Tax thwarts future plans

By Bridget Brady
FOR Coral Saggers, destroying the habitats of animals and losing the peace and tranquillity of rural life are the most disappointing aspects about the extension of the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB).
Mrs Saggers, 62, said she hated to think the serene surrounds of her 10-acre Devon Meadows property could one day be filled with houses.
“I love the peace and quiet and the wildlife here. It’s just pleasant. It’s going to take away animals’ habitats. It’s as simple as that,” she said.
The State Government is looking to extend the UGB and has earmarked 5560 hectares in Casey as an investigation area.
Recent changes to the boundary saw parts of Devon Meadows excluded, but Mrs Saggers said her property remained in the investigation area by “a few hundred metres”. Mrs Saggers feeds kookaburras from her hands most nights at her property and has possums and ducks on her land.
“I love waking up of a morning to the sound of the birds. I thought it would always be like this.”
While the loss of natural environments angered Mrs Saggers, she said she also shared the fury of fellow residents who opposed the Growth Areas Infrastructure Contribution (GAIC) scheme.
Under the scheme, landowners whose land falls within the UGB from 2009 will be charged a levy of $95,000 per hectare when they sell.
“I have recently lost my husband under tragic circumstances and my 10-acre property is much too big for me to manage.”
Mrs Saggers said she wanted to sell to be closer to her family, but the tax took this right away from her.
“I was going to sell up but the tax puts a stop to that. As it stands now if I were to sell my property I would pay tax of $380,000. This tax is so unfair. It has stopped me from doing what I want to do.”
Mrs Saggers, who is retired, said landowners faced a “double whammy” because council rates would soar.
“Life should be easy-going for me now. I’m still trying to get my head around how they think they can get away with it.”
The State Government is seeking submissions about the proposed changes to the UGB until 17 July.
The Growth Areas Authority (GAA) will hold a meeting today at Cranbourne to inform residents about recent changes to the investigation area.
The meeting will be held from 4pm to 8pm at the Balla Balla Community Centre, 65 Berwick-Cranbourne Road, Cranbourne.