Residential growth in Sunshine and St Albans will underpin future population increases in Brimbank, with the city expected to break the 200,000 barrier within six years.
The estimated population in April was 192,844. Council budget papers reveal the number of Brimbank residents should exceed 200,000 by 2020, but there will be a decline in the 18-24 age bracket. “These predictions are updated regularly,” a Brimbank council spokesman said.
The council is expecting an almost 10 per cent increase (6757) in new properties over the next decade – from a current housing stock of 67,759 to 74,516 by 2024.
The biggest property growth in Brimbank is projected to occur in Sunshine (1494), Sunshine North and Sunshine West (1141),
St Albans East and West (923) and Delahey (380).
“The addition of dwellings to the housing stock is a major driver of population growth in an area,” a consultant’s report to council said.
“Forecasters worked with the City of Brimbank’s planners to understand the likely development activity in each small area.”
In March, Star Weekly reported that St Albans residents, in submissions to the council, accused it of treating them like second-class citizens with its new 10-year housing strategy.
One submission to a council study, titled Home and Housed, expressed fears the plan would create a “ghetto”.One resident said he often saw 10 cars outside three units on Helen Street.
According to the study, 78 houses, on average, are expected to be built in St Albans every year to 2021.
