The state government has confirmed Sunbury’s Jacksons Hill is still owned by Victoria University, following speculation that the site had recently been sold.
Sunbury MP Josh Bull told Star Weekly Jacksons Hill “cannot” be sold until the master plan that will guide its future use has been completed. The site has been listed on the state government’s Department of Treasury and Finance website as being ‘prepared for future sale’ for a number of weeks now. Fences have been erected around the site.
However, Mr Bull said that the site has not changed hands.
“Unfortunately some incorrect information regarding the site has been circulated,” he said.
Mr Bull said the site’s status as ‘being prepared for future sale’ was “a formality only”.
“The site cannot be sold until the master plan is complete,” he said.
The Sunbury MP said he and planning minister Richard Wynne understood that the site held “a special place in the hearts of Sunbury residents”.
“We’ve worked side by side with the community and listened carefully to its views,” Mr Bull said. “The VPA is now considering all feedback on this draft plan, and a final plan will be produced later this year.
“I appreciate that many people in the Sunbury community are keen to see a positive outcome for this site in a timely fashion, and we are working hard to make this happen.”
Victorian University stopped using part of Jacksons Hill as a campus in 2009. It is still owns and is responsible for the site.