Marketing for the sale of more than 2000 hectares of land near Darraweit Guim has sparked fears about inappropriate development.
Macedon Ranges Residents Association secretary Christine Pruneau said two large properties were being advertised internationally, with advertisements incorrectly linking them with Melbourne’s nearby urban growth boundary (UGB).
One ad boasts of ‘‘substantial land bank appeal’’.
Ms Pruneau said the group was worried the sales campaign sent a bad message about future development, and she feared the council and developers were eyeing off land close to the UGB.
She said planning scheme amendments last year included a redesignation of Darraweit Guim from village (500 people) to small town (up to 2000).
The council denied it had any plans for residential development in the area.
‘‘We think there’s a motive for growth,’’ Ms Pruneau said. ‘‘One of the ads talks about land being ‘earmarked’. Then you’ve got council saying this is a town that’s going to grow. It sends a bad message.’’
She said it needed to be made clear that developers would not be allowed to ‘‘leapfrog’’ the UGB.
Council planning and environment director Sophie Segafredo said the land had not been identified for future residential development in the short or long term.
‘‘We have been in contact with the real estate agent to ensure that prospective buyers are advised of the current planning policies that apply to the land for sale,’’ she said.
‘‘As with any property purchase, we would encourage anyone considering purchasing a property anywhere in the shire to contact our planning department so we can ensure they are informed about the property before entering into a contract.’’
