PROTESTERS have called on the state government to protect Point Cook’s green wedge from housing after land was included in Melbourne’s urban growth boundary.
Cold weather and rain didn’t dampen the drive of residents, environmentalists and politicians who rallied at the Point Cook Town Centre on Sunday, voicing fears the area
will eventually be slated for up to 3000 new houses.
A 443-hectare parcel bordering Hacketts, Aviation and Point Cook roads was rezoned as farmland last month, stripping it of its green wedge status.
Western Metropolitan Greens MP Colleen Hartland told the rally of more than 30 people that losing green wedges – described as Melbourne’s “lungs” – would be a catastrophe.
She said the rezoning could reduce open space in the suburb and promised the Greens would get behind a parliamentary push to prevent housing in Point Cook’s green wedge.
Truganina ward’s Cr Glenn Goodfellow said the council would set up a committee with representatives from the Western Region Environment Centre that would meet on July 31 in a bid to agree on a vision for the land.
He said there was a “long way to go” before housing was considered, including land studies, precinct structure plans and further rezoning.
“Ultimately the state government will decide what happens, but council and community need to work collaboratively to get the best outcome.
“Nothing will be approved by council without full public consultation,” Cr Goodfellow said.
He said a buffer of at least 200 metres between housing and Werribee South farmland, possibly in the form of a golf course, would
be essential.
“The buffer needs to protect the rights to farm, which may include using noisy machinery … and when farmers spray a chemical like herbicide, you want to make sure people living in suburbia are protected from that.”
Point Cook resident Catherine Ryan said she opposed the rezoning because of the strain more housing would place on critical infrastructure.
“We’re all exposed to the lagging infrastructure, particularly with roads and transport,” she said.
Ms Hartland said that while the turnout to Sunday’s rally was small, pressure would mount on the government once people came to understand what was at risk.
