premier’s message

Melbourne’s continuing prosperity – this plan will ensure that these and growth is a sure sign that we live opportunities are as available in the in one of the world’s great cities. Our future as they are today. reputation as a great place to live, A plan for Melbourne’s growth work and raise a family is the envy of areas responds to the challenge of cities worldwide. providing new infrastructure and Backed by a strong economy, the services to meet the needs of new cost of living and doing business in communities over 25 years. The Melbourne is lower than almost any government will continue to build on other city of a similar size. its record of infrastructure. This plan It is expected that over the next 25 will also ensure that developers make years up to 220,000 houses will be a fair contribution to providing better built in Melbourne’s growth areas. and more timely infrastructure for This will provide a significant boost their developments in Melbourne’s for Victoria’s housing construction growth areas. industry, creating more jobs, I thank everyone who has taken the development and investment activity. time to contribute to this policy A plan for Melbourne’s growth areas statement, through the Melbourne will create employment opportunities 2030 Smart Growth Committee closer to where people live. On community workshops and current trends, jobs in these areas consultations. are expected to increase to 320,000 Your work has made an important over the next 25 years. With the contribution to maintaining policies and strategies outlined in Melbourne’s place as one of the this plan, that number could increase world’s great cities. to in excess of 400,000. A plan for Melbourne’s growth areas Victoria’s healthy economic climate is part of our Growing Victoria has contributed to Melbourne being Together vision that balances the nation’s leading research and economic, social and environmental manufacturing centre. Manufacturing goals, so that our children will enjoy is continuing to grow despite an even better quality of life in the international competition, and a future. wide range of industries such as advanced automotive manufacturing, higher education, biotechnology and financial services choose to locate here. And our important trade gateways – the Port of Melbourne and Steve Bracks, MP Melbourne Airport – will keep our Premier of Victoria city internationally competitive and globally connected. With a strong and competitive economic environment, Melbourne will continue to grow – but it is also a city that is committed to giving everyone a fair go. We want to make sure that everyone can share the opportunities that increased prosperity and growth can bring

 minister FOR PLANNING’s foreword

The quality of life Melburnians enjoy coordination of growth area today is in large part due to more planning, infrastructure and than a century of good planning. service provision Informed by significant community  delivers services and infrastructure input, the Bracks Government is earlier, through improvements to building on past achievements. existing Development Contribution Plan arrangements and a A plan for Melbourne’s growth strengthened partnership with areas involves a new and more developers and councils strategic approach to development in Melbourne’s growth areas. The  supports the development of plan covers residential, commercial more local jobs by providing and industrial land uses, parks and employment and land in the open spaces, the good design of new right places and through regional communities and the staging of land employment strategies release so services and infrastructure  puts in place growth area plans to can be provided in a more timely way guide the long-term development to new communities. of each area Importantly, the adequate availability  will create well-designed of land will protect housing neighbourhoods that provide more affordability and ensure Melbourne lifestyle and housing choices, retains its competitive edge over parks and sporting grounds Brisbane and Sydney. through coordinated planning of new communities by councils, A plan for Melbourne’s growth areas developers and infrastructure is a new approach to the way we agencies. manage long-term planning for our growth areas, providing homeowners, The plan strikes a sensible balance property developers, businesses and between managing growth, protecting investors with greater certainty and the environment and ensuring the confidence about the future. home building industry continues to provide competitively priced The plan will ensure communities affordable housing. in Melbourne’s five ‘growth areas’ – Casey-Cardinia, Hume, Melton- This plan and the changes to the Caroline Springs, Whittlesea and urban growth boundary are the result Wyndham – will have better access to of extensive consultations over the services, transport, jobs, shops, open past two years. I thank everyone who spaces and recreation facilities in the has been involved in helping to put future. this plan together, particularly the Smart Growth Committees. The plan:

 amends the urban growth boundary to release more land for future housing and employment growth for at least the next 25 Rob Hulls, MP years Minister for Planning  proposes a new Growth Areas Authority to work in partnership with local councils, the community, developers and infrastructure providers to ensure effective

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a plan for melbourne’s growth areas

A plan for Melbourne’s growth areas describes how growth will be managed and how more affordable housing choices and jobs will be created in Casey–Cardinia, Hume, Melton–Caroline Springs, Whittlesea and Wyndham, the five growth areas that have attracted significant growth to date and will continue to attract a substantial share of future growth. Over the next 25 years, Melbourne 2030 aims to accommodate a larger share of new households in the established metropolitan area. Although it is expected there will be a gradual decline in the overall share of new households locating to the growth areas, from around 40 per cent to around 30 per cent, substantial future growth will still occur and will require a new approach to planning and coordination. How we manage this growth will determine the quality of life that families enjoy in the future. To meet the needs of people in growth areas in the future, new developments are expected to achieve higher standards with regard to neighbourhood design, public transport accessibility, environmental sustainability and housing yields, choice and affordability.

melbourne’s growth areas

hume

melton- wHITTLESEA caroline springs

wyndham

casey- cardinia

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A plan for Melbourne’s growth areas This approach will ensure that: includes a number of important  Melbourne retains its competitive components to better manage growth edge when it comes to housing in these areas, including: affordability and retains its 1. the release of new land to protect position as one of the world’s housing affordability and provide greatest places to live, work and do adequate land for industrial uses business and employment creation over  enough land is released to allow the next 25 years and beyond business and industry to plan for 2. long-term plans in each of the the longer term, and will provide five growth areas to provide more opportunities to locate certainty about the direction of close to transport, workers and future growth consumers

3. a new Growth Areas Authority  people have affordable choices that will help streamline about housing and where to live

processes and support councils,  new communities are designed developers and the community to promote safe and healthy to ensure new neighbourhoods community and family life are well planned and that new  infrastructure and services are communities receive the services provided sooner. and infrastructure they need sooner 4. a new partnership approach to best practice in modern infrastructure provision that a new urban management builds on existing arrangements growth areas and ensures that developers authority in growth areas provide a better coordination of development with

fair contribution towards the infrastructure and greater efficiency for provision of infrastructure. local government and

developers

r s a nationally e e q r i competitive melbourne u u i r q e

e s r

more opportunities

for business & industry

more choices for

households

liveable communities

affordable housing

growth area

partnership

plans and urban

approach to

growth boundary

infrastructure

changes

provision

a clear framework for

managing the city’s outward re more timely and efficient growth and a competitive quires delivery of the infrastructure required to support housing market with a community development 25+ year land supply

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a better place to live, work, relax and invest

for families... for retirees...

 a choice of affordable quality housing  housing choice that provides, for with the space families want example, a smaller single storey house  parks, playgrounds and open spaces in a quiet and friendly neighbourhood, nearby for those wanting to down-size their  community facilities nearby, such as homes schools, health services and a library  local streets that are easier  local shops, preferably within walking to get around distance from home  easier access to shops and transport  reliable local transport for better access to medical services to shops, schools and jobs  community facilities.  a wider variety of jobs nearby.

