VARIOUS partners gathered at Kalkallo Community Centre last Thursday to launch the program that will take Cloverton into the future.
It is funded by a $2.6 million investment from the Federal Government’s Urban Precincts and Partnerships Program, which will support two main pieces of the puzzle.
An Urban Design Framework will shape how the centre looks, feels and words, and a Regional Needs Assessment will identify the infrastructure and services the region needs.
Federal Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell was joined by Mitchell Shire Council, Hume City Council, the City of Whittlesea, Stockland and the Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation for the launch.
The city is expected to house 380,000 people across the 52-hectare centre, while also becoming a hub for jobs, health care, education, transport and government services.
Mitchell Shire Mayor Councillor John Dougall said it was important to get Cloverton’s growth right before it had occurred.
“It’s a rare chance to build a city from the ground up. The suburbs around Cloverton are already growing, but the centre itself is still largely undeveloped – so we can plan the jobs, services and infrastructure first, rather than retrofit them later,” he said.
“We want people to be able to build their whole lives here – to study, work, raise a family and stay connected to their community. Cloverton can make that possible.
“Strong communities are built one piece at a time, with each piece in the right place. That’s what this work is about.
“We thank the Australian Government and Rob Mitchell for their $2.6 million investment, which is helping us get the right pieces in place as people arrive.”