important issue local residents to avoid the. Shire becoming a I in the municipality. The frequency and routing dormitory area, entirely dependant upon of services in the newly developing parts of the employment opportunities in other Shire is strongly criticised as inadequate by municipalities. I existing residents and an urgent need worthy of attention. (5) Increasing demand for community facilities and services as well as · all other services I The population increase envisaged for the provided by Council as a result of rapid municipality will add very significant traffic population growth. volumes to existing roads and road improvements I and upgradings will be required to accommodate (6) Increasing demand for scarce financial expected traffic volumes. resources to fund the provision of services and facilities needed by a rapidly increasing I population. J. THE MAIN PRESSURES FOR (7) Changing economics of agriculture, CHANGE combined with urban related pressures, I affecting the future use of land in rural areas As apparent from the above description, the Shire throughout the municipality. of Bulla is essentially a rural municipality I containing a number of rapidly growing urban (8) Pressures on the natural environment as a centres, which is located on the fringe of result . of increased urban development and metropolitan Melbourne. As such, the Shire will activity in the municipality. I face significant pressures for change within the timeframe of this General Plan. Some of the main pressures will come from the following I areas: (1) Population growth and consequent development pressures which will, in I particular, be focused on Craigieburn due to its location in the Merri Growth Corridor.

I (2) A shift in balance of population from Sunbury in the west of the municipality to Craigieburn in the east, and the implications I this will have on the provision and management of local government and other I human services and facilities. (3) Pressures for more compact housing and efficient use of urban land and the I consequent impacts this will have on the types of housing provided in the Shire and I I CHAPTER 2 PAGE 10 I ------,-- - -·- -- --

Background and Issues

Developed and committed area

Hills

Plains

VaUeys

Distinct Hill Tops

··~·e·-·xNV·s··t'fiJ, '1:1'.\r;"vs""]·'·~·'·,.,.,•> .•:.,. ··. • ... )::J u L..TAl'(T '" 1 .. · •"!\'• ~;.::J~J~·, .->::x~,._.;.f-j/.;:.. ;Ji:/..: >i:!t.' ··,'t:~-:'v~-:::-:-r5',~:.::FH/ Hcnshall Hansen Associates In association \Oith: WBCM Group • Arup Transportation Planning . Gerner and Sanderson Australia P/L . Me \r,rar and R•ynolds 1250 0 2500

MAP l: ExiSTING F'EA111RF.S OF TRE SIIIRE OF BULLA- 1991 ~------~------I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I CHAPTER3 I OVERALL GOALS & POLICIES AND THE GENERAL PLAN I I I I I

I CHAPTER 3 GENERAL PLAN I Towards 2011

I OVERALL GOALS & POLICIES AND I THE GENERAL PLAN

I A. MUNICIPAL GOALS (5) To encourage, co-ordinate and operate conservation practices for the preservation, The overall goals for the Shire of Bulla are con maintenance and enhancement of the natural I tained within Council's Corporate Strategy (pres and built environment to sustain a healthy, ently in a draft form) which is titled "Planning secure lifestyle for the community. for Our Future" (August 1991). These goals set I the overall context in which the General Plan is (6) To promote and provide safe, efficient, prepared. . affordable and accessible transportation in~astructure for the ~ovement of people, I The municipal goals set out in the Corporate animals, goods and services. Strategy are: · (7) To develop a comprehensive road manage (1) To provide for the safe, orderly and ment program, providing for the effective I planned development of the natural, built maintenance and upgrading of the existing and developing environment of the munici roads infrastructure and the construction and pality in accordance with the community'~ maintenance of new roads in growth areas I social, physical and economic needs. in the municipality.

(2) To achieve harmony between development (8) To advocate to Government on public I in the municipality and its physical setting transport in order .that the transportation and character by protecting natural needs of the community are provided in a resources, avoiding development of hazard safe, affordable, attractive to use I ous areas and preserving attractive open responsive and equitable manner. ' space areas. (9) To ensure that families and individuals have I (3) To ensure that new development pays its access to a range of human services, "fair share" of the cost of new community resources and facilities that respond. to their facilities, physical infrastructure and needs in a flexible, appropriate and sensitive I transport systems in a manner that is re manner. sponsive to changing community needs and expectations. (10) To plan and advocate for a range of afford I able housing and crisis accommodation (4) To strategically plan and regulate develop services. ment in a manner that achieves a high quali I ty .environment that meets the physical, (11) To ensure the provision of a diverse range social and economic aspirations of the of quality recreational, leisure and cultural facilities and services which are operated I community. I CHAPTER 3 PAGE 11 I I SHIRE OF BULLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I efficiently to meet the needs of the (2) To ensure that the long term artd ongoing community. growth of Sunbury is accommodated through consolidation and intensification of I (12) To promote economic growth and employ land uses within the urban areas shown on ment opportunities through the encourage the General Plan, rather than by "new

ment and facilitation of a balanced range of settlements II occurring beyond the valley on I residential, commercial, industrial, health, the surrounding plains. educational, recreational and tourist devel opments. (3) To retain and further enhance the country I style image which Sunbury offers.

(4) To contain Sunbury's growth to the east of B. KEY PLANNING POLICIES III the Calder Highway and to the west of OF THE GENERAL PLAN . Lancefield Road. The goals set out in the Corporate Strategy are I' (5) To protect and enhance the statements of the general aspirations and values of rural/countryside image along main roads the community for the future of the Shire of and gateways to . Sunbury and within the Bulla. They are general by nature and are not township itself. I intended to provide clear direction for future in planning and development the Shire. (6) To protect and promote the hilltops and . creeks as part of the "country" image of the I The General Plan contains a number of key locality. planning policies which underlie the Plan itself, and which have been formulated to explain how (7), To encourage the development of the I the overall goals contained in the Corporate Sunbury town centre a5 a focal point to Strategy are to be achieved. These policies have adequately serve township residents, and as a greater physical, social, economic and environ- a sub-regional centre to serve those drawn I . mental emphasis than the goals contained in the from further afield, including rural and Corporate Strategy. They relate to each of the small settlements to the north and north key policy areas in the municipality, given the west. I need for specific planning policies for each of those areas. (8) T o d e v e I o p a p p r o p r i a t e s m a II neighbourhood centres to serve new I These policies emerge from reading the strategies residential areas in Sunbury. presented ·throughout the remainder of this report .but are not necessarily shown on the General Plan (9) To provide safe and convenient internal I itself. However, they are summarised below to links to facilitate movement and access. encapsulate the main elements of the Generdl Plan. (10) To incorporate public transport links to the I railway station and to major metropolitan centres and facilities in the region. 1. Planning Policies for Sunbury (11) To promote specialised employment I (1) To contain Sunbury's urban development .opportunities (including service employment within the valley thus retaining its attractive activities) that build upon the attractions and rural setting and local identity. resources of the locality and yet do not I threaten the environmental quality and I I CHAPTER 3 PAGE 12 I I SHIRE OF BUllA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I appeal of Sunbury as a place to live and (6) To protect and promote. hilltops and other work. natural features as a contribution to the I development of Craigieburn's character and (12) To maintain a physical separation between image. Sunbury and Diggers Rest. I (7) To create a non-urban buffer between (13) To promote the concept of neighbourhoods Craigieburn and any additional urban as the basis for residential planning and the development which may occur further to the I delivery of communities services at the local north in the Merri Corridor. level, which higher order services being provided in the larger activity centres which (8) To incorporate in all roads, parks, public I act as a focal point for the local community. and civic places, a strong design theme which further enhance Craigieburn's image (14) To encourage improved integration of the and identity. I Goonawarra Estate as part of the overall urban area of Sunbury urban area. (9) To provide a town-wide open space system to link Craigieburn with the Maribyrnong River, Greenvale Reservoir and the regional I 2. Planning Policies for Craigieburn and metropolitan open space system.

(1) To recognise the need for co-ordinated and (10) To utilise all creeks and waterways to form I planned staging of urban development at an integrated and accessible open space Craigieburn. network. ·

I (2) ' To define a limit or boundary to represent (11) To provide safe and convenient internal the ultimate limit to urban growth around links to facilitate movement and access. Craigieburn, in order to create a strong I sense of community and identity for the (12) To incorporate public transport links to the township in the future. railway station and to major metropolitan centres and facilities in the region. I (3) To· create a town centre which is a focus for the Craigieburn community and which (13) To support the development of the E14 offers local employment opportunities and a roadway but to define its role with emphasis I wide range of goods and services. primarily on serving Craigieburn and down grading its function for through-traffic (4) To allow for Craigieburn's ultimate urban (especially trucks). I development to extend no further west than Mickelham Road. (14) To plan for a regional employment spine to the east of the Hume Highway. I (5) To limit the northern expansion of Craigieburn to Mt Ridley Road, and to (15) To create activity centres which incorporate retain .as a long term option (only) the appropriate retail, commercial, professional potential for development to extend into the and community facilities and services and I Malcolm Creek catchment beyond Mt operate not only as shopping centres but as · Ridley Road, but only after further local employment and community centres. investigations have been carried out to I assess the opportunity to retain existing (16) To integrate Craigieburn with Roxbourgh significant stands of red gums as a major Park in terms of access, provision of I feature of a future non-urban buffer. I CHAPTER 3 PAGE 13 I I SHIRE OF BUllA GENERAL PLAN- Towards.2011 I services and creation of a wider community (8) To develop the Moonee Ponds Creek and of interest. Yuroke Creek system as an integrated open space network linked to the metropolitan I (17) To promote the concept of neighbourhoods open space system. as the basis for residential planning and the delivery of communities services at the local (9) To establish open space links from the creek level, which higher order services being system to the Gellibrand Hill Park and provided in the larger activity centres which Greenvale Reservoir, and through to act as a focal point for the local community. Craigieburn. I

(10). To incorporate continuous pedestrian access 3. Planning Policies for Greenvale and Attwood through the open space network. I (1) To limit further urban growth of Greenvale (11) To develop low density employment to areas to the east of Mickleham Road and facilities in the noise affected area below the I to the south of Somerton Road. east-west flight path of Melbourne Airport and the adjoining area to the south. (2) To provide the opportunity for Council to I consider the suitability of the area between (12) To provide the opportunity for a road Somerton Road, Mickelham Road and the connection and possible rapid transit link to North West Hospital (Greenvale Campus) to Melbourne Airport to be provided along the be used for special institutional uses (which flight path route. I might include a residential component) and which reflect the high environmental quality in the area between . 4. Planning Policies for the Rural Parls of the I Shire (3) To utilise the area contammg the North West Hospital (Greenvale Campus) and· (1) To clearly identify the extent and the I other land to the east for comprehensively boundaries of rural areas in the Shire of. planned special institutional uses. Bulla over the next twenty years, and to plan those areas so as to retain a rural I (4) To retain the high quality character and identity and a rural character for the environment of Greenvale and protect the municipality. existing vegetation and landscape features in I · any development around the North West (2) To recognise the role of the rural parts of Hospital (Greenvale Campus). the Shire as contributing to the overall amenity, appearance, lifestyle and character I (5) To encourage the provision of an of the municipality, and as providing an appropriate range and number of important separation between towns and as community facilities and services in a backdrop to urban areas. I Greenvale. (3) To . identify, protect and enhance (6) To integrate the E14 into the open space environmental features throughout the rural I corridor along Yuroke Creek. areas such as watercourses, soil resources, valleys, hilltops, natural vegetation, (7) To provide appropriate links between habitats, etc. Attwood and Greenvale to the north. I· I I CHAPTER3 PAGE 14 I I SHIRE OF BULlA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I (4) To protect the quality of view. sheds and (12) To ensure that development does not occur landscapes from roads and other vantage which would compromise the rural I points throughout the rural areas. . character of the area or which would cause the encroachment of urban development into (5) To provide a degree of certainty to existing rural areas. · I land owners regarding the future of the rural parts of the municipality. (13) To ensure that any new development is based on criteria concerning the I (6) To encourage agriculture and associated environment, visual and land management rural activities as the most appropriate land capability of the land. management technique throughout the rural I areas, whilst recognising the changing (14) To educate existing and potential business outlook for agricultural enterprises landowners of the advantages and in the Shire and the impact of this on farm disadvantages of rural living, and of the I incomes. obligation imposed on owners to properly manage and maintain their properties. (7) To recognise the potential for some parts of the rural area to provide the opportunity for (15) For Council to investigate the impact of I rural living within the visual and physical rates on the operation of productive farms capability of the area to accommodate in the municipality and to investigate the additional subdivision. opportunity for rural rates aimed at I encouraging continued productive use of (8) To promote improved land management and rural land. reclamation of degraded land, and the re I instatement of environmental features (16) To recognise the constraints posed to the throughout the rural area. future expansion of the town of Bulla (which is located within the rural parts of I (9) To recognise the existence of mineral the Shire) by noise affected areas associated deposits and to maintain the potential for with Melbourne Airport (existing and environmentally responsible mineral future) and the lack of reticulated sewerage I extraction to occur, whilst controlling in the town, and to support consolidation associated activities to prevent adverse and infill development within the existing amenity impacts. land use pattern of Bulla, with the I restructuring of smaller "township lots" (10) To encourage flexibility in controlling use where necessary to achieve adequate on-site and development so as to allow innovative effluent disposal and having. regard to I development proposals which create a amenity considerations. positive benefit to the environment and the landscape. C. THE GENERAL PLAN I (11) To ensure that any new planning policies for rural areas are phased in over an The General Plan is summarised on Map 2. appropriate period of time to ensure that I any future development occurs in an orderly The General Plan shows the overall land use and and progressive manner, and is monitored movement patterns for the Shire of Bulla which by Council to ensure that the objectives for result from the goals and policies contained in I the rural areas are being achieved. this and other chapters of this report. I I CHAPTER 3 PAGE 15 I I SHIRE OF BUlLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I Two main land use types are shown on . the General Plan - urban and rural. These land uses have been divided into a number of additional I general categories, namely residential (conventional), residential (low density), employment, activity centres and public/special I purposes. Areas requiring special investigation during the preparation of the subsequent strategy plans for each area are also shown. · I

It should be noted that the land uses shown on the General Plan are of a general nature only. I Further details regarding land uses etc within · each of the special policy areas (ie Sunbury, Craigieburn, Greenvale and Attwood and the I rural areas) will be detailed in the strategy plans and subsequent local structure plans to be prepared for those areas. Those plans will need I to be referred to in order to gain a full understanding of Council's planning policies for the area. I I I I I I I I I I I CHAPTER 3 PAGE 16 I. ------

General )?Jan

Existing Urban Area

Lon~er Tcr111 Urh:1n Grtmth

Low l>"·nsity Rt:sidt:ntl:al

MCtrupulit:.n Grnwth Curridur (Suhjecltn further lnn:slig:.tiun}

Spech1l lnvestig:.tion Area

llilll'up To Be l'unsern:·d

Regional Open Space I Tuwn Ctnlrt

J\·lain Empluymcnt ,.\ren

Rurnl Arens

llighwoys /freeways

i\J;~in Runds

Proposed :\lain ltu:ul Rail Scn·kcs

Rail Staliun

i\'oise Contnur rrom ~lclbourne Airport (NEF 25)

Rnad/Raillink to ~ltlhournc t\irpurt (Subject to Jn,·estigalian:

Possihle•New Public Transport Link (l.nn~;t Ttnu Potential l•n-cstigatlon required)

llcnsh:.ll Hansen Associates in nssociation with: WllCM Group Arup Transportation Planning Gerntr and S:andcrson Austnli3 Ply. Lld. Me Vicar nnd Reynolds

1250 1500 ~-- Scale in mel res ~ . .lui.' I!JIJ.!

MAP 2: GENERAL PLAN - 1991 - 2011 .------··------·-1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I CHAPTER 4 I THE ENVIRONMENT AND LIMITS TO URBAN GROWTH I I I I I

I CHAPTER 4 6E~ERAL PLA~ I Towards 2011

I THE ENVIRONMENT AND LIMITS TO I URBAN GROWTH

I A. CONTEXT high visual impact whereas development could be more easily accommodated, in The environment of the Shire of Bulla is visual terms, in the folds between the hills. I distinguished by the variety of its landform, the abrupt transitions which occur from hill to plain (2) Plains to valley,. its broad vistas and the strength with I which the topography of the area visibly Much of th~ central and eastern parts of the - influences both urban and rural localities. Shire consists of a "plains" landscape. This has little ability to accept development I The landscape of the Shire is central to the "City without altering its visual character. The . Living - Country Style" theme which has been plains contain deep hidden incised creek adopted for the municipality. The retention and valleys and occasional "landmark" hilltops. reinforcement of that theme is central to the The plains may be . broken into four sub I objectives of the General Plan. units.

To maintain the character of the Shire in the face High plains with views of the Macedon I of increasing pressures for urban development Ranges - have poor ability to visually over coming decades, it will be essential to accommodate change. . , confine development to locations that are the least I sensitive to visual change and to utilise High plains with shelter belts - have topographical and physical features as boundaries poor to moderate ability to accommodate I and key design elements within urban areas. change visually. Plains with remnant native vegetation 1. Landscape character units (mainly Red Gum and Grey Box I woodland) - have moderate ability to The landscape character of the Shire may be visually accommodate change. defined by reference to five distinct character I units which were described in detail in the Grassland plains - open but lacking a "Background and Issues Report" which preceded· distinct character, containing a variety of this General Plan. These are: scattered buildings - poor ability to I visually accommodate change. (1) Western Hill Area (3) Creek Beds I In the western parts of the Shire (to the west of Sunbury) numerous hilltops protrude The creek . valleys hidden within the plains above the plains and dominate views. are a surprising and vital component of the I Development on these hilltops would have I CHAPTER 4 PAGE 17 I SHIRE OF BULLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I Shires' landscape. They have diverse ( 1) Extractive Industry internal views and include: The presence of potential stone resources in I Narrow Creek Valleys - sometimes the rural parts of the municipality need to be vegetated, often grazed and eroded. recognised so that possible extraction (where Poor to moderate ability to accommodate it is appropriate to occur) is accompanied by I visual change. measures that minimise visual impact. Wide Creek Valleys - meandering creek (2) Erosion I branches with a more complex landscape. Large stands of Red Gum in ·Initiatives to control erosion, such as tree lower flats. Moderate to good ability to planting and appropriate land management I visually accommodate change. · techniques, will help to enhance the landscape where poor soils have been Emu Bottom Valley, near Sunbury. This eroded through rural use. I has moderate to good ability to visually accommodate change. (3) Freeways/Highways

(4) Settlements The Calder and Hume Highways are I important edges and introductions to the The settlements of Sunbury, Bulla, Shire. Planting will help to establish a Craigieburn, and Greenvale and Attwood positive image along these roads. I vary in size and character.. In each case a distinctive town character that relates to the (4) Flora and Fauna character of the surrounding landscape needs I to be established, maintained and The original vegetation - highly wooded incorporated into the urban fabric of those hilltops, tussock grassland on the plains and areas; this is particularly the case in River Red Gum woodlands along creeks - I Craigieburn. Sunbury nestles in the valley ,has been severely changed by agriculture and and the hilltops which provide a distinctive urban development. Exotic species, backdrop for the town. These features need especially Sugar Gum, Cypress and Pine I to be protected. windbreaks contribute to the character of the Shire. These and the remnant endemic (5) Industrial Areas vegetation which includes small pockets of I grassland, need careful consideration. The Industrial areas along the Hume Highway opportunity exists in many locations to and in Sunbury lack a distinctive and supplement existing vegetation .within rural I attractive character which is appropriate to land uses, rural residential and urban the character of the Shire given their developments. This will help to enhance the prominent location on major entrances to the existing landscape and to minimise the I municipality, and in the case of the Hume impacts of change. Highway, to Melbourne. The reduction in habitat and land management practices have drastically I 2. Other features reduced native fauna in the Shire. Fish life in Emu and Jacksons Creeks are recognised Other features which are characteristic of the as a high value recreational resource. I environment of the Shire include: Conservation policies and habitat protection I I CHAPTER 4 PAGE 18 I I SHIRE OF BULLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I and enhancement are needed in order to acknowledges the principles of sustainable I protect remaining flora and fauna resources. development. (5) Cultural Heritage C. ISSUES I Council has developed special preservation policies to protect and promote historic 1. Issues common to the whole municipality buildings and structures as important cultural I assets throughout the Shire. Concentrations There are a number of key issues concerning the of heritage buildings occur west of Bulla environment and urban development which relate along Deep Creek and scattered throughout to the whole of the municipality. These include: I Sunbury. I Containment of urban areas to fixed (6) Outdoor Recreation boundaries so that hilltops, creek valleys and I other key environmental features are The Shire has several important outdoor protected and retained to provide important recreation resources including Greenvale natural elements within urban areas; for I Reservoir, Gellibrand Hill Park, the Organ example, Mt Ridley and Mt Aitken, the hills Pipes National Park, some large undeveloped around Sunbury, Jacksons Creek etc. Council owned reserves, and the Emu and I Jacksons Creeks. Enhancement of the Definition of Urban Edges - definite edges resources as exemplified by the re-vegetation need to be established so there is a clear work at the Organ Pipes Park; development distinction between town and country. Site of improved access to them and to the sensitive development will be required where I countryside generally; and the creation of an edge abuts steep, vegetated or eroded linkages between major areas of open space land, e.g. to the north-west of Sunbury. and along water courses will contribute the I enhancement of the Shire's outdoor Attractive entrances and gateways to· the recreation opportunities. Shire need to be established as development proceeds for example, along Sunbury Road I and Vineyard Road to Sunbury, along B. FORECASTS Craigieburn Road etc.

