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FACED with a population boom at the speed of a hypersonic rocket, and delivery of key services lagging far, far behind at a haphazard snail’s pace, Mitchell Shire is staring into an abyss of helplessness to meet residents’ rising demands unless governments come to the party with a funding splurge to boost services, a damning report has warned.
The Health and Human Services Gap Analysis Report, prepared for Mitchell Shire Council by Craig Kenny OAM of 42 Squared Consulting, paints a humbling scenario with little cheer for an anticipated 245 per cent rise in population by 2046 as services fail to keep pace with rising demand.
The report, launched at Beveridge on Friday last week, warns Victoria risks repeating and worsening long-recognised service gaps in outer growth areas as Mitchell, the state’s fastest-growing municipality, prepares to more than triple in size, with resident numbers rising to more than 221,000 by 2046 compared with 64,175 in 2025 – the highest growth rate of any local government area in Victoria.
MAKING A POINT: Council CEO Mary Agostino.
The report puts the spotlight on widening gaps in housing and services and finds while Victoria’s planning framework effectively guarantees land supply and housing delivery, health infrastructure and services are often planned after development has already started.
The report says Mitchell Shire is at a crossroads. Its growth trajectory is unmatched, yet its service network and supporting infrastructure lags dangerously behind.
It warns that without decisive, coordinated intervention from all levels of government, the shire risks embedding long-term disadvantage and escalating costs for communities and governments alike.
REPORT AUTHOR: Craig Kenny.
Mitchell Shire Mayor John Dougall is rightly worried about the worsening trend. The report suggests Victoria risked repeating patterns identified in earlier growth areas, where housing development arrived years before essential services. Mitchell’s growth trajectory suggests it may be repeating that model – only at three times the scale, Cr Dougall said.
“It’s unprecedented growth without guarantees, and our community is already feeling the impact. But unlike some growth areas, Mitchell is not starting from a strong service base. Residents are already travelling long distances for care and struggling to access basic health services such as GPs,” he said.
“If service lag continues, pressure will not remain just in Mitchell – it will show up in emergency departments across Melbourne’s north.”
In a worrying sign, the report identifies a 20-25 year vulnerability window, during which population growth surge is expected to outpace the shire’s financial capacity to independently close infrastructure and service gaps.
The report finds state and federal governments’ investment has not kept pace. It says business-as-usual planning and budget processes leave health and community services absent from precinct structure plans (PSP), resulting in residential housing estates delivered years before schools, clinics and community hubs.
In another warning, the report says service lags identified in earlier interface reports (2003–2017) appear to have deepened, and Mitchell is the only growth area council without a committed major hospital or post-secondary training facility. Allied health, mental health, housing support, and family services remain below metropolitan benchmarks.
Mitchell Shire Council has called for structural reform, including:
Mandated health and human service participation in growth planning
Early land reservation and capital commitment for health infrastructure
Growth-indexed funding tied to population projections
Greater transparency and place-based reporting of health service allocation
“This is not a short-term funding request,” Cr Dougall said. “It is a call to ensure Victoria’s growth model reflects what we already know – that communities function best when services grow with them, not years behind them.”
The report finds that Mitchell Shire is planning for unprecedented population growth, but unless state and federal governments identify emerging need and fund required infrastructure and services commensurate with growth, local planning alone will not deliver a resilient, liveable community.
The report says that In Beveridge and Wallan, population density and growth is much higher than planned for in PSPs and families are moving in years before promised schools, health, and community facilities, leaving new suburbs as “housing first, services later.”
It says Kilmore is poised for steady growth, but it faces its own infrastructure gaps and needs a boost in services. Seymour is emerging as a pivotal regional centre – a role it can only fulfil with sustained investment in community and health infrastructure.
The report finds that Mitchell Shire sits at the heart of Melbourne’s northern growth corridor, yet it remains the only growth area without good access to a major regional hospital, committed community hospital, or tertiary training facility in the current state investment pipeline. While neighbouring LGAs — Whittlesea, Hume, Melton, and Brimbank — are receiving billions in new health projects, Mitchell’s residents must continue relying on small rural hospitals in Kilmore and Seymour or travel long distances to Northern or Goulburn Valley hospitals.
