Boundary growth ‘betrayal’

By Tania Martin
A HILLS green wedge advocate has slammed a State Government review of Melbourne’s urban growth boundaries (UGB) saying any changes would put the Dandenongs under the threat of over development.
Upper Yarra and Dandenongs Environment Council’s Louis Delacretaz said the government was bowing to pressure from developers.
He said the Labor Government had been elected in the past three campaigns on the back of a promise to maintain the current boundaries.
“This is a complete betrayal,” he said.
The move comes as the State Government last month called for submissions on the proposed changes which include opening up land in Cranbourne, Craigieburn, Sunbury and Werribee for residential development.
Mr Delacretaz questioned the need to open land up for future development.
“It’s a complete furphy to suggest Melbourne doesn’t already have enough space for its residential needs,” he said.
Mr Delacretaz said the proposed changes would expose the UGBs across the state to being extended and lead to an uncertain future for the scope of the boundaries.
“There will be nothing to stop developers going to the government and saying ‘what about my neck of the woods?’, he said.
Mr Delacretaz has questioned what the next changes would be.
“Is the next step moving through the Dandenongs and into the southern foothills… where do we stop?”
Mr Delacretaz said changing the UGB now would set a dangerous precedent right across the state.
But Planning Minister Justin Madden said the government was taking action in this tough economic time to ensure housing remained affordable on the eastern seaboard.
“Recent population forecasts indicate that it is vital to plan now for the future needs of growing communities in Melbourne’s west, north and south-east.”
Monbulk MP James Merlino said the government was committed to protecting green wedges in the Dandenongs and Yarra Valley.
“There was never any proposal to move the urban growth boundary in the east of Melbourne as part of this review and, in fact, we have made clear that the main focus of Melbourne’s future growth will be in the north and west of the city,” he said.
Mr Merlino also said as a local resident, he understood the vital role the green wedges played in protecting the regions natural beauty.
“I have been a long-time passionate supporter of our green wedge protection … there is no doubt they will remain, ensuring our valuable and unique environment will be protected into the future,” he said.
Shire of Yarra Ranges Lyster Ward councillor Samantha Dunn said it was concerning to see the government moving the boundaries.
Cr Dunn said if the boundaries where changed to include the Dandenongs she would fight it all the way.
“There is a chance that the government will initially draw a line in the sand but there is no certainty that they won’t keep shifting the goal posts,” she said.
Mr Delacretaz is calling on hills residents to put in submissions to the government before applications close on 17 July and write to their local MPs.