By Laura Wakely
BRIMBANK Council has called on the State Government to increase transport and infrastructure in the area as part of its plan for the West.
In a submission to the Growth Areas Authority (GAA) proposed Melbourne West Growth Corridor Plan, Brimbank CEO Nick Foa highlighted seven issues, including regional centres, urban redevelopment, transport services and community facilities.
Although there is no land in Brimbank included in the GAA’s plan, council general manager of City Development Stephen Sully said the corridor and issues of growth were of the “most relevance”.
“This submission seeks to make a constructive contribution,” Mr Sully said.
“The West is the fastest growing area in Australia.”
In his letter, Mr Foa said it was “unnecessary and inefficient” for the defined growth areas, which include Melton, Wyndham and Hume, to try to accommodate all future residents within their boundaries.
“The growth corridor plan should be considered as part of an overall strategy for the western region, not simply as a plan for the growth corridors ‘bolted on’ to the existing urban area,” Mr Foa said.
“The existing activity areas, employment areas and infrastructure in the established urban areas should be used to full efficiency rather than potentially duplicating provision in the growth areas.”
Mr Foa said Brimbank had “underutilised” land that could be used for housing, business, services and facilities and thanked the GAA for recognising Sunshine and Sydenham as regional centres in the West.
However, he said more information about the role each suburb would play in the growth plan would enable council to make long-term decisions about transport, urban design and land-use.
“The Deer Park railway line should be electrified as a priority, providing better metropolitan train services to Brimbank residents,” Mr Foa said.
He also highlighted the need for grade separations at Melton Highway, Main Rd and Furlong Rd for community safety as well as to provide better access to Sunshine Hospital.