The report’s key recommendation is to establish a Northern Growth Corridor Infrastructure Commission to fast-track planning and delivery of health, education, and community infrastructure in Mitchell’s PSP areas (and timetabling of delivery of regional infrastructure in the adjacent Cloverton Metropolitan Activity Centre).
Cr Dougall said the council has shared the report with local Members of Parliament and there is a clear willingness to engage with the findings, with Member for Kalkallo Ros Spence also attending the launch.
“These are not new issues – we’ve been advocating on them for years. What this report does is bring together the evidence to support that advocacy and clearly show what needs to change.
“Our focus now is on progressing the recommendations that will have the most immediate and meaningful impact, while continuing to advocate for broader reform.
“We know what the issues are – this is about making sure we act on them.”
Asked for comments on the report’s finding, the State Government did not provide a direct response. But a government spokesperson said the government is investing in growing suburbs to deliver better healthcare, better public transport and better services.
“We’re boosting services on the Seymour line and expanding local bus networks — so communities like Beveridge, Wallan and Kilmore stay connected and supported.”
THE City of Whittlesea is facing a blowtorch on delivering the long-promised Mernda pool.
State Member for Yan Yean Lauren Kathage has tightened the screws in a push for the pool and to meet residents’ demands.
In a recent survey run by Ms Kathage, many respondents expressed their “frustration” that construction of the much-needed pool in Mernda is long overdue without any real progress.
City of Whittlesea has been working on plans for a pool in Mernda since 2011, and formally approved the project in 2021, stating that: “We heard that residents want 50-metre lap swimming, warm water exercise programs, water play and learn-to swim areas in the proposed facility … We’re delighted to bring that vision to life in the future Mernda facility …”
Despite this, the council’s draft budget includes no progress on the pool, putting its future at risk.
Ms Kathage said the State Government has committed $30 million in total to the Mernda Regional Sports Precinct, including $10 million specifically set aside for the pool. The remaining $20 million has provided funding for the new stadium and associated works. She called on the council to commence detailed planning and costings for the pool and “not to hide behind an outdated business case”.
“We know that the stadium is being delivered for half the price of the original business case. So when council use that same business case to say we can’t afford the pool – I say rubbish.”
Ms Kathage said: “My community has told me loud and clear that they want a pool in Mernda. The State Government has already put $10 million on the table for this project, funding that’s ready and waiting.”
“The funding is there. The need is there. The only thing missing is the council’s commitment towards the project.
“Families shouldn’t have to drive half an hour just to teach their kids to swim or for older residents to do hydrotherapy. The council needs to listen to its own community and confirm that the pool is going ahead.”
Asked by the Review for a response to Ms Kathage’s comments, the council said work is now under way on the next stage of the regional sports precinct in Mernda, marking an important step in meeting the growing demand for accessible, high-quality sporting facilities across the City of Whittlesea.
Stage 2 of the project will deliver a modern indoor stadium featuring four multipurpose courts, alongside outdoor netball courts equipped with lighting. These facilities are designed to support a wide range of community sports and activities, creating more opportunities for people of all ages and abilities, particularly women and girls to participate.
A mix of funding sources is vital to deliver a project of this magnitude. The overall business case identified a required budget of $180 million. The endorsed financial modelling is based on $80 million of funding contributions from other levels of government to support the council’s investment.
In total, council has received $31.5 million in state and federal government co-contributions, with a promise of a further $10 million. This leaves a shortfall of $38.5 million from the required $80 million of co-contributions required in the initial business case.
Given the substantial financial investment required to deliver this project, and its considerable impact on council’s overall financial position, it has been structured for staged delivery, to be implemented progressively as funding becomes available.
A report seeking council consideration of funding for the leisure and aquatic component of the project is scheduled to be presented before the end of the financial year.
Mayor Lawrie Cox said: “People across our community have been telling us they’d love to see more aquatic facilities, whether that’s a new pool in Mernda, something in Wollert, or upgrades to the existing pool in Whittlesea. We hear that clearly, and we understand how important these spaces are.”
“At the same time, aquatic centres are major investments. While we’d love to deliver everything at once, we need to balance these ideas with what we can realistically afford.”
