Hume council has slammed the Victorian Planning Authority’s draft master plan for Jacksons Hill, saying its vision and principles cannot be achieved because of its “lack of detail and certainty”.
The plan’s suggested “infill development” for the site’s heritage core and a proposed state school on the site have been identified as “of most concern” in the council’s feedback to the authority.
The detailed submission, which was endorsed by the council at its meeting on February 12, requests an extensive number of changes to the plan.
Cr Ann Potter told the meeting the feedback did not “beat around the bush” and said the council was acting on the community’s wishes.
“We do disagree with a lot of the things … and we haven’t been afraid to say so,” she said.
Both Cr Potter and Cr Leigh Johnson said they were concerned the authority’s timing for community consultation – during the holiday season – had not given people the opportunity to truly share their thoughts. The council submission identifies the proposed school as “conflicting with the key themes from the community engagement sessions”.
In the submission, the council calls for much more detail and clarification in the plan and a “review” of a number of elements, including the proposed infill development. The council has, however, indicated strong support for the draft plan’s vision and principles, identified land uses, improved connections and access, the expansion of the specialist school and the inclusion of the community, art and cultural precinct.
Sunbury MP Josh Bull said Hume council was playing a key role in Jacksons Hill’s future. “The government will continue to work closely with the community and all stakeholders as we move forward from the draft plan to a final design,” he said.
View the draft plan at vpa.vic.gov.au
