WYNDHAM’S latest suburb at Manor Lakes will be “carefully planned” to avoid the infrastructure gaps plaguing Point Cook, according to Planning Minister Matthew Guy.
But residents have warned the state government must do more than provide roads, schools and public transport if Wyndham’s explosive growth is to continue.
Mr Guy approved a precinct structure plan last week, paving the way for 4850 new homes and 13,500 residents in Manor Lakes over the next 20 years.
The plan includes provisions for two state primary schools, two recreation reserves, a town centre and an arterial road linking the north and south of the suburb, which will be built through developer contributions. Mr Guy said planning would avoid creating another situation like Point Cook.
He said the proximity of the Regional Rail Link to Manor Lakes would add to the area’s liveability and “provide transport solutions at the time of development”.
Manor Lakes was one of six new suburbs announced by Mr Guy, with 37,000 lots of land available for development.
“[They will be] very different suburbs to the suburbs approved for the past 10-20 years… suburbs that are well planned and well managed,” Mr Guy said.
But Wyndham Local spokesman Gautam Gupta said the provision of roads, schools and public transport was only the start, with pressure being felt across Wyndham.
The ratepayers group has called on the government to expand Werribee Mercy Hospital, increase police numbers and public transport services across the municipality.
“Waiting times at the hospital are going to increase. It is one tiny little hospital and it won’t cope with an influx of new residents.
“Adding more people without planning for improvements in health care, education and community infrastructure is bad planning.”
Mr Gupta said residents were also concerned a new suburb would lead to an oversupply of houses and a reduction in the value of established homes.
Urban Development Institute of Australia executive director Tony DeDomenico said the new suburb would provide the building industry with long-term security.