I The forecast population increase of 67,000 Urban Image - Sunbury and Greenvale have persons in the Shire over the next 20 years will the basis of distinctive images. Craigieburn have a significant impact on the environment and badly needs a strategy that will establish its I the scenic quality and character of the landscape. own image possibly using for example, Assuming residential development comprises 60% planting themes along roads, retention of of all new urban land (a common figure in urban views of hilltops, continuous and accessible I areas), at densities of 15 dwellings per hectare linear open space linkages etc. (which is the level encouraged by the Department of Planning and Housing ) urban development Access to Countryside - opportunities to I over the next 20 years (to the year 2011) ·W01!ld enhance public access to hilltops and scenic consume over 2,400 hectares of land. creek spots should be exploited, wherever possible, as they represent one of the main. I Given this scenario, development principles need characteristics of the Shire of Bulla. - to be defined to minimise the impacts of change upon the character of the countryside, and to I establish an attractive urban environment which

I CHAPTER 4 PAGE 19 I I SHIRE OF BUllA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I Resource Use - mineral resources are a valley slopes or onto the plains above, valuable economic asset in the Shire. They particularly where it would be visible from should be worked wisely and with care to the Sunbury Road approach into Sunbury. I minimise visual impact and to return them to a useful afteruse. The Readymix quarry in The southerly sections of the area which can Oaklands Road is an example of how be sewered should be developed for I extractive industry can positively contribute conventional residential purposes and the to the environment through an extensive more northern areas should be developed for replanting program of its setbacks at the low density residential purposes with lots I outset. ranging generally between 0.4 to 2ha size as appropriate (subject to detailed investigation View Corridors - these need to be regarding_ soil capability). I maintained along roads towards and from dominant hilltops and ridges, across and Existing native vegetation should be retained along valleys and creek crossings. Within and revegetation encouraged as part of I the urban areas, the inclusion of such views development approvals. can be a positive contributor to the urban environment. Subdivisions should be designed to reflect topographical and environmental features and I sensitive designs which cluster lots in less 2. Issues relevant to the "key policy areas" constrained locations should be preferred to proposals which suggest a standard size I Specific issues emerge in relation to each of the throughout the whole area regardless of key polir;y areas when the general issues physical features. . identified above are applied. Many of these are I long standing issues regarding the direction or Wildlife corridors through the area must be potential for urban growth in different locations protected and enhanced as part of any around existing settlements. They include: development proposal. I (1) Sunbury Development Along Reservoir Road I Development to the north of Sunbury The extent to which development occurs to the · west along the northern side of Reservoir Road Considerable development interest exists in the must take into account a significant stand of I area to the north of Sunbury (ie north of Riddell native vegetation on the slopes of Mt Holden and Road in the Emu Bottom and Bundanoon areas). the existence of· an aboriginal ring or ceremonial This area contains steeply sloping land within the site on adjacent land. Part of this area has been I Jackson Creek Valley and h~ been identified by identified in the Sunbury Strategy Plan for urban Council as containing an important wildlife development since 1978 and is subject to a movement corridor (for kangaroos) which should current request for rezoning. The General Plan I be protected from further development. supports sensitive development in this area which retains existing trees and protects the aboriginal The General Plan supports sensitively designed ring site. residential development which is responsive to I the environmental features of the locality in this Development further to the west should be area and within the following guidelines: restricted to the lower slopes of Mt Holden, as shown on the General Plan. I Development should be retained within the valley and should not extend onto the higher I I CHAPTER 4 PAGE 20 I I SHIRE OF BUlLA GENERAL PLAN- Towards 2011 I The growth of Sunbury towards the Calder Low density residential development is Highway preferred to urban density lots given that the I land adjacent to the highway is in a different Previous planning strategies for Sunbury have sewerage catchment to adjoining land (future supported the retention of a narrow "rural buffer" urban land) to the north, and in order to I between Sunbury and the Calder Highway which provide a graduation from urban lots to comprised single existing small rural lots. The larger lots adjacent to the Calder Highway. General Plan envisages the Calder Highway as I the limit to urban development to the south-west. Retention of existing lots fronting the The Plan supports the extension of low density highway for rural purposes would not create residential development to the highway (in the an effective visual treatment for Sunbury I locations shown on the Plan) within the following along the highway or provide a functional guidelines: rural buffer to the highway. I Lots fronting the highway are to be A plantation reserve incorporating noise resubdivided so that all access is directed attenuation devices would provide an towards ·new roads to be created at the rear effective buffer for. residential properties I as part of redevelopment in that area. from highway noise. Lot should be lha or larger and should be Retention of the land for rural purposes sized and located having regard to ·the ability would be wasteful of land which is otherwise I of each lot to accommodate on-site effluent well suited for urban development and which disposal. is within the logical boundaries to the town.

I Access rights to the highway are to be Goonawarra Estate foregone as part of an agreement when land is redeveloped. Goonawarra estate is the only area of. urban I development in Sunbury which presently occurs A plantation reserve (including noise on the "plains" outside the Jacksons Creek attenuation treatments) is to be provided Valley. Expansion of the Goonawarra Estate to I along the highway to create a consistent and its presently planned capacity is acknowledged by attractively landscape appearance. the General Plan. However, no further expansion is supported, especially to the east of I The proposal for a service road along the Lancefield Road. The estate is presently "cut Highway in this location is to be abandoned off" from the remainder of urban Sunbury, and where redevelopment occurs as described means need to be explored as to how to better I above. integrate the area with the overall township of Sunbury. The reasons for this approach are: Development along Vineyard Road I The Calder Highway is seen as the logical limit to urban development in this direction. The General Plan recognises Vineyard Road as becoming the main entrance to Sunbury. I Achievable options exist for the resubdivision Development along Vineyard Road is supported of existing lots fronting the Highway which within the following guidelines: would result in an improved land use I treatment in this location. All buildings fronting Vineyard Road are to be of an appropriate design and construction I standard, and all sites should ·be I CHAPTER 4 PAGE 21 I I SHIRE OF BULLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I appropriately landscaped to enhance the Sensitive redevelopment on the northern and · entrance to Sunbury. western slopes of the site is supported by the General Plan within the following guidelines: I Urban development on the west side of the Road should be restricted to the lower slopes Detailed examination to identify buildings of Bald Hill and should not proceed south of worthy of retention on the site and adaptive I Bald Hill. uses to be sought to enable reuse of the buildings. To the east of the road the opportunity I should exist for development· to extend to The southern slopes of the site should approximately adjacent to Ball Hill. This generally be kept free of buildings and area is appropriate to be used for development, and might be used for open I employment generating uses. space or some other public purpose(s). A physical separation should be retained Consideration is to be given to retain I between Sunbury and Diggers Rest. necessary buffers to the Sewerage Treatment Plant to the east of the site. Sunbury Town Centre The "Carmody" Land I Considerable debate has occurred in the past about the appropriateness of the existing town This land is located within the Jackson Creek centre to accommodate the needs of an expanded Valley on the eastern side of the creek and has I Sunbury. been subject to a number of redevelopment requests. Having regard to the likely future population of I Sunbury (see Chapter 5) the General Plan Much of the land is located within the valley and supports the existing town centre as the main is not readily visible from the Sunbury Road commercial, community and business centre in approach into Sunbury. Whilst located in I the town. Whilst it will be appropriate for other reasonable "physical" proximity to existing lower order centres to be located in residential residential development to the west of the creek areas to accommodate the convenience needs of and to the town centre, ready access to I local residents, no new centre should be community services and facilities available in development which would undermine the role of Sunbury is restricted due to the barrier presented the existing town centre as the predominate centre by the creek. The western portion of the site I in Sunbury. (essentially that area within the valley) is affected by a buffer area to the Sewerage Treatment Plant Caloola which has been identified in a draft report I prepared by Consultants for the Macedon Ranges Caloola is soon to be closed and redevelopment Water Authority. Whilst this report is yet to be options for the site are presently being considered adopted it is prudent to have regard to its findings I by the U rbah Land Authority. at this time.

The site is located on a prominent hill Having regard to ·these considerations it is overlooking Sunbury and the buildings and considered that the land has potential for low I vegetation on the site have long been a feature of Sunbury's landscape. I· I I CHAPTER 4 PAGE 22 I SHIRE OF BUlLA. GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I density residential development within the design features which will be necessary to be following guidelines: carried throughout the whole of its urban area, I can be incorporated into the planning of the first No development to occur within any buffer stages of development. to the sewerage treatment plant that may I identified and adopted in the future. The ultimate size and extent of development in Craigieburn Open space to be provided adjacent to the I creek and as part of a linear park system for Unless well planned from the outset, Craigieburn Sunbury. has the potential to be overwhelmed by incremental growth of the Melbourne I. Development to be contained within the metropolitan area within the Merri Corridor, and valley. to lose the opportunity which currently remains to develop a sense of identity and "individuality". I The more visually exposed parts of the site are to treated in a sensitive manner to The General Plan seeks to address this issue by minimise the visual impact of development clearly defining the ultimate limits to and by the use of such techniques as building development in Craigieburn. The General Plan I envelopes and other design considerations, supports creating a physical separation between attractive landscaping etc. Craigieburn and any further development which might occur further north in the Merri Corridor I An appropriate view corridor is to be in the longer term (well beyond 2011). It is retained free of development along Sunbury considered that the next major stage of Road. development in the corridor beyond Craigieburn I should be centred around its own focal point, (2) Craigieburn which would be located well to the north of Mt Ridley, possibly in the vicinity of Kal Kalo; I The issues concerning the future development of although it is beyond the scope of this 20 year Craigieburn are quite different to those affecting General Plan to identify a precise location. Sunbury. Craigieburn is presently subject to two I major development proposals which, when It is noted that there are also intervening combined with the ULA's proposal for Roxburgh opportunities for additional development in that Park, have the potential to increase Crai.gieburn's part of the Merri Corridor in close proximity to I population by about 65,000 persons. That alone Craigieburn in the Shire of Whittlesea. Again, is approximately the increase forecast by the this area will need to be the subject or more Department of Treasury for the whole of the detailed planning in the context of planning for I Shire of Bulla over the next 20 years. the corridor as a whole. Accordingly, it is unlikely that within the 20 year Protection of the hilltops I planning horizon of the General Plan, development of Craigieburn will extend beyond Protection of the hilltops of Mt Ridley and Mt land which is the subject of current Aitken is important to retain an open rural development/rezoning proposals noting that the backdrop to the future expanded urban area. The I location of the main town centre for Craigieburn concept or maintaining a visible rural presence is will influence the staging of future urban characteristic of settlements throughout the Shire development. of Bulla and is central to the "City Living - I Country Style" theme of the municipality. Nevertheless, it is important to identify the likely Recognition of these dominant topographical ultimate size of Craigieburn now, so that key features will also provide the opportunity to I CHAPTER 4 PAGE 23 ·I SHIRE OF BULLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I create strong physical form throughout the urban Craigieburn's case due to the major barrier the areas of Craigieburn which will assist in Hume Highway would present within any establishing an urban character which will unify community which straddled the highway. The I and identify the town from other suburban location of other constraints to urban development locations. Such features will need to be . also exist to the east of the Highway · (eg. the integrated into the strategy plan and the more sewerage treatment plant, long term quarry .I detailed local structure plans for new residential operations, the proposed F2 Freeway). Land to subdivisions proposed for the area in order for the east of the highway, however, may be this aim to be achieved. appropriate for employment uses as a I continuation of the Hume Highway Employment Mickelham Road as the ultimate western Corridor, if and when required. However the boundary future of that land has not been considered in I detail in the General Plan being located in the Mickelham Road is considered the appropriate adjoining Shire of Whittlesea (noting that ultimate western boundary for an expanded preliminary work is underway for this part of the I Craigieburn. It will be upgraded as a major Merri Corridor). traffic route in the longer term and will provide an appropriate physical edge to Craigieburn. The north boundary I Mickleham Road also approximates the catchment for physical infrastructure in that direction. Land The General Plan supports the containment of to the west of Mickleham Road has been urban development in Craigieburn within clear identified as part of a permanent rural wedge boundaries to the north, and for any further I which has separated the Merri Corridor from development in the Merri Corridor (in the very Sunbury for over 20 years. The area is also long term) to be physically separated from important to protect the northern flight paths into Craigieburn. I and out of Melbourne Airport from inappropriate development which might prejudice its long term Mt Ridley presents an appropriate limit to operations. development due north of the existing township I of Craigieburn. However, to the west of Mt The option was considered of terminating urban Ridley towards Mickelham Road the boundary is development of Craigieburn to the east of less clear and could be defined either by Mt I Mickelham Road, possibly using a westerly Ridley Road or by the drainage catchment of alignment of the proposed E14 as the western Malcolm Creek which extends further to the boundary. This was not supported as it would north. However, the western portion of this area I fail to utilise the urban development potential has significant stands of red gums which should existing within the catchment of Aitken Creek (in· be retained and may well form an important which services already exist) and would fail to feature in any future "inter-urban break". I utilise the growth potential existing in the southern part of the Merri Corridor to its full The General Plan supports Mt Ridley Road as the extent. north-western boundary at this time given that I development further to the north would become The east boundary of development physically remote from the main town centre, which is proposed to be located adjacent to The Hume Highway is considered the most Craigieburn Road. The long term option of I appropriate eastern boundary for residential urban development extending to the north of Mt development in Craigieburn. Planning arguments Ridley Road to utilise the. catchment of Malcolm which suggest that urban development should be Creek (an advantage for hydraulic services) I centred around the railway to maximise public should be retained for further investigation at a tr_ansport access, are not convincing in later date. However, no development should I I CHAPTER 4 PAGE 24 I I SHIRE OF BULLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I occur in this area until the possibility of retaining community centre as well as offering employment the red gums as a major environmental feature opportunities in sectors such as retailing, serVice I has been fully assessed. This may well rule business and service industry as well as other development out when the assessme.nt is commercial activities. The Centre should be a undertaken in the future as part of the strategic · place to shop, work, recreate and socialise and I planning for the balance of the Merri Corridor. must be developed in accordance with an overall development plan and not in an ad hoc and piece However, assuming that development of that area meal manner. I would not occur until well beyond the timeframe of this Plan, the potential to review the situation Within this context the existing Craigieburn should remain in the future. shopping centre would continue to perform an I important role in the activity centre hierarchy Greenvale Reservoir and connections to the within Craigieburn, whilst not being the primary I Metropolitan Open Space Network "town centre". The Greenvale Reservoir provides a substantial open space and recreation asset which should be (3) Greenvale and Attwood I utilised by Craigieburn and "built-in" to the urban fabric of the town to the highest degree Access between the two areas possible. Access restrictions apply to the reservoir given its water supply role, and further Greenvale and Attwood are small communities in I opportunities would need to be discussed with the Shire of Bulla which abut established Melbourne Water. However, it does present the residential areas in the adjoining municipality of opportunity to act as a major open space focus Broadmeadows. I and regional park for Craigieburn, and to form a link in a possible north-south public open space The Attwood community in particular is of network which could run through Ctaigieburn insufficient size to support anything but the most I and connect to the Maribyrnong Valley system basic provision of community services and via Yuroke Creek. facilities, and residents rely on access to local government facilities provided in Greenvale and I New Town Centre also in Broadmeadows.

The existing commercial centre on the corner of Within the Shire of Bulla the two localities are I Hanson Road and Craigieburn Road is separated by the east-west flight path of inappropriately located and of insufficient size to Melbourne Airport, which prevents residential fulfil the role as the principal activity centre and development occurring on the intervening land to I focal point for an expanded Craigieburn. Given connect the two areas. The General Plan the extent of ultimate development identified in supports airport related commercial development the General Plan, an appropriate location for a on that land and retention of the option for a road major town centre would be on Craigieburn connection and possible rapid transit link to Road, centrally between the Hume Highway and Melbourne Airport. Mickelham Road. Planning for such a centre I should ensure that sufficient land is made The lack of access between the two areas is a available to accommodate the long term main ground of community concern and two requirements of a town centre serving general options exist. The first is to improve Craigieburn at its ultimate level of development. . vehicle access by creating a direct link from the I existing Attwood area west to Mickleham Road, Furthermore, the Town Centre should not merely so that residents would not have to travel south to I be a shopping centre - it should . operate as a Kenny Street to gain access Mickleham Road and I CHAPTER 4 PAGE 25 .I I SHIRE OF BUlLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I hence to ·the services available in Greenvale. Limited opportunity exists for services to be This option is not considered desirable by extended to enable the resubdivision of existing Council due to the higher levels of traffic which low density lots (2ha approximately) to the west I will occur on Mickleham Road in the future and of Mickleham Road (south of Somerton Road in the undesirability of forcing "local traffic" onto the Bonds Land and Carroll Lane Area) and to such a busy road to access "local community the east of Mickelham Road (north of Somerton I facilities". Road in the French Road and Brendan Road area). However, having regard to the established The second and preferred option is to create character of these areas .and the difficulties in I direct vehicle access between the two areas by achieving appropriate resubdivision, this action is constructing a road across the flight path land. not considered warranted and these areas should However, in pursuing this option, care will be remain for low density residential use. The I needed in the location and design of a new road General Plan supports low density residential. to ensure that commercial traffic generated from development could extending north of Hillview the proposed industrial area to occur on the flight Road on the east side of Mickleham Road, with a I path land, does not intrude into the residential transition to larger semi rural lots moving areas. towards the north. I Opportunities for urban expansion The area of land between Mickleham Road and Gellibrand Hill Park is an environmentally Few opportunities exist for the expansion of attractive area which contains the North West Greenvale and Attwood due to a number of Hospital (Greenvale Campus) and some ·large I constraints which include: areas of underutilised public land to the north of Providence Road. Given that low density noise affected land under the flight path of residential development exists to the east of this 'I Melbourne Airport; area (ie Section Road and Bonds Lane) and the North West Hospital (Greenvale Campus) exists the proposed E14 route and Yuroke Creek to to the west, and given that Somerton Road forms I the east; an physical boundary. to rural areas to the north, the General Plan supports environmentally Gellibrand Hill Park and the North West responsive development of major institutional I Hospital (Greenvale Campus) to· the west; uses in this area, preferably those containing a and residential a'nd large passive open space component (ie hospitals, school campuses, special I the Greenvale Reservoir to the north. residential accommodation etc).

Mickelham Road approximates the catchment of The Whittenbury Land. Cleanaway and I physical services in the area. A new sewer McLaughlin Sites catchment (the Moonee Ponds Creek) would need to be opened up if major urban development The Whittenbury land is located on the west side I extended to the west of Mickelham Road (north of Mickleham Road, generally between the of Somerton Road). The extent of development Moonee Ponds Creek to the south and Police that would be required to justify such Department land to the north. The land is largely .I infrastructure works would necessitate affected by noise from the east west flight path development encroaching further west into the from Melbourne Airport; although a small part of north-south flight path of Melbourne Airport, and the site is outside the critical noise limit within is therefore inappropriate. which residential development should not occur. I I I CHAPTER 4 PAGE 26 I I SHIRE OF BUlLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I The General Plan does not support res~dential Within these constraints the ·General Plan development on any part of this land. Such supports consolidation and infill development I development would constitute a small and isolated within the existing land use pattern in Bulla, with residential subdivision cut-off from adjoining the restructuring of smaller "township lots" where residential communities by Mickelham Road to necessary to achieve adequate on-site effluent I the east and by Moonee Ponds Creek to the disposal and having regard to amenity and access south. To permit such development would considerations. perpetuate the existing problems caused by lack I of access to community services and facilities Planning issues concerning the town of Bulla will currently experienced by residents of the Shire of be addressed in more detail in the strategy plan to Bulla who live in the Attwood area, to the east of be prepared for the rural parts of the · I Mickleham Road. municipality. Because a large part of the site is noise affected, I the General Plan supports airport related commercial development on the whole of the site, not part residential use. Detailed planning of the site should seek to provide access through the I property to the west to link with other land adjacent to the Tullamarine Freeway and Sunbury Road (ie Cleanaway and the McLaughlin sites) on I which airport related activities are also supported, to resolve present road access constraints in that I area. I (4) Rural areas . The township of Bulla is the only significant settlement. located within the rural parts of the I Shire. It comprises a small community located on the picturesque Deep Creek, which is served by a small number of commercial uses which are I located on the busy Sunbury Road which passes through the town. Small rural lots surround the small residential core of the town to the north. I The amenity of the township would be significantly enhanced with the construction of I. the proposed the Bulla Bypass (see Chapter 9). Whilst Bulla provides an attractive alternative lifestyle to that available in other parts of the Shire, its future growth is restricted by its I location to the north-west of Melbourne Airport, adjacent to noise affected areas from the proposed new north south runway, and by the lack of I reticulated sewerage. I I CHAPTER 4 PAGE 27 I 1- SHIRE OF BULLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I D. GOALS AND POLICIES I 1. Goals

Goal 1 To ensure 'urban development establishes and maintains a ·special character based on the theme I "City Living- Country Style". ·

Goal 2 To establish a separate and distinct image and identity . for Sunbury, Craigieburn, and I Greenvale/ Attwood.

Goal 3 To conserve the unique natural, cultural and historic resources for the benefit of future generations I and maintain high environmental standards.

Goal 4 To protect the character and quality of the rural landscape. I

2. Policies and implementation measures I

(1) Sunbury I

POLICIES - for Sunbury Implementation Measures I 1. Protect the hilltops as undeveloped Incorporate principles in the strategy plan landscape features to provide a backdrop prepared for Sunbury and in subsequent to the urban area. planning scheme amendments. I

Prepare guidelines to direct development. 2. Protect waterways and incorporate them Prepare an open space master plan. I as part of a continuous open space network. I 3. Maintain and enhance the rural/country Prepare development and landscaping image along main entry roads and guidelines for main approaches and main gateways to and within the town. streets. I 4. Incorporate major stands of remnant Prepare an open space master plan. native vegetation into the open space network. I I I I I CHAPTER 4 PAGE 28 .I ------I SHIRE OF BUllA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I

5. Establish a decisive edge to the town Incorporate principles in the strategy plan · I incorporating: prepared for Sunbury and in subsequent a generous planted buffer between planning scheme amendments, and prepare the Calder Highway and adjoining guidelines to direct development. I .urban development views across Jacksons Creek and the town centre from Sunbury Road retention of the established character I of Caloola and development of a· green edge around the south-east and I western lower slopes of the site. 6. Develop distinctive themes for Prepare development and landscape employment areas, especially those facing guidelines for employment areas. I main entries such as Vineyard Road. 7. Avoid development above the north- Incorporate principles in the strategy plan western escarpment. prepared for Sunbury and in subsequent I planning scheme amendments, and prepare guidelines to control development I 8. Ensure site sensitive development to the Incorporate principles iri the strategy plan lower hill slopes on the northern and prepared for Sunbury and in subsequent western edges of the town. planning scheme amendments, and prep,U.e I guidelines to direct development

I (2) Craigieburn I POLICIES - for Craigieburn Implementation Measures 1. . Contain the ultimate growth· of Incorporate principles in General Plan and Craigieburn within clearly defined Strategy Plan for Craigieburn. I boundaries and provide a physical separatio·n between Craigieburn and any further urban development which may· I occur in the Merri Corridor in the long term. 2. Establish an attractive image and identity Incorporate principles in General Plan and I for Craigieburn. Strategy Plan for Craigieburn.

