My goal as a Councillor is to retain our unique rural characteristics while prioritising housing for all. It can be challenging but I am dedicated to the Macedon Ranges and leaving a footprint that future generations can enjoy just like we have.
If re elected, I will continue to take my role in determining how we plan our towns very seriously. To do this, all aspects of a development need to be considered which I unpack in this article.
State Government Housing Target
The State Government is in the process of releasing final housing targets for each municipality and all council’s know they will need to provide a certain number for the anticipated population growth across Victoria.
Kyneton and Gisborne have been designated as regional centres so they will need to take the bulk of this housing.
Where this housing is to be located, and what type of housing it should be is a very important consideration of Council.
The Macedon Ranges is Unique
The Macedon Ranges has been declared an area of distinction and landscape, the first in Victoria, meaning we are known to have something special worth protecting.
Our natural environment and our key role in agriculture are strong assets that define the Macedon Ranges.
It is important housing is not built in areas of prime agricultural land which is a risk to food security, or natural biodiversity – our animals, birds, insects and reptiles need somewhere to live too!
Planning for Growth
Towns in the Macedon Ranges have protected settlement boundaries, within which housing and development should occur.
When making decisions about developments and/or planning for the future I consider many elements based on the experience and learnings during my time as a Councillor, community aspirations, resources, policy and future generations.
New areas need to be well planned to:
- ensure town character is maintained
- the impact on climate change is considered
- infrastructure required to support new communities can be provided in advance at a reasonable cost to the rate payer, with the bulk being funded by the developer
Connectivity, Consultation and Innovation
- Streets need to be wide so cars and buses can easily pass through.
- Cars should be able to be parked on the street and nature strips should be wide so that trees can be planted and utilities put in underground.
- Adequate footpaths and cycle ways also need to be included.
- I believe the community need to be consulted on new developments as early as possible to allow provide input and shape these new developments.
- Social and affordable housing should be compulsory.
- We need to ensure a smooth transition from more built up areas in the centres of our towns to larger lots on the outskirts as we move to the farm zone.
- We should consider more innovation within the town centres with shop top dwelling and apartments. When well designed, this can be done well so there is no encroachment on the heritage character and charm of our towns.
There is a lot to consider when planning for growth and balancing landuse and community aspirations.
Councillors are not specialised planners and rely on a range of factors when making planning decisions including:
- the expertise of council staff
- needs/wants of the community as a whole (as opposed to individual groups)
- a range of other resources to undertake due diligence for best practice decision making.
Feel free to contact me about any concerns or questions you have about my views, learnings and experiences in this area.
Read more blog articles in my latest News
CR JENNIFER ANDERSON 