Esther Lauaki
Wyndham broke the $2 billion barrier for building permits in metropolitan Melbourne last year.
Latest figures released by the Victorian Building Authority showed that the top three municipalities in the region were Melbourne ($6.15 billion), Wyndham ($2.34 billion) and Monash ($1.53 billion).
Wyndham was a clear leader for the number of permits issued, reporting 6198 permits for the 2019 calendar year, followed by Greater Geelong (5542), Casey (5094) and Hume (4345).
Wyndham mayor Josh Gilligan said council would continue to advocate for more infrastructure funding to keep up with the rapid growth in the municipality.
“Wyndham is one of Australia’s fastest growing municipalities, expected to more than double in size by 2041,” Cr Gilligan said.
“To meet the needs of this growing community, we urgently need more schools, road projects, and improved transport options.
“We have sent a pre-budget submission to the state government outlining the services and infrastructure projects we would like to see funded in the 2020-21 state budget.
“However, we understand that responding to and recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic will be a priority in the upcoming state budget.”
Cr Gilligan said transport and schools were high on the priority list.
“Council continues to advocate for increased and improved transport options, including increasing rail capacity, improved car parking at train stations and upgrades to major roads and intersections,” he said.
“Our community and council are also acutely aware of the schools shortage and increasing demand on our existing schools.
“Wyndham City is calling on the state government to fund the building of two new secondary schools and six new primary schools that will be urgently needed by 2023.
“We are also asking for the completion of Saltwater P-9 and Dohertys Creek P-9.”
