New suburb

A UNIQUE, new suburb for Cranbourne is set to take shape in Cranbourne West after the State Government approved a precinct plan to create more than 14,000 jobs.
The Cranbourne West Precinct Structure Plan will include integrated employment and residential areas in the 792-hectare space.
Two new schools, a range of housing choices, medical centres, shops, restaurants and about 390 hectares of employment land will make up some of the precinct, Casey Council said.
Last year the council said the precinct would create up to 17,000 jobs, which has been revised to more than 14,000.
Casey mayor Lorraine Wreford said it was wonderful news that planning permits could now be lodged.
“This employment precinct will provide a diversity of building types and sizes to accommodate the needs of a variety of local and regional businesses ensuring that there are ample employment opportunities within Casey,” Cr Wreford said.
The precinct would reduce congestion on roads, create local job opportunities and allow Casey residents to enjoy a better work and life balance, Cr Wreford said.
With its integrated employment and residential neighbourhoods, the precinct would introduce a unique, new suburb for Cranbourne, the likes of which have not been seen in the fringe areas of Melbourne, Casey’s manager of strategic development Liam Hodgetts said.
“The plan provides for the use and development of designated urban land in a manner that respects the environmental values of the area and supports the concept of sustainable development,” Mr Hodgetts said.
“Cranbourne West will be a truly livable location for future residents and will enable the development of a vibrant and sustainable extension of Cranbourne,” Cr Wreford said.
The development is generally bounded by Thompsons Road to the north, Western Port Highway to the west, Ballarto Road Reserve and the Ranfurlie Golf Club in the south, and Evans Road and Cranbourne-Frankston Road in the east. It also includes the wedge of land west of the Merinda Park train station.