Macedon state MP Mary-Anne Thomas has hit out at Macedon Ranges council’s plea for help with explosive growth in Gisborne, saying she’s disappointed it has been unable to come up with a positive plan for the town.
‘‘I must say I struggle to hear definitively the vision that Macedon Ranges council has for its towns and communities,’’ she said. ‘‘The fact is, shires won’t get what they don’t ask for.’’
As reported by Star Weekly, Cr Russell Mowatt last week suggested that Gisborne’s expansion be halted until the state government does more to address infrastructure problems.
But Ms Thomas said the council couldn’t receive funding for things it hadn’t applied for.
‘‘The shire has three projects on its books [through Regional Development Australia] … that’s not a vision,’’ she said.
‘‘The council has been unable to come up with a vision for Gisborne and articulate it in a way that will attract funding.’’
Veteran Brad Teal Real Estate agent John Dunlop also criticised calls for a moratorium on growth.
‘‘The shire charges developers so it’s probably a case of whether it needs to lift its own game,’’ he said.
Mr Dunlop said that while Gisborne was growing rapidly, most services were keeping pace with demand.
‘‘We are very fortunate because it’s still the best of both worlds,’’ he said.
‘‘Parking, particularly in Gisborne’s CBD, is something that needs to be addressed pretty quickly … but I think, generally, Gisborne is pretty well serviced.’’
‘Another Sunbury’
Cr Mowatt said Gisborne was turning into ‘‘another Sunbury’’, with a lack of adequate infrastructure and services.
A settlement strategy adopted by the council in July 2011 estimated a Gisborne population of 14,700 by 2036. But the most recent council meeting heard that the town’s population had already passed 13,000.
Urging Planning Minister Richard Wynne to meet with the full council, councillors Mowatt and John Letchford questioned whether the government was doing enough to help the council cope with the growth.
The council voted unanimously to back a motion calling for a study into the merits of a major bypass of the Mount Macedon half-diamond interchange to Gisborne-Bacchus Marsh Road, and a half-diamond interchange from the Calder Freeway to Willowbank Road. Expanded bus services will also be sought.
Council chief executive Peter Johnston said the vision for Gisborne’s growth was clearly set out in the planning scheme.
‘‘This plan was developed over many years with substantial community consultation and ultimately approved by the state Planning Minister,’’ he said.
‘‘Development plans are in place for Gisborne and New Gisborne to ensure future development is managed in an orderly, co-ordinated and sustainable way.’’
