RESIDENTS fear a planned development on a Wyndham Vale flood plain will cause drainage problems along Black Forest Road.
The Growth Areas Authority has proposed a new precinct be built along Black Forest Road South, next to Black Swamp.
A precinct structure plan for the 510-hectare area is on exhibition and states about 5000 houses will be built over the next 30 years.
The GAA expects 14,500 residents will call the new development home.
Jacki Pidoto bought a house on Black Forest Road because she liked its view of the swamp and the wildlife that call it home.
She is concerned the development would destroy the area.
“I would like to see a 500-metre buffer around the swamp. I was told it would never be built next to because it is flood prone. There is no doubt the development will flood.”
Ms Pidoto said she was also concerned about the safety of frogs at the swamp.
“We have so many species of frogs there who are on the endangered list. Any development there is going to kill them.”
GAA chief executive Peter Seamer said a wetland and lake would be created within the precinct to manage flood risks.
“As part of planning for the area, developers also propose to build a waterfront town centre, which will offer an attractive location for businesses and provide opportunities for participation in a range of sports and recreation and educational activities, including water-based recreation.”
Mr Seamer said a water management plan for Black Forest Road South would also create a permanent habitat for wildlife and would not endanger them.
Wyndham Vale resident Peter Maynard said the community was worried about the impact an extra 5000 houses would have on choked roads.
“The increase in population will undoubtedly place additional strain on our already under-resourced and overstretched road network, no doubt adding to the obvious infrastructure issues we already face,” he said.
The GAA said the development would create new roads for the area, including the first stage of a new arterial road interchange at Armstrong Road, linking Wyndham Vale with the Princes Highway.
Residents can comment on the plan until Friday. Details: gaa.vic.gov.au.
