By LAURA WAKELY
NEW figures reveal Brimbank is growing faster than expected, according to council.
State Government statistics show Brimbank can expect 210,129 residents by 2021 and 7000 by 2031.
The population data is 10,000 people bigger than council expected, but General Manager of City Development Stephen Sully said history had shown inaccuracies in Government modelling.
He said Brimbank relied on its own “detailed and specific” modelling, which predicts the municipality will hit 206,273 people by 2031.
He said council was “on the front foot” in preparing for the growth by developing housing strategies, improving town centres and ensuring supporting infrastructure is provided.
Mr Sully said the growth of neighbouring municipalities Wyndham and Melton, which will have a combined population of 566,498 by 2031, would place additional pressure on Brimbank services and infrastructure.
“It is critical that infrastructure, including public transport, is delivered by the State Government in a timely manner to the growth areas,” Mr Sully said.
“Council will continue to advocate to the State and Federal Governments to increase infrastructure and services which improve liveability in Brimbank and the western region.
“Council considers that Brimbank is ideally located to accommodate many of the services and facilities that will be required to meet the needs of a burgeoning population in Melbourne’s West. “
Victoria in Future 2012 shows that Victoria’s population is expected to grow from 5.6 million to 7.3 million, an average annual growth rate of 1.3 per cent between 2011 and 2031.
Planning Minister Matthew Guy said the Government was preparing a strategy to manage the growth.
“A major component of the government’s long-term plan to manage growth and change is the delivery of new affordable homes, infrastructure and conditions that encourage jobs, businesses and attract investment,” Mr Guy said.
“The strategy will consider all aspects of planning – from where new housing and jobs should be located as well as transport connections, health services, schools, community facilities and parks.”
