Hannah Hammoud
Brimbank council has endorsed its draft Housing and Neighbourhood Character Strategy that will prepare for an influx of 34,000 more residents by 2041.
Council said the strategy plans to accommodate the projected population growth over at least a 15-year period and provide clear direction on locations where growth should occur, with an emphasis on the Sunshine/Albion and Sydenham/Watergardens precincts.
The draft strategy establishes that council should plan for at least an additional 34,000 residents and 14,000 dwellings by 2041.
The strategy identifies that the establishment of more dwellings is reliant on infill development in residential areas within existing dwelling stock.
The framework of the strategy seeks to outline the opportunities for redevelopment while also keeping in line with the character of Brimbank’s neighbourhoods.
The report presented to council on October 17, outlines that currently, 80 per cent of Brimbank’s housing supply is separate houses and will not meet the housing needs of an increasingly diverse and ageing population.
Councillor Virginia Tachos said the strategy acknowledges the need for greater housing diversity and more affordable housing options that are well-located within the municipality.
“With housing affordability becoming more challenging and given our disadvantaged demographic, it’s imperative that we get the strategic development of where this housing will go – right,” she said.
“There is an extensive breakdown in this report of all the precincts in Brimbank that paints a very hopeful picture about how we, as a growing LGA do have the capacity for a diverse housing mix, that highlights and encourages housing to be considered next to transport routes and activity centres … creating denser, yet well-designed and well-landscaped neighbourhoods.
“ … I support the vision that by 2041 we will be a city of green, connected and diverse neighbourhoods offering a range of high quality sustainable housing choices for everyone at every stage in their life.”
Community consultation is now open for residents to give feedback on the draft strategy up until December 13.
Details: yoursay.brimbank.vic.gov.au/housing-neighbourhood-character-strategy
