Residents who own lots at the Solomon Heights estate in Sunshine North, which has remained undeveloped for a century, have said they would like to see some form of resolution for development to occur.
As reported by Star Weekly, Brimbank council highlighted multiple issues impacting the development of the industrially-zoned precinct, including the presence of critically endangered flora and fauna species protected under federal and state laws, and no utilities and services in place within the estate.
A mix of private individuals and companies own land in the estate while Brimbank council acts as the responsible authority and planning authority for the subdivision, and owns roads in the estate’s north.
Keith Sheridan owns multiple lots at the site and said owners don’t want to be unfairly penalised by development restrictions.
“As landowners we want fair treatment and, of course, higher valuations. They’re entirely acceptable as long as the valuation is based on the ability to realise the value of the properties,” Mr Sheridan said.
“Every year we pay council rates for which we receive precisely nothing … same with water rates … there has to be a resolution.
“There is room for the requirements to be addressed and providing an opportunity for there to be meaningful development that satisfies all stakeholders.”
A previously proposed solution to protect endangered flora and fauna in the estate is to create environmental offsets.
“A lot of those lots were bought many, many years ago by people such as my parents when they first emigrated to the country,” Mr Sheridan said.
“Many of those folks have passed on and now it’s for the children and grandchildren to inherit.”
Mr Sheridan believes there is a high demand to develop industrial facilities in the estate.
“I also think there is an opportunity to have that rezoned as residential,” he said.
“The consensus across the board is that people want something done about it.”
Sunshine resident Willi Bock bought two lots in the estate 40 years ago.
“These blocks were intended for my children … Nothing has ever come about,” he said.
Mr Bock suggested the lots be used as a temporary living site for people experiencing homelessness until potential development occurs.
“At the end of the day we own it, so we’re entitled to do something,” Mr Bock said.
“It’s been 100 years and nothing has been done. Just give us a fair go.”
In response to a September council meeting question about land value drops at Solomon Heights, Brimbank council said the land had been “heavily discounted … due to development restrictions … which is unlikely to change in the medium to long term.”
Corporate services director Marcelo Vidales said the responsibility for determining property valuations falls onto the Valuer-General Victoria.
The Valuer-General Victoria oversees the valuation process which is undertaken by contracted independent valuers on behalf of the state government.
“Councils do not set property valuations, but they are required to use the valuations to calculate rates and charges,” Mr Vidales said.
“The comment about land in the Solomon Heights estate being ‘heavily discounted due to development restrictions’ reflects advice received from the independent valuers appointed by the Valuer-General Victoria.”