for small businesses... for bigger businesses...

 enough people living, moving into  plenty of room for a large industry or and working in and around the local warehouses, and room to expand in area to support a variety of small the future businesses  a readily available workforce offering  a range of other businesses and both skilled and semi-skilled labour services close by to attract new close by customers  good access to the airports, the port  transport infrastructure that and the rail network for local and allows goods to be delivered and international exporting. distributed efficiently and provides convenient access for workers.

 pREPARING for the future well-planned communities and the services you need

Well-planned and better designed They also encourage water sensitive improved communities have: design to save water and protect the safety, choice quality of our waterways.  a variety of shopping and and access to The provisions streamline the commercial centres within walking services will or cycling distance, or a short assessment of different catagories trip away by bus or car if that is of subdivisions, with simpler and be encouraged preferred quicker processes for smaller in the new subdivisions.  meeting places such as local parks, developments libraries and other community New developments will need to facilities provide greater housing choices for families and meet the changing  safe walking and cycling paths requirements of smaller households  clear road layouts instead of and an ageing population. winding, hard to navigate streets, providing easier access to services precinct structure and facilities plans and better

 recreational and sporting facilities sequenced development that cater for a variety of interests A plan for Melbourne’s growth areas and ages. puts in place new arrangements, Places with these characteristics through the new Growth Areas provide the basis for healthy and Authority, to ensure better active community life. They also sequencing of development so provide a wider variety of housing infrastructure and services can choice, support and build the local be provided earlier. economy, and reduce environmental The new Authority will work impacts such as greenhouse gas with councils, developers and emissions from car travel. This is infrastructure agencies to ensure what we want for the future of our detailed precinct structure plans are new communities. either prepared for development areas that don’t have them, or cultural sites and updated where they are not to the heritage places required standard. Preserving local history and cultural Guidelines will be developed by the identity is an important part of Department of Sustainability and creating new communities. Where Environment to give the Authority, significant heritage sites have been councils and developers clear identified, they have been protected directions for planning and designing from urban development. New new communities. developments will be required to These will be based on the directions respect and blend in with local and objectives contained in heritage and cultural values, including Melbourne 2030 with regard Aboriginal cultural heritage. to neighbourhood design, new sustainable public transport accessibility and housing yields, choice neighbourhoods and affordability, as well The government’s new sustainable as the new sustainable neighbourhoods planning provisions neighbourhoods planning are nearing completion. They will provisions. promote walking, cycling and public transport use as part of everyday life.

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housing affordability

our plan for the Melbourne’s position as the most Based on this and other recent growth areas affordable major city on Australia’s market studies, the government is: eastern seaboard will be retained. will maintain 1. providing enough new land through the current changes Residential land housing to the urban growth boundary affordability, supply 2. creating a Growth Areas Amendments to the urban growth one of Authority to recommend boundary will ensure there is melbourne’s preferred development enough land available to help keep sequencing and zoning to State key competitive housing affordable into the future. and local government, and to advantages Increasing the supply of land within provide advice on the required the urban growth boundary places over other infrastructure australian downward pressure on residential prices where: 3. improving development cities contribution arrangements,  there is sufficient market demand where developers of new  there is real competition between housing and industrial land work developers in partnership with government

 land can be serviced in a timely and councils to provide and efficient manner. infrastructure sooner to service new developments in growth Increased land supply that satisfies areas. the above criteria can provide more affordable house and land The combination of these policies packages. For example, research by will ensure that housing in VicUrban has shown that the recent Melbourne’s growth areas remains provision of more serviced and affordable into the future. zoned residential land within Epping has supported more affordable Affordable living housing products coming on to A plan for Melbourne’s growth areas the local market. The development will ensure the new areas are better opportunity arising from this designed, safer and easier to move increase in both serviced and well around. Shops and services will located land, relative to market be more conveniently located, and demand, resulted in residential there will be better public transport. lots being 10 per cent cheaper on a Delivering infrastructure and dollar per square metre basis. services sooner will increase the value of people’s investment in their home and will generate real savings for households through lower transport and commuting costs. More jobs closer to where people live will also provide increased opportunities for people to work closer to home.

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Housing choices Initiatives supporting the for all development of a range of affordable housing choices in the growth areas A Fairer Victoria committed the include: government to exploring ways to increase the supply of affordable  developing an affordable housing housing available. The Growth objective for inclusion in the State Areas Authority, working with Planning Policy Framework VicUrban, the Office of Housing  investigating ways to provide and private developers, will advise social housing in the growth areas the government on options to  investigating a ‘housing first’ deliver more housing choice in new requirement in the policy that developments to meet the needs governs the sale of surplus of a broader range of incomes, government land particularly those at the lower end.  consulting with stakeholders about The government is also encouraging the use of restrictive covenants private and social housing providers that can limit housing choice and to expand the range of options that are inconsistent with current available for householders who government policy. choose to rent or are unable to purchase.

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more timely infrastructure provision

communities Historically, the provision of HISTORY OF infrastructure and services needed will receive the DEVELOPMENT to support new communities in CONTRIBUTIONS infrastructure Melbourne’s growth areas has not Development contributions have always kept pace with development. they need long been a fundamental part of With the expectations of communities sooner, and new the urban development process in increasing in recent years, people are arrangements Victoria and in other Australian now seeking infrastructure that is states, with essential infrastructure will be made delivered in a more timely way and to (such as roads, sewers, drains and to better higher standards. utilities) being directly provided by coordinate developers for many decades. infrastructure FUTURE INFRASTRUCTURE Development contributions have provision with NEEDS AND COSTS been able to be collected under legislation since the introduction development Based on the work of the Smart of the Planning and Environment Growth Committees, over $10 billion Act 1987. of State-supported infrastructure is likely to be required for future The previous government amended outward growth up to 2030. the Act in 1995, introducing Development Contribution Plans. This includes infrastructure for: The current government amended  transport—arterial roads and the Act in 2004 to ensure that public transport infrastructure Development Contribution Plans  the environment—reservations, would be fairer, more transparent regional parks and open space, and more accountable. The stormwater and creek protection amendments resulted from an and water quality works extensive consultation process

 State-supported community conducted by an independent steering facilities—including committee that included broad neighbourhood houses, libraries representation from local government and major recreation facilities. and the development industry.

A plan for Melbourne’s growth areas implements the intent of the legislation passed in 2004 and takes the opportunity to streamline and improve on past practices, tailored to the needs of the growth areas.

