Melton-Caroline Springs Growth Area: Towards Melbourne 2030 Final Report – Melton-Caroline Springs Committee for Smart Growth August 2005 MELTON – CAROLINE SPRINGS GROWTH AREA Final Report Melton – Caroline Springs Committee for Smart Growth Executive Summary Context, Key Issues and Directions Confidential Introduction Introduction This report contains the main findings and recommendations of the Melton - Caroline Springs Committee for Smart Growth on the future development of the designated Melton - Caroline Springs growth area, to the end of 2030. The report focuses on the Melton - Caroline Springs growth area and does not consider the merits of growth in Melton - Caroline Springs compared with any other designated growth areas. Melbourne 2030 Planning for Sustainable Growth (October 2002), referred to the Melton Caroline- Springs Study Area as an investigation area for growth. The detailed work is undertaken to prepare this report and all considerations by this Committee has been conducted in relation to this area’s growth potential as an urban growth front within greater Melbourne. The Committee’s assessment has been undertaken in accordance with the Minister’s Terms of Reference for a growth area review process. The report is based on an investigation process undertaken between May 2004 and July 2005, overseen by the Committee for Smart Growth: Melton - Caroline Springs. The investigation work necessary to identify development constraints and issues has been largely completed by a Technical Working Group that has reported to and in turn considered by the Committee. Strategic Planning work undertaken by the Shire of Melton with respect to the Melton township has also been made available to the Committee. Additional detailed analysis may be required prior to implementation of any recommendations contained in this report. Disclaimer The views expressed in this report do not necessarily represent the position of: Any specific Local or State government department or agency or organisation, or any of their employees. Members or employees of the State of Victoria who participated on the Committee. Melton Shire Council, the Council Representatives on the Smart Growth Committee or Council Staff that participated in the Technical Working Group deliberations. The Committee recognises that implementation of its recommendations will be subject to available funding and the priorities set by the State government and Melton Shire Council. This document must not be circulated -Confidential Page 1 Table of Contents Introduction ................................................................................................... 1 Glossary of Terms......................................................................................... 5 Executive Summary ...................................................................................... 6 List of recommendations from the Melton-Caroline Springs CSG ......... 23 Part 1. Introduction................................................................................... 31 1.1 What this report contains ............................................................................ 31 1.2 The Melton - Caroline Springs Committee for Smart Growth ................... 33 1.3 Terms of reference ...................................................................................... 33 1.4 Additional investigations ............................................................................ 35 1.5 Disclaimer ................................................................................................... 36 Part 2. Context .......................................................................................... 39 2.1 Settlement history....................................................................................... 39 2.2 Metropolitan context................................................................................... 40 Part 3. Key issues analysis...................................................................... 43 3.1 Changing population base........................................................................... 43 3.2 Aspirations for urban consolidation............................................................ 44 3.3 Land capability constraints......................................................................... 45 3.4 Native vegetation and faunal habitat........................................................... 48 3.5 Waterways and water quality...................................................................... 54 3.6 Existing landuse constraints........................................................................ 56 3.7 Cultural values............................................................................................ 60 3.8 Air and noise ............................................................................................... 61 3.9 Open space network.................................................................................... 62 3.10 Employment growth and extractive industry.............................................. 63 3.11 Transport and mobility................................................................................ 66 3.12 Urban form and greenhouse gas emissions................................................. 75 3.13 Service infrastructure provision and funding.............................................. 76 Part 4. Findings & recommendations ..................................................... 81 4.1 Direction for sustainable growth................................................................. 81 4.2 Direction and scale of new development .................................................... 82 4.3 Economic development............................................................................... 89 4.4 Transport & mobility .................................................................................. 89 4.5 Extent and direction of urban expansion..................................................... 92 4.6 Staging of land release ................................................................................ 94 4.7 Rockbank .................................................................................................... 98 4.8 Development and Implementation Issues ................................................... 99 Part 5. Planning framework ................................................................... 101 5.1 Urban form and structure .......................................................................... 101 5.2 Key locations.............................................................................................104 5.3 Identifying social infrastructure needs...................................................... 106 5.4 Employment development ........................................................................ 109 This document must not be circulated -Confidential Page 2 5.5 Activity centres......................................................................................... 110 5.6 Transport ................................................................................................... 121 5.7 Freight movement ..................................................................................... 122 5.8 Walking and cycling circulation ............................................................... 123 5.9 Cultural heritage........................................................................................ 124 5.10 Biodiversity............................................................................................... 125 5.11 Waterways and water quality.................................................................... 127 5.12 Land capability and amenity..................................................................... 129 5.13 Landscape and open space ........................................................................ 129 5.14 Open space................................................................................................ 133 Appendix 1: Smart Growth principles ..................................................... 137 Appendix 2: Local Context of Growth Area ............................................ 141 Appendix 3: Summary of Critical Success Factors Considerations..... 144 This document must not be circulated - Confidential Page 3 Table of Figures Figure 1: Study Area ...................................................................................................... 32 Figure 2: Regional Context ............................................................................................ 41 Figure 3: Physical Constraints........................................................................................ 47 Figure 4: Biodiversity Values........................................................................................ 52 Figure 5: Biodiversity Concept ..................................................................................... 53 Figure 6: Land Capability and Salinity .......................................................................... 59 Figure 7: Road Transport................................................................................................ 69 Figure 8: Public Transport.............................................................................................. 71 Figure 9: Freight Network .............................................................................................. 73 Figure 10: Concept Map................................................................................................