THE City of Whittlesea has taken steps to fast-track the acquisition of land needed for a major road upgrade in Wollert, voting unanimously to begin a Planning Scheme Amendment to apply a Public Acquisition Overlay (PAO15) to parts of 70 and 80 Boundary Road.
The land is required for the future construction of the Boundary Road and Andrew Road intersection, a project identified as essential infrastructure under the Wollert Development Contributions Plan (DCP).
The DCP designates Council as the responsible agency for acquiring the land and delivering the project, which will improve safety, unlock housing and employment opportunities, and reduce long-term financial risk.
The upgraded intersection is expected to support around 450 new dwellings and open up employment land capable of accommodating up to 1,000 jobs in the Andrew Road precinct of the Wollert Precinct Structure Plan (PSP) area. Delivery of the works will be undertaken by the adjoining land developer through a “works in kind” arrangement, easing the burden on Council funds.
Council had sought to acquire the land through voluntary negotiations with the owners, but these efforts were unsuccessful. As a result, it will move to compulsorily acquire the land using the PAO15 process to avoid delays that could jeopardise the coordinated delivery of the intersection and broader development in the area.
Mayor Councillor Martin Taylor will now write to the Minister for Planning, requesting that the Planning Scheme Amendment be prepared and approved under a fast-track process available through section 20(4) of the Planning and Environment Act 1987.
Council will also call on the Minister to address ongoing barriers to timely land acquisition in growth areas, highlighting the impact of delays on housing, employment and infrastructure delivery.
If the Minister declines to be the planning authority, the Council will progress the amendment through the standard scheme amendment process.
“This is a critical piece of infrastructure for Wollert,” the report to Council stated. “Securing the land now ensures the intersection upgrade can be delivered on time and unlocks significant housing and job opportunities for our growing community.”
The motion to proceed with the Planning Scheme Amendment and advocacy to the Minister passed without opposition.
