WYNDHAM Council has called for an end to the state government’s “free ride” on land it owns in Point Cook’s west.
This comes as the council pushes for proceeds from the upcoming sale of the 145-hectare parcel to be pumped into road infrastructure.
Mayor Kim McAliney said the council had written to the transport, environment and planning ministers asking that funds from the area between Hacketts Road and the Princes Freeway, valued at $140million, be used to build a diamond interchange joining Sneydes Road and the freeway, and an extension of Dunnings Road.
The $80million roadworks were identified in the Growth Areas Authority’s plans for up to 2500 new homes in the area, but no money has been earmarked.
Cr McAliney said the land was bought by the government about 100 years ago for the equivalent of $430,000 and had never been subject to council rates.
“The current estimated value of the land is about $140million, so there is absolutely no excuse for not funding and delivering infrastructure essential to ease chronic congestion getting into and out of Point Cook.
“At the moment, the government is getting a free ride by owning the land and not paying any rates, land taxes or interest on loans.”
Residents and the council say the influx of new residents will worsen congestion on Point Cook’s roads and add to overcrowding in schools if provisions aren’t put in place.
Committee for Wyndham chief executive Nik Tsardarkis said a Sneydes Road diamond interchange would be critical as a gateway to the Werribee Employment Precinct.
“Any pressure that can be applied to the government is vital, and we’d be right behind the push to ensure there’s more equity on the funding and commencement of that interchange,” he said.
GAA chief executive Peter Seamer said it was considering submissions on a precinct structure plan before submitting a final draft to Planning Minister Matthew Guy.