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THE CURRENT SITUATION The opportunity exists to streamline, simplify and make development Development contributions remain a part of good development, and contributions more consistent in are provided and supported by Melbourne’s growth areas. responsible developers. However, different standards and approaches CONTINUED BUDGET for infrastructure provision and FUNDING FOR contributions currently apply across INFRASTRUCTURE the growth areas. In accordance with existing practice, In fact, developers are faced with a the government will continue to meet variety of separate and different State the majority of the costs of State and local contributions in different roads, public transport, community growth areas and a range of agencies and environmental infrastructure to deal with. from the Budget, and will continue to meet the costs of social infrastructure The Subdivision Act 1988 requires such as schools, health, and police developers to contribute some of and emergency services facilities in their land for use as local open space. the growth areas. Where appropriate, Some councils require a variety the government will look for new of contributions from developers ways for the private sector to invest, through Development Contribution such as through Public Private Plans or individual agreements, Partnerships. while others do not. Current local government contributions range from But it is also important that as little as $600 per lot in some areas, developers continue to contribute to around $5,000 per lot in Epping fairly. Decisions by State or local and around $10,000 per lot government to designate, rezone in Mernda. or subdivide land for urban development creates significant Major developments generally increases in land values. In some contribute towards the cost of State cases land values can increase by arterial roads through agreements as much as $300,000–$400,000 per with VicRoads. However, there hectare (Charter Keck Cramer). Today is not a consistent approach to this land value increase is shared the application and recovery of contributions to roads from all between land owners and developers. developers. VicRoads estimates that In these circumstances, it is the value of current contributions, reasonable for developers to where collected, averages contribute further to the cost of approximately $55,000–$65,000 infrastructure provision so that per hectare (mostly delivered as services can be delivered sooner. construction works, not payments). Development contributions will Generally, contributions are not support the provision of transport required for public transport (roads and public transport), infrastructure and services, regional environmental facilities (such as open space and State-supported regional open space, trails and creek community facilities. However, some protection) and State-supported developers have in the past made community infrastructure contributions, including ‘in-kind’ (including libraries, neighbourhood contributions, in relation to these. houses and major recreation facilities).

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A STRENGTHENED contributions will be established in PARTNERSHIP APPROACH each growth area, finalised according AND A SIMPLER SYSTEM to local needs for different categories of land and indexed over time to To further improve the current ensure that all developers contribute system, a fairer and more fairly. integrated and efficient approach to determining contributions to There will be flexibility for infrastructure from development contributions to be met, either will be adopted. Development completely or in part, by direct Contribution Plans will be the vehicle ‘in-kind’ provision and/or cash for achieving this simpler system. payments if that is what is chosen. They will provide the development Developers will be able to propose industry with greater certainty in-kind provision from a suite about the required level and type of flexible options, including of contributions and greater clarity constructing roads and public about the standards on which those transport facilities; enhancing contributions are based. Developers open space, walking and bicycle will no longer be required to deal trails, and State-supported with as many agencies when it comes community infrastructure such to finalising their contributions. And as neighbourhood houses; and importantly, communities can expect providing land for road and public more timely and consistent delivery transport reservations or other of infrastructure. public facilities.

A plan for each growth area While the government will set the parameters and delegation capacity, The new Growth Areas Authority will the new Growth Areas Authority work with councils and developers to will have the ability to negotiate progressively introduce Development in-kind contributions to Contribution Plans for each growth infrastructure with developers in area, incorporating State and local lieu of cash contributions, measured contributions. This will assist against per hectare contributions with the coordination of State and set out in the relevant Development local infrastructure, give greater Contribution Plan. transparency and provide greater efficiencies to industry. The New policy State Development Contribution approach Plans will be initially prepared The government is adopting a more at a growth area level and will consistent approach to contributions be progressively developed to in growth areas. Contributions include local requirements as more will now include public transport, detailed precinct structure plans are environmental facilities and State- completed. supported community infrastructure. More flexibility for ‘in-kind’ Because the extent of the land value provision increase varies at different points in The government is committed to a the development cycle, developments more flexible and modern approach will be required to contribute a so that infrastructure can be different proportion of infrastructure provided in the most appropriate costs, depending on the status of the and cost-effective way. Per hectare land involved.

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While contributions may be made As a consequence of amending the in cash and/or in-kind, they will urban growth boundary and when be measured against per hectare preparing Development Contribution contributions calculated for Plans, further consideration will be individual areas as a function of the given to the appropriate level of infrastructure required to ensure contributions to roads from land to be fairness and value for money. developed in the medium to long term. Developments in the growth areas will contribute: Contributions will be calculated in the plans on a ‘per hectare  25 per cent of the value of public basis’ – a hectare is an area of land about 2.5 times larger transport, environmental facilities than an acre. Typical average development in growth areas and State-supported community currently sees an average of 10-12 houses built on every infrastructure on land already hectare of land. This is expected to increase as new planning within the urban growth boundary arrangements and market and demographic changes occur. More houses on each hectare of land are already being and zoned for urban development achieved in some areas, providing a greater choice in housing but not yet subdivided (this is types and lot sizes. land likely to be taken up within As a general guide, the Department of Sustainability and the next 10 years). The expected Environment has prepared some estimates of the equivalent value of such contributions is to the per hectare rate for individual house blocks. These currently estimated to be around estimates are based on a typical development where 11 $40,000-$45,000 per hectare houses are built on every hectare, taking into account the tax  40 per cent of the value of such deductibility of the contributions. The equivalent to the per infrastructure on land within the hectare rates are:

urban growth boundary but not  a contribution of between $2,700–$3,100 per block for yet zoned for urban development land within the urban growth boundary (UGB) and zoned (this is land likely to be taken up for urban development but not subdivided

in 7–15 years). The expected value  a contribution of between $4,000–$4,400 per block of such contributions is currently for land within the UGB but not yet zoned for urban estimated to be around $60,000- development

$65,000 per hectare  a contribution of between $4,900–$5,400 per block for land brought within the UGB in November 2005.  50 per cent of the value of such infrastructure on land brought The new Authority will provide advice on the details of within the urban growth boundary contributions in each growth area, depending on local needs. in 2005 (this land is more In accordance with current practice, the government does likely to be taken up beyond 15 not determine the allocation of a developer’s costs to years). The expected value of individual house blocks in a subdivision. This is decided by such contributions is currently developers, depending on how many houses they build and on local market conditions. estimated to be around $75,000- $80,000 per hectare. It is unlikely that all of the contributions will be passed on to home buyers. Because the requirements will be known well Development Contribution Plans for in advance, developers can negotiate lower prices for raw each growth area will include the land, avoiding passing on costs to home purchasers. above requirements for contributions Contributions in Victoria compare favourably to contributions to public transport, community for similar development in Sydney and Brisbane. Victoria has and environmental infrastructure, some of the lowest infrastructure contributions arrangements alongside the existing requirements of any major Australian city making our property industry for contributions to roads. Where more competitive for developers and new housing more collected, these currently average affordable than in other eastern states. $55,000-$65,000 per hectare.

