The release of residential land in Echuca West is another step closer with Campaspe Shire Council adopting a planning amendment and approving submission to the Minister for Planning on Wednesday night.
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It rezones, for residential development, approximately 615 hectares of land in Echuca West, bounded by Stratton Road to the west, Murray Valley Highway to the north, Northern Highway to the east, and Echuca West School Road to the south.
Mayor Chrissy Weller said the amendment had been four to five years in the making.
"This is exciting news for residents and the development sector with the release of new residential land highly awaited," Cr Weller said.
"The precinct will provide the next 40 years of residential land supply, enabling the development of 5,000 new dwellings and a new community of 14,000 residents."
The amendment incorporates a number of documents which will guide the future development of the precinct, including a high-level Precinct Structure Plan showing the location of the major infrastructure items including drainage, open space and traffic movement.
It also incorporates an existing local convenience centre, schools and community facilities.
Wel.Co founder and managing director Andrew Welsh said the development company looked forward to working with council to hopefully open the area by mid-2022.
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"Echuca has had a large under supply of land for a long period of time now so to have the Echuca West development approved unanimously by council is a massive boost for the region," he said.
"For us to be able to bring quality to communities in regional areas especially in Echuca where we know a lot of people had to move out of town to find that opportunity to buy a parcel of land or a home.
"We're looking to bring that affordability back for people to be able to stay in town through the masterplan community we want to bring to the area."
The amendment was released for public exhibition in July and August this year. Two information sessions were held to assist the community in understanding its aims and outcomes.
Staff also kept the landowners updated through the amendment process.
"We received nine submissions from the exhibition process, from residents, authorities and land developers," Cr Weller said.
"Our staff have worked actively with the submitters to resolve the submissions, rather than proceed through to a lengthy and costly planning panel process.
"As a result a number of minor changes were made to the Precinct Structure Plan to address issues raised.
"Once the Minister approves the planning amendment, it is expected that developers will be ready to go and lodge applications for subdivision of the land."
More information and background documents about the amendment are available here.
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