Victorian Government’s Planning Strategy
Paul Hamer MP
Melbourne is a growing city and will have a population in excess of 9 million in the 2050s. This is not a statement of ambition, but rather an estimate based on current population growth trends – factors outside the control of state government. However, all levels of government have a responsibility to take a long-term approach to ensure that there is housing, services and infrastructure available for our growing population.
It is for this reason that the Victorian Government is proceeding with the construction of transport infrastructure projects such as the North East Link and the Suburban Rail Loop. Since 2018, additional local classroom capacity has been funded and delivered at Box Hill North Primary School, Mont Albert Primary School, Box Hill High School and Koonung Secondary College. Classroom capacity is also being expanded at Laburnum Primary School. And at the 2022 election, the Victorian Government also committed to rebuild the Maroondah Hospital to expand the capacity of the health network across the eastern suburbs.
Just as state governments have a responsibility to provide transport, education and health services to growing communities, local governments have primary responsibility to provide local infrastructure, community facilities (e.g. sporting facilities) and open space. While these projects need to be led by Council, the Victorian Government has been a significant financial contributor with around $15 million committed over the last six years towards upgrades to local sporting grounds and enhancing open space in the Box Hill electorate.
As part of the Suburban Rail Loop project, the Victorian Government will also fund and deliver additional open space for the local community in and around Box Hill station, including a new linear park along Whitehorse Road, a pedestrian boulevard linking Whitehorse Road to Box Hill Gardens and two new parks at Ellingworth Parade and Court Street in Box Hill. While part of Box Hill Gardens will be used for the construction of the SRL, it will be returned to community use once the project is completed.
To help guide how Victoria grows and develops in the future, the Victorian Government is developing a new planning strategy for the State, and is seeking input from communities across Victoria on questions such as:
What features are important in choosing where to live?
- How can it be made easier for Victorians to choose where they want to live?
- What do our cities and suburbs need to help reduce the time spent getting to work?
- What amenities should be accessible close to home?
- What are the most important things that will make our cities and suburbs more environmentally sustainable?
If you would like to contribute, you can do so via the website (https://engage.vic.gov.au/shape-our-victoria) by 30 August 2024.
Paul Hamer MP is the Member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly for Box Hill