“When we look at projects like the Mernda Regional Sports Precinct, we take a big-picture approach, thinking about what the community needs now and into the future, and making sure we plan carefully, and our approach is fiscally responsible.”
KILMORE bore the brunt of a powerful Ivanhoe outfit in its fourth-round clash in the Northern Football Netball League division 3 competition on Saturday.
Ivanhoe were widely seen as red-hot premiership favourites but had its first run on the wider expanses of JJ Clancy Reserve on the weekend.
It did take some time for Ivanhoe to hit the scoreboard, however, as Kilmore started the game with a lot of intent, and split the opening two goals of the game, with Jared Crosbie scoring the Blues’ opener.
While Kilmore fought hard, there would be a common theme emerge out of the game, with Ivanhoe kicking four goals in six minutes in red time to establish a 32-point lead at the first break, 40-8.
Ivanhoe continued on with its good form after the break, adding another four goals in 10 minutes, but Kilmore fought out the half well, and was rewarded with a second goal, also through Crosbie, as it trailed 74-14 at the main break.
It was the third quarter, however, where Ivanhoe really turned it on, as its powerful midfield group moved the ball with freedom around the wings, delivering into its forward line with pinpoint precision and execution, resulting in nine goals for the quarter, and extending the lead past 100 points.
GETTING IT CLEAR: Chase Dennis gets a ball down the line for Kilmore on debut.
Max Lacorcia kicked Kilmore’s sole goal of the quarter to trail 23-131 at the final change.
Kilmore split the opening two goals of the term again in the final stanza, with Chris Barton adding the Blues’ fourth goal, but it was all Ivanhoe from there as it continued on a brutal run which has seen it score wins in its opening three games by over 100 points in each, with the Hoers winning 26.14 (170) to 4.7 (31).
Lachlan Chesher fought hard to provide a target for Kilmore and was rewarded handsomely by being noted as the Blues’ best player on the day, while Josh Robertson, Josh Vilinskis, Ben Barton, Ryan Knight and Caleb Newport were also named in the best.
Kilmore’s reserves also had a similarly tough weekend against Ivanhoe, losing by 129 points.
In the Friday night netball competition, Kilmore had a successful night, winning five of its eight games. While Kilmore 1 and 2 lost to Montmorency and St Mary’s respectively, the Blues’ 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8 teams all scored wins.
IT was a largely positive weekend for men’s teams in the Whittlesea area, with three wins from four games on the football field on Saturday.
The only slip-up came from Whittlesea in division 2, who was bested by a determined Fitzroy Stars outfit in an upset at the Whittlesea Showgrounds.
The result means the Eagles slip down to eighth, but such is the nature of the competition, they remain just one game behind top spot.
The Eagles were outclassed in the second and last quarters on Saturday, with the Stars kicking four goals to one in the second term, and four goals to two in the last to eventually win 13.10 (88) to 8.12 (60).
Paul Higgins led from the front in a good performance, while Riley Powell, Zane Anderson, Thomas Falls, Caden Allen and Thomas Crowley did their best to try and negate the Stars’ fast running game. Allen kicked three goals to sit second on the goalkicking tally.
A stunning run with the wind meant South Morang scored its third victory in succession, inflicting Northcote Park’s first defeat of the year at Mill Park Lakes Reserve.
It looked as though the Lions were in trouble early as the Cougars kicked the first four goals of the game to lead by 25 points at the first change, 26-1.
GETTING AWAY: Tyrone Leonardis repels a Northcote Park attack for South Morang.
But, as it turned out, the Lions defended resolutely enough against the wind and added seven goals for the term in the second quarter to change the script entirely, leading 44-34 at the main break.
The Lions were successful in turning the third quarter into a contested scrap, with just three goals for the quarter as they held on to a 51-49 lead.
Running away with the game in the last term, a six-goal to three effort ensured the Lions scored a 14.10 (94) to 10.7 (67) win to show that they are perhaps the number one seed in a hotly contested division 2 competition.
Noah Cumberland starred with his best effort in Lions colours with four goals, while Christian Mardini, Carter McCall, Adam De Propertis, Nathan Stefanile and Ethan Lowe also played well.
In division 3, Mernda survived a scare from Watsonia to move into third position.