Prepare guidelines to promote image and I identify character elements in developments. I I

...... , ~ . I / CHAPTER 4 PAGE 29 I I SHIRE OF BUlLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I

3. Protect the hilltops and other natural Incorporate principles in the strategy plan features as open space components that prepared for Craigieburn and in subsequent I enhance Craigieburn's image and planning scheme amendments. character. Prepare guidelines to direct development. I Prepare open space guidelines. 4. Incorporate views of the hilltops into the Incorporate principles in structure plans for I open space and road network of new Craigieburn and ensure those principles are urban areas in Craigieburn. reflected in Subdivision individual plans. I 5. Develop a town-wide major open space Incorporate principles in the strategy plan system that links Craigieburn to prepared for Craigieburn and in subsequent Greenvale Reservoir and to the planning scheme amendments. Maribyrnong River and metropolitan I open space systems via Yuroke Creek Open Space Plan. and Merri Creek. I 6. Utilise all creeks and waterways as an Strategy Plan. integrated accessible open space network within the town. Open Space Plan. I 7. Establish an attractive civic town centre Prepare Civic Design Gl,lidelines for town which will form a focal point for the centre. whole of Craigieburn at its ultimate level I of development. Structure plan for the Town Centre 8. Develop a landscape theme for all roads, Prepare development and landscaping I parks, public and civic places. guidelines for roads, parks, public and civic places. streets. I (3) Greenvale/ Attwood I POLICIES - for Greenvale/ Attwood Implementation Measures 1. Retain the high quality character and Objectives in strategy plan for the area. I environment of Greenvale. Consider in a~sessing development applications. I 2. Protect existing vegetation and landscape Objective in strategy plan for the area. features in any development around the North West Hospital (Greenvale Requirement as part of subdivision approval. I Campus). I· I I CHAPTER 4 PAGE 30 I I SHIRE OF .BUlLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I

3. Develop the Moonee Ponds Creek and Incorporate principles in the strategy plan I Yuroke Creek systems as part of an prepared for Craigieburn and in subsequent integrated open space network linked to planning scheme amendments. the metropolitan system, to I Broadmeadows, to Gellibrand Hill Park Open Space Plan. and to Craigieburn. 4. Establish a road connection between Incorporate in structure plan for the area. I Greenvale and Attwood and retain the opportunity for a road connection and possible rapid transit link through the I flight path area to Melbourne Airport.

I (4) Rural Areas

I POLICIES Implementation Measures 1. Retain rural identity, character and Incorporate as objectives in strategy plan for I amenity. the area and in new zones (if any). Prepare character guidelines for the rural I parts of the municipality. 2. Separate towns in the Shire by permanent To be incol])orated as a principle in the rural areas. strategy plan for the area. I 3. Protect and enhance natural features Identify in strategy plan. .. throughout the rural areas including water courses, soil resources, valleys, Incorporate recommendations of Council's I hilltops, natural vegetation and habitats. Conservation Plan.

4. Protect the quality of viewsheds and Prepare development guidelines for the area. I landscapes from roads and other vantage points throughout the rural areas. I 5. Ensure that development does not extend Planning scheme provisions. · urban character into rural areas. I Development guidelines for the area. 6. Examine the appropriateness of existing . Strategy Plan. rural zones and zone boundaries. I 7 .. Identify locations which may be suitable Strategy Plan. for new forms of rural subdivision not I permitted by current zones. I ~ Infrastructure Library II I CHAPTER 4 PAGE 31 I I SHIRE OF BULLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I

8. Examine the potential for innovate rural Strategy Plan. uses which retain the rural character of I the area and positively contribute to the management of the land and its environmental features. I I I I I I I I I I I I .I I I I CHAPTER 4 PAGE-32 I I SHIRE OF BULLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I E. IMPLEMENTATION guidance for the further subdivision Of specific STRATEGIES parcels of land. The additional level of det~il I that would be provided in local structure plans IS also necessary to establish the costs of urban The main actions that will need to be undertaken development so that Council can determine I to implement the policies setout in this chapter funding contributions that will be required from are: private developers. I 1. Strategy Plans 3_ Planning Scheme Amendments I The preparation of Strategy Plans for each of the Amendments to the Bulla Planning Scheme will key policy areas, namely Sunbury, Craigieburn, be required to give statutory recognition to the Greenvale and Attwood and the rural parts of the land use policies contained in the General Plan by I Shire. way of rezoning etc. These strategy plans will incorporate the principles stated in the General Plan but will 4. Policies and Guidelines I provide considerably more detail to guide the future planning and development in terms of: A series of planning and design guidelines is needed which focuses on particular matters which I land use patterns and designations; Council is called upon to make decisions on and to advise the community. Council already has a population forecasts as a basis for identifying number of policy documents which will need to I more precisely community service and be reviewed, updated or amended to reflect the facility needs; objectives of the General Plan.

.I clarification of the approximate land use Guidelines should relate to the following matters: boundaries shown on the General Plan and resolution of key areas requiring more particular types of land use or development sensitive assessment to determine their most which require special guidance, eg: I appropriate use and development potential; residential subdivision I areas required to be set aside for public multi dwelling development purposes; rural residential subdivision/development industrial development I access and movement systems throughout rural subdivisions each area; and advertising signs quarries infrastructure funding mechanisms. I particular locations or sites which require detailed guidelines to direct development: 2. Structure Plans I hilltops Detailed structure plans will be required to town entries, main roads and public land coordinate ·subdivision and development in activity centres, community centres or I designated development areas. These plans will community buildings need to accommodate the principles set out in the noise affected land adjacent to flight I structure plans for each area and will provide paths from Melbourne Airport

I CHAPTER 4 .PAGE 33 I l I SHIRE OF BUlLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I particular matters which are important issues in the Shire: I management of rural properties erosion planting or removal of vegetation I street tree planting open space master planning public arts program I

education of the public regarding matters such as: I tree planting land management I access to information and services how to become involved in planning in the Shire I management and administration:

information on obtaining development I approvals etc co-ordination of design and development policies and standards and various works I programs of Council and other agencies to ensure achievement of the goals and policies. I I I I I I I I I CHAPTER 4 PAGE 34 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I CHAPTER 5 I POPULATION I I I I I

CHAPTER 5 I 6E~ERAL PLA~ I Towards 2011 I POPULATION

A. CONTEXT Figure 1: Population Distribution in the I Shire of Bulla - 1990 The estimated total population of the Shire of Bulla in 1991 was 39,500 persons. Over the 10.. I •• previous 10 years (since 1981) the population of ..n the municipality more than doubled from .. approximately 19,000 persons. That represented 12 I 11 an annual average growth rate of some 8. 0%. ~, .. I t • The town of Sunbury is currently the largest I settlement in the municipality and accommodated the greatest population increase over the past 10 years, growing from 11,000 to over 19,000 I persons since 1981 (5.6% pa). Craigiebum and Greenvale/ Attwood also achieved significant I increases: Craigiebum growing from 4,300 to 9,800 I persons (8.6%) B. FORECASTS Greenvale/ Attwood from 2,100 in 1986 1. Totol municipal population growth 4,700 persons in 1991 (16.5%). The most recent Department of Treasury Sunbury's traditional position as the major urban population forecasts available for the Shire of centre in the Shire is declining as other urban Bulla indicated that the municipality is expected areas continue to grow. Between 1981 and 1990 to grow by over 67,000 persons to 106,690 Sunbury's share of total municipal population persons by 2011 (See Figure 2). This represents declined from 60% to 50%. This trend is likely an annual average increase of 5.1 % . I to continue, especially as growth in Craigiebum accelerates with the commencement of Roxburgh , Park and other proposed subdivisions (ie Adam's I Corporation and Silverton). The present distribution of population within the I Shire is shown in Figure 1. I I I CHAPTER 5 PAGE 35 I SHIRE OF BULLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I I Figure 2: Forecast Population Growth- Figure 3: Comparison of yearly 1991 to 2011 population increases in fringe metropolitan locations I ...... ID ,.. I .. Ill "' "" I 110 ~~ so ,. ~~ .. I .."' ,. I

.,..,, """ ,.,., ,.. 1n1 11• zoo, :moe ;a.,,

.... ll.l.LA o:wetl.AE ae.ro. ~ WERAIEIEf •uni.!SfA

...-l~l""'LITY IZZJ '!811110 [S:SI 1RIKV2011 I

2. The rate ofpopulation growth 3. Population growth in different parts of the I Figure 3 compares past and expected future rates ·municipality of population growth (in terms of the average number of people per year) in the Shire of Bulla The rate of growth of each urban centre in the I with other rapidly growing municipalities on municipality will primarily depend on ongoing Melbourne's. fringe. For the expected growth land availability for residential development, on rate to be achieved, on average, 3,360 new Government policy regarding the priority of I residents would need to move into the Shire each different growth corridors, and on the ultimate year. This compares to the 2,050 persons who limits to growth identified in the General Plan. moved into the Shire on average each year over I the past 10 years. Greenvale and Attwood are the most restricted areas and population growth will be limited to It is also evident from Figure 3 that if the that remaining in presently zoned vacant I forecast growth rate is achieved, it would residential land. It is estimated that this will approximate the highest annual intake of new provide the potential for the area to grow to a residents experienced by the fastest growing population of about 11,400 and the capacity is I municipalities in Melbourne over the past 10 likely to be exhausted over the next 5-10 years. years, thus emphasising the magnitude of the task confronting the Shire of Bulla. It is expected that Sunbury will continue to grow I at similar rates to those achieved in the past. However, given the General Plan policies (see Chapters 3 and 4) to contain Sunbury's I development within certain well defined boundaries, the town will have a total population threshold of about .50,000 to 55,000 persons. This level is likely to be achieved towards the I end of the 20 year lifespan of this General Plan.

Growth in Craigieburn over the next 20 years ·is. I· likely to accelerate as opportunities for development are opened up in the Merri I I CHAPTER 5 PAGE'36: I I SHIRE OF BULLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I Corridor. Whilst the General Plan also identifies C. ISSUES ultimate "limits to growth" for Craigieburn which I will result in a population of 90,000 to 100,000. 1. The raJe and management of growth This will not be achieved within this Plan's 20 year horizon. An important issue is whether the rate of I population growth likely to occur will be Figure 4 shows the estimated population manageable by Council, and whether in fact distribution of the municipality over the next 20 Council has the ability to influence the rate or I years. It may be seen that the population of growth or where it occurs. Craigieburn is likely to exceed that of Sunbury between about the year 2006 and 2011. The degree to which growth is manageable I depends on the organisational and financial Note: These estimates are based on the capability and resources within the Shire of Bulla distribution of the forecast total to manage growth. The rates of growth I population of the municip~ity, as envisaged, whilst significantly greater than those determined by the Department of experienced by the Shire of Bulla in the past, are Treasury, into different locations similar to those which have been realised in other I within the Shire. Detailed rapidly growing fringe metropolitan monitoring of population within each municipalities. The rates are therefore area will need to be undertaken by achievable, however the degree to which other I Council throughout the planning Councils have. "successfully" managed and horizon to identify the actual provided for such high rates of growth varies. population growth which occurs. What is essential is that the Shire of Bulla I assesses its resources and organisational Figure 4: Estimated Population Growth arrangements in anticipation of the requirements in Different Parts of the Shire which will be placed upon it to manage and I of Bulla (199112011) coordinate the level .. of growth anticipated. The adoption of a strategic approach to future I -/ planning of the Shire, as setout in the General ~/ Plan, will provide the ability for Council to ....---- / / influence the rate and location of growth within I / appropriate limits. ------____. --- I " ---- 2. Monitoring growth

------.... The forecasts presented in this chapter are based I on several assumptions and are estimates of what is expected to occur on the basis of the information available at this time. It will be I essential for Council to regularly monitor growth in all areas of the municipality in order to identify the actual levels being achieved so that it I can modify its management policies and community service programs accordingly. I

I CHAPTER 5 PAGE 37 I I SHIRE OF BULLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I 3. Recognising the characteristics of different populations I In planning to provide for the human service needs of the population it is not just the number of people that is important but also more specific I characteristics like how old they are, what their incomes are, what types of households are being formed, what languages they speak, and so on. I

The population of different urban centres within the Shire presently has different characteristics I and this is expected to continue. Council will need to identify and recognise these differences in planning to meet the full range of needs of these I communities.

4. Redistribution of the population focus from I the west to the east of the Shire

Sunbury has traditionally been the major I population centre in the Shire of Bulla. As a result, most higher order services provided by Council are located in · Sunbury. It is apparent I that Craigieburn will become the focus for population growth in the Merri Corridor during the timeframe of the General Plan and will cause I the balance of population to shift towards the eastern parts of the municipality. Council will need to respond to this change in the planning I and delivery of the services and facilities it provides. I 5. Creating Communities I It is important that in planning for rapid population growth that substantial effort is directed towards addressing the needs of people I and the communities into which they will form, rather than just providing plans to guide developers in supplying residential lots. I Emphasis needs to be directed towards creating communities and facilitating the development of networks, relationships and responsibilities which I are fundamental in the evolution of a "sense of community". I I CHAPTER 5 PAGE 38 I I SHIRE OF BUlLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I I D. GOALS AND POLICIES I. Goals I Goal 1 To encourage a diverse and well balanced population mix in the Shire of Bulla. Goal 2 To endeavour to contain future population growth within manageable limits having regard to the rate at which new communities can practically be formed and the rate at which an adequate range I of community services and facilities can be provided to new residents.

Goal 3 For Council to respond to the pressures for population growth in a positive way and aim to direct I and influence the direction of growth and development to the maximum benefit of the community of the Shire of Bulla in accordance within the overall strategic framework set out in the General I Plan. Goal 4 For Council to be aware of the actual rate of population growth which is occurring in the I municipality and the characteristics and needs of its new and existing residents. Goal 5 For Council to recognise the varying growth potential of different locations in the Shire and to I plan those areas accordingly. Goal 6 To place emphasis on the needs of people and of communities in the planning of new urban areas. I Goal 7 For Council to be aware of the dispersed nature and varied characteristics of population centres. throughout the municipality and of the fact that the focus of population will shift from the west to I the east of the municipality within the timeframe of this General Plan. I I I I I I I I CHAP.TER 5 PAGE 39 I SHIRE OF BUllA GENERAL PLAN- Towards 2011 I I 2. Policies and Implementation Measures I POLICIES Implementation Measures 1. To ensure Council has sufficient Review staff and financial resources in line management and financial resources with future growth expectations expressed in I available to adequately manage the level the General Plan. of population growth envisaged for the municipality. I 2. For Council to be aware at all times of Establish an ongoing monitor program. the rate at which new residents are I moving into the Shire, where they are Supplement statistical information with locating and what are their household interviews in new residential areas. characteristics. I 3. To recognise and plan for the particular Monitoring and new resident survey needs of comm'unities in different programs to identify resident characteristics. population centres in the municipality. I 4. To create functioning communities in Emphasise the importance of community new residential areas and to design the development when negotiating new I concepts of community and subdivision proposals with developers. neighbourhood into residential areas from the outset. Include community/neighbourhood design elements into residential development I guidelines.

Closely coordinate physical and I social/community planning activities within Council. I Community Development Program to be established early in new residential areas. I Include initial costs of establishing community development programs in new residential areas as part of the development I levy for that area. I I I I I CHAPTER 5 PAGE40 I I SHIRE OF BUlLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I E. lMPLEMENTATION I STRATEGIES The main actions that will need to be undertaken to implement the policies set out in this chapter I are:

I 1. Council Organisational Development Strategy

Assess the local resource and organisational I requirements of Council necessary to adequately manage the level of growth anticipated as identified in the General Plan I and verified by an ongoing monitoring program.

I Review resources presently available within Council and current organisational structures, and identify future requirements and changes I that will be required.

Prepare an Organisation Development I Strategy for Council.

I 2. Monitoring Program Establish an ongoing program within Council to monitor and regularly report population growth I trends within the municipality overall and also I which each urban area. 3. Other

I Requirements for community development programs and household surveys to identify the characteristics of new residents to the Shire are I closely related to the strategies for human · services which are presented in some detail in I Chapter 7 of this report. I I

I CHAPTER 5 PAGE 41 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

I CHAPTER 6 I HOUSING AND RESIDENTIAL I DEVELOPMENT I I I I

I CHAPTER 6 6E~ERAL Infrastructure Library PlA~ I Towards 2011

I HOUSING AND RESIDENTIAL I DEVELOPMENT

A. CONTEXT Such policies are reinforced by new residential I design guidelines setout in documents such as VicCode which support more compact and Housing in the Shire of Bulla, like other parts of efficient use of residential land. I Melbourne, essentially comprises single detached houses on separate lots. Whilst some areas of These principles are now emerging in residential larger lot residential and rural residential areas in the Shire. The first VicCode subdivision development exist such as at Greenvale and in I is underway in Goonawarra, and VicCode Sunbury at Emu Bottom and in the Spavin Drive area, these only represent a small proportion of principles are being incorporated into Roxburgh Park as well as in the Adam's and other the total housing stock. I: proposals throughout the municipality. Information from the last available Population 'I and Housing Census in 1986 indicates that at that time detached housing constituted 96% of all B. FORECASTS housing in the municipality. Little has changed since then which alternative housing types (ie In assessing future requirements for housing and other than detached housing) comprising a low residential land, both the number of new lots 4% of all new dwellings approved since that created and the number of new dwellings time. constructed should be taken into consideration.

State government initiatives over the last few On average over the past five years, 820 new years have encouraged a greater mix of housing residential lots have been created in the Shire of I types in new residential areas and also higher Bulla each year. This peaked in 1989/90 with a densities in order to achieve metropolitan policies total of 1,295 lots being created, but dropped to of urban consolidations and to reduce outward 659 in 1990/91 reflecting the downturn in I growth pressures on the fringe of Melbourne. economic growth. The policies will have an increasing influence on .I housing types in the Shire of Bulla in coming Over the same period an average of 709 years. dwellings were constructed each year, with a peak of 844 in 1989/90, dropping to 719 in The Minister for Planning currently requires new 1990/91. I housing in fringe growth areas to achieve a minimum density of 15 lots per ha. This equates The distribution of new lots created and new to a density of about 16.5 dwellings per hectare dwellings constructed between 1986 and 1991 in :1 for individual residential subdivisions if non each of the urban areas in the municipality is residential uses such as schools, shops and open shown in Figure 6. · I space are taken out. I CHAPTER 6 PAGE 42 I I SHIRE OF BUIL4. GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011

,,- ., . ·:: ..... ~· . I !, i Figure 5: New Lots/Dwell)ng~"-f?Jr~t~ Prr:,.i;:·,-.;, ·:' ,,Figure 6: Approximate Distribution of Each Year between., 1986/87 new Dwellings in Urban and 1990/91 (a~erage)~•·'':"' .. -, '"" ..... · ... ·., ·~ ·; .... :: Centres (1991 to 2011) I ~------. ...S20 ~ 280 10 I ..0 ~ 220 ~ ZlO 1110 i 1SO ~ I § .. o ; ...... o ~ ! I

UXATIC)Iil I

Having regard to the population estimates I presented in Chapter 5 and assuming a household C. ISSUES occupancy rate of approximately 3.1 persons per .I dwelling in 2011 (down from 3.6 in 1986), about 1. State Government Policy 21 700 new dwellings will be required in the Shire of Bulla over the next twenty years. This Current State government housing policy I' represents an average of about I ,080 new emphasises achieving government policies of dwellings each year over that time; it is likely reducing urban infrastructure costs and reducing that the number of dwellings constructed will pressures for the continued outward growth of vary · considerable from year to year and it is Melbourne into surrounding rural areas. The important that Council monitor trends in dwelling means adopted for achieving these policies is by construction. promoting more compact and space efficient residential development, essentially by The approximate distribution of new dwellings encouraging smaller lots and narrower roads, and considered likely to occur in each of the urban increasing the overall densities of new residential centres over the next 20 years is shown in Figure areas. I 6. From that diagram it may be seen that about twice as many dwellings are likely to be Now that the first examples of the "new types" of constructed in Craigieburn as in Sunbury in that housing which result from these policies is being I. time, with only limited opportunity for infill constructed in the Shire of Bulla, Council is development in Greenvale and Attwood. uncertain about its appropriateness to be applied uniformly throughout the whole of the Shire. It I is also concerned about possible social implications of higher density housing in the absence of a government commitment to provide the necessary base infrastructure required to meet the needs of a greater number of people being concentrated in potentially remote fringe locations. This is a special concern in relation to public transport and open space. I. CHAPTER 6 PAG£43 I I SHIRE OF BUllA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I 2. Housing mix should mo.tch needs of different I urban centres Both the phys_ical characteristics and the population characteristics vary between of each of the urban areas in the Shire. For example, Sunbury provides a wide range of housing choices for first home buyers, as well as second I and third home buyers and those seeking an attractive environment in a strong community. I In contrast, Craigieburn has traditionally attracted first home buyers, with affordability being an important factor for people moving to the area. I Whilst this will continue given its role as a metropolitan growth corridor, it will be important to promote a wider range of housing opportunities in the future in order to attract a I mix of people and household types to the area who have a permanent commitment to I Craigieburn as a place to live. Greenvale has essentially evolved a character as an area for prestige housing on larger lots, and I this theme is likely to continue for the small area of vacant land remaining to be developed.

I It is important that a standard housing policy (as presently promoted by the State government) is not applied uniformly throughout the whole of the I municipality, but that the opportunity exists for local features to be reflected in the type, density and range of housing provided in different I locations. I I I I I I CHAPTER 6 PAGE,44 I I SHIRE OF BULLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011

D. GOALS AND POLICIES I 1. Goals Goal 1 To encourage a wide range of housing types in terms of style, size, affordability and tenure to ,I meet the varied needs of existing and future residents in different parts of the municipality.

Goal 2 To recognise that each of the urban centres in the Shire has different physical features and population characteristics and to encourage housing types and a housing mix which reflects the I unique features of each area.

Goal 3 To ensure that all dwellings and residential subdivisions have appropriate and reasonable levels of I residential amenity in terms of privacy from noise and overlooking, access to sunlight, car parking, outdoor entertainment and leisure, and access to community facilities and services. I Goal 4 To promote the principles of environmental sustainability in the design and construction of new dwellings and residential subdivisions by maximising the use of solar energy and by providing opportunities to reduce the use of fossil fuels in new residential areas (especially by encouraging, I walking, cycling and public transport use as an alternative to the private car).

