By Victoria Stone-Meadows
The City of Casey will be home to two new suburbs, following a State Government announcement of 17 new suburbs across the Greater Melbourne area.
The new suburbs of McPherson and Minta Farm in Casey’s south-east reaches would cover a combined area of 1238 hectares of land and house an additional 35,800 people.
The precinct structure plan (PSP) for McPherson is currently in the submission review phase, while consultations continue between The Victorian Planning Authority (MPA) and Casey City Council.
McPherson would be bordered by Cardinia Creek to the north and east, Ballarto Road to the south, Smiths Lane and the future Bells Road to the west, and Muddy Gates Lane, and McCormacks road to the east.
The Minta Farm PSP is currently at the stage of council and state agency consultation before it is presented to the public for submissions and input.
Minta Farm is proposed to be bordered by Soldiers Road in the west, the Princes Freeway to the north, Cardinia Creek to the east and Grices Road to the south.
Both of the new suburban hubs would be a mix of residential and business construction, with over 11,000 jobs to be created in the region.
The State Government announced the time it takes for planning approval for the new suburbs will be faster under their Streamlining for Growth program.
The program would allow the plans for Minta Farm and McPherson to be fast-tracked by streamlining the subdivision approvals processes.
The program also provides strategic planning support for councils to clear backlogs that help unlock strategic development sites.
As part of the plan to establish new suburbs and tackle the housing affordability bubble, the State Government would commence a pilot program to deliver 100 new social housing dwellings on government land.
Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas said the new suburbs would create more jobs and a better future for the growing Victorian population.
“By increasing supply of lots with good access to the jobs, schools, hospitals and public transport all Victorians need, we’re helping make housing more affordable,” he said.
“This increase in supply is also a boost to the construction industry, creating jobs in the growth corridors, as well as in established suburbs.”