13 pREPARING for the future impact of contributions on housing affordability

Greater certainty Offsets to and lower land DEVELOPMENT prices contributions By knowing the requirements Contributions for infrastructure are for greater contributions to deductible for tax purposes, thereby infrastructure costs resulting reducing the cost to developers. from development, developers In addition, any potential impact on can negotiate lower prices for raw house prices will be further offset land, avoiding passing on costs by other elements of A plan for to home purchasers. This means Melbourne’s growth areas, including: greater certainty for developers in negotiating land purchases and  a greater supply of land for finance arrangements. development which, when appropriately zoned and serviced, The effect of the contributions will will lead to downward pressure reduce the price paid by developers on land prices for raw land. In these circumstances it is not expected that there will be  a more efficient process to additional costs passed on to home coordinate infrastructure purchasers. and servicing of land with development

 greater competition in local housing markets leading to more choice and lower prices.

14 A NEW growth areas pREPARING authority for the future

a new growth areas authority

A Growth Areas Authority (GAA) will and implementation matters as part the sheer scale be established to work in partnership of the development of the legislation. and complexity with councils and government agencies, Interim arrangements will be put in place and provide advice to government on to ensure a smooth transition to the of planning the coordination of land development, GAA. These will include the referral of for and infrastructure and service provision in the significant applications to the Director of overseeing the growth areas. Public Transport. development Key objectives of the GAA will be to: GROWTH AREA PLANS of melbourne’s Growth area plans, based on the  reduce the regulatory burden on five growth developers and local government framework plans will guide the overall areas over the form, direction and sequence of urban  maintain housing affordability in development within each growth area. next 25 years growth areas and monitor price These growth area plans will be developed requires a new movements so that the affordability in 2006 for inclusion in planning schemes. objectives of this plan are achieved. approach Key tasks will include: STRUCTURE PLANS The GAA will work with councils to ensure  advising on the release and servicing that detailed precinct structure plans are of new land when required, to ensure either prepared for development areas there continues to be competition and that don’t already have them, or updated a downward pressure on prices where they need to be improved. Plans  developing plans and supporting for development precincts will implement Development Contribution Plans the government’s policies and community for infrastructure and services for aspirations for planning and designing consideration by government new communities. They will include  supporting the implementation of objectives for housing yields, choice government policy regarding housing and affordability and will also set out affordability, choice and yields the infrastructure required to support development.  providing advice to local councils and the Minister for Planning on In most cases, precinct structure plans the sequencing of land release, land will cover an entire new community or rezoning proposals and the need for suburb. Land owners, developers and any future changes to the urban growth government agencies will be included boundary in the process of preparing precinct

 working with local councils to ensure structure plans. that appropriate detailed precinct Local councils as Planning Authorities will structure plans are recommended remain responsible for planning scheme to government. amendments that implement the detail The GAA will work cooperatively with of the adopted structure plans. Rezoning local councils, the development industry of a major development precinct will and government agencies to achieve occur after a precinct structure plan has its objectives of good planning, timely been prepared and adopted. The GAA will infrastructure provision and quality work with local government to monitor development for growth areas. the outcomes achieved through planning permits and subdivisions, to ensure that The GAA will be created under legislation the policy objectives and requirements and will have a Board accountable to the of precinct structure plans are achieved Minister for Planning. Local government and contributions to infrastructure are will be represented on the Board and will received. be consulted, along with developers and other stakeholders, regarding operational

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more jobs closer to where you live

prosperous Local jobs boost the economy by  identifying and supporting economies creating employment for local people employment and business and by providing incentives for other clusters, because many firms with thriving businesses to move into the area. and businesses can work more businesses Because local work reduces successfully if located together, can provide commuting distance, it can increase creating synergies, spin-off jobs a variety of job leisure time and reduce private car and greater economic activity. Clusters of activity can also attract opportunities use, traffic congestion, air pollution and expensive road costs. a range of business support for developing services, allow more effective This plan seeks to improve market communities delivery of telecommunications conditions for investment, which infrastructure and help create could create the opportunity for an more diverse employment extra 80,000 jobs during the next 25 years in, or easily accessible to, the  continuing to support transit city growth areas. and activity centre developments by pursuing opportunities to Boosting promote the development of employment centres that can provide large opportunities populations with thriving retail activity and shopping choices, The growth area framework plans housing and services such identify well-located land sufficient as public hospitals and post- to meet the expected needs of secondary education facilities business and large-scale industry around transport links. These for 25+ years. Local jobs will also be centres also have the potential created in shopping and commercial to generate significant centres with good transport access, employment. The transit cities and in areas along major road and of Dandenong, Footscray, public transport corridors. Further Werribee, Sydenham, strategies and initiatives designed to Broadmeadows and Epping are generate local jobs include: already well placed to become  preparing regional employment such centres. strategies that increase access to employment by growth area residents, because the growth areas are part of broader economic regions

 identifying and supporting strategic employment sites in areas that have the potential to create new and more diverse ‘innovation economy’ jobs in outer suburban areas, if made more attractive for investment. This would include traditional industrial areas, activity centres with an employment focus and large sites located close to good transport infrastructure

16 Support for metropolitan industry Along with the Port of Melbourne and Melbourne Airport, the metropolitan area has three major industry ‘nodes’ that are vital to Victoria’s economic future—Dandenong South/Cranbourne West in the south-east, Somerton in the north and Laverton North in the south-west. Because these nodes are the main locations for large-scale manufacturing and freight transport activity, metropolitan industry land requirements to 2030 were considered for Casey–Cardinia, Hume and Wyndham. Each area now has enough existing and additional land for industrial requirements for more than 20 years, with land south of the Pakenham Bypass set aside in Casey–Cardinia and additional land along the Melbourne–Sydney railway and the Hume Highway/Freeway corridors set aside in Hume. The growth area plans also ensure that sufficient land is available to cater for local employment needs. The table below indicates that if current trends continue, the number of jobs in the growth areas is likely to increase to 320,000 over the next 25 years. A plan for Melbourne’s growth areas seeks to improve market conditions for investment, which could create the opportunity for an extra 80,000 jobs during the next 25 years in, or easily accessible to, the growth areas.

2001 2030 2030 ACTUAL CURRENT HIGHER JOBS JOBS JOBS TREND GROWTH Casey–Cardinia 44,300 100,400 142,400 Hume 57,500 92,000 95,000 Melton–Caroline Springs 7,900 19,300 26,400 Whittlesea 29,500 46,500 46,500 Wyndham 31,800 62,000 90,000 Total 171,000 320,200 400,300

forecast growth in jobs Sources: Department of Sustainability and Environment, 2005 forecast; Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2001 Census.