Goal 5 To ensure all new residential subdivisions are designed having regard to the safety and security of residents.

I I I I I I CHAPTER 6 PAG£:45 I I SHIRE OF BULLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I 2. Policies and Implementation Measures I POLICIES Implementation Measures L Provide for a wide mix of housing types Housing objectives to be included in the I which are suitable to cater for the diverse Strategy Plan for each urban centre. needs of existing and future residents of each of the urban centres in the Shire. A Housing Strategy to be prepared for the · I municipality. 2. Actively promote and encourage Instigate a public education and information I alternative housing types such as multi- program. unit dwellings, semi- detached dwellings, row houses and townhouse and other Streamline the planning approvals process to I forms of housing apart from the more remove delays and regulatory impediments to traditional 3 bedroom detached house. alternative housing forms. 3. Ensure appropriate and reasonable Review residential policies and guidelines. I amenity standards are achieved in all houses and in new residential I subdivisions. 4. Identify and promote the special housing Prepare a Housing Strategy for the needs of the population of the Shire of municipality. Bulla (ie private rental housing, public I housing, special accommodation etc). 5. Monitor the changing nature of housing Instigate a Housing Review and Monitoring I over time, and in particular the impacts Program of State government policies on the types of housing provided, and to review the I social consequences and community reaction to new housing forms. 6. Undertake a community education and Instigate a Community Education Program. I information program to inform people about alternative forms of housing that I are available. 7. Promote the principles of Council's ,Include safety elements in residential Community Safety Program .in the design development guidelines. I of new residential subdivisions. I I I

CEUj.PTER 6 PAG£46 I .SHIRE OF BUlLA GENERAL PLAN- Towards 2011 I E. IMPLEMENTATION 5. Community Education Program STRATEGIES Initiate an ongoing community education and I information program aimed at informing residents, developers/builders about alternative The main actions that will need to· be undertaken houses. This program might include the I to implement the policies set out in this chapter following elements: are: Information brochures and display material.

1. Housing Strategy Annual Shire of Bulla Housing Awards - aimed at drawing attention to good examples A detailed housing strategy should be prepared of housing and residential development/ for the Shire of Bulla which, whilst examining redevelopment in the Shire (possibly general housing issues in the municipality, is including open days etc), as part of a wider essentially focused on particular housing needs in program of planning awards in the Shire of . terms of matters such as housing affordability' Bulla. the availability of private rental housing, public housing, emerging housing needs and the needs Encouraging examples of alternative housing of special groups etc. forms to be included in display villages.

Establishing demonstration housing projects I 2. Residential Land Availability Survey in the Shire. Establish a regular and ongoing survey of I residential areas to identify rates of housing construction, take-up of residential land, supply of vacant serviced lots, and the supply of vacant I zoned (but unsubdivided) land available throughout the municipality. I 3. Housing Monitoring and Review Program

Establish a program to monitor changes in the I type and mix of housing being provided in the municipality, especially in response to State government housing policy, and the social I consequences and community reaction to changing trends. I

4. Review of Residential Guidelines

Review existing residential development and housing guidelines to incorporate the goals and policies of the General Plan and of the subsequent strategy plans that will be prepared for each urban centre. I

CHAPTER 6 PAGE 47 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

I CHAPTER 7 I HUMAN SERVICES AND FACILITIES I I I I I

CHAPTER 7 I GENERAL PLAN I Towards 2011 1·. HUMAN SERVICES AND FACILITIES I A. CONTEXT been identified in the provision of unstructured recreation and entertainment options, particularly those catering for young people. As well, Human services incorporate a wide range of I community services and facilities, allied health services and facilities developed to meet a variety and general support and. counselling services are of community needs. This range of services and finding it increasingly difficult to meet growing facilities covers the following areas: I demand. family and children's services; This increased demand has been generated by a services for older people; I number of factors including rapid population youth services; growth, a general ageing of the community's age disability services and facilities; profile with a resultant increase in the number of recreation, leisure and cultural services and I young people as well as older people, and facilities; growing pressure on families as a result of high open space; and unemployment and the present depressed housing services. I economic environment. A range of organisations are involved in Funding constraints have also stretched the providing human services in the Shire of Bulla. limited resources of Council and other agencies I Some of the major organisations include the Ministry of Education, Bulla Shire Council, both and restricted their ability to provide adequate the community health centres, and a number of levels of service. I welfare and charitable organisations. The three main population centres within the The ability of existing services and facilities to municipality have different demographic profiles that will continue to influence the types of I meet the needs of residents has been hampered in some cases by a lack of forward planning. Some services and facilities required currently and, in the future. Sunbury is the most established of the consequences of this have been the centre and therefore has the highest proportion of I inability of buildings to cope with changing youth and older people. However, it should be community needs, a lack of facilities/services in noted that new residential areas in Sunbury are areas where there is growth and, in instances, a lack of co-ordination in the provision of services. attracting significant numbers of first home I buyers who are generally young couples. There have also been cases where facilities are poorly located and difficult to access due to I delayed planning. This has resulted in a lack of Craigieburri has the greatest proportion of available land in appropriate areas for some of children aged 0-4 years and continues to attract the basic community facilities. predominantly young couples who are first home I buyers. Residents of Greenvale and Attwood are While it is generally considered that the predominantly established families, often second municipality enjoys a good quality and range of home buyers, with older children. I recreation and leisure opportunities, a gap has I CHAPTER 7 PAGE 48 I I SHIRE OF BUlLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I The dispersed nature of population centres in the B. FORECASTS . municipality contributes significantly to problems I of access to required human services and facilities During the next twenty years it is anticipated that as well as to isolation. Because Sunbury is the the population of the Shire of Bulla will increase major population area, key service providers by nearly 170%, meaning an additional 67,000 -I servicing residents throughout the whole of the residents living in the Shire by the year 2011. Shire have tended to be located in Sunbury with This will take the population within the· some larger organisations, including Council, municipality to approximately 106,700 persons. opening branches in Craigieburn. The result has I been that many of the higher order services and It is anticipated there will be a substantial facilities intended to cater for all Shire residents increase across all age groups with older people have been located in Sunbury. This has created a being the age group with the most significant I lop-sided pattern of provision and raises issues of proportional increase. This rapid growth in equity and access for residents living in other population will create substantial demand for urban centres. additional services and facilities in new residential II areas. In addition, to ensure equitable allocation Whilst Sunbury currently has the largest of resources, it will be necessary to address proportion of these services and facilities and, current shortfalls in services and facilities in I will continue to do so for some· time, population existing areas. centres in the east of the municipality are accounting for a larger proportion of people and Residents will need access to a range of general I will, in the long term, result in a shift of the human services and facilities. A variety of population focus of the municipality to the east. specialist services that will also be required to cater for specific groups within the community as I A key issue of concern regarding residents' well as meet the changing needs of people in ability to access the human services and facilities different lifecycle stages and, respond to is the inadequacy of current public transport particular difficulties and problems that may I services. Connectivity between the various arise. Services will be required to meet a range centres within the Shire is extremely poor. As of needs in the following areas: well, transport services cater more for people commuting to other areas outside the Shire at Education and Training: Both government I peak times than they do to the day time or and non-government primary and secondary evening needs of residents. The current schools will be required to ensure a range of inadequate levels of public transport have the education options. Additionally, there will I potential to impaCt significantly on the quality of be the need to ensure access to training and life of residents by limiting their access to skill. development programs both on a education and employment opportunities. This is community level as well as TAPE. I particularly the case for residents who do not Reasonable access to a variety of tertiary have access to private transport. institutions will also be required. I While the accommodation needs of residents Health Services: Access to a range of health within the municipality become increasingly services will also be required. These include diverse, particularly with increasing numbers of community based health programs, general I older people, young people and single parent and specialist medical services, allied health families, the range of housing stock and tenure services such as physiotherapy and podiatry. li options available are extremely limited with the Hospital and rehabilitation services will also majority catering to the needs of home buyers be required. who are families with children. I I CHAPTER 7 PAGE 49 I I SHIRE OF BUlLA. GENERAL PLAN- Towards 2011 I Welfare and Support Services: Residents access for people with physical disabilities, will require access to a range of support should be conveniently located in terms of safety I services to meet both ongoing needs and to and transport, and should be financially accessible assist people experiencing specific and .sensitive to the cultural and language difficulties. The kind of services required diversity in the community. I include general and specialist counselling, early intervention and support services for General planning for the provision of human children with disabilities and families with services and facilities within the Shire should be I children who have disabilities, housing done within the context of the fact that there is a support and emergency relief and support. distinct difference in the demographic profiles of the residents living in Sunbury, Craigieburn and I Recreation and Leisure: A range of the Greenvale/ Attwood area. The existing recreation, leisure and cultural services and demographic characteristics of each of the facilities will be required. These include population centres will provide a guide to the I provision of both structured and unstructured types of services and facilities that will be leisure and recreation options, indoor and required in the future. However, it will be outdoor sporting facilities, cultural and arts necessary to regularly monitor the characteristics based activities, passive and active open of people moving into these areas to ensure an I space and a range of community facilities accurate understanding of the community service appropriate as venues for a variety of needs of residents in each area. community activities. I The increased demand for services and. facilities Access to Key Government Services: that will be generated by this population growth, Residents living in all areas of the coupled with shortfalls in existing areas, will I community should have convenient access to place great strain upon the resources of Council. the various government agencies they will In order to meet this challenge, it will be crucial require such as Department of Social for Council, and other service providing I Security and Medicare. organisations, to establish planning processes that set priorities according to need and equity of Community Development: Residents should provision and access. As well, the development I be given opportunities to become actively of suitably located multi-purpose facilities that are involved in their community and to establish sufficiently flexible to cater to the changing needs support networks through contact with other of the community will maximise the benefit of I residents. For this reason it is important that allocated resources. There will also be a need to community development programs are change the emphasis of service provision to the · resourced in the early stages of development eastern part of the municipality. In the long term I in new residential areas. the combined population of Craigieburn and Roxburgh Park will make this eastern sector of Adequate Information Systems: In order to the municipality the main population centre. I assist residents in making use of the services provided it is essential that they know exactly what is available. In order to ensure C. ISSUES I effective access it is crucial that accurate and understandable information about services 1. The need for cooperative action to meet the and resources is made available to all task ahead I residents. While population growth is happening at a rapid Services and facilities provided to meet the needs rate and occurring in a number of different I . of residents should be planned to ensure optimum population centres, providing current and future I CHAPTER 7 PAGE 50 I I SHIRE OF BUllA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I residents with the full range of human services 3. The availability of local employment that they will require will be a huge challenge. Meeting this challenge effectively will depend on Another factor that has significant impact on the I the ability to achieve co-operation and co quality of people's lives is the availability of local ordination between the large range of employment. Many communities on the urban people/organisations including Council, fringe have .large numbers of residents who are I developers and a range of government forced to commute long distances to and from departments who have responsibility for planning work. This has adverse effects on their ability to and funding of these services. become involved in community activities and also I creates extra stress for them and their families. A review of human services was undertaken by In planning for new communities in the Council in 1990/91 which included many municipality, it will be necessary to address the I recommendations regarding improvements to the issue of developing greater local employment resourcing and planning of human services in the opportunities for current and future residents. Shire. In addition to recommendations regarding I ways to improve the co-ordination and delivery of services, the review identified the need for 4. Attwood additional staff within Council, in particular the I need for a social planner. Residents of Attwood experience numerous difficulties in accessing services and facilities within the Shire of Bulla due to the lack of road 2. Providing good access to services is critical links between Attwood and other parts of the I municipality, especially Greenvale. In order to The extent to which people are able to access the address some of the problems created by services and facilities that they wish to use has a Attwood's isolated location, the Council has I significant impact on the quality of their lives. provided a neighbourhood house in the area. Within the Shire of Bulla, the geographical While this response has, to some degree, isolation of population centres means that addressed the issue, such measures will not solve I accessing required services above the the problem. There are numerous services such neighbourhood level often involves travelling a as preschool, child care, recreation, education considerable distance. This being the case, the and community health that are not likely to be I availability of adequate public transport services provided within Attwood. Currently, Attwood is crucial to ensure equity of access for all residents use preschool services in Greenvale. residents. Existing transport services in the Shire However, the lack of direct links to Greenvale, I are inadequate to cater for current needs of and other parts of the community, makes access residents who want to travel around the for Attwood residents inconvenient at best and, at municipality. · worst, virtually impossible for residents without I access to private transport. Access to services in Additionally, access to activities in neighbouring the municipality of Broadmeadows is much municipalities or the central business district are easier, however, there are other issues associated I limited and cater predominantly to the needs of with this proximity. peak-hour travellers. The anticipated increase in population will compound the problem. In order I to ensure more equitable access to services and, a 5. Roxburgh Park reasonable quality of life, it will be necessary to upgrade public transport services to meet the While Roxburgh Park is a discrete residential current shortfall and anticipated future demand. development, the issue of its interaction with both I existing and future residential areas in Craigiebum should be carefully planned to ensure I I CHAPTER 7 PAGE 51 I I SHIRE OF BUlLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I complementary location _of services and facilities in adjoining areas as well as connectivity between I it and other areas to maximise access and use of facilities. I 6. Housing choice

I At present housing options within the municipality are predominantly directed to the needs ·of home buyers who are families with I children. This creates particular difficulty with regard to accommodation for young people, single parent families and older people, all of I whom have different accommodation requirements. In order to encourage diversity within the community and, to provide sufficient options to cater to a variety of needs of different I groups within the community, it is crucial that planning in both existing areas and new areas ensures the provision of a range of housing stock I and tenure options.

I 7. Community consultation

Community consultation has made it dear that I many residents consider the rural nature of the municipality to be very attractive and a factor that contributes to their quality of life. This being the I case, consideration should be given to the way in which the significant population growth that is anticipated can be accommodated without I engulfing existing communities and neighbourhoods and ensuring some level of development and protection of neighbourhood/ I community identity. I I I I I CHAPTER 7 PAGE 52 I I SHIRE OF BUllA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I D. GOALS AND POLICIES I Over the next twenty years, the following broad goals and. policies will provide a framework for the planning and provision of human services in the Shire of Bulla. However, it is crucial to recognise that these goals and policies apply very broadly to planning and provision of services across the municipality, and it will be necessary, once detailed strategic plans are developed for each of the population centres, to I also develop more detailed policies that take into account the particular issues relating to each area. I 1. Goals

Goal 1 To ensure the availability of a diverse, well co-ordinated and accessible range of human I services that operate effectively to meet the needs of the community.

Goal 2 To plan and develop human services, recognising the growing and changing needs of the I community and the need for flexibility in responding to those changing needs.

Goal 3 To ensure that human services/social planning issues are incorporated in all planning I processes, including those for new developments, existing areas and within general service/facility provision. I Goal 4 To encourage local residents and community organisations to be actively involved in identifying local needs and participating in the development of local initiatives to address needs. I Goal 5 To encourage a co-ordinated and co-operative approach among service providing organisations to the planning and provision of human services in the municipality. I I I I I I I· I I CHAPTER 7 ·PAGE.53 I I SHIRE OF BULLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I 2. Policies and Implementation Measures for Human Services I POLICIES Implementation Measures 1. To ensure that forward planning for the Develop organisational procedures that ensure I municipality is done in an integrated social planning issues are incorporated with way and that regular and co-operative landuse planning discussion. forward planning occurs for human I services. Develop a process to regularly monitor the· location of development and anticipated future I development. Ensure that adequate and appropriate human services staff resources are available at the I Council as outlined in the Community Services Review.

I Develop forums which bring together key service providers. 2. Plan local neighbourhoods so that they Develop broad guidelines that identify the I provide safe and ready access to a types of services and facilities needed in a range of neighbourhood human services neighbourhood and. their locational criteria. and facilities eg. preschool, I playgroups, maternal and child health, Develop organisational procedures that ensure local parks. social planning issues are incorporated with I landuse planning. 3. Seek and maximise funding Develop a policy for developer. contributions opportunities to facilitate the provision for human services. I of services and facilities. Council develop co-operative advocacy strategies with other local organisations. I 4. Identify and monitor the needs of New resident survey as per recommendation in individuals and groups within the the Community Services Review. community I Collect and analyse information and knowledge of direct service provision. 5. Develop multi-purpose and flexible Develop guidelines for planning new facilities. I facilities able to accommodate changing community needs. I 6. Ensure adequate forward planning for Develop guidelines for provision of open the provision of open space. space, particularly in areas of higher density I housing. I I CHAPTER 7 PAGE 54 I I . ·SHIRE OF BULLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I

POLICIES Implementation Measures 7. Regularly review and evaluate all Each Council human services department eg. I human services to ensure they are recreation are to review their service in appropriately responding to community conjunction with their manager on an annual needs and are provided effectively and basis and develop objectives for the next year. I efficiently. Seek regular feedback from service users. I . 8. Ensure the availability of a variety of Develop strategies to encourage the housing options appropriate to a range development and provision of variety of of needs. options for home purchase and rental. I 9: Ensure the community has adequate Keep refining information strategies used. information about the human services that are available. I 10. Ensure that new communities are Keep developing community development provided with opportunities that strategies. I facilitate interaction between residents and encourage development of local Ensure adequate staff for community initiatives. development initiatives. I 11. Review the 1987 Recreation Strategy Review in light of the population and Plan development outlook presented in the General Plan. I I I I I I I I I I CHAPTER 7 I I SHIRE OF BULLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I E. IMPLEMENTATION planning for human services are some of the areas that historically have had little input into STRATEGIES I planning for new residential areas. Thus, to improve the overall planning approach, it is The main actions that will need to be undertaken necessary to develop quite clear organisational I to implement the policies setout in this chapter procedures to ensure that planning occurs in an are: integrated way at all stages of the process, ie. from the time the first tentative discussions are I held about development of land, to the time of 1. Adequate and Appropriate Human Services consideration of a forward planning application. I Staff Resources The Community Services Review undertaken for 5 . . Developer Contribution Policy the Council in 1990/91 highlighted the need for adequate appropriately skilled staff to ensure co Funding for the provision of human services can I operative forward planning was undertaken for all come from a number of sources. Contributions human and community. services. from developers are one such source. In order to ensure an adequate supply of human services and I facilities, it will be necessary for the Council to 2. Forums for Local Service Providers develop a policy requiring developers to make a contribution to .the provision of human services I · Co-operative planning for human services and facilities. requires that various organisations in the area need to come together at regular intervals to I identify needs and gaps in services and develop 6. New Resident Survey approaches to meeting community needs. It is considered that the Council has a major In order to plan for the provision of appropriate I leadership role and responsibility for facilitating human services and facilities in new areas, it will these forums. be necessary .for Council to have an understanding of the characteristics of residents I moving into the Shire. To ensure the 3. Guidelines for Neighbourhood Services availability of relevant data, Council should develop a simple survey that can be distributed to The human services for each neighbourhood need all new residents. I to be individually planned to take into account local needs and circumstances. However, it is important that some broad guidelines are 7. Guidelines for Facilities I developed outlining the services. that are normally required in a neighbourhood. These guidelines Facilities developed for the provision of human should also identify key location criteria for services will need to have sufficient flexibility to I facilities and services. respond, over time, to a range of changing community needs. It is therefore necessary that the Council develop guidelines to ensure that all I 4. Organisational Procedures for Integrated community facilities meet a number of criteria Planning that ensure flexibility, safety, accessibility and appropriateness. I Often planning for development in new areas is not done in a particularly integrated or co I ordinated way. Social planning issues and I CHAPTER 7 PAGE 56 I SHIRE OF BUUA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I I 8. Guidelines for Open Space Provision 12. Developing and Refining Infonnation Strategies In order to .ensure that open space provision I within the Shire is adequate, it is necessary to Adequate access to human services and facilities assess the appropriateness of current levels of requires effective methods of information provision and develop guidelines to ensure_ collection and distribution. The Council I adequate provision of open space in new ·areas, currently provides information in a number of particularly those with higher housing densities. ways. To ensure effectiveness of existing methods it is necessary that they continue to be I co-ordinated, monitored and refined. 9. Review of Human Services I The operation, appropriateness and effectiveness 13. Community Development Strategies and of human services can be reviewed in a number Resources of ways. It is appropriate for human services I departments to review their own performance in Development of a community requires the context of their objectives. This method of opportunities for interaction between residents review also needs to include consumer feedback, and support and encouragement for local as well as feedback from other services in the community initiatives. To facilitate community I area. development it is necessary to ensure the continued development of strategies and provision of staff to resource initiatives. I 10 .. Monitoring Location Of Development

Forward planning of human services and facilities 14. Review of 1987 Recreation Strategy I is reliant upon the availability of accurate and current information regarding location, rate and Council prepared a recreation strategy in 1987. timing of development. It is therefore essential Due to significant population growth since that I that processes are developed by Council to time, and given the outlook ·for further growth monitor, review and document current and future presented in the General Plan, the strategy needs areas of residential development. to be reviewed. In reviewing the strategy, I consideration should be given to the likely implications on recreational needs caused by 11. Encouraging the Development of a Range higher density residential development, as I of Housing Options promoted by the State government. The range of housing options available within the I Shire should reflect a variety of housing needs within the community. It is necessary that a number of strategies are developed by Council I and other organisations to ensure the development of a more diverse range of home ownership options and tenure arrangements. I I I I CHAPTER 7 PAGE 57 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

