Victoria Approves Plan for Nearly 12,000 New Homes in Melbourne’s West
The Victorian Government has approved the Melton East Precinct Structure Plan, paving the way for nearly 12,000 new homes and a major new community in Melbourne’s western growth corridor.
Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny approved the plan on 21 August. Melton East is located about 35 kilometres north-west of Melbourne’s CBD, east of the existing Melton township, and covers approximately 1,005 hectares. The new community is expected to accommodate more than 36,000 residents and include seven schools, four community hubs, shopping areas and more than five MCGs worth of parks and reserves. The precinct is also expected to support around 1,600 jobs.
The plan includes major transport infrastructure, with three new arterial roads, 14 intersections and five bridges, as well as cycling and pedestrian connections. Development will occur in two stages, with housing construction planned alongside roads, schools and other infrastructure.
Ms Kilkenny said the plan was about more than increasing housing supply and would help provide the infrastructure needed by future communities.
“We’re unlocking space to deliver thousands of more homes – as we deliver the infrastructure these communities need,” she said.
The approval establishes the overall planning framework for Melton East but does not mean all 12,000 homes will begin construction immediately. Developers can now progress permit approvals, while the full precinct is expected to be developed over the next 20 to 30 years.
Melton East forms part of the Victorian Government’s 10-year greenfields housing program, which provides a framework for planning for around 180,000 new homes across Melbourne’s growth areas over the next decade.
A Precinct Structure Plan provides the framework for how a new community will develop, including housing, employment areas, roads, schools, parks, shops and other infrastructure.
The Victorian Planning Authority has been involved in preparing the Melton East Precinct Structure Plan, with consultation on the planning proposal previously undertaken.
The broader Melton area is also undergoing significant infrastructure investment. The Victorian Government says work is underway to electrify the Melton railway line, while Melton Hospital is under construction and roads and schools in the area have received upgrades.
However, rapid population growth in Melbourne’s west has raised concerns about whether infrastructure and essential services can keep pace with new housing development.
The challenge will be ensuring that roads, schools, public transport, health services and community facilities become available as the population grows.
With Melton East expected to take two to three decades to reach full development, the delivery and timing of infrastructure will remain a key issue for the future community.