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protecting the natural environment

the character, Metropolitan parks Stormwater quality amenity and Planning for two new metropolitan Urban development will be economic parks is well underway for the designed to maintain and enhance Toolern Regional Park near Melton the environmental health of Port value of a and for the new Werribee Regional Phillip Bay, Westernport Bay and neighbourhood Park in Wyndham. Further long-term Melbourne’s rivers and streams. is improved by planning continues for new parks on Urban stormwater management establishing Kororoit Creek at Caroline Springs, measures, including the use of green spaces for a second regional park north of offsets, will protect and improve Wyndham and for a regional park at water quality where practical. These and by Cranbourne East. measures will be consistent with the preserving sites A draft plan for a new park on Merri State Environment Protection Policy of significant Creek in Craigieburn will be released and catchment-wide objectives of the environmental shortly, while significant extensions Regional Catchment Strategy and the Regional River Health Strategy. value continue at existing ‘icon’ parks at Plenty Gorge in Whittlesea and at Waterways Cardinia Creek parklands. New urban development will Local parks will also continue to incorporate designated waterways to be provided, and the government provide fauna habitat and movement is undertaking planning to expand corridors, protect water quality, the metropolitan trails network to enhance open space networks and improve access to parks. provide walking and cycling paths. Water sensitive Water supply urban development Water authorities will continue to The government’s White Paper, Our work with local government and Water Our Future, and the State land developers to conserve drinking Environment Protection Policy water and to increase water re- (Waters of Victoria), emphasise the use. Water authorities will set the need to protect the environment, standards in new urban development conserve water and manage its use for a wide range of alternative water efficiently for the benefit of present supplies such as recycled water and future generations. (including greywater), stormwater To help manage the impact of urban and the use of rainwater tanks. development on the Port Phillip and Western Port catchments, the government is reviewing the Victoria Planning Provisions to encourage residential development that is designed to save water and protect the quality of waterways.

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Native vegetation Sites with nationally threatened Government policy is to achieve a species may still be subject net gain, or increase, in the extent to assessment as part of the and quality of native vegetation. Commonwealth’s Environment Victoria’s biodiversity will be Protection and Biodiversity protected by ensuring that areas with Conservation Act 1999. high conservation value are avoided when land is designated for future NEW DEVELOPMENT development. Views to hills, ridges, and the countryside are to be protected The government is examining further where practical. Green ‘corridors’ improvements to the approvals along creeks and streams will be processes to ensure earlier decisions created, and important trees and on vegetation protection, allowing bushland retained. Preserving these development to proceed with greater features will create a break between certainty. These changes will address residential areas and provide walking how key areas of environmental and cycling paths. Natural landscape value will be protected, how impacts features such as waterways can also can be minimised and if necessary, provide neighbourhoods with a sense how offsets are calculated and of individuality. applied. Residential development around Victoria’s Native Vegetation public transport, shopping and Management—A Framework For commercial centres will minimise Action will be implemented across impacts on the natural environment urban areas using practical and and protect nearby agricultural, cost-effective measures that identify conservation and recreation areas. native vegetation in the early stages of development. Native vegetation values will be mapped and assessed across each growth area to help identify and set aside important native vegetation sites that support regional biodiversity priorities. The vegetation mapping initiative will assist land developers in their planning studies and development approval applications by ensuring that the most accurate information is available to them and local councils, minimising potential delays.

19 pREPARING for the future

developing the new plans

new growth smart growth New growth area plans have Committees area plans been informed In late 2003, the Victorian Based on the work of the Smart by the work of Government appointed five Growth Committees, the new growth committees with independent area framework plans presented on the smart growth chairpersons to oversee the review of the following pages provide a broad committees and the existing growth area plans, and outline of the future direction and will be included to provide advice on the long-term nature of change within each growth in the planning growth in each area. The committees area. More detailed growth area comprised government departments plans and related policies will be system and agencies; local council officers developed in 2006 for incorporation and councillors; representatives by the Minister for Planning into the from the development industry State Planning Policy Framework. peak bodies; and local community These growth area plans and policies representatives. Each committee will be based on the detailed advice carried out technical investigations, received from each of the Smart conducted public workshops and Growth Committees. submitted interim and final reports The Growth Areas Authority will to the government. develop the plans and policies in The work of the Smart Growth consultation with local councils. As Committees has directly informed the plans are finalised, local councils the government’s decisions about will progressively review their the growth area plans and changes local planning schemes to ensure to the urban growth boundary. that there is consistency between The government has adopted them and the State Planning Policy most of the recommendations of Framework. the Smart Growth Committees in relation to the growth area framework plans. The new Growth Areas Authority will provide advice regarding the need for any changes to the urban growth boundary in the future. The reports of the Smart Growth Committees will remain a valuable source of advice to the government, councils, infrastructure agencies and the new Growth Areas Authority in undertaking further, more detailed planning for new communities in growth areas.

20 21 CASEY- CARDINIA growth area plan

The Casey–Cardinia growth area includes the suburbs of Cranbourne, Pakenham and Officer. Casey–Cardinia has experienced the most residential development of all the growth areas over the past 10 years. It is the most distant growth area from central Melbourne and the only one located to the south or south-east of the city. The growth area has an abundance of significant natural and developed features, including:

 an enviable natural landscape setting and the Dandenong Ranges foothills

 many creeks draining to Westernport Bay, a resource of world significance that is already under environmental pressure

 two existing electrified railway lines converging on Dandenong Transit City

 large amounts of undeveloped land adjacent to these railway lines

 two existing major highways (the Monash/Princes Freeway and the South Gippsland Highway) and the nearby Eastlink under construction

 the nearby Dandenong Transit City, two principal activity centres at Cranbourne and Fountain Gate– Narre Warren and six major activity centres at Berwick Village/Casey Technology Precinct, Casey Central, Endeavour Hills, Hampton Park, Officer and Pakenham, with room to grow

 the Royal Botanic Gardens at Cranbourne, and access to tourism and recreation in the Dandenong Ranges, Gippsland, Phillip Island and the Mornington Peninsula

 a thriving rural-based natural resource economy.

22 CASEY- CARDINIA growth area plan

Enough room Green spaces to grow for generations This plan and the changes to the “It is important to protect Casey– urban growth boundary provide Cardinia’s waterways and open enough land: space from development, preserving them as spaces of environmental  for Casey–Cardinia to grow by significance that separate and define 136,000–169,000 people communities.”  for the additional 68,000–85,000 Casey-Cardinia Smart Growth Committee households that will need community workshop. accommodation The Casey–Cardinia growth area  to encourage employment in plan: local businesses and industries to grow to between 100,000 and  recognises Cardinia Creek as a 140,000 jobs, reducing the need regional identity, and enhances to commute long distances. its status as a waterway and open space corridor There are severe limits to additional  supports the protection of all growth in Casey–Cardinia and in other creeks for environmental most of the south-eastern region and recreation purposes of Melbourne beyond 2030. Environmental conditions in the  protects land with high Western Port catchment including agricultural values to the south the former Koo Wee Rup swamp; the  prohibits development in the sensitivity of the Ramsar wetlands flood prone areas of the former and coastal areas of Westernport Koo Wee Rup swamp

Bay; and the region’s high-value  preserves the high landscape agricultural areas will largely values of the wooded foothills of determine the extent of future the Dandenong Ranges development. These limits mean  avoids development in that land identified for development environmentally sensitive areas, must be used as efficiently as including those at risk possible. Growth in this region will of salinity and waterlogging. require careful monitoring and further assessment.

