By Alesha Capone
Increasing the number of suburbs in Wyndham would provide a more accurate picture of the municipality’s booming population and help to boost investment from government, a local councillor says.
Cr Josh Gilligan is calling for Wyndham council to lead a review to ascertain whether there are enough suburbs in the area, particularly in Point Cook and Tarneit.
“Our suburbs are simply too big and our postcodes don’t reflect the communities we live in today,” Cr Gilligan said.
“That’s why I’m pushing for a suburbs review that ensures our suburbs and postcodes match the local neighbourhoods we live in as part of building a liveable city.”
Cr Gilligan said that with significant growth expected in existing suburbs over the coming years, it would make sense to potentially have smaller areas under new names.
“The benefits of smaller suburbs and postcodes are significant as a better picture of what is happening in our neighbourhoods leaders to more targeted government investment,” he said.
Cr Gillian said that in Wyndham, many residents have already spent years campaigning for their particular suburb or estate to be recognised under a different name.
“I know there is enormous interest in our community in formalising suburbs including Sanctuary Lakes, Manor Lakes, Point Cook West and Tarneit West,” he said.
“We need to get moving”.
Cr Gilligan said that other fast-growing, large municipalities in the state, such as Melton and Casey, have more suburbs than Wyndham.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Wyndham’s population stood at 283,294 people last year.
Casey, in Melbourne’s south-east, had around 364,600 residents last year, while Melton’s population was 180,636.
The Casey and Melton municipalities each have about 30 suburbs, including some areas they share with adjoining cities.
In comparison, Wyndham has about 20 suburbs and towns, including those shared with nearby municipalities, such as Eynesbury, Mount Cottrell, Truganina, Laverton, Laverton North, Mambourin and Little River.
A Wyndham council spokesperson said that planning for a “long-term” suburbs review has commenced.
“It will involve extensive consultation with affected stakeholders,” the spokesperson said.
