Sunbury residents have backed a state government decision to appoint the Municipal Planning Authority to drive the redevelopment of Jacksons Hill’s historic former mental asylum and Victoria University campus.
The state government, Hume council, Victoria University and residents have agreed any development of the buildings, known as Caloola, must have a community focus.
Planning minister Richard Wynne last week said a proper masterplan process would need a whole-of-government approach, and consultation with the Sunbury community would be integral to this process.
Sunbury Residents Association president Bernie O’Farrell welcomed the opportunity to participate in the masterplan.
“The association has campaigned for a long time to have the Jacksons Hill VU site, Caloola, retained for use in the community, and preferably that should be an educational use,” he said.
“Having a masterplan might be a step in the right direction, and we would be more than happy to be involved in the community consultation.”
Sunbury MP Josh Bull tabled a petition of more than 1200 signatures in June that called for the state to protect the 35-hectare site.
Mr Bull said he is determined Jacksons Hill is retained for education and community uses.
“After four long years of inaction, the Sunbury community is finally seeing real steps taken to protect this important site,” Mr Bull said.
“This government will work to protect the important heritage that belongs to us all, and bring back to life a much-loved community asset for the benefit of all.”
But any suggestion that a section of the site, which is already zoned residential, may be sold to raise money to refurbish historic buildings was a concern for the residents association, Mr O’Farrell warned.