A bustling commercial precinct near the Cardinia Creek parklands provides jobs for local residents 23 CASEY- casey–cardinia’s many natural features, including streams and creeks and the CARDINIA dandenong ranges foothills, provide an attractive setting for future growth growth area plan

casey-cardinia growth area framework plan

Endeavour Hills

Dandenong

Hallam

Fountain Gate—Narre Warren

Narre Warren

Berwick Hampton Park Berwick

Beaconsfield

Officer

Casey Central Officer Pakenham

Merinda Park Pakenham

Cranbourne

Cranbourne

0 2 4 legend N kilometres approximate scale only

activity centres principal major neighbourhood (large) URBAN AREA existing residential urban land supply EMPLOYMENT existing proposed mixed-use employment focus UGB urban growth boundary (refer to approved planning scheme maps for precise location and scale)

PDA preferred development area (subject to detailed structure planning)

OPEN SPACE regional significance local network significant creeks & buffers A vibrant new town centre below the Cardinia foothills

24 CASEY- CARDINIA growth area plan

Better access Thriving community life “Casey–Cardinia needs a transport “More local employment, a range of plan and the right infrastructure to community services such as hospitals support the growing population.” and secondary schools, and a choice

Casey-Cardinia Smart Growth Committee of affordable housing styles and size community workshop. are needed in Officer, Pakenham and The Casey–Cardinia growth area plan: Cranbourne.”

Casey-Cardinia Smart Growth Committee  supports and reinforces the community workshop. Dandenong Transit City as a The Casey–Cardinia growth area plan: key transport, employment, entertainment and service centre  provides for a range of housing for the growth area and the choices at Cranbourne, Officer and broader region Pakenham

 supports access to jobs through  supports residential and better east-west arterial road commercial development around connections public transport at a proposed new

 supports upgrades to roads to activity centre at Officer improve on-road public transport  identifies areas for employment or freight movement, including at Casey Technology Precinct north-south roads interchanging at Berwick, a new mixed-use with the Pakenham Bypass. business and residential area near Beaconsfield, and industrial areas south of Officer and Pakenham and along the Dandenong–Hastings Road west of Cranbourne

 encourages employment and commercial development at activity centres such as Cranbourne and Pakenham town centres.

A vibrant new town centre below the Cardinia foothills

25 HUME growth area plan

The Hume growth area includes Greenvale, Roxburgh Park, Craigieburn and Craigieburn West in Hume, and Donnybrook in neighbouring Whittlesea. This growth area:

 is only 20 kilometres from central Melbourne, bordered by the Hume Highway/Freeway and Mickleham Road

 is a strategic transport corridor of State and national significance (along the Hume Highway/Freeway and including the Somerton inter-modal freight terminal) for freight and passenger road and rail services

 is part of an important industrial and employment region for Victoria

 is the gateway to Melbourne for interstate and international visitors and for freight via Melbourne Airport

 has large areas available for potential development

 has significant water catchments, creek corridors, remnant vegetation and mineral resources on its east and west boundaries

 has important landscape features such as volcanic cones and biodiversity assets including grasslands and grassy woodlands.

A neighbourhood centre with open spaces provides for a range of recreation activities

26 HUME growth area plan

Enough room GREEN SPACES to grow FOR GENERATIONS This plan and the changes to the “It is important to protect waterways urban growth boundary provide and other natural assets for enough land: recreation and open space.” Hume Smart Growth Committee community workshop.  for Hume to grow by 31,000–35,000 people The Hume growth area plan:

 for the additional 19,000–21,000  links the Greenvale Reservoir households that will need regional park to both the accommodation Merri Creek corridor and the

 to encourage employment in local metropolitan trails network businesses and industries to grow  requires neighbourhood parks and to between 92,000 and 95,000 jobs. waterway corridors with natural assets such as remnant native vegetation to be established, many within walking distance of residential areas  supports the development of Merri Creek as a ‘bio-link’ and open space corridor and protects all water courses draining through the area  protects woodlands and grasslands along the Merri Creek corridor and around Donnybrook, and remnant red gum and grey box woodlands in the north  excludes development from the headwaters of the Moonee Ponds Creek to protect water quality and the Woodlands Historic Park environment  maintains future access to important extractive resources at Donnybrook  protects the function of the Kalkallo flood retention basin.

A neighbourhood centre with open spaces provides for a range of recreation activities

27 HUME hume in melbourne’s north is the state’s major industrial and employment growth area plan region, and is the gateway to vital international and interstate markets

legend hume growth area framework plan

activity centres

Donnybrook

principal

major

neighbourhood (large)

specialised

Craigieburn URBAN AREA Town Centre existing

residential Craigieburn urban land supply Craigieburn

EMPLOYMENT existing proposed Greenvale

UGB E14 urban growth boundary (refer to approved planning scheme maps Roxburgh Park Roxburgh Park for precise location and scale)

OPEN SPACE regional significance local network Melbourne Airport Upfield significant creeks & buffers

Broadmeadows Broadmeadows Gladstone Park

0 1 2 N kilometres approximate scale only

28 HUME growth area plan

Better access Thriving community life “Existing road and public transport “Providing affordable housing, services infrastructure must connect and facilities within activity centres communities, and the major north- would give young people more choice.” south and east-west roads must be Hume Smart Growth Committee community workshop. upgraded.” The Hume growth area plan: Hume Smart Growth Committee community workshop.  focuses potential major employment The Hume growth area plan: and industrial growth close to the  preserves land along the Hume rail corridor and between the Hume Highway/Freeway and railway Highway/Freeway and the railway

corridor for further industrial and  encourages more development in freight uses and around existing and proposed  identifies the E14 as a central activity centres

road, helping to alleviate potential  provides more land for development congestion on Mickleham Road and to maintain local market the Hume Highway competitiveness

 supports improvements to public  supports greater residential transport services, including development and employment completing the electrification of around existing rail-based the rail line to Craigieburn Station activity centres, including the and investigating new bus routes Broadmeadows Transit City, between major activity centres Roxburgh Park and the  supports improved connections with Craigieburn Station

the airport precinct  encourages a new mixed-use  proposes extending the principal activity centre to develop at the new bicycle network and the Craigieburn town centre

metropolitan trail network to key  provides a local employment focus locations such as the upper Merri for new office-based employment Creek valley. and service businesses at the proposed Greenvale activity centre

 establishes Craigieburn Station precinct and the new Craigieburn town centre as distinct yet complementary. The rail-based centre will focus on entertainment, education and community facilities, while the town centre will provide residential and retail opportunities and health services.