A high-scoring opening quarter was truly exhilarating, with Watsonia kicking the opening five goals of the game to shock the Demons, before the Demons added five of the next eight goals to trail 32-48 at the first change.
It looked as though the Demons kicked themselves out of the game in the second quarter, kicking seven straight behinds, while the Saints added two goals to lead 61-39 at the main break.
Mernda needed a response and it delivered, kicking four goals, yet remaining inaccurate, trailing 70-75 at the last change despite enjoying 10 more scoring shots.
In a thrilling last quarter, the Demons kicked three goals to one, with Kyle Green proving the hero in his best performance since arriving at the club by kicking the winning goal, 12.19 (91) to 13.7 (85).
Green kicked four goals in a great effort, while Josh Mazzarella, Declan Felle, Joshua Caputo on debut, Brent Marshall and James Sekulovski also provided a good effort.
Laurimar shook off a bout of inaccuracy to eventually score a 96-point win over Old Eltham Collegians.
The Power was deadlocked with the Turtles at the opening change, kicking 2.7 to leave the score 19-19, but eventually got going in the second term to kick six goals and lead 61-25 at the main break.
Six goals in each of the third and last quarters allowed the Power to extend its lead greatly, winning 20.18 (138) to 6.6 (42).
Hayden Trim had the best game of his young career in kicking five goals, while Jesse Donaldson continued his sensational start to life in a Power jumper. Luke Wilson, Liam Waldron, Cooper Cusinato and Josh Leather were also named in the best.
On the netball court on Friday night, Whittlesea had a perfect night, with its division 1 and division 3 teams scoring big wins over Diamond Creek and Bundoora, while its third and fourth teams also won.
Laurimar also went undefeated, scoring four wins and a draw from its five games, while South Morang had a tougher night, with its premier division 3 team losing to Heat, while scoring one win and a draw from its remaining four games.
WHEN Jason Barrows saw the first Avatar movie as a 12-year-old, his comment to his family was: “Imagine working for the company that made that”.
Well, Jason is now living his dream, working as an animator for that company, an internationally renowned special effects studio in Melbourne and being part of some of the biggest movie blockbusters in recent cinematic history.
From the age of two, when he was captivated by the original Toy Story movie, Jason always knew what he wanted to do in life and he has worked towards his goal ever since.
He started gaming as a five-year-old, his parents not particularly worried by his passion of spending hours in front of a screen and working out how things moved. His real interest was working out the designs and getting into the back end of games he played and changing how things looked on screen, a process known as “modding”.
This passion for animation continued through his teenage years. He studied mainly maths and physics at Hume Anglican Grammar, and his early years of education were spent at Willowmavin Primary School. Jason lived locally until starting his degree in Animation and Design at RMIT, specialising in 3D.
His aptitude for animation soon became evident, much of his time spent assisting his university classmates around the complicated world of making magic on-screen. He would spend many hours in his own time perfecting his craft because, in his own words “If I’m not doing this, then someone, somewhere, will be and I need to be the best at what I do”.
His third-year student film, a retro-themed space cartoon, is still used by RMIT as an example of a great student film. Jason has been a guest speaker at RMIT, sharing his experiences and advice about his animation journey.
Just after Jason graduated, COVID hit, making his job-search very challenging. He took some part-time work at a small Melbourne studio and within a few weeks he was a full-timer, and on his way.
When he heard that the studio that he dreamed of working for all those years ago was opening in Melbourne, he leapt at the chance to show his work to their recruiters.
Within two weeks, he had a position and was off to Wellington, New Zealand, to work on Avatar: The Way of Water. Despite being classed as a junior at that time, Jason’s work is front and centre of some of the most memorable scenes. The movie won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects – not bad to have on your CV at the age of 25.
Jason moved from Wellington to the Melbourne studio on completion of Avatar: The Way of Water.
He has since worked on Better Man (the Robbie Willliams biopic), and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, on loan to the specialist Facial Team. Both were Oscar nominated for visual effects.
Avatar: Fire and Ash was the next huge challenge for Jason and the team. This won Oscar and BAFTA awards for best visual effects. In March, one of the team from New Zealand visited the Melbourne Studio and brought the awards with him for the team here to share in the success.
Jason is a great example of if you work hard and are passionate about what you do, then dreams really can come true.
