WYNDHAM Council has vowed to take a stand against government “mismanagement” of the municipality’s urban growth areas and the severe infrastructure shortages that are making life difficult for many residents.
Councillors last week asked staff to prepare a report outlining policies and strategies used by the state government to plan for new communities in growth areas. It will also provide suggestions on how the council can influence land releases and ensure it is not released for development until essential infrastructure is provided.
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Cr Shane Bourke raised a notice of motion after Wyndham was largely overlooked in last month’s state and federal budgets.
The council said it was concerned that the state’s Growth Areas Authority was creating master plans for 13 new growth areas in Wyndham.
The precinct structure plans will allow another 200,000 people to call Wyndham home and are scheduled to be completed by the end of next year. “[We need to know] what can be done about such a seemingly intolerable state of affairs. We all know we cannot continue [to grow] like this,” Cr Bourke said.
“The council and the community have a right to know how the governments will support this
community with the provision of timely infrastructure. If the state and federal governments
can’t provide the infrastructure, then simply stop the growth.”
Werribee resident Michael Young applauded the council for its stance, believing it was time the city’s infrastructure problems were taken seriously.
Mr Young called on residents to discuss how to lobby the governments to spend more money in Wyndham, starting with the city’s roads.
“The only way we can successfully lobby the governments is if we are united in what we are fighting for,” he said. “Roads are the biggest
ongoing frustration for people. If they were fixed, it would make life easier for residents.”
Residents can comment on the council’s report until July 2.