Land for industry and employment growth 29 MELTON- CAROLINE SPRINGS growth area plan

The Melton–Caroline Springs growth area is located in Melbourne’s west and includes Melton township, Caroline Springs, Taylors Hill, Hillside and Ravenhall. Melton township was declared a ‘satellite city’ in 1974, leading to major residential development. The eastern part of the growth area, which includes Caroline Springs and Taylors Hill, has experienced rapid growth over the past five years. This growth area:

 comprises two distinct communities—the self-contained township of Melton and the new community of Caroline Springs at Melton East

 includes substantial areas of valuable agricultural land to the north-east of Melton township

 includes natural features such as Kororoit Creek, Mount Kororoit, Mount Cottrell, various important grassland areas and valuable stone resources

 is accessible by the Western Highway/Freeway, the Melton Highway and regional rail services to Melton on the Melbourne–Ballarat line.

30 MELTON- CAROLINE SPRINGS growth area plan

Enough room Green spaces to grow for generations This plan and the changes to the “It is important to protect and urban growth boundary provide enhance key environmental features enough land: including grasslands and waterways such as the Kororoit Creek, and create  for Melton–Caroline Springs to parks, gardens and open spaces for grow by 78,000–88,000 people recreation and tourism.”  for the additional 33,000–37,000 Melton-Caroline Springs Smart Growth Committee households that will need community workshop. accommodation The Melton–Caroline Springs  to encourage employment in local growth area plan: businesses and industries to grow  protects important natural to between 19,000 and 26,000 jobs. resources in the non-urban land between Melton and Caroline Springs, including grasslands, the Kororoit Creek wetlands, extractive industry resources and agricultural industries

 enhances the gateway to Melton and the open space network along the creeks south of Melton

 avoids development in environmentally sensitive areas west and south-west of Caroline Springs, including those at risk of salinity and waterlogging

 provides for proposed metropolitan parklands at Toolern near Melton and Kororoit Creek Park near Caroline Springs.

Toolern – a new community with a range of housing choices close to jobs and services

31 MELTON- CAROLINE residential growth in caroline springs over the past five years is reminiscent of SPRINGS melton’s rapid growth that began in the 1970s growth area plan

melton-caroline springs growth area framework plan

Melton

Woodgrove Hillside Sydenham Water Gardens

Melton Station Taylors Hill Toolern

To Ballarat Keilor Plains Rockbank Caroline Springs

St. Albans

St. Albans Brimbank Central

Ginifer

Deer Park Central Deer Park Sunshine

Ardeer

Sunshine

0 1 2 legend N kilometres approximate scale only

activity centres principal major neighbourhood (large) URBAN AREA existing residential urban land supply EMPLOYMENT existing proposed mixed-use employment focus UGB urban growth boundary (refer to approved planning scheme maps for precise location and scale)

PDA preferred development area (subject to detailed structure planning)

OPEN SPACE regional significance local network significant creeks & buffers

32 MELTON- CAROLINE SPRINGS growth area plan

Better access Thriving community life “Existing transport infrastructure must “New job opportunities must be created be upgraded to provide better public close to transport and town centres, transport to employment and and there must be affordable housing activity centres.” choices around existing transport

Melton-Caroline Springs Smart Growth Committee corridors and in the community workshop. outer areas.”

The Melton–Caroline Springs Melton-Caroline Springs Smart Growth Committee community workshop. growth area plan: The Melton–Caroline Springs  supports future improvements to growth area plan: public transport services

 establishes the road network and  provides more employment and supports major works such as the residential development areas to Deer Park Bypass, the Leakes Road strengthen Melton township interchange and other main roads  proposes a major new community to provide for better traffic and employment focus at Toolern, movement including better providing a quality mix of housing road-based public transport. and complementing the existing Melton township

 supports a network of neighbourhood activity centres in Melton township to increase access to services and housing choice

 provides for limited additional growth at North Melton to support the proposed neighbourhood activity centre

 allows Caroline Springs to extend from the western edge of Taylors Hill, to provide opportunities for increased community infrastructure.

Attractive new parklands alongside Melton Reservoir provide natural open spaces for recreation and relaxation

33 WHITTLESEA growth area plan

The Whittlesea growth area includes the suburbs of Epping North, South Morang and Mernda. While development in South Morang has been underway for some time, development in Epping North and Mernda is still in the early stages. The growth area:

 has an attractive landscape setting and varied topography, which includes Quarry Hills, Darebin Creek Valley and the nearby Plenty Gorge regional parklands

 includes many environmental assets such as highly significant grasslands, grassy woodlands, remnant vegetation, red gum woodlands, wildlife habitats and river corridors

 is accessible by Plenty Road and High Street and is close to the Metropolitan Ring Road and the Hume Highway

 has major employment areas nearby, with scope for substantial expansion.

34 WHITTLESEA growth area plan

Enough room Green spaces to grow for generations This plan provides enough land: Whittlesea has a clean, ‘country-like’ atmosphere with plenty of open  for Whittlesea to grow by space. 40,000–66,500 people The Whittlesea growth area plan:  for the additional 20,000–32,000 households that will need  identifies an extensive open space accommodation network and improves the  to encourage employment in local Plenty Gorge parklands and businesses and industries to grow visitor facilities to 46,000 jobs.  allows substantial expansion of the Quarry Hills parklands

 enhances and protects red gum woodlands

 allows for the inclusion of existing resources into a proposed major new park along the Merri Creek that better protects grasslands east of Craigieburn.

A new community enjoys the natural open spaces of Quarry Hills

35 WHITTLESEA the many significant natural features of this area will be preserved while growth area plan still allowing for future residential and industrial development

whittlesea growth area framework plan

Doreen

Mernda

Epping North

South Morang Epping Epping

Lalor

Thomastown RMIT Technology Park Bundoora

0 1 2 legend N kilometres approximate scale only

activity centres principal major neighbourhood (large) specialised URBAN AREA existing residential urban land supply EMPLOYMENT existing proposed UGB urban growth boundary (refer to approved planning scheme maps for precise location and scale)

OPEN SPACE regional significance local network significant creeks & buffers

36 WHITTLESEA growth area plan

Better access Thriving community life Whittlesea is well connected to the city Infrastructure needs to keep pace with by the Metropolitan Ring Road and the expected growth, particularly facilities Hume Highway but needs more public and services such as hospitals and transport. housing to cater for The Whittlesea growth area plan: an ageing population. The Whittlesea growth area plan:  reserves land for future public transport  allows for extensive commercial,

 allows for the future development community and residential of high-capacity public transport development around the Epping services to South Morang, Epping Transit City that will cater for a North and Mernda and future large population expansion of local bus services  provides for a network of existing

 identifies key north-south and and new activity centres at South east-west links within Whittlesea, Morang, Mernda and Epping North including the E6 and Bridge  extends the Cooper Street Inn Road. employment precinct, taking advantage of the Hume Highway and railway corridor and the Somerton inter-modal freight facility.

