16 August 2024
In 2023 Nillumbik had 22,700 homes.
By 2051 we are to have 12000 more, ie almost half the number again, if the State Government Housing Targets’ proposal goes ahead!
Final target figures will be available late November.
Community comments are due by August 30th!
To give feedback go to engage.vic.gov.au/shape-our-Victoria
Eltham and Nillumbik need to share in supplying more housing for Melbourne’s increasing population. We understand that.
Most of that housing increase in Nillumbik will be in Eltham, Diamond Creek & Research.
All Local Government Areas (LGAs) have been given proposed housing increases, some a larger proportionate increase than Nillumbik.
But… Nillumbik has unique constraints not found in other LGAs.
The ‘one size fits all’ approach to Planning ignores this.
For example..
- The Green Wedge. Most of our land is outside the Urban Growth Boundary.
- The various waterways and flood zones – The Yarra River, Diamond Creek and their tributaries provide barriers– all need bridges to move people and goods, some now are single lane, aging or will need strengthening. So minimal exits.
- The railway is a similar barrier needing crossings.
- The road network has to cross hills and valleys – some roads are very, very steep, some are single lane, some are unmade – even in residential areas.
- The hilly topography makes building very expensive in most areas
- Bushfire risk
- The lack of infrastructure to cope with the physical problems above and the cost of providing it
- The lack and cost of providing infrastructure for all the extra services required by an increased population – ranging from primary schools to sewerage and telecommunication infrastructure.
- Protecting the Green Wedge, Biodiversity, and Climate Change are all issues important to our community and need careful consideration and management when planning for housing in Victoria.
The Government’s criteria when considering suitable expansion areas are stated as:
- An area’s proximity to jobs and service
- Level of access to existing and planned public transport
- Environmental hazards like flood and bushfire risk
- Current development trends and places already identified for more homes (like Suburban Rail Loop precincts).
By August 30th, give feedback to the Government, and also directly to Vicky Ward MP who wants to hear the community’s thoughts.
Especially using the Government’s criteria listed above, lobby whoever you can.
Our first dot points indicate why we think it will be difficult for Nillumbik to meet these criteria.
Contact ECAG re more information and web addresses on Cooling & Greening Melbourne, Climate Change, heat island effect, neighbourhood character, biodiversity etc if you wish..
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To give feedback go to engage.vic.gov.au/shape-our-Victoria
The Big Ideas Survey tab will take you to a survey not specifically related to Housing Targets. To give succinct feedback on Targets and Nillumbik, click on Upload a Submission tab. You can then upload a document containing your relevant feedback.
Type in your browser: engage.vic.gov.au/shape-our-Victoria
CLICK ‘Overview’ ( the first box)
SCROLL DOWN until you reach the words
‘We need your feedback on each of our Big Ideas for Victoria’s Future’
Below that wording you have 2 options:
1. Complete the Big Ideas Housing survey…………and any of the other surveys
And/or
2. Upload a submission – do that – and also email your submission
Please share with others who might also give feedback by August 30th.