Wyndham’s mayor has expressed concern that the municipality’s infrastructure is not growing as quickly as its population is.
Cr Josh Gilligan said data recently released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed Wyndham’s population grew by a “whopping” 5.9 per cent in 2018-19 – 15,120 more residents than in 2017-18.
“We have the second-highest population growth in in Australia, just behind Brisbane, so we need the relevant funding for the many infrastructure projects we have planned to keep our city liveable,” Cr Gilligan said.
“To meet the needs of this growing community, we urgently need more schools, major infrastructure projects, and improved transport options.
“The impact of the COVID-19 may be wide-ranging and we will need to look at new solutions to deal with the infrastructure shortfall.
“We would welcome the delivery of critical community and transport infrastructure in the 2020 State Budget as part of a package of initiatives aimed at stimulating the economy and jobs.”
Cr Gilligan said the council was continuing to advocate for more transport options in Wyndham, including increasing rail capacity, improved carparking at train stations and upgrades to major roads and intersections.
“We are also aware of the shortage of schools and increasing demand on our existing schools,” he said.
“Council is calling on the state government to fund the building of schools across our growth front including in Tarneit and Point Cook.”
The council’s submission to the state government’s 2020-21 budget submission said:
“Wyndham already needs the Victorian Government to fund eight new schools to cater for our existing population, and with the growth we’re experiencing we will only need more in the future.
“Wyndham City welcomes the State Governments commitment to build 100 new schools by 2026 and looks forward to Wyndham’s education needs being included.”
See www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/advocacy for details.