Mernda Town Centre - an attractive focus for new communities in the Plenty Valley

37 WYNDHAM growth area plan

The Wyndham growth area includes the suburbs of Werribee, Wyndham Vale, Tarneit, Hoppers Crossing, Laverton and Point Cook. The growth area has many natural and developed features and:

 has access to central Melbourne via the Princes/West Gate Freeway and suburban rail services from Werribee

 is located on the regional rail link between Melbourne and Geelong and on the national standard gauge rail freight corridor

 includes agricultural land of State significance in Werribee South

 has valuable quarry sites in the west and north-west

 is close to Port Phillip Bay and Point Cook’s important recreation and conservation assets, including Werribee River and the Lollypop Creek wetlands

 is a major employment centre with potential for further expansion

 is close to the Point Cook Airfield and Avalon Airport.

38 WYNDHAM growth area plan

Enough room Green spaces to grow for Generations This plan and the changes to the “It is important to protect the urban growth boundary provide Werribee River, creeks, wetlands enough land: and flood plains from urban development.”  for Wyndham’s population to grow Wyndham Smart Growth Committee by 59,000–96,000 people community workshop.  for the additional 28,000–45,000 households that will need The Wyndham growth area plan: accommodation  protects valuable agricultural  to encourage employment in local land to the south of Werribee, businesses and industries to grow and mineral resources and native to between 62,000 and 90,000 grasslands in the west towards jobs. Little River

Post 2030, major urban expansion  avoids development in will only be able to occur to the environmentally sensitive areas, north and north-west. This direction including those at risk of salinity is away from the existing heavy rail and flooding regional public transport corridor  provides for new proposed and west of the significant industrial metropolitan parklands along area of Laverton North, which may the Werribee River. need room to expand westerly at some future date. These constraints pose major challenges that will need careful consideration and further study in the future.

A vibrant Werribee Transit City opens to the Werribee River

39 WYNDHAM valuable agricultural land to the south will continue to provide much of victoria’s growth area plan fresh produce for home consumption and for export

wyndham growth area framework plan

Rose Grange Truganina

Laverton Westona Manor Lakes Aircraft Werribee Plaza

Hoppers Crossing

Hoppers Crossing Boardwalk

Technology Precinct Werribee Werribee

0 1 2 legend N kilometres approximate scale only

activity centres principal major neighbourhood (large) specialised URBAN AREA existing residential urban land supply EMPLOYMENT existing proposed mixed-use employment focus UGB urban growth boundary (refer to approved planning scheme maps for precise location and scale)

OPEN SPACE regional significance local network significant creeks & buffers

40 WYNDHAM growth area plan

Better access Thriving community life “Traffic flows through and around “Wyndham needs more facilities such Wyndham could be improved by using as secondary schools and community the existing transport infrastructure centres, more jobs in local industrial when planning for new public and commercial areas, and a range of transport services and roads.” housing styles to suit the changing

Wyndham Smart Growth Committee needs of the community.” community workshop. Wyndham Smart Growth Committee The Wyndham growth area plan: community workshop.

 makes allowance for improvements The Wyndham growth area plan: to key north-south and east-west  identifies key areas for significant roads commercial, community and  plans a better public transport residential development along the network that serves Werribee Werribee rail corridor and proposed town centre, Werribee Plaza, the public transport routes, at Werribee technology precinct, the Boardwalk town centre, at the former Laverton activity centre and Manor Lakes Airbase and in the technology  encourages new employment precinct opportunities along the Princes  encourages development of the Highway and the Werribee rail line Werribee Transit City as a mixed-  protects Point Cook Airfield as an use principal activity centre operating airport  aims to provide enough people  reinforces the focus of major to support the Manor Lakes commercial development along community and activity centre existing fixed-rail transport  supports development of the corridors and the Principal Public former Laverton Airbase site and Transport Network. the technology precinct as major mixed-use business and service centres

 strengthens the role of the Laverton North industrial area through a new business-oriented activity centre at Truganina.

Werribee Technology Precinct - a place where new enterprises have room to grow in a successful mixed-use environment

41 MANAGING outward growth

managing outward growth

we need The urban growth boundary to strike The urban growth boundary is a tool that the government a balance introduced in 2002 to help manage outward growth. between Melbourne 2030 set an interim boundary to protect protecting our Melbourne’s highly valued farming, conservation and recreation areas, but indicated that the boundary around open spaces the five growth areas would be subject to review in light and providing of growth area development needs in the longer term. land for future The Smart Growth Committees carried out the review development during 2004–05. On advice from the committees about future development, and in light of the government’s commitment to maintain a 15-year minimum land supply for housing and industrial development, the urban growth boundary has been amended. Based on the current State Government population projections, this change will provide enough land within the urban growth boundary in each growth area for around 25 years of development. This will provide certainty and a firmer basis for long- term planning for sustainable growth. It will also avoid the need for additional changes in the short term and help ensure future market competition and downward pressure on prices. Melbourne 2030 objectives are to locate more new households in the established metropolitan area and see greater housing yields and choice in new development in growth areas. In this case, land within the urban growth boundary will last significantly longer. The revised urban growth boundary:

 protects environmentally significant and high-value agricultural areas from urban development

 supports economic development by including areas for employment and industry in accordance with the growth area plans. The urban growth boundary changes are detailed in the planning scheme amendments approved by the Minister for Planning in November 2005, and are indicated on the growth area framework plans in this document.

42 MANAGING outward growth

Interim arrangements Some of the land brought into the amended urban growth boundary was zoned Green Wedge and is currently used for rural purposes. The Farming Zone will generally be applied as an interim measure to this land. While the Farming Zone enables existing uses to continue until the land is rezoned for urban development, it will be gradually replaced with new urban zonings as the growth area plans are refined, allowing the intent of the plans to take effect. Officer (Casey–Cardinia) and Toolern (Melton–Caroline Springs), both designated as a ‘Preferred Development Area’, will require more work to identify new land use zones and appropriate urban forms because of complex design and land use management issues. The Department of Sustainability and Environment will work with local councils and the new Growth Areas Authority as required, to confirm appropriate zoning arrangements for the growth areas, particularly in relation to land that will not be required for urban development in the short to medium term.

Monitoring the demand for land The government will monitor the supply and demand for residential land on an ongoing basis, to enable a review of the impact on land supply of any future shifts in anticipated housing demand. Investment in major industrial development has a long lead time, particularly for industries that require large sites or have very specific location or access requirements. These needs must also be carefully monitored. The government’s Urban Development Program, which reports annually after consultation with the development industry and local government, provides a detailed annual assessment of land requirements. The new Growth Areas Authority will also have a role in researching and distributing up to date information regarding the supply of land available for development.

43 44