FIXING Point Cook’s “planning mess” is Planning Minister Matthew Guy’s top priority, as community outcry about traffic gridlock, crowded schools and poor public transport intensifies.
But the Growth Areas Authority says the only way to pay for more infrastructure is to sell more land for housing and reap developer contributions.
Visiting the area last week, Mr Guy admitted tough economic times would prove a hurdle to finding the cash for much-needed road upgrades.
The government would need to “think outside the box”. “We need to think differently … tough times challenge you to think about how the money may be realised,” he said.
“[Point Cook] is on our mind like you wouldn’t believe. The entire suburb was developed under Labor, but we’re trying to do our best, and we have to fix it.”
His comments come as the GAA finalises a precinct structure plan to build a new 145-hectare suburb of up to 2500 homes in Point Cook’s west, between Hacketts Lane and the Princes Freeway.
Mr Guy, who has the final say on the plans, ruled out scrapping the project.
GAA chief executive Peter Seamar said Point Cook’s woes could be solved only if more land was sold for housing.
“The only way we can afford to fix [the infrastructure shortfall] is from more development in Point Cook West. It’s difficult because it involves huge capital outlay,” he said.
But Point Cook Action Group chairman Bernard Reilly said relying on developer contributions would be an “indirect tax” on new residents.
“It’s simply palming the cost onto the people coming in. This mentality of indirect tax is killing everyone.
“There aren’t rivers of gold flowing through our backyards.”
Mr Reilly said he hoped Mr Guy would act on his acknowledgement of the problems plaguing Point Cook.
Tarneit MP Tim Pallas said he was pleased that Mr Guy recognised the problems.
He called on the government to use money from the sale of the land to contribute at least $80million to build a diamond interchange joining Sneydes Road and the freeway, and an extension of Dunnings Road, as indicated in the GAA’s plans.
