REZONING a parcel of land in Sunshine so it can be sold in the future is the right thing to do, according to owner Melbourne Water.
Melbourne Water has applied to Brimbank City Council to rezone the Fraser St land from a ‘Public Open Space/Public Use Zone’ classification to Residential One.
Last week, Star reported residents who lived near the 3034 square metres of open space often used the area as a park and did not want it rezoned and sold for development.
In addition, Greens MLC Colleen Hartland said building houses within the area – located near Kororoit Creek – would expose them to the risk of flooding.
But Melbourne Water spokesman, Nicolas McGay, said the area was not subject to flooding and the boundary of the rezoned site was set back from Kororoit Creek and its floodplain.
“This area of land is not needed for current or future operations, so in line with State Government policy, the land is being rezoned to enable its sale,” he said.
“This land was bought with funds collected through Melburnians’ bills for water, sewerage and drainage services.
“It’s only right to use the funds from the sale of the land for services we’re responsible for providing to ratepayers.”
As part of the preparations for rezoning the area, cultural heritage, ecological and environmental assessments have been carried out.
Mr McGay said boundaries have been set in agreement with the Kororoit Creek Catchment co-ordinator, to ensure appropriate protection for the waterway from future development.
