By XAVIER SMERDON
WYNDHAM Council has accused the State Government of hitching a free ride with land it owns in Point Cook West.
The council has written to the State Ministers for Transport and Environment and Planning requesting funds from the sale of the land be spent on essential infrastructure.
Earlier this year the Growth Areas Authority released a Precinct Structure Plan for Point Cook West, including designs to construct between 1700 and 2200 new homes on the land, which has been owned by the State Government for more than 100 years.
At last week’s council meeting a report was tabled outlining the history of the land and recommending letters be written to the Ministers requesting payment of the Growth Areas Infrastructure Contribution (GAIC) and sufficient funds from the sale of the land be set aside for the Sneydes Rd.
Mayor Kim McAliney said the subject land was bordered by Hacketts Rd, Princes Freeway and Sneydes Rd.
“This land was purchased by the State Government approximately 100 years ago for the equivalent of $430,000 in current terms and has never been rated,” Cr McAliney said.
“The current estimated value of the land is up to $140 million, so there is absolutely no excuse for not funding and delivering infrastructure essential to ease chronic congestion getting into and out of Point Cook.”
Cr McAliney said it would be unfair of the State Government not to fund vital works in the area.
“At the moment, the State Government is getting a free ride by owning the land and not paying any rates, land taxes or interest on loans. Nor are they paying the Growth Areas Infrastructure Contribution,” she said.
“They are now planning on selling it, without making any financial contributions for essential infrastructure and potentially exploiting an advantage not enjoyed by any other developer.”
