Tara Murray
A group of Keilor Downs residents are joining forces to try and stop a high-density housing development being built in the area.
Keilor Downs Residents Against High Density Housing has formed in recent days, with more than 200 people joining the group.
The residents are objecting to Baptcare Affordable Housing’s development at 21A Copernicus Way, Keilor Downs.
The development, which is part of Victoria’s Big Housing Build Program, which will comprise 23 single-storey and 24 double-storey dwellings for social housing.
Feedback on the design of the project is currently open, but the state government has already given the project the green light. Planning regulations mean the development does not need a permit from Brimbank council.
The group had several Zoom meetings last week, while a petition has gathered more than 300 signatures in a couple of days.
Among those in the group is Brimbank councillor Maria Kerr, who lives nearby.
The group has raised a number of concerns about the development, including increased traffic from the development, access to services and public transport, and a lack of resources including mental health.
The group has also made it clear they aren’t against affordable and social housing in the area but the high-density design of the project itself.
Former Brimbank mayor Margaret Giudice is another member of the group. She said residents were concerned about the lack of consultation and transparency.
She said residents had been told that the site would be used as a retirement village or nursing home.
“Someone saw a sign on the site and took a photo of the sign and put it on Facebook,” she said of how residents found out about the development.
“Some people received letters.
“That part of Keilor Downs is the older area. There’s a lot of elderly people living there and they don’t have Zoom.”
To sign the petition: ow.ly/6Ld750GrMa3.
Facebook page: ow.ly/TvQT50GrMb5
