Wyndham residents are divided on the future of Werribee South … while some want the green wedge lifted, others prefer to keep farming part of the future.
After calling for submissions, the council last week reaffirmed its support for the green wedge policy, despite 38 of 44 submissions calling for the area to be rezoned.
And state planning minister Richard Wynne has ruled out overturning the green wedge, saying there is a steady pipeline of land coming onto the market for urban population growth.
Star Weekly’s Facebook page has been flooded with comments from readers both in support of the existing policy, and many in opposition.
Karen was adamant that Werribee South should remain a farming zone: “Developers have ruined every other place in Werribee and stolen the ‘country suburb’ feel,” she posted.
Hailey also threw her support behind the existing policy, posting: “You either learn to live with it or get out of Werribee, and leave it to those who love that our produce comes from down the road.”
Jim acknowledged the struggles of market gardeners, but wants the area to remain as it is.
“Fix the water supply problems, and let the farming families do what they do best, producing great food for us,” he posted.
Warren said those who support the green wedge are missing the point: “It is us, the farmers, who are calling for the area to be rezoned,” he wrote. “We work seven days per week to provide you with fresh produce, but we are not making a fair living.
“Increased cost of water, chemicals and fertilisers, in addition to low quality water and allocations, are preventing farmers from continuing to profit from farming.
“Why should we be forced to continue farming?”
James also questioned the future of farming at Werribee South.
“Rezoning the land will give farmers like my family the option to sell their land and relocate … to continue farming, or give it up,” he said. “Farming isn’t what it was 25 years ago, and it’s just not sustainable to keep going in Werribee South.”