I CHAPTER 8 I ECONOMICDEVELOPMENTANDJOBS I I I I I

CHAPTER 8 I GENERAL rLAN I Towards 2011 I ECONOMICDEVELOPMENTANDJOBS I A. CONTEXT · northern and western sectors of Melbourne. The Bulla region's infrastructure is becoming a major competitive advantage and includes Melbourne There are a number of key economic issues I Airport, the freeway network, intercity rail-lines which need to be considered in preparing a and the Melbourne-to-Sydney optical fibre link. General Plan for the Shire of Bulla. These I include the problems associated with commuting, the need to build on competitive strengths, the need to provide well-designed and appealing 2. Existing economic activities in the Shire activity centres· and to enhance the existing I The transportation sector is by far the largest attractions of the Shire. These issues are economic activity in the Shire of Bulla. In. 1986 developed in this General Plan along with the transport provided around 40.% of the existing outlook for growth to provide a series of policies I jobs in the Shire, employing around 4,340 which will help to ensure a prosperous future for persons. Melbourne Airport is currently the the Shire's residents. largest employer in this sector with around 4,000 I persons. Relatively few firms in the Shire are directly associated with the airport, since most of 1. Regional Context the freight-forwarding activities are to the south of Tullamarine in the Cities of Keilor and I The Bulla region (generally the outer northern Broadmeadows. and north-western. sector of Melbourne) is the main gateway to Melbourne from abroad, from The manufacturing sector employed around I interstate and from much of Country Victoria .. 3,870 persons in 46 firms in 1989. These firms Building on this location and the existence of were predominantly in the "transport equipment", ·large tracts of relatively flat land, traditional "food, beverages and tobacco" and "paper, paper I economic activities in the region have been products, printing and publishing sectors". The transport services and broad-scale manufacturing. strength of these sectors relies on major existing I The resident workforce of the area is engaged in · activities in the region such as the Ford car plant at Broadmeadows and the Reserve Bank Note these transport and manufacturing activities, and Printing Works at Craigieburn. . in providing local and regional services. A substantial proportion of local workers also I Whilst the Shire has ample 'land for commute outside the region, particularly to office manufacturing activities, industrial development jobs in central Melbourne and to factories in the has tended to take place in municipalities to the western region. I south which are closer to metropolitan labour Economic growth in the tegion has been markets, customers and suppliers. relatively slow compared with the south-east of I Community Services and Public Administration Melbourne. This situation is being partly addressed through State Government plans to accounted for 16% and 9% respectively of jobs I provide a· higher level of infrastructure in the in the Shire in 1986. These are population I CHAPTER 8 PAGE 58 I I SHIRE OF BUlLA. GENERAL PLAN- Towards 2011 I serving activities which, in general, have grown 3. Labourforce in tandem with the population of the Shire. The largest employer in the community services sector During the current recession the labourforce of I is the Caloola Hospital, with 690 jobs. However, the Shire has experienced ·relatively low· the hospital is scheduled to close in the near unemployment (5% in June 1991) by future with an· immediate · loss of 250 jobs, and metropolitan and, especially, regional standards I other jobs being created in community care (which had unemployment rates of 10.1% and activities in the Shire and elsewhere. 11% respectively in June 1991). The skills of local residents are in high demand and this is I The Wholesale and Retail Trade currently reflected in household incomes which are higher employs around 1,500 persons in a variety of than the metropolitan average. However,. the activity centres throughout the Shire. The biggest labourforce increasingly commutes outside the I of these is Sunbury Town Centre with around Shire to work. The ratio of local jobs to 80% of the Shire's retail floorspace. Sunbury population has decreased from 1 job for every serves a sub-regional catchment focused on the 1.3 residents in 1981 to 1 job for every 3.2 I western part of the Shire, and includes an residents in 1991. extensive rural hinterland. Other centres at Craigieburn and Greenvale provide local shopping services to the residents in the eastern 4. Land for Employment Uses I part of the Shire. In 1991 total retail floorspace in the Shire amounted to around 38,500 m2 Much of the Shire of Bulla remains non-urban, (excluding car sales and nurseries). and the existing urban areas are relatively I sparsely occupied. On the face of it, therefore, Tourism and Recreatio·n are a small but growing there would appear to be no lack of land available economic sector and have been associated with for employment uses. However, the availability I the location of Sunbury at the metropolitan edge (and suitability) of land depends on land-use of the Macedon region, with its hills and zoning, on the demand by businesses and other vineyards. agencies, and on whether the land is serviced or I not. Farming and Rural Pursuits are not major employers even though they occupy the majority Vacant sites exist in the main activity centres of I of the land area (77%) of the municipality. the Shire and these are ·being taken up as .the Farming appears to have been a declining sector population expands mainly for retail uses, but for a number of years. This may be attributed to also for small office uses. I the changed economics of agriculture and movement of many full time farmers out of the Light industrial activities, including peripheral area, the general downturn in commodity prices sales outlets which require larger land areas than I and to the poor quality of soils and lack of water typical shops, have been taking up allotments in in many areas of the Shire, which have limited the Sunbury area at a rate of just less than 1 alternative intensive farming activities. hectare per annum over the last five years. This I take-up rate may be lower than demand because Some activities have been successful in the non of the general lack of choice of serviced light urban area of the Shire, including quarrying and industrial allotments in the Sunbury area. Most bloodstock sales. There has also been some of the remaining light industrial land in Sunbury I pressure for commercial development in the rural (about 51.5 hectares) is either not yet serviced parts of the Shire to enable certain activities to (the Garden Industrial Zone contains 37 hectares) take advantage of a 'country' image. or has planning conflicts over its future use I (Cornish Street - 5 hectares, Evans Street - 8.5 hectares). This leaves Sunbury with around 1 I I CHAPTER 8 PAGE 59 I I SHIRE OF BUlLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I hectare of light industrial land available for exacerbate economic, environmental and social I immediate use- around one year's supply. problems in that: Light industrial activities have not taken up large Money may be lost to the Shire economy as amounts of land in the Craigiebum area in recent people who commute outside the area will I times and 43 hectares of land zoned "light also tend to shop close to work. industrial" remain vacant. This may be partly due to the perceived inaccessibility of industrial More road traffic, pollution and energy use I zoned land in the township, which is located to are all environmental costs of increased the east of the Hume Highway. levels of commuting (although these costs may be reduced through greater provision I Land zoned for general industrial activities is and use of public transport). located in one parcel totalling 226 hectares in the Hume corridor, south of the existing township of Widespread commuting may leave an isolated Craigiebum. About 165 hectares of this land daytime population, often with few resources 11I I remains vacant with only one firm taking up land to support community and leisure facilities here in the last five years. This lack of interest and sometimes requiring high levels of social on the ·part of firms requiring large land-holdings support. I has been mainly because of the existence of vacant industrial land in municipalities to the To reduce these potential costs to the Shire's south, closer to markets and labour. Adjacent community, the establishment of more jobs within I land in the City of Whittlesea has been taken up the Shire is required. At the moment, the at a faster rate. This may be partly because the workers most likely to commute outside the Shire Whittlesea side of the Hume industrial corridor is to work are office and factory workers. I not planned to be surrounded by residential Providing more opportunities for this kind of development as is the case on the Bulla Shire employment within the municipality . should side. therefore have the greatest effect on future I commuting levels. However, it should be The Shire has no land which is zoned for recognised that the Shire will continue to form commercial office uses and this reflects, in part, part of a regional (and metropolitan) · labour I a lack of demand at the present time. market. Nevertheless, this situation is likely to change as local growth opportunities emerge. I 2. Sectoral Outlook B. FORECASTS In general, those sectors of the local economy I which are population-serving have a strong 1. Labourforce Growth growth outlook, given current population forecasts. Retailing, personal and community I Over the coming 20 years, the population of the services and leisure, for example, will all grow Shire is expected to grow by 67,000 to just over as the population of the Shire increases. 106,000 persons. At current workforce However, the· overall rate and extent of I participation rates, this will lead to a total of population growth is likely· to be determined by around 50,000 workers in the Shire: job opportunities within easy reach of the Shire in sectors which have a regional, national or I On present patterns of travel to work, 40,000 international context. people will be travelling outside the Shire to work each day (compared with 14,000 at Manufacturing in Victoria has accounted for a I present). This level of commuting may declining share of the workforce for more than a I CHAPTER 8 PAGE 60 I SHIRE OF BULLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I I decade. Most commentators would expe<;:t this sectors which require quick access to the airport trend to continue as restructuring and the (such as high-value manufacturing, tourist integration of production are carried out on a accommodation and so on). I world scale. Nevertheless, manufacturing plays an important part in the State's economy and The Shire is bounded by two major roads - the Victoria has a number of comparative advantages Calder and the Hume Freeways - and the I which should enable this to continue. These Tullamarine Freeway leads from the airport to the advantages include well-developed urban to the edge of the City. These will soon be infrastructure, advanced services and a skilled connected by the Western Ring-Road which will I and educated workforce. eventually join the Hume Freeway to the Western Freeway and the Princes Freeway, allowing Within Victoria, the Shire of Bulla and the access from the western growth corridor to the I surrounding region are well-placed to host north of the State and beyond. In addition, the important manufacturing activities that can benefit proposed Western Bypass will connect the from the location in relation to metropolitan Tullamarine Freeway to the Central Business I Melbourne and the relatively dense transport and District and the Port of Melbourne (and possibly communications network in the area. This may south of the River Yarra). The existing and include the production of high-value goods for projected major road network makes the Shire of export via the airport, or the processing and Bulla an excellent location for road freight and I packaging of Victorian foods, for example. associated activities. The existence of the Melbourne-to-Sydney and Melbourne-to-Bendigo One of the key existing manufacturing firms in rail lines also makes possible rail-road freight I the area is the Ford factory at Broadmeadows - interchange facilities in the area and this is a the biggest car plant in Australia - which longer term potential for the Shire. currently underpins much of the region's I manufacturing activity, supporting many suppliers Commercial Services, predominantly office as well as directly employing 3,000 people. If activities in finance, data processing, professional Ford remains a world-scale plant, taking part in services and so on, have generally .been an I the evolution in car design and technology, there expanding employment sector. In the Shire of will continue to be opportunities for highly Bulla, this has been reflected in the growth of skilled local workers. small shopfront services to local residents and I businesses. However, most of the growth in The growth of Transport Services is naturally larger scale commercial services has been in dependent on the success of other activities, central Melbourne and the east and south-east of I particularly manufacturing and tourism. The the metropolitan area. Bulla region is ideally placed to service the transport needs of many activities. In the northern region, the Broadmeadows I District· Centre is the location preferred by State Melbourne Airport is forecast to experience a Government policy for major office activities. 3.6% pa growth in passenger movements to 2010 Broadmeadows may become a focus for many of I and a 5. 8% pa increase in freight over the same the Shire of Bulla's office workers in the future, period. This increase in throughput at the airport but this will depend on a substantial increase in will require a number of passenger and freight demand for commercial development at the handling services. Already 240 hectares of land District Centre. Within the Shire itself, there may I within the airport reservation has been set aside ·be demand for attractively sited fringe suburban for this purpose. In addition to this land, a sites for certain sectors such as research and number of sites in the Shire of Bulla are ideally development activities, for example. I placed to accommodate expansion of airport activities, both in the transport sector and in other I I CHAPTER 8 PAGE 61 I I SHIRE OF BUlLA. GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I Retail activities will grow to serve the associated with petrol stations) and peripheral population. . However, the success of this sector sales outlets. The demand for peripheral sales I will depend largely on the effectiveness with development is likely to be strong in the Shire, which the network of activity centres in the Shire particularly along the routes into the main can capture the available spending of local centres. I residents. The size of shopping centres will naturally depend on the catchment they h<;>pe to Another possible influence on the development of serve, and at certain population thresholds new retail facilities in the Shire (and elsewhere) is the I retail services become viable. Given current development of shopping from home. It may be population projections, it is unlikely that the speculated that a large growth in home shopping Sunbury town centre will have a sufficiently large could reduce the need for shops, changing the I catchment within the time-frame of this study to emphasis of activity centres, perhaps, from the warrant a regional shopping centre status (that is, present situation in which shopping predominates, one with a large department store, other larger to one where entertainment and leisure are also I stores and many speciality shops). The township important functions. There would also be a need of Sunbury has limitations on population growth, for extensive distribution networks requiring with a likely capacity of 35,000 to 40,000 people warehousing and transport arrangements. by the end of the planning period. Moreover, I there is a hierarchy of activity centres in place in Community Services and Public Administration the region which will further develop over the will also grow in proportion to the population. I forecast period. This includes Sydenham, which However, at certain thresholds, major new public is expected to take on a regional retail role, services may become available ~.to the providing retail services to a wide region which, communities of the Shire such as ·· higher in part, will include Sunbury. education, hospitals and entertainment centres. I These kind of facilities are often major local However, the growth of Craigiebum and environs employers and are key attractors of other may allow the development of a viable regional businesses. Whether these types of majoc public I shopping centre in the long term, having regard services are located in the Shire of Bulla will be a. for population growth and the development of the matter of intense debate at State and ·regional Roxburgh Park area. For most of the period of level amid competition from neighbouring I the present forecast, however, this regional municipalities. shopping role is likely to continue to be provided from an expanded Broadmeadows District Centre. Farming in the Shire is not likely to. experience I a growth in output and employment, given the Existing population growth forecasts, sub quality of the land and the small size of the regional shopping services (at least) will be farms.· However, some pursuits in .rural areas I required at Craigiebum/Roxburgh Park and the are expected to grow in the future. These include existing . sub-regional centre at Sunbury will be quarrying (for which in-ground resources have strengthened through population growth. been identified), recreation and tourism. These I However, the success of shopping centres in latter are being developed both as the local general relies on the interaction of shopping with population grows and as the metropolitan· work, entertainment, leisure, community services population in general seeks new areas for local and transport. ·These other functions will add to tourism. I the attractiveness of activity centres· and. will be an important factor in the success of the centres I in the Shire. Outside the main activity centres retail services I will be provided by general stores (often I CHAPTER 8 PAGE 62 I I SHIRE OF BUlLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I C. ISSUES 4. Land availability The availability of land for employment uses will I A number of economic development issues have be crucial in making the most of comparative been identified in the background report which advantages and ensuring economic development. preceded this General Plan and in the analysis of future trends. The most important of these are Of particular concern is the amount of suitably I located land available for light industry in outlined below. Sunbury and Craigieburn , for commercial uses and in the planning of new activity centres. I 1. Commuting These issues are addressed by the relevant goals Commuting is likely to grow substantially and and policies of the General Plan. I may have adverse economic, environmental and social consequences for the Shire community. Commuting can be reduced through the provision I of more employment opportunities within the Shire, especially in activity centres with good public transport access. I

2. Making the most of comparative advantages I Making the most of the comparative advantages of the Shire will enable long-term economic I development and ensure jobs and incomes for new and existing Shire residents. These comparative advantages generally relate to the position of the Shire in relation to the I international airport and the metropolitan freeway network. The Shire's country outlook may also be attractive to activities seeking greenfield sites, I as · well as providing tourism and recreation opportunities. I

3. A rational and attractive network of activity centres I

Development of a rational and attractive network of activity centres (including shopping, I entertainment and community services) will help retain residents spending within the Shire and will encourage new activities to locate in the area. I The local activity centre will be the main focus for the neighb~uring community and should contribute much to the local sense of identity and I· well-being. I I CHAPTER 8 PAGE 63 I I SHIRE OF BUlLA. GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I I D. GOALS AND POLICIES Achieving sustainable economic development is the overall objective of the Council. This means raising the social and individual incomes of all local residents in a way which does not detract from the advantages which the Shire currently enjoys, such as its ease of access to the rest of Melbourne and Country Victoria I and its pleasant rural outlook. To achieve this, a number of more specific goals have been set.

I 1. Goals I Goal 1 To increase the rate of job-creation in the Shire. Goal 2 To improve the range of job opportunities.

I Goal 3 To support the entry of those activities which are likely to provide ·and attract jobs in the long term.

I Goal 4 To make the most of the infrastructure located in and around the Shire.

Goal 5 To ensure a rational hierarchy of activity centres that provide a range of attractive services to local I residents and businesses.

Goal 6 To ensure that all interested sections of the community in the Shire are involved in creating I economic development policy. To achieve these goals a number of policies and actions will be necessary, and these are set out in the I following table. I I I I I I I I CHAPTER 8 PAGE 64 I I SHIRE OF BULLA. GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I 2. Policies and implementation measures I· I POLICIES I Implementation Measures I 1. Council will encourage the creation of Promote employment and economic I job opportunities at the same rate as new development as a major corporate objective households enter the Shire. of the Council.

Ensure the creation of serviced land for I employment uses keeps pace with local employment needs.. I Promote opportunities for public and private sector to service the growing population of ,. . '. the Shire I

Market the strengths of the Shire to potential employers. I 2. Council will encourage the provision of Develop a land-use plan which makes suitable employment for all sections of provision for present and (as far as possible) I the local workforce. . future employment needs. Monitor the skills and employment needs of 1: local workers. 3. Council will support the establishment of Encourage a view of the Shire as a base for employment activities which are in technically advanced production through a I growth sectors and which contribute to marketing strategy. the overall economic base of the Shire. Encourage commercial services (including I tourism) in town centres and elsewhere. Monitor the emergence of growth sectors and I their relevance to economic activity in the Shire. I Promote the provision of quality soCial infrastructure in the form of education, training, health and community services. II I I· I I CHAPTER 8 PAGE 65 I I SHIRE OF BULLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I

4. Council will encourage employment Enable employment to take place around the I activities which make use of the major airport, major freeway links and railway public investments in the area. stations by designating suitable land through the planning process.

I Collaborate with the airport authorities in supporting transport, manufacturing and hospitality enterprises to take ·advantage of I growth in air traffic. 5. Council will ensure that all new and Create a design and marketing plan for each I existing town centres and other activity major town centre (involving local business centres are designed to be attractive to all and community interests). groups of local and district residents. I Ensur~ that the siting of Council services reinforces the role of town centres. I Ensure that the Sunbury town centre fulfils its potential role as a sub-regional activity · centre serving the township and surrounding I district. Ensure that the Craigiebum town centre's future role is suitably identified, including its I potential as a regional activity centre serving the existing and new growth areas in this eastern part of the Shire, and in surrounding I areas. 6. Local business and other community Support the involvement of the traders' I interest groups will be involved in efforts associations in the plans for town centres. to expand the Shire's economic base, activity centres and employment Support the creation of a local chamber of I opportunities. commerce. Support the creation of community I employment initiatives.

/ . I There are many other elements of a successful economic development strategy such as the creation of a range of attractive housing opportunities, the provision of quality community services, education and a I good public transport system. However, these aspects are dealt with in other parts of the General Plan. I I I CHAPTER 8 PAGE 66 I I SHIRE OF BUlLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I E. IMPLEMENTATION 4. Monitoring STRATEGIES The Council will conduct effective monitoring I The main actions that will need to be undertaken and consultation of all empioyment and economic to implement the policies setout in this chapter development strategies to ensure effective are: feedback, review and continuing relevance. I

Clearly, the successful implementation of the 1. Land-Use Strategy Shire of Bulla General Plan requires close I integration of land use planning and development The Council's land-use strategy and planning actions with a program of economic development scheme will ensure the provision of suitable land and employment expansion and enhancement. for employment uses and a rational hierarchy of I activity centres. The implementation of the planning sch~me will give a high priority to ensuring the speedy consideration of uses I generating economic activity and employment. I 2. Economic Development Strategy

Council will provide a co-ordinated service to existing employers and businesses locating or wanting to locate in the Shire. This may include industrial estate construction and management, promotion of existing business sectors and locational attributes of the Shire, design and planning guidance, advice to small businesses and so on. This strategy will also provide continuing research on economic growth sectors and the locational attributes which these sectors require. I Council will investigate the provision of a dedicated economic development unit to develop and implement this strategy. I

3. Activity Centres Strategy I The Council will ensure that each activity centre works to the best of its capacity and is attractive to residents and businesses.· This will include I consideration of design, location of community services and commercial uses, and transport access. I I I I CHAPTER 8 PAGE 67 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

I CHAPTER 9 I TRANSPORT AND ACCESS I I I I I

CHAPTER 9 I Infrastructure Library 6ENERAL PLAN I Towards 2011

I TRANSPORT AND ACCESS I A. CONTEXT bends as the road descends to cross Deep Creek and rises up the other side. 1. Road Network I Except for the Hume Highway, Calder Highway and Sunbury Road, the main roads are generally The Shire of Bulla is served by two major single two lane carriageways, carrying traffic regional highways. On the eastern boundary is I volumes of less than 10,000 vehicles per day. the Hume Highway which is the primary north south route serving Melbourne, and on the south Road widening reservations exist on a number of western boundary is the Calder Highway which is roads. Proposals to duplicate sections Sunbury the major route between Melbourne and Bendigo. of Road, Micldeham Road, Somerton Road and Both those roads provide access ro the Shire and Craigieburn Road West are also under its major urban centres (Craigieburn and I consideration. Sunbury) with the advantage that they do not bisect either township. A major road issue to · be addressed in the General Plan, and possibly the only issue I Sunbury is served directly by Sunbury Road Tullamarine Freeway which links with the Calder involving a new regional arterial road, is location of the reservation for the E14. The Highway at Essendon Airport. I current reservation provides for a new arterial from the Western Ring Road west of Pascoe· Vale Mickleham Road provides an alternative north Road and oriented north through Broadmeadows, south route to access the Craigieburn corridor. I on the west side of Roxburgh Park and continuing to the west of the Craigieburn The Melbourne-Lancefield Road and Riddell township. The location of the reservation Road provide linkages north of Sunbury. I through Craigieburn requires finalisation given current development proposals in that area. The main feature of the road network is the lack of a direct east-west link between Sunbury and I Craigieburn. The existing route is via Sunbury Road-Oaklands Road-Somerton Road or 2. Public Transport Craigieburn Road. The linkage is influenced by Craigieburn_ and Sunbury are serviced by V /Line the need to cross Emu Creek and Deep Creek .. I rail services to Melbourne, as well as bus services linking to Broadmeadows and Moonee A linkage between Bulla and Diggers Rest is provided via the Bulla-Diggers Rest Road. Ponds. Local services also operate within I Sunbury aD:d Craigieburn. A major concern of the Shire in relation to the I existing road pattern is the history of accidents on Major public transport projects under the Sunbury Road west of the Bulla township. consideration by the Public Transport This is caused by the steep grades and sharp Corporation are for the electrification of the I Sunbury and Craigieburn railway lines. Both of I CHAPTER 9 PAGE 68 I I SHIRE OF BULLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I ;<. these projects are regarqed as long term and 6. Commuter Parking (Park and Ride) unlikely to proceed prior to the 2005. However, both projects involve staging and an initial stage Railway stations in the area which provide I to Somerton (Roxburgh ·Park) is possible in the significant commuter · car parking spaces are short term to support the Roxburgh Park Sunbury (350 spaces), Broadmeadows (150 development. Similarly, as part of the overall spaces), and Craigieburn (80 spaces). Demand I project to Sunbury, an initial stage would be for parking at these stations is_ greater than the electrification to the Sydenham Regional Centre. amount provided. Commuters also park in other available spaces around the station sites. I A Rapid Transit Link is currently being investigated to link central Melbourne to Proposals for expanded commuter parking include Melbourne Airport. major expansion at Sydenham Railway station in I conjunction with the electrification to that station. The facilities at Craigieburn are also under 3. Bicycles review. Plans for expansion of parking at I Sunbury have also been prepared which could A bicycle plan was prepared in 1983 for the provide a further 390 spaces if desired. municipality. The plan included recommendations for on-road and off-road works, I as well as advisory bicycle routes, local area .B. FORECASTS traffic management, bicycle parking facilities and I education, enforcement and encouragement Growth in the Shire has been estimated to programs. accommodate an additional 6,600 households in the Sunbury area, and 13,900 households in the I Plans and recommendations were prepared Craigieburn corridor. Associated with this specifically for the Sunbury, Craigieburn and growth is additional travel demands of 10 to 12 Bulla townships. vehicle trips per day per household. I Provision of off-road paths has occurred as Traffic growth on the Calder Highway and Hume development of the urban areas expands. Highway have been estimated at about 2% and 6% per annum respectively due to demands I generated external to the growth of Bulla. 5. Journey to Work The major region of increased travel demand will I Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics be the Craigieburn corridor. With the major Journey to Work for 1986 indicates that about employment opportunities in central Melbourne 26% of workers have work destinations within and within the influence of the ring road; the I the Shire. strongest demand in the peak period will be in the north-south direction. Just over 12% of workers travel to Melbourne, I while 28% of workers travel to the group of The specific directions for future work municipalities to the south (Broadmeadows, destinations depends- a great deal on the broad Keilor, Sunshine, Coburg, Essendon, regional land use and transport strategies adopted. I Brunswick). Of these municipalities the highest There are limited opportunities for expansion of percentage of workers' destinations is the employment base within Sunbury. The major Broadmeadows (12%). employment opportunities within the Shire relate to Craigieburn and with an expanded Melbourne Overall, there is a strong directional orientation Airport. These regions are served by major for commuter travel to the south. transport routes. I I CHAPTER 9 PAGE 69 I I SHIRE OF BUlLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I The nature of fringe development and the level of However, there are a number of aspects that need service provided by public transport in fringe to be resolved in respect to this route: I areas suggests the car will continue to be the major mode of tr~vel in the region. The· the potential divisive effect of the_ road on challenge is to develop a land use pattern that communities both within the Craigieburn I will facilitate servicing by public transport. The corridor and through the municipality of perpetual issue of the level of public transport Broadmeadows service to be provided for fringe areas will I continue. Should public transport services lead the potential attraction of regional through demand or follow once demand has reached a traffic onto the route, particularly trucks minimum serviceable level? .I the type and standard of road to be built Funding levels for new infrastructure can not be expected to dramatically increase in the short responsibility and funding of the road I term. Therefore the emphasis of funding will be on maintaining and upgrading existing resolution of the alignment north of infrastructure. The land use planning strategy Somerton Road. will therefore need to build on existing services I and infrastructure rather than generating Between Somerton Road and Craigieburn Road additional demands and spreading further the the alignment could be adjusted to traverse to the limited resources available. west of the Roxburgh Park estate to obviate direct I severance of the estate.

