Residents fear Moorabool’s “country essence” will be sacrificed for sprawling housing developments after Planning Minister Matthew Guy identified Bacchus Marsh and Ballan as key population and employment growth hotspots.
Releasing Plan Melbourne, a 40-year growth strategy, Mr Guy said the state government wanted to ensure smaller Victorian centres received some of the economic and social benefits of the state’s increasing population.
“[These towns] offer a less crowded, lower-density housing product,’’ he said. ‘‘Larger housing lots will be a key attraction for families wanting a different lifestyle to Melbourne.”
Former Moorabool mayor Pat Griffin (pictured) said the government needed to “come good with promises” to fix roads and high schools before bringing in more people.
‘‘Our medical services are already at their limits and plans to develop another high school have been on the board for 15 years,” he said. “If they want more housing, why don’t they build a new town? We shouldn’t have to ram more things into our little valley.”
Bacchus Marsh resident Richard Biden said he was sceptical of the government’s claim that Bacchus Marsh and Ballan were well-placed to take a greater share of Victoria’s population.
“Traffic is already horrendous and it’ll depersonalise the place,’’ he said.
Melton Labor MP Don Nardella said the government’s plan failed to address major issues.
“For example, the V/Line service will need to be upgraded to take the extra growth,’’ he said. ‘‘We already have overcrowding that is not being dealt with. Where are the money, facilities and services coming from?”
Moorabool mayor Pat Toohey pointed to a need for better infrastructure, such as a truck bypass in Bacchus Marsh.
“Our 2041 rural and urban policies made it very clear that our community wants to keep its larger blocks, retain its country feel and community aspect,” he said.
“We offer an alternative, and we want to protect the aspects of our communities that are dear to the hearts of those who already live here.” \
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