By XAVIER SMERDON
WYNDHAM ratepayers could be left to foot a $107 million bill if a new plan that affects how vital infrastructure is funded gets approval.
Last Week Wyndham councillors voted unanimously to object to the Growth Areas Authority’s (GAA) Wyndham West Development Contributions Plan.
The plan will set out exactly how much developers will need to contribute if they want to add to Wyndham’s rapidly growing number of houses.
It covers about 2700 hectares, or seven precinct structure plans, and an area that will house around 90,000 residents over the next 30 years.
Councillor Peter Maynard said if the plan went ahead it would cause a “severe strain” on the council’s budget.
“It is of paramount importance that long-term planning consists of the creation of timely and adequate infrastructure,” Cr Maynard said.
“The total cost of the infrastructure is estimated at $527 million, while developer contributions total $420 million.
“This leaves a shortfall of $107 million which council will need to fund.
“Most of the infrastructure will be needed well before developer contributions can be collected to contribute towards huge costs.”
Member for Tarneit and Victoria’s Shadow Treasurer, Tim Pallas, told Star the GAA’s draft plan was concerning.
“If that’s where we’re heading then that is a really worrying message for the future,” Mr Pallas said.
“The GAA needs to effectively identify what the need for vital infrastructure is.
“If this plan goes ahead it means we are falling at the first hurdle.
“It is going to create communities of disadvantage right from the outset.”
GAA Chief Operating Officer Paul Byrne said the group, which reports directly to Planning Minister Matthew Guy, knew of the challenges facing Wyndham around infrastructure.
“The proposed Wyndham West Development Contributions Plan will raise more than $400 million for key infrastructure to support a thriving community and ensure delivery of roads, public transport nodes, parkland and sports facilities and a range of important community services in a coordinated manner across seven precincts,” Mr Byrne said.
“The GAA is acutely aware of the challenges and opportunities facing Wyndham.
“Since its creation in 2006, the GAA has worked closely with Wyndham City Council to significantly improve planning in the Wyndham growth area and this has in turn resulted in improvements in transport planning and delivery of infrastructure.”
Mayor Heather Marcus said the council needed to work with the State Government and developers to ensure that Wyndham had the “basic facilities needed by the residents of this City.”
The Wyndham West Development Contributions Plan has not yet been approved but a Wyndham Council report said the GAA intended to avoid referring it to an independent panel, a move the council has objected to.