C. ISSUES However, north of Craigieburn Road the General I Plan supports development eventually extending west to Mickleham Road (although this would 1. E14 occur beyond the timeframe of this General I As highlighted the major population growth Plan). Therefore its alignment will affect within the Shire will be in the Craigieburn subdivision proposals. The objective should be corridor. In conjunction with this growth, travel to: I demand will also grow, particularly travel to and provide a facility that is compatible with the from the south. The only north-south arterials in this corridor that provide direct connections into subdivision design I the regional network are the Hume Highway and Mickleham Road. These arterials are establish an alignment that maximises the benefit of its construction and serves the approximately 5 kilometres apart with no other I north-south route between. Typically urban growing demands of the Craigieburn corridor arterials have a 1.6km spacing. link into the regional network without discharging traffic through the local network. I The E 14 route provides the opportunity to develop an appropriate grid network to accommodate the future corridor travel demands This issue needs to be resolved in a broad forum involving the Shire of Bulla and the Department and to provide a direct linkage to the Western I & Ring Road. of Planning Housing, Vic Roads and the City of Broadmeadows.

I The alignment favoured in the General Plan is a central location midway be!ween Mickleham I Road and the Hume Highway, east of the I CHAPTER 9 PAGE 70 I I SHIRE OF BUlLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I alignment currently proposed by developers in the 3. Bulla Bypass area. The issue of providing a bypass to the north of I The route would terminate at Mt Ridley Road at Bulla township has been ini~iated by Council due least as an initial stage, with the ability to extend to safety concerns and traffic flows through the north to Donnybrook Road in the future. township of Bulla. I

A direct connection to the Hume Highway should Such a bypass is seen by Council as an be discouraged to prevent the road becoming a appropriate means to provide a more direct route I through traffic route and a defacto alternative link between the eastern and western parts of the to the Hume Highway. Shire, and to reduce traffic and the number of accidents on Sunbury Road through the Bulla I The alignment of the E14 will be shown in more township. detail in the Strategy Plan to be prepared. for Craigieburn. Construction of the bypass is a high priority of I Council. Discussions are needed between Council and Vic Roads to identify the most appropriate 2. East-West Links option for the bypass and to address matters such as likely timing and funding arrangements. I The lack of creek crossings and the indirect route between Sunbury and Craigieburn reinforces the I separate nature of these centres. 4~ Public Transport Services

The demand at present and future growth The Shire of Bulla is on the fringe of the estimates do not suggest that a direct linkage is a metropolitan urban region. Developing urban I high priority. However, improved linkage fringe areas always have and always will face the between the centres may have the potential to dilemma of providing public transport services to assist/stimulate increased economic opportunities address social needs, whilst needing to recognise I and improve social and work related travel operating cost limitations. The issue of provision between the two parts of the Shire. of minimum service levels and the upgrading of service frequencies also applies in other I It is therefore suggested that a preferred option be developing fringe areas such as Werribee and the investigated and such option be kept as a long South Eastern Growth Area. This issue needs to term initiative when or if circumstances are be developed further by the Department of I appropriate. Planning & Housing, the Ministry of Transport · and the Public Transport Corporation to establish In a regional context it is important that linkages funding, operating and servicing guidelines and I are not only radially oriented but are provided to criteria. and maintained to abutting corridors . In this respect linkages east of the Hume Highway into Guidelines in respect to subdivision layouts that I the Shire of Whittlesea and to the Plenty Corridor facilitate efficient bus servicing and support need to be considered. access to railway stations and route services have been documented in various reports including the I . This issue is part of the broader regional context Department of Planning & Housing's Vic Code which will be addressed as part of the Merri and the P.T.C. 's "Guidelines for Accommodating Corridor currently being undertaken under the Buses in Established and Future Areas". These direction of the Department of Planning and principles should be supported and implemented I Housing. in approval of subdivisions. I I CHAPTER 9 PAGE 71 I I SHIRE OF BUlLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I Another issue relating to public transport services Park, Craigieburn and any further urban is the need for services to provide linkages to development which might occur further to the I locations which meet the higher order demands of north in the Merri Corridor. residents, as well as interchanges to services which provide access to other regional facilities It would have the advantage of upgrading the I or services. This needs to be reviewed through proposed rapid transit link to perform the role of discussions between the Shire and the P.T.C. a major regional public transport system utilising modem technology, rather than just provide a I In this context options exist to connect the service to the Airport. electrified rail service to Craigiebum via either the Broadmeadows or the Upfield lines. The I Broadmeadows Line is the preferred location for the following reasons: I more employment destinations are available along the Broadmeadows line; I the need to service the Coolaroo is best achieved by extension of the Broadmeadows line;

I · the development and patronage opportunities are greater between Broadmeadows and Somerton than between Upfield and I Somerton;

the option of providing two services rather I than one is uillikely to provide significantly high patronage sufficient to warrant such I expense. The General Plan also supports the pursuit of new and innovative forms of public transport I appropriate to meet the long term needs of residents of major fringe growth areas such as Craigiebum. For example should a rapid transit I system be provided to Melbourne , Airport, the · optiOJ! might exist for such a link to be extended north to become a new public transport· spine in I the rapidly developing Merri Corridor. Such a link could follow the alignment proposed I for the E14 north from the east-west flight path of the Airport, as that area provides the opportunity for a link across to the Airport and to any rapid transit system which might otherwise I terminate there and feed into Spencer Street Station. This link would serve Greenvale and I Attwood, Coolaroo, Meadow Heights, Roxburgh I CHAPTER 9 PAGE 72 I I SHIRE OF BlJU..A. GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I D. GOALS AND POLICIES I 1. Goals

Goal 1 To provide transport services and infrastructure which will meet the diverse needs of the I community.

Goal 2 To encourage and facilitate provision and use of public transport services. I Goal 3 To promote the use of and provide for the needs of cyclists and pedestrians. I Goal 4 To minimise the environmental and social impacts associated with provision of necessary transport infrastructure. · I Goal 5 To facilitate safe travel for users of all transport modes.

Goal 6 To promote the efficient use of resources in facilitating travel demands. I Goal 7 To better integrate land use planning and development with transport . I 2. Policies and implementation measures I POLICIES Implementation Measures 1. Transport Services and I infrastructure 1.1 Prepare a road network and traffic Prepare an Access Plan for the management plan for the municipality. municipality. I 1.2 Establish a road network which Prepare an Access Plan for the distinguishes the regional and local municipality. I access demands. 1.3 Develop a road management program Prepare a Facilities Management Plan I relating to the construction of new (Roads) roads and the upgrading and maintenance of existing roads. I 1.4 Establish priority program for Prepare a Facilities Management Plan construction and maintenance of road (Roads) network and incorporate into a roliing I works program.

1.5 Transport reservations are provided to Planning Scheme amendments allow for future expansion and I provision of the transport network. I I CHAPTER 9 PAGE 73 I I SHIRE OF BULLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I

1.6 Monitor and evaluate the transportation Initiate a Monitoring Program I needs for the municipality. 1.7 Monitor the use of transport Initiate a Monitoring Program infrastructure and effectiveness of I implemented traffic management measures. I 1.8 Participate with abutting municipalities Establish an Inter-regional Coordination to support improved transport Program provision within the region.

I 1.9 Improve links to abutting growth areas. Access Plan - I Inter-regional coordination Program 2. Public Transport 2.1 Encourage development growth to take Strategy Plan for urban areas and Local I advantage of current public transport Structure Plans. infrastructure. I 2.2 Encourage a public transport network Prepare a Public Transport Access Plan. be developed which provides links to the local and regional activity centres. I 2.3 Encourage the Public Transport Residential Development Guidelines. Corporation to investigate and implement services appropriate for a Public Transport Access Plan I developing urban fringe area. 2.4 Road layouts for subdivisions to be Residential Development Guidelines I suitable for bus operations and meet PTC guidelines. 2.5 Higher density residential development Residential Development Guidelines. I to be located in close proximity to I public transport nodes. Strategy Plan and Local Structure Plans I I I I I CHAPTER 9 PAGE 74 I I SHIRE OF BULLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I

2.6 Further investigate and pursue the Lobby the State Government to seriously potential for any rapid transit link that consider and evaluate options for the I might be provided to Melbourne extension of the proposed Melbourne Airport, to be extended to Craigieburn Airport link to serve a major metropolitan and to ultimately form a "new public transport role by extending into the I technology" public transport spine for Merri Corridor, as part of any further the whole of the Merri Corridor. consideration of the project 3. Cyclists and Pedestrians I 3.1 Provide a pedestrian. and bicycle Prepare a Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan network that provides linkages with the I public transport system and major destinations including schools, local, neighbourhood and regional activity I centres, and recreational areas. 3.2 Develop a bicycle and·pedestrian Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan network plan. I 3.3 Provide pedestrian and bicycle facilities Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan that provide safe and direct routes and I encourage travel by foot or bicycle. 3.4 Establish standards for construction and Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan maintenance of bicycles and pedestrian I networks. 3.5 Establish priority program for Prepare a Facilities Management Plan I construction and maintenance of (pedestrians and bicycles) networks and incorporate into rolling program. I 3.6 Regularly review the pedestrian and Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan bicycle plan. I 3.7 Ensure integration of pedestrian and Residential Development Guidelines. bicycle access between abutting subdivisions. Local Structure Plans and subdivisions plans. I 4. Amenity I 4.1 New road designs will give due and Streetscape planting and beautification appropriate recognition to the issues of program. visual streetscape, environment, noise .I pollution and local access. Residential Development Guidelines. 4.2 Ensure integration of access between Residential Development Guidelines. abutting subdivisions. I I I CHAPTER 9 PAGE 75 I I .SHIRE OF .BUlLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I

4.3 Implement Local Area Traffic Consultation Program I Management schemes in conjunction with a public consultation process. 4.4 Ensure minimal environmental services Strategy Plan I and infrastructure in sensitive areas. 5. Safety I 5.1 Ensure provision of safe transportation Establish a Monitoring Program practices for all modes. I 5.2 Develop residential precincts Residential Development Guidelines recognising safety concerns. 5.3 Maintain existing roadways, public Facilities Management Program I transport infrastructure, bicycle and pedestrian networks in a safe and I effective operating condition. 5.4 Monitor incidents and safety record of Monitoring Program road network, local precincts, bicycle I and pedestrian network, and at pubic transport facilities. I 6. Resources 6.1 Development be planned to link into Strategy Plan existing tr3.11sport infrastructure or I provide efficient usage of new infrastructure. 6.2 Monitor the effectiveness of traffic Monitoring Program I management infrastructure. 6.3 Provide a staged transport system that Strategy Plan I meets the needs of development as it proceeds. · Access Plan I 7. Planning 7.1 Transport reservations are exhibited to Planning Scheme amendments ' allow for future expansion and I provision of transport infrastructure network. 7.2 Employment centres are located in Strategy Plan I close proximity to public transport . routes. I 7.3 Develop a comprehensive parking Parking Policy strategy for the municipality.· I I CHAPTER 9 PAGE 76 I I SHIRE OF BULLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I

7.4 Transport needs are addressed in Strategy Plan developing areas. I 7.5 Essential transport infrastructure is Facilities Management Prograin provided and monitored in a timely manner and responsive to community Monitoring Program I needs. 7.6 Coordinate planning of future arterial Strategy Plan I roads in concert with existing and future land use plans. Residential Development Guidelines I Monitoring Program I I I I I I I I I I I I I CHAPTER 9 · PAGE 77 I I SHIRE OF BULLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I E. IMPLEMENTATION programming and projecf commitment is· difficult to ensure, particularly if State funding grants are I STRATEGIES reduced. The responsibility, at this time, is falling more and more onto Council's own The main actions that will need to be undertaken resources. I to implement the policies setout in this chapter are: Vic Roads is directly responsible .for and undertakes works on the Hume Highway and I Calder Highway. Vic Roads funds the works on 1. Transport and Access Plan the other declared main roads, but Council acts as an agency to do the works. Recently Council has I The existing road network, road widening also been funding some of the declared main road reservations, options for new roads and rail lines projects from· its own resources to ensure that within the municipality are shown on the General they are undertaken. I Plan (see Map 2). Due to reductions in funding, it is becoming Four ·aspects that need to be specifically increasingly important that a program of addressed are: improvements is developed, projects prioritised I and a rolling program instituted. This applies not options for the Bulla Bypass only to road network issues, but also public transport facilities, and bicycle and pedestrian I resolution of the alignment, role and design network improvements. standard of the E14 route Greater recognition and emphasis is being made I regional bus service destinations of contributions from developers to fund road · widening projects and other road upgradings and an option for an east-west linkage between facilities in developing fringe areas. I Sunbury and Craigiebum as a possible long term initiative. Therefore a contributions basis should be developed for application by Council to I A hierarchy of roads within individual subdivision projects. subdivisions needs to be identified, particularly the designation and style of collector roads.. This is desired in order to provide a base for 3. Capital Improvements Program I identification of problem issues, assessment of t road amenity impacts, and the need for local area Without funding commitments it is difficult to I treatments. specify and make commitments for projects more than a year in advance. I 2. Funding of Improvements to Transport The major road project commitment at this time Services is duplication of the Calder Highway. Works are currently underway on the bypass of Diggers Rest The sources of funds for road projects in the and duplication to Vineyard Road is expected to I municipality are special Federal Grants, .funding be completed by July 1993. Duplication further allocations from Vic Roads and Council's own to the north will continue and is anticipated to be I revenue. completed by 1995. Funds are sought and allocations approved only a I year in advance. Therefore any forward I CHAPT!J:R 9 PAGE 78 I I ,SHIRE OF BUllA GENERAL PLAN - Towardf 2011 I Duplication of Somerton Road adjacent to the The review should also include guidelines on Roxburgh Park is currently being discussed with integration of pedestrian and bicycle networks the Urban Land Authority. within and between abutting subdivisions. I

Duplication of Craigieburn Road and Mickleham Similar to a road improvement program, a Road (between Tullamarine Freeway and pedestrian and bicycle network facilities rolling I Somerton Road) are also under consideration. program should be developed for each of the major areas. A program of major road projects needs to be I developed recognising where the demand for growth is anticipated, as well as acknowledging 6. · Monitoring and Review Program that forward- provision can, in appropriate I circumstances support and encourage An important part of any strategy or · policy development in desired locations. development program is the monitoring aspect. I Monitoring is required to : 4. Public Transport Program assess effectiveness of policies, strategies or I As highlighted in the Issues section of this specific projects that have been implemented chapter there is a need to review public transport services in terms of two aspects: provide preliminary · indication or warning for any necessary forward planning I the service frequency and distribution at a adjustments or remedial actions local level provide information to review and update I the need to provide services to appropriate traffic management, road facilities, regional locations that serve regional needs pedestrian and bicycle plans, and rolling or can provide access to regional services. programs. I

This review needs to be undertaken in The type of monitoring programs required are: conjunction with the Public Transport I Corporation and Ministry of Transport. traffic flows on main roads

accident history and incidents on road I 5. Bicycle and Pedestrian Network Program network, in local precincts, bicycle and pedestrian network, and at public transport A bicycle plan was developed in 1983 and facilities I recommended networks for· the Sunbury, Craigiebum and Bulla centres. This plan has development growth including increased been used as the basis of the ongoing residential, commercial and employment I development of bicycle facilities and network. activities The plan should now be reyiewed and updated in road infrastructure deterioration I line with growth and anticipated future development strategies. The network needs to· transportation needs and demands within the recognise bicycle access to activity centres, community. schools, public transport nodes and recreational I· facilities. The nenyork also needs to recognise The form, frequency and sources of information provision of a recreational route in itself. will vary according to the specific items to be I I CHAPTER 9 PAGE 79 I I .. SHIRE OF BULLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I monitored. For example road traffic flows serving cul de sacs to a strong permeable grid should be obtained on a regular yearly basis for system. I each main' road in joint cooperation between the Council and Vic Roads. However, a However a number of key aspects should be transportation needs review would be conducted adopted as policies in subdivision layouts: I far less frequently (say triennial) and could be undertaken either through direct int~rview the need for integration of road, bicycle and surveys or review of issues raised in · pedestrian networks not only within a I correspondence (or other forms) with Council. specific subdivision but also between abutting subdivisions Road accident data is available from Vic Roads, I whilst public transport patronage and commuter road networks that facilitate use by bus parking counts can be obtained from PTC services and have a layout that can .be surveys. efficiently serviced by a bus route

I higher residential densities located in close 7. Street Beautification and Landscape proximity to transport nodes or transport I Treatments service routes . A strategy needs to be prepared which development of precincts recognising road development a coordinates policy for the design safety concerns. I and landscaping/beautification of streets throughout urban areas. These strategy would Council should develop policies on subdivision need to be coordinated with an overall urban issues recognising the directions proposed within I design policy for urban areas throughout the the Department of Planning & Housing's municipality to achi~ve a consistent approach to Victorian Residential Development Code. the beautification <>f street, activity centres, open I space and other public places.

I 8. Subdivision Layout

A number of guidelines have been prepared in I recent times relating to subdivision layouts. The Residential Development Provisions (RDP's) and the Victorian Residential Development Code (Vic I Code) are recent examples from the Department of Planning & Housing. Vic Roads was also involved. in a project "Safer Streets in Residential I Areas". These documents all provide comments and directions on subdivision guidelines, including I transport facilities and objectives.

These documents provide scope for flexibility in I the type of subdivision layout that can be adopted varying from sweeping curvilinear collector roads I I CHAPTER 9 PAGE 80 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

I CHAPTER 10 I PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE I I I I I

I CHAPTER 10 6E~ERAL PLA~ I Towards 2011 I PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE. I A. CONTEXT. The provision of hydraulic services in each of these areas is the responsibility of different authorities as follows:- I The State and Federal Governments are endeavouring to better utilise existing physical (1) Sunbury infrastructure through higher density urban· development, and to limit the need to extend I Water Supply infrastructure vast distances by changing the form Macedon Region Water Authority of urban areas through policies expressed in such documents as Victorian Code for Residential I Sewer Development (VicCODE). Macedon Region Water Authority The State Government has also moved to address I Drainage the issues of infrastructure ·funding by the Shire of Bulla/Rural Water introduction of Guidelines for Development Commission!E.P .A. I Contributions (October 1991) and the State Infrastructure Policy - Background Information paper (November 1991). (2) Craigieburn- Greenvale/Attwood I These documents form the framework by which Water Supply the State Government and other responsible Melbourne Water authorities will permit new developments to I proceed. Sewerage Melbourne Water It is necessary, now more than ever, to provide a I co-ordinated approach to the provision of physical Drainage services to ensure that the expenditure of capital works is cost effective. Melbourne Water/Shire of Bulla

For the purpose of assessing infrastructure matters the Shire of Bulla can be broken into two B. FORECASTS future growth areas: 1. Sunbury I Sunbury; and Craigieburn. Initially securing an adequate supply of water The General Plan only supports the marginal poses the biggest problem to the future expansion I . . expansion of the Greenvale and Attwood within of Sunbury. Until this question is resolved the capacity of existing services and that area is· further expansion of Sunbury will result in I not considered to be a major growth area. I CHAPTER 10 PAGE 81 I ------~------I SHIRE OF BULLA GENERAL PLAN- Towards 2011 I increased difficulties in managing supply through The 500 metre buffer zone currently around the summer months. treatment plant boundary is the subject of a draft report which has recently been prepared for the I In an effort to find a solution, the newly formed Authority. Macedon Region Water Authority recently commissioned a report to determine the capacity The recommendation of the draft report is that a I of the exist'ing Rosslyn -reservoir system and buffer zone be established along the Jacksons possibilities for future expansion or Creek valley extending approximately lkm from supplementation from alternative sources. the treatment plant in both directions and I generally including all ar·eas within the valley The report confirmed that the existing source of below the elevation of 210m. supply was over committed and that there would I be an increased likelihood of water shortages and The buffer zone identified in the draft report a greater frequency of severity of restrictions in affects a large area of land within the valley to the future. the east of Jacksons Creek, which. is commonly referred to as the Carmody land. It only affects The report concluded that with measures to the eastern edge of the Caloola Hospital site reduce demand and augmentation works to (which is currently being investigated for increase supply, the needs of Sunbury could be · redevelopment) given that most of that site is met beyond 2001 based on a projected population outside the creek valley. of 37, 100 in that year. Options to further increase the capacity of the system also exist. Garbage and Waste Disposal

The Shire's long term garbage disposal needs will be met by the existing Council tip located off I The expansion of the Sunbury waste water Riddell road near the Sunbury water supply treatment plant has been catered for in its early reservoirs. planning. Its expansion can be introduced into I the construction program at an appropriate time The tip has the capacity to receive an estimated so that it will be completed in time for any 23 million cubic metres of garbage and increase in demand by an expanding population. consequently would meet the needs of the current I population of the whole Shire for over 50 years. The quality of treatment from the plant is being closely monitored by the Macedon Region Water Even with the anticipated population growth in I Authority and EPA. The limitations placed on the Merri corridor and a Sunbury, the tip has an the quality of discharges to natural water courses estimated life of 30 years. will become more stringent in the future. I Drainage The impact of this has already initiated the Authority to look at alternative means of The' need to conform to the directives of the I disposals such as spray irrigation onto rural land EPA's policy statement 'Waters of Victoria' or golf courses or other open space. Disposal of (1988) will necessitate the Shire to formulate effluent by spray irrigation requires that no drainage strategies for the various catchments that I effluent drains directly to a water course and will be developed as part of the expanded sufficient storage ·is provided to last through the Sunbury. wetter months of the year. The authority is I currently considering the option of the golf The strategies will need to address the issues of course for disposal of treated effluent. increased flows from urban development, siltation problems associated with construction works, I I CHAPTER 10 PAGE 82 I I SHIRE OF BUlLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I polluted runoff from urban development and a Funding of the Mount Ridley storage tanks will resolution of the funding issues associated with not occur until sufficient of the catchment has I the development of the appropriate control been developed to enable enough development systems and their ongoing maintenance costs. levies to accumulate to meet its estimated cost of $22 million. The current levy for water is I· Expansion of the Sunbury Area expected to generate sufficient funds from the ·Adam's and Silverton proposals to finance the The preferred development scenario is one of construction of the Mt. Ridley Storage Tanks, I ordered radial progression from areas of existing supply mains and pumps. development where expansion of the existing I infrastructure network is an advantage. It should be noted that the major limitations to The current treatment plant has the capacity to future development of Sunbury identified in the cater for development of Craigieburn to the I General Plan result from planning and existing zone boundaries. environmental considerations, rather than servicing constraints. Expansion of the existing plant can accommodate I a further 400 hectares of development. Any further development requires the duplication of 2. Craigieburn the existing treatment facilities. However, any expansion or duplication will need to conform I with the EPA's requirements to eliminate the discharge of treated effluent to any water course The long term development of the Craigieburn by 2004. I area is dependant on the construction of ground level storage tanks at Mount Ridley and As well as the current arrangement of disposal to associated supply mains and pumps from the the golf course, alternative means of effluent I existing supply network. disposal will need to be established to accommodate this requirement. In the immediate future, development may I proceed generally west of the existing township A permanent gravity outfall is not envisaged until in the Aitken Creek catchment up to the elevation after the construction of the north west trunk of 217 metres. This will be supplied by the Mt. sewer to the Merri Creek. I Aitken Reservoir. The estimated cost of construction of the Merri Subsequently, limited development may proceed ' Creek outfall is $18 million. I with the construction of temporary elevated service reservoirs, pumps and distribution mains Levies from the Adam's Corporation and from Mt. Aitken, prior to the construction of the Silverton developments would be sufficient to I Mt. Ridley tanks. finance the construction of the necessary outfall works. To accommodate the development proposals put I forward by the Adam's Corporation and Silverton Drainage Limited, temporary service reservoirs will be required to be constructed and funded by the Melbourne Water will need to develop drainage developer. strategies for the Aitken and Malcolm Creek I catchments to deal with the problems of increased flows from urban developments . and associated I problems of pollution. I CHAPTER 10 PAGE 83 I I SHIRE OF BUllA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I Costs associated with the implementation of these 1. Sunbury drainage strategies will need to be funded by levies imposed on the future urban development. I

Garbage and Waste Disposal The purification plant currently servicing Sunbury is programmed for expansion to cater for an The existing Craigieburn tip is located within the increased population of 40,000 people by the late township and is unsuitable for the disposal of 1990's. This will require an. extension to the putrescible waste, which is transported to the current works permit. I Riddell Road tip. The acceptance of non putrescible waste at Craigieburn will only be able The plant currently discharges treated effluent to to continue until the tip is full, which is expected Jacksons Creek. The Authority is currently I to occur in the next few years. investigating other means of disposal, including irrigation of the Goonawarra Golf Course, by Expansion of the Craigieburn area arrangement with Council. I

The General Plan indicates that expansion of The issues relating to an appropriate buffer zone Craigieburn can occur to both the north-west and will be resolved with the release of the I south of the existing township. recommendations of a study undertaken for this purpose. The southern extension occurs in the Roxburgh I Park development of the Urban Land Authority The existing sewerage infrastructure system can (ULA). The majority of its service outfalls are to be readily expanded to meet the needs of future the south and east. development in Sunbury. I Development to the west of Craigieburn follows the valley of the Aitken Creek. The sewer servicing the existing development in the Aitken As discussed earlier in this chapter, the capacity I Creek has been sized to include the catchment as of the existing supply reservoir currently far as Mickleham Road to the west. servicing Sunbury is under investigation. This investigation will determine the Authority's best I The development to the north occurs in the options to maintain an adequate source of supply Malcolm Creek catchment. There are no ·sewer for the existing population and future growth. outfalls for this catchment at present. Any I outfalls would need to be constructed to the Expansion of the existing water supply existing treatment plant or Merri Creek trunk distribution network can be readily sewer when it becomes available. accommodated by extending and augmenting I existing mains. Development within the Aitken Creek catchment will be more cost effective than the Malcolm Power. Telecommunications and Gas Supply I Creek catchment as existing infrastructure can be easily extended. These services are readily available and can be expanded from facilities without any major I C. ISSUES upgrading works.

The issues relating to each of the areas and public I services are described briefly hereunder. For a more detailed discussion refer to Section 9 of the Background and Issues Report. I I CHAPTER 10 PAGE 84 I I SHIRE OF BUlLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I Drainage Craigieburn can readily expand using the existing infrastructure . provided in the Aitken Creek I The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) catchment. Development in the Malcolm Creek through its policy statement "Waters of Victoria" catchment requires construction of an outfall to at (1988) has put in place directions for the least the Craigieburn treatment plant. I protection of natural water courses from the effects of urban development.

I In addition to restricting discharge of effluent The existing supply reservoir at Mt. Aitken is from treatment plants matters such as siltation able to service approximately 520 ha of new and peak discharges from future urban development generally along the Aitken Creek I development will need to be considered. west of the existing. township. Beyond this the future expansion of Craigieburn Tequires the Garbage and Waste Disposal development of temporary elevated supply tanks I and associated pumps until permanent storage Future garbage and waste disposal needs will be tanks can be constructed at Mount Ridley. satisfied by the existing municipal tip off Riddell I Road near Sunbury. Drainage Melbourne Water is the drainage authority for all 2. Craigieburn drains and watercourses downstream of the point I where the contributing catchment area becomes greater than 60 hectares. Where catchment areas are less than 60 hectares the drains are the I The expansion of Craigieburn is limited by the responsibility of the Shire of Bulla. capacity of the existing treatment plant. Duplication of the plant will enable further areas The existing Craigieburn township and its future I to be developed. expansions are drained by the Aitken and Malcolm Creeks. However, other issues need to be addressed such I as the limited volume of treated effluent Garbage and Waste Disposal permitted to be discharged to the Merri Creek, the need for other options of disposal of the When the Craigieburn tip is filled in the next few I treated effluent and the EPA's directive of no years, it will be necessary to establish a transfer discharge from treatment plants to natural water station to serve the growing areas of Roxburgh I courses by 2004. Park, Greenvale, Attwood and Craigieburn. The construction of Stage 2 of the north-west Council is currently investigating a number of trunk sewer between Moonee Ponds Creek and sites for this purpose. I the Plenty River isc programmed for completion by 2005. It is expected that construction to the Power. Telecommunications and Gas Supply Merri Creek (approximately half the length) will I be completed a number of years earlier. These services are all available and can be readily expanded from the existing network to cater for Construction of the Merri Creek Trunk Sewer future development. between the North-Western Trunk Sewer and the I Craigieburn Regional treatment plant is not yet I programmed for construction. I CHAPTER 10 PAGE 85 I I SHIRE OF BUllA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I 3. Greenvale- Attwood I

The areas nominated for development in the General Plan can be serviced by extension of the I existing sewerage network. I

Water can be provided to the Attwood area by extension of the existing supply lines from the I north. Drainage I Drainage can be provided to the new areas by extending the existing drainage systems. I The area north of Somerton Road may require special attention due to the highly erodable soils in the area. I

Power. Telecommunications and Gas Supply I.

These are readily available from existing nearby networks. I I I I I I 1- I I CHAPTER 10 ·PAGE 86 I I SHIRE OF BULLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I I D. GOALS AND POLICIES 1. Goal

Goal 1 To ensure that water supply, drainage, sewerage, power, telecommunications and gas supply are I adequate to meet existing and future needs and future development is permitted when these facilities can be made available.

I Goal 2 To ensure that provision of servicing facilities does not unnecessarily impact on the landscape and I general amenity of areas surrounding major facilities. 2. Policies and Implementation Measures I POLICIES Implementation Measures I 1. Sunbury 1. Develop and adopt a comprehensive Shire of Bulla to develop a drainage strategy I drainage strategy for Sunbury.

2. Develop and adopt a strategy for the Shire of Bulla to encourage Macedon Region I expansion of the treatment plant and Water Authority to develop the strategy in extension and augmentation of sewer co-ordination with the other authorities. I mains to meet development needs. 3. Complete the investigation into the buffer Shire of Bulla to encourage the Macedon zone for the sewerage treatment plant and Region Water Authority to have the draft il adoption of buffer zone boundaries. report completed. Shire of Bulla and Macedon Region Water Authority to agree on and adopt buffer zone boundaries. I 4. Develop and adopt a strategy to reduce Shire of Bulla to encourage the Macedon the per capita demand for water. Region Water Authority to implement demand management practices as identified I in their report "Future Water Supply Requirements". I 5. Investigate and dev'elop a strategy to Shire of Bulla to encourage the Macedon reduce unaccounted and system water Region Water Authority to carry out losses. investigations with a view to developing a I strategy. 6. Develop a strategy for increasing the Shire of Bulla to encourage the Macedon capacity of the water supply system. Region Water Authority to commission a I study to investigate and report on the options identified in their report "Future Water I Supply Requirements". I CHAPTER 10 PAGE 87 I I SHIRE OF BUlLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I

7. Allow development to proceed in areas Shire of Bulla to encourage the relevant where essential services can be made authorities to develop co-ordinate strategies I available. and programs for the future expansion of their services in accordance with the General Plan and Strategy Plans to be prepared for I each urban area. 2~ Craigieburn/Greenvale/Attwood I 1. Develop and adopt a comprehensive Shire of Bulla to encourage Melbourne drainage strategy. Water to develop a drainage strategy for Malcolm and Aitken Creeks for inclusion in I new developments. 2. Develop and adopt a strategy for the Shire of Bulla to encourage Melbourne expansion of the treatment plant in the Water to carry out investigations and develop I short term and eventual extension of the the strategy required. Merri Creek Trunk sewer in the long term, together with extension of sewer I mains along the Aitken and Malcolm Creeks. I 3. Determine the options for disposal of Shire of Bulla to encourage Melbourne effluent and adopt appropriate policieS to Water or developers in conjunction with enable the expansion of the treatment Melbourne Water to carry out the necessary I plant in the short term. investigation including use of effluent to irrigate the Craigieburn Golf Course. 4. Develop and adopt a strategy to reduce Shire of Bulla to support Melbourne Water I the per capita demand for water. in its implementation of demand management . policies and support Melbourne Water public education programs. I 5. To develop guidelines for 'the siting of Melbourne Water to investigate the most reservoirs to reduce the visual impact. appropriate location and design for each new reservoir taking into consideration the visual I impact of the reservoir and the area of land to be serviced. I 6. To develop and adopt a garbage disposal Shire of Bulla to investigate the establishment strategy. of a transfer facility in the Craigieburn, Roxburgh Park, Greenvale, Attwood area I with appropriate buffers to residential zones. 7. Allow development to proceed in areas Shire of Bulla to encourage the relevant where other essential services can be authorities to develop strategies and I made available. programs for. the future expansion of their services in accordance with the General Plan and Strategy Plans to be prepared for each I. urban area. I I CHAPTER 10 PAGE 88 I I SHIRE OF BULLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I E. I M P L E M E N T A T I 0 N I STRATEGIES The main actions that will need to be .undertaken I to implement the policies setout in this chapter are: I 1. DrainageStrategy The Shire of Bulla will need to prepare a comprehensive drainage strategy for urban areas I within the municipality. In addition to providing for flood controls and protection from erosion, siltation and pollution, the strategy would also I address the recreational potential of waterways incorporating aspects of public safety drainage and security and the blending of structures into I the planned environment. I 2. Coordinate action with other authorities The provision of water and sewerage services (in particular) to accommodate future development is I dependant upon the actions and priorities of other service authorities. It will be necessary for Council to seek . cooperative action with these I other authorities to plan for and fund services for development in accordance with the General I Plan. I I I I I' I I I CHAPTER 10 PAGE 89 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

I CHAPTER 11 I DEVELOPMENT FUNDING I I I I I

I CHAPTER 1 1 GENERAL PLAN I Towards 2011

I DEVELOPMENT FUNDING I A. CONTEXT the landscaping of public land, including ~ublic open space and other townscape unprovements I High costs are associated with providing the municipal arterial roads infrastructure (both physical infrastructure and sporting and recreational facilities (indoor human services and facilities) necessary to service and outdoor) I new urban development. local community and cultural centres neighbourhood houses Some of these costs are normally borne directly a wide range of community services and by private developers. For example, the costs of I facilities. all on-site works such as roads; footpaths and other physical reticulated services such as water (Note: Many local government human I and sewerage, as well as land required to be set aside for open space and drainage, are provided services at the neighbourhood level can be provided from a single multi-purpose by the developer at the time of subdivision. building ie kindergarten, child care, meeting I rooms, maternal and child health etc) !he cost of most of the off-site physical mfrastructure .associated with the upgrading of In many cases local government is not solely major headworks or supply mains etc, which are responsible · for funding these facilities and I necessitated by individual subdivisions, are services. For example, Councils receive State normally incurred by the responsible service government grants for pre-schools, maternal and authority (ie the water, sewerage or drainage I authorities), but are recouped from private child health centr~, child care centres, as well as some funding for recreational and sporting developers through existing levies and funding activities. However, this funding is limited and contribution schemes. I often not available until after facilities are The costs of most other services and facilities required, and Councils must compete for funding against other municipalities. Hence a ass?ciated with development are funded by I various levels of government. Given the scope of considerable burden is still placed on local government to be the major funder of human the General Plan, the costs incurred by local services and facilities not merely in terms of government are the most relevant to consider. establishing the facility but operating and I These include: managing the service too. pre-schools (buildings and staff) The Shire of Bulla does not currently operate an maternal and child health centres (buildings I on-going system of development levies to assist in and staff) funding these and many other local government child care centres (buildings and staff) responsibilities. Whilst Council makes extensive community development officers and I use of negotiated development agreements which. programs provide the opportunity to recoup some of these I costs, the lack of a consistent approach and clear I . CHAPTER 11 PAGE 90 I I SHIRE OF BUlLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I guidelines means that many opportunities to into account basic services and facilities such as achieve funding from private developers is lost. roads, limited community services and facilities As a consequence, Council must fund the and open space/townscape improvements, on I provision of new facilities from its rate base. average costs vary between $4,000 to $5,000 per lot. In areas of rapid population growth such as the I Shire of Bulla, a significant financial burden is If this is taken as an approximation for the Shire placed upon Council to afford the high upfront of Bulla over the next 20 years (and properly costs necessary to provide the physical and indexed over time) and given that 21,700 I human services and facilities needed by new households are expected to establish within that residents moving· into an area. The result is that time, the total cost maybe in the vicinity of $100 many services are not provided until several years million (or, on average $5 million per annum). I after the first residents settle. Invariably this delay deprives large communities access to even The magnitude of these costs becomes apparent basic services. compared to Council's 1991192 operating budget I of $28M, of which about $3M is related to The political situation within local government capital improvements. also means that new areas with small but I expanding populations may not have sufficient It is noted that these costs provide are indicative political representation on the local Council to only at this stage and the Council will need to lobby for facilities against other competing determine actual costs for the Shire through the locations. Again, this means they miss out. preparation of strategy plans and local structure I plans for specific areas. The State government is following the lead set by other governments interstate and internationally, I and is investigating and supporting the application C. ISSUES of development levies as an approach to assist local government in funding those services and I 1. Should the Shire of Bulla seek development facilities for which it has traditionally been contributions from private developers? responsible. Given the high cost and financial burden placed I on Council by new urban ·development and the B. FORECASTS high rate of population growth envisaged; the State Government's support for development I Over the next 20 years the population for the. .contributions; and the established practice of Shire of Bulla is forecast to increase from its seeking contributions from developers for present level of 39,500 persons to a total of physical infrastructure from other servicing I almost 107,000 persons- which is between 2 to 3 authorities, it is considered appropriate that the times the existing population of the Shire. Shire of Bulla seek development contributions from developers for the services and facilities it I A massive financial burden will be placed on is obliged to provide to accommodate the Council to provide the local government services particular needs of residents of new and facilities· needed by this increasing population developments. Whether this is done by way of a I within a reasonable time. development levy per lot or another form of payment negotiated with the developer is not A number of other studies have been undertaken critical, and may well vary between different I· in other growth areas which provide an example locations in the municipality. of the high costs likely to be incurred. Taking I I CHAPTER 11 PAGE 91 I I SHIRE OF BULLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I However, what is important, is that Council has a scheme would incorporate the same principles clear policy and guidelines that set out the items and the same unit costs. However, the actual I for which contributions should be sought, costs of range of facilities required and the means of standard items, and the means of payment and payment may vary between areas due to their administration of the scheme. existing ·population bases, the existing level of I service provlSlon, and the degree to which development areas contain consolidated land I 2. Justifying development contributions holdings . Four criteria must be complied with to justify . Generally, where consolidated landholdings exist, development contributions: such at Craigiebum, the opportunity exists to I negotiate with developers to· construct, or directly (1) Need - It must the clearly established that the contribute towards the funding of facilities or development creates a need for the services services, rather than seeking a levy (per lot) to be I or facilities identified. paid to Council. (2) Equity - The payment of a levy required must I be a fair and reasonable proportion of the 4. Capital costs vs. recurrent costs cost of the services and facilities identified as needed. Most development contribution schemes are based on the · capital costs associated with the I (3) Accountability - Council must ensure that the construction of buildings and other facilities. The monies collected cannot be used for any ongoing or recurrent cost of staffing, resourcing I other purpose. and maintaining facilities is not usually included. (4) Nexus - There must be a reasonable As a general principle this approach is connection between the need for a facility, appropriate. However, there are some human I the actual facility to be provided, and the services which are required to address .specific development. problems which are directly associated . with the needs of residents in newly developing residential I A comprehensive planning investigation of the areas which warrant variation of this principle. area to which a contribution scheme applies will For example, it is very important to assist new be necessary to clearly establish compliance with communities to "get on their feet" and develop I these criteria. This General Plan and subsequent their own social networks and responsibilities by strategy plans which will be prepared for each providing a community development officer to special policy area, will need to be supplemented undertake community development programs in I by local structure plans for specific II development . some new areas. Given that such a service is areas II to identify the full range .of services and required in new residential areas as a direct facilities necessary. consequence of the influx of new residents into I an area for the first time, it is considered that to seek funding for such a person (and programs) 3. Municipal or area specific development for a limited period of time does meet the criteria I contribution schemes set out above for development contributions. Given the dispersed nature of the urban centres in Another similar service might be a community II the Shire and the different characteristics of each bus, which might be required to provide access in area, it is appropriate that individual contribution cases where residential development is schemes be established for each of Sunbury, particularly remote from other services (such as I Craigiebum and Greenvale/ Attwood. Each shops·, schools, regional transport links etc) and is I CHAPTER 11 PAGE 92 I I SHIRE OF BUlLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I unlikely to be serviced by public transport for 5. Development contributions for non some time. residential land uses I Development contribution schemes are equally 4. What services and facilities should be applicable to non-residential land uses as they are includetf? to residential development. I

It is considered that at least the following services Development contributions can and should be and facilities should be included in development sought where coordinated action is required to I contribution schemes for new residential upgrade or enhance localities such as activity developments: centres or industrial estates. However, the criteria listed in point 2 above would still apply I a multi purpose community building - such a and comprehensive planning studies would facility would provide a base for the delivery normally· be required to identify the items and of a wide range of local government costs involved. I services; community development officer - for a I limited period of time only or when the area reaches a specific population level or development level, whichever is appropriate; I community bus - in transport disadvantaged areas (for a limited period of time only or by population level or development level); I

development and landscaping of recreation reserves, playgrounds, and major entry roads I into residential areas;

fencing of reserves; I

arterial roads not included within the development costs of individual subdivisions. I

Other facilities and services that might be included, particularly where larger comprehensive I residential developments accommodating many thousands of people occur, might be extended to include, as appropriate: I indoor leisure centres I libraries etc.

This list is not comprehensive and might be expanded to reflect the particular needs of I specific areas. I I CHAPTER 11 PAGE 93 I r------~------I SHIRE OF BUlLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I I D. GOALS AND POLICIES 1. Goals

Goal 1 To identify the costs incurred by Council to provide the services and facilities needed by new I urban development

Goal 2 To seek a financial contribution from · private developers towards the cost of providing those I services and facilities, equal to the degree to which the need for them is generated by that development.

I Goal 3 To establish development contribution guidelines that will provide a consistent policy framework I for Council. 2. Policies and implementlllion measures I POLICIES Implementation measures

1. To implement development contribution Prepare Development Contribution Guidelines I schemes for residential development in for the Shire of Bulla. urban centres· in the Shire of Bulla. Establish a Development Contribution I Scheme for each urban centre in the Shire of Bulla. I 2. To implement development contribution Establ.ish Development Contribution Schemes schemes for other areas (as appropriate) for areas that are identify by Council in the I which require coordinated action to future as requiring coordinated action to provide infrastructure, facilities or provide infrastructure, facilities or services, services, or to upgrade or enhance the or to be upgraded or enhanced in accordance I area, in accordance with an approved with an approved Council policy. I Council policy for the area. I I I I I CHAPTER 11 PAGE 94 I ------~----~------I SHIRE OF BlJU.A GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011 I E. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES I

The main actions that will need to be undertaken to implement the policies setout in this chapter I are: I 1. Development Contribution Guidelines for the Shire of Bulla

Prepare policy guidelines which set out the I principles to be used by the Shire of Bulla in determining and applying development levies in the municipality. I

2. Development Contribution Schemes I

Using the principles set out in the Development Contribution Guidelines to be prepared, prepare I Development Contribution Schemes for each of the urban areas in the Shire and for other appropriate 11 development areas 11 identified by I Council policy in the future. I 3. Administration Develop management structures and professional I skills within Council to ensure that Council is responsible and accountable for the funds collected via contribution schemes. I I I I I I I CHAPTER 11 PAGE 95 I r------I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I CHAPTER 12 I ACTION PROGRAM I I I I I

CHAPTER 1 2 I GENERAL PLAN I Towards 2011 I ACTION PROGRAM I A. INTRODUCTION · whether external technical advice is likely to I be required (ie external consultants). Each chapter of this General Plan contains goals and policies which indicated the things to be I aimed for within the life of the Plan, and c. ORGANISATIONAL implementation measures and strategies to STRUCTURE WITillN indicate how those goals and policies will be COUN CIT.. I achieved. Among the recommendations included in the It is essential that Council takes a proactive role action program is the need for the organisational I in planning in the municipality if the goals of this resources and structure of Council to be reviewed General Plan are to be achieved. The various in light of the high levels of population growth strategies, reviews and monitoring programs and development . expected to occur in future I listed to be undertaken throughout the report need years. This may well result in changes to to be prioritised and put in place prior to Council's current structures and procedures. development pressures emerging, so that Council I is in a position to advise and inform developers An organisation review is currently being of its attitudes on matters prior to applications or undertaken for the Shire. One of the key requests being lodged. objectives of that review is:

I "To develop an organisational structure B. ACTION PROGRAM which is responsive and economically sustainable within the changes of the I The table presented in this chapter .provides ·a municipality and the changing role of Local summarised list of actions suggested to be Government in the s." undertaken throughout this report to implement I the goals and policies co~tained in the General It is essentially that review takes into account the Plan. Listed against each action is: growth outlook and implementation strategies identified in the General Plan. This will have a I the responsible department within Council; significant impact on the organisational and resource requirements of Council over the I the relative priority (high, medium and low) coming decade and beyond. the relative level of Council staff resources Throughout the action program reference is also required (high, medium and low); made to a number of groups or committees within I Council which would be responsible for different the relative level of Council financial actions. Whilst such structures will be ultimately resources required (high, medium, low); and subject to the organisational review which is I currently underway, they are mentioned to I CHAPTER 12 - PAGE 96 I I. SHIRE OF BULLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards .2011 I . indicate the need for coordination between and planning for the future of the Shire. The different departments within Council in relation department within Council which is mainly to certain matters. The groups referred to responsible for the implementation of certain include: actions is listed in the following table under the heading. General Plan Coordination Group - which I would comprise senior staff from most The column listed "responsibility within council" departments within Council including in the following table indicates the department or Planning, Community Services, Engineering, departments which are primarily responsible for I Shire Secretary's Department, Building, implementing certain actions. However, in Health, Recreation, Economic Unit (new listing these responsibility it is assumed that an group to be established). appropriate organisational structure will be in I place within Council to ensure coordination and Development Coordination Group - which information sharing between all relevant would include senior staff from those departments where necessary. I departments within Council directly responsible for assessing matters to do with new urban development proposals (ie F. REVIEW OF ACTION I Planning Community Services, Engineering, Recreation). PROGRAM

Economic Development Unit - A new unit As with other aspects of the General Plan, I required to be established within Council to Council will need to establish an ongoing process pursue economic development initiatives to monitor and . review the action program and within the Shire. An economic development priorities in order to respond to pressures which I office is a new position which would need to actually occur throughout the municipality over be created in Council. time. I D. COUNCIL RESOURCES I The action program in the following table indicates, in relative terms, likely future staff resources needed to implement various actions. I A general categorisation of high medium and low has be used to differentiate relative degrees of effort. The item assumes that Council has I reviewed staff resources and priorities, and that sufficient resources exist within Council to undertake the action. I

E. COORDINATION I

Coordination between departments within Council is essential to ensure that all relevant I considerations and competing interests are taken into account in implementing the General Plan I I CHAPTER 12 PAGE 97 I ------,

------SHIRE OF BULLA GENERAL PLAN- Towards 2011

ACTION RESPONSIBILITY PRIORITY COUNCIL COUNCIL EXTERNAL WITHIN COUNCIL STAFF FINANCIAL TECHNICAL RESOURCES RESOURCES RESOURCES NEEDED NEEDED REQUIRED

THE ENVIRONMENT, LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT

1. Strategy Plans General Plan High Moderate High Yes- to be Prepare Strategy Plans for each of the key Coordination Group prepared by policy areas, namely Sunbury, Craigieburn, Council's Greenvale and Attwood and the rural parts of consultants as· part the Shire. of the General Plan study

2. Structure Plans Development Co- Varies depending on Medium Medium Yes- Either Prepare detailed structure plans to coordinate ordination Group development pressures. planning subdivision and development in designated Very high in areas consultants engaged by devel'opment, areas. subject to development requests lodged prior to Council or a the preparation of the private developers General Plan consultants under the direction of Council. ::J...., -Ill 3. Planning Scheme Amendments Planning Department Varies depending of High Low en ro+...., Initiate necessary planning scheme development interest in c amendments to the Bulla Planning Scheme to different locations. u give statutory recognition to the land use ....,c polices contained in the General Plan. CD c: ....,0" ·-

CHAPTER 12 PAGE 98 ------

SHIRE OF BULLA GENERAL PLAN- Towards 2011

ACTION RESPONSffiiLITY PRIORITY COUNCIL COUNCIL EXTERNAL WITHIN COUNCIL STAFF FINANCIAL TECHNICAL RESOURCES RESOURCES RESOURCES NEEDED NEEDED REQUIRED

4. Review of Policies and Guidelines Planning Department, Varies High Moderate Yes, if and when Review and update existing land use and within input from required. development policies and guidelines, and other departments as prepare additional land use and development required. policies to reflect the goals and policies contained in the General Plan.

POPULATION

1. Council Organisational Development General Plan High High High A review is Strategy Coordination Group currently being Prepare an Organisation Development Strategy undertaken for for Council which reviews resource and Council by organisational requirements and includes external recommendations for changes and additional management resources that will be necessary to adequately consultants. manage the level of growth anticipated to occur in the Shire.

2. Monitoring Program Planning Department High Moderate Moderate Establish a ongoing program within Council to in conjunction with monitor and regularly report population the Community growth trends within the municipality overall Services Department and also which each urban area.

-----CHAPTER 12 ------·------·- -PAGE 99------SHIRE OF BULLA GENERAL-- PLAN- Towards-- 2011

ACTION RESPONSIDILITY PRIORITY COUNCIL COUNCIL EXTERNAL WITHIN COUNCIL STAFF FINANCIAL TECHNICAL RESOURCES RESOURCES RESOURCES NEEDED NEEDED REQUIRED

HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT

I. Housing Strategy General Plan Moderate High Moderate Yes Prepare a housing strategy for the Shire of Coordination Group Bulla which, whilst examining general housing issue~ in the municipality, should essentially focus on particular housing needs in terms of matters such as affordability, the availability of private rental housing, public housing, emergency accommodation, special residential accommodate etc.

2. Residential Land Availability Survey Planning Department High Moderate Low Establish aregular and ongoing survey of residential areas to identify rates of housing construction, take-up of residential land, supply of vacant serviced lots, and the supply of vacant zoned (but unsubdivided) land avaihlble throughout the municipality.

3. Housing Monitoring and Review Program Plcinning Department High Moderate Low Possibly to initiate • Establish a program to monitor changes in the in conjunction with program, with type and mix of housing being provided in the the Community subsequent municipality, especially in response to State Services Department monitoring by government housing policy, and the social Council staff consequences and community reaction to changing trends.

CHAPTER 12 PAGE 100 SHIRE OF BULLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 20ll

ACTION RESPONSffill..ITY PRIORITY COUNCU.. COUN CU.. EXTERNAL WITHIN COUNCU.. STAFF FINANCIAL TECHNICAL RESOURCES RESOURCES RESOURCES NEEDED NEEDED REQUIRED

4. Review of Residential Guidelines Planning Department Moderate - new Code Moderate Moderate Yes Review existing residential development and in conjunction with recently prepared housing guidelines to incorporate the goals and other relevant policies of the General Plan and of the departments subsequent strategy plans that will be prepared for each urban centre.

5. Community Education Program General Plan Low Moderate Moderate Yes Initiate an ongoing community education and Coordination Group information program aimed at informing residents, developers/builders about alternative houses.

HUMAN SERVICES AND FACILITIES

1. Humt~n Services Staff Resources Review Community Services High High High Implement the recommendations of the and Recreation Coriununity Services Review undertaken for Departments in the Council in 1990/91, which highlighted the conjunction with need for adequate appropriately skilled staff Senior Management (including a social planner) to ensure co- . Group operative forward planning is undertaken for all human services.

I CHAPTER 12 PAGE /OJ \ -- -·- -- - -··------·------SHIRE OF BUUA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011

ACTION RESPONSffiiLITY PRIORITY COUNCIL COUNCIL EXTERNAL WITHIN COUNCIL STAFF FINANCIAL TECHNICAL RESOURCES RESOURCES RESOURCES NEEDED. NEEDED REQUIRED

2. Forums for Local Service Providers Community Services High Moderate- Low Establish regular meetings between the various and Recreation ongoing organisations responsible for human services Departments in the Shire to identify needs and gaps in services and develop approaches to meeting community needs.

3. Guidelines for Neighbourhood Services Community Services High Moderate Moderate Yes Prepare guidelines for the provision of human and Recreation services for residential neighbourhoods. Departments in conjunction with Development Coordination Group

4. Organisational Procedures for Integrated General Plan High. Moderate Low Planning Coordination Group Develop clear organisational procedures to ensure that planning occurs in an integrated way at all stages of the process, ie. from the time the first tentative discussions are held about development of land, to the time of consideration of planning applications.

5. Developer Contribution Policy Development High Develop a policy requiring developers to make Coordination Group a contribution to the provision of human (see later. services and facilities. recommendations)

CHAPTER 12 PAGE 102 SHTRE OF BUlLA GENERAL PLAN - Towards 2011

ACTION RESPONSffiiLITY PRIORITY COUNCIL COUNCIL EXTERNAL WITHIN COUNCIL STAFF FINANCIAL TECHNICAL RESOURCES RESOURCES RESOURCES NEEDED NEEDED REQUIRED

6. New Resident Survey Community Services Moderate Moderate- Moderate- Assistance may be Develop a simple survey that can be Department in ongoing ongoing required in . distributed to all new residents in order to conjunction with distribution and assist Council in planning for the provision of Development collection appropriate human services and facilities in Coordination Group new areas.

7. Guidelines for FaciliJies Community Services, · Moderate Moderate Moderate Yes Develop guidelines to ensure that all Engineering and community facilities meet a number of criteria Recreation that ensure flexibility, safety, accessibility and Departments in appropriateness. . conjunction with the Development Coordination Group

8. Guidelines for Open Space Provision Planning and High Moderate Moderate Yes Develop guidelines to ensure adequate Recreation provision of open space in new residential Departments in areas, particularly those with higher housing conjunction with the densities. Development Coordination Group.

9. Review of Human Services and Recreation Community Services Moderate Moderate Low Human services and recreation departments to and Recreation review their own performance in the context Departments in of their objectives in order to assess the conjunction with appropriateness and effectiveness of human General Plan services provision in the Shire. Coordination Group.

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11 ------SHIRE OF- BUUA GENERAL- PLAN- - Towards- 2011 -

ACTION RESPONSffiiLITY PRIORITY COUNCIL COUN CD.. EXTERNAL WITHIN COUNCIL STAFF FINANCIAL TECHNICAL RESOURCES RESOURCES RESOURCES NEEDED NEEDED REQUIRED

10. Develop and Refine Information Community Services High Moderate Moderate Possibly - as Strategies and Recreation required Continue current Council information services Departments and constantly monitor, review and refine them to reflect changes and community needs.

11. Community Development Strategies and Community Services High priority in newly High Moderate Possibly - as Resources Department developing residential required Facilitate community development in new areas. residential areas by ensuring the continued development of strategies and provision of staffto resource programs.

14. Review of 1987 Recreation Strategy Recreation High Moderate Moderate External recreation Department consultants may be Review 1987 recreation strategy to required. accommodate population growth which has occurred since that time, and given the outlook · for further growth presented in the General Plan.

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ACTION RESPONSiaiLITY PRIORITY COUNCIL COUNCIL EXTERNAL WITIDN COUNCIL STAFF FINANCIAL TECHNICAL RESOURCES RESOURCES RESOURCES NEEDED NEEDED. REQUIRED

ECONOMIC DEVEWPMENT AND JOBS

1. Coordination with Land Use Strategy Planning Department High Low ·Low Ensure that suitable land for employment uses in conjunction with and a rational hierarchy of activity centres is Economic included in Council's land use strategies and Development Unit planning scheme, and place a high priority on speedy consideration of uses generating economic activity and employment in the planning approvals process.

2. Economic Development Strategy Economic High High High External expertise Provide a co-ordinated service to existing Development Unit may be required to employers and businesses locating or wanting (new department input into initial · to locate in the Shire. This may include within Council) data collection and industrial estate construction and management, development of promotion of existing business sectors and new strategies. locational attributes of the Shire, design and planning guidance, advice to small businesses and so on. This strategy will also provide continuing research on economic growth sectors and the locational attributes which these sectors require.

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ACTION RESPONSffiiLITY PRIORITY COUNCIL COUNCIL EXTERNAL WITHIN COUNCIL STAFF FINANCIAL TECHNICAL RESOURCES RESOURCES RESOURCES NEEDED NEEDED REQUIRED

3. Activity Centres Strategy Planning Department High, especially in High High Yes - Structure Ensure that each activity centre works to the and Economic relation to decisions Plans will be best of its capacity and is attractive to Development Unit regarding activity centre required to residents and businesses. This will include in conjunction with location in Craigieburn coordinate consideration of design, location of community the Development development in services and commercial uses, and transport Coordination Group key activity access. centres.

4. Monitoring Economic High Low Low May be required Establish an effective monitoring and Development Unit from time to time. consultation program in relation to all employment and economic development strategies to ensure effective feedback, review and continuing relevance.

TRANSPORT AND ACCESS

1. Transport and Access Plan Development High High Moderate Yes Prepare a transport and access plan for the Coordination Group municipality which addresses key issues such as the Bulla Bypass, resolution of the alignment and role of the E 14 route, regional bus service destinations, options for an east west linkage between Sunbury and Craigieburn, an appropriate hierarchy of roads within individual subdivisions.

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ACTION RESPONSffiiLITY PRIORITY COUNCIL COUNCIL EXTERNAL WITHIN COUNCIL STAFF FINANCIAL TECHNICAL RESOURCES RESOURCES RESOURCES NEEDED NEEDED REQUJRED

2. Funding of Improvements to Transpo11 Engineering High Moderate Low If and when Services· Department in required. Develop a program of transport improvements conjunction with the required to be undertaken in the Shire. · This Senior Management should prioritise projects and relate to road, Group public transport, bicycle and pedestrian network improvements, and should incorporate a program for contributions from private developments.

3. Capital Improvements Program, Engineering High High Moderate If and when Develop a program for the funding and Department in required. construction of major road projects. conjunction with the General Plan Coordination Group

4. Public Transpo11 Program Development High Moderate Moderate Yes Undertake a review of public transport Coordination Group services in terms of two key aspects: the service frequency and distribution at a local level the need to provide services to appropriate regional locations that serve regional needs or can provide access to regional services in conjunction with the Public Transport Corporation and Ministry of Transport.

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ACTION RESPONSffiiLITY PRIORITY COUNCIL COUNCIL EXTERNAL WITHIN COUNCIL STAFF FINANCIAL TECHNICAL RESOURCES RESOURCES RESOURCES NEEDED NEEDED REQUIRED

5. Bicycle and Pedestrian Network Program Planning, Moderate Moderate Moderate Yes Review and update the 1983 Bicycle Plan in Engineering and line with growth and anticipated future Recreation development strategies. Departments in conjunction with Development Coordination Group

6. Monitoring and Review Program Engineering High Moderate Moderate If and when Establish a transport monitoring program Department ongoing required. aimed at assessing the effectiveness of policies, strategies or specific projects that have been implemented, and which is directed at: traffic flows on main roads accident history and incidents on road network, in local precincts, bicycle and pedestrian network, and at public transport facilities development growth including increased residential, commercial and employment activities road infrastructure deterioration transportation needs and demands within the community.

CHAPTER 12 PAGE 108 SHIRE OF BUlLA GENERAL PLAN- Towards 2011

ACTION RESPONSmiLITY PRIORITY COUNCIL COUNCIL EXTERNAL WITHIN COUNCIL STAFF· FINANCIAL TECHNICAL RESOURCES RESOURCES RESOURCES NEEDED NEEDED REQUIRED

7. Street Beautification and Landscape Planning and High priority in new Low Moderate Yes - Landscape Treatments Engineering development areas, Architect and Coordinate the design and landscaping/ Departments especially in Urban Design beautification of streets throughout urban areas Craigieburn input. with overall planning, development and landscaping guidelines used to guide new development. ·

8. Subdivision Layout Planning and Moderate Moderate Moderate If and when Incorporate design principleS for transport and Engineering required. access in the guidelines prepared for Departments in residential development and subdivisions, in conjunction with the relation to all areas of transport including Development public transport, road hierarchy and design, Coordination Group pedestrians and cyclists, location of uses in relation to transport considerations.

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ACTION RESPONSffill..ITY PRIORITY CO UN CD.. COUNCTI.. EXTERNAL WITHIN COUNCTI.. STAFF FINANCIAL TECHNICAL RESOURCES RESOURCES RESOURCES .NEEDED NEEDED REQUIRED

6. Coordination Strategy Co-ordinate Action with other authorities. Develop an overall strategy for the provision_ Development Co High· High Low and funding of physical services in co ordination Group operation with relevant servicing authorities.

CRAIGIEBURN/ GREENVALE/AITWOOD

I. Drainage Strategy Engineering Varies depending on Low Low Yes - Melbourne Prepare a comprehensive drainage strategy for Department in location of new Water urban areas within the municipality. conjunction· with the development Development Co ordination Group - Melbourne Water

2. Sewerage Strategy Development Co High Low Low Yes - Melbourne Develop and adopt a strategy for the expansion ordination Group Water of the treatment plant in the short term and eventual extension of the Merri Creek Trunk sewer in the long term, together with extension of sewer mains along the Aitken and Malcolm Creeks.

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ACTION RESPONSffiiLITY PRIORITY COUNCIL COUNCIL EXTERNAL WITHIN COUNCIL STAFF FINANCIAL TECHNICAL RESOURCES RESOURCES RESOURCES NEEDED NEEDED REQUIRED

'1 3. EfjluentDisposal Strategy Development Co- Moderate Low Low Yes -Developer's Determine the options for disposal of effluent. ordination Group ' Consultants and and adopt appropriate policies to enable the Melbourne Water expansion of the treatment plant in the short term.

4. Water Conservation Strategy .Development Co- Low Low Low Yes - Melbourne Develop and adopt a strategy to reduce the per ordination Group Water capita demand for water.

5. Guidelines for the siting of Reservoirs Development Co- Low Low Low Yes - Melbourne To develop guidelines for the siting of ordination Group Water reservoirs to reduce the visual impact.

6. Garbage Disposal Strategy Engineering Moderate High High To develop and adopt a garbage disposal · Department in strategy .. conjunction with the Development Co- ordination Group

7. Coordination Strategy Development Co- High High Low Develop an overall strategy for the provision ordination Group and funding of physical services in cooperation with relevant servicing authorities

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ACTION RESPONSIBILITY PRIORITY COUNCIL COUNCIL EXTERNAL WITHIN COUNCIL STAFF FINANCIAL TECHNICAL RESOURCES RESOURCES RESOURCES NEEDED NEEDED REQUIRED

DEVEWPMENT FUNDING

I. Development Contribution Guidelines for General Plan High High Moderate Yes, depending on the Shire of Bulla Coordination Group in-house staff Prepare policy guidelines which set out the resources principles to be used by the Shire of Bulla in determining and applying development levies in the municipality.

2. Development Contribution Schemes New unit/person to High, particularly in High High Yes (will need to Using the principles set out in the be established within areas subject to current be prepared in Development Contribution Guidelines to be Council, in development pressures. conjunction with prepared, prepare Development Contribution conjunction with the local structure Schemes for each of the urban areas in the Development plans) Shire and for other appropriate "development Coordination Group. areas" identified by Council policy in the future.

3. Administration General Plan High Moderate Low Develop management structures and Coordination Group professional skills within Council to ensure to investigate that Council is responsible and accountable for appropriate structure the funds collected via contribution schemes. and responsibilities within Council organisation.

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