NOVEMBER 30, 2016 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
NEWS + SPORT + THE WEST’S BEST PROPERTY GUIDE
Rural life lost to suburbs Rural sections of Wyndham will soon be transformed into suburbia, population forecasts suggest. An area dubbed Rural West, made up of sections of the townships Little River, Quandong, Cocoroc, Mount Cottrell and Mambourin, will experience a population increase of almost 1000 per cent in the next 20 years, according to projections by demographers Forecast.id. By 2036, the region will see a jump from its current population of 3495 to 30,032. There are currently no specific precinct structure plans (PSPs) in place for the entire area. The National Growth Areas Alliance (NGAA), a group advocating for Australia’s fast-growing outer suburbs, has expressed its concerns at infrastructure not matching growth. “There’s already a massive infrastructure backlog in outer growth areas such as Wyndham,” NGAA executive officer Ruth Spielman said. She acknowledged investment in Wyndham, such as state government transport projects and funds set up specifically for growing suburbs, but said more was needed as the population continued to grow. “Lucky dip grants-based approaches to funding will continue to be totally inadequate,” Ms Spielman said. “A long-term dedicated national response for growing outer suburbs is needed.” She said the alliance campaign in the lead-up to the last federal election was tagged Fund Our Future and included more than 100,000 emails sent to politicians by communities wanting “a fair go”. 12333176-LB48-16 10047448-01
“They want better transport connections to access jobs, education and services,” she said. “These connections and other infrastructure, such as health facilities, will also help grow communities closer to home.” Wyndham innovation director Kate Roffey said considerable planning had already been done for the region in the form of a range of precinct structure plans (PSPs) and two large development contribution plans.
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There’s already a massive infrastructure backlog - Ruth Spielman
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“[The contribution plans] will help fund the delivery of infrastructure such as roads, community facilities and open space for these areas,” Ms Roffey said. She said the area was already serviced by the Regional Rail Link train service and the Wyndham Vale train station. The station is already among the busiest on the network, with an average of 1300 commuters using it on weekdays. Ms Roffey said there was already an employment PSP in the works for Mambourin West. The Tarneit North and Black Forest Road PSPs cover sections of the area, she said, while another two, still to be approved, will also cover sections of Rural West. Planning Minister Richard Wynne said PSPs set aside the land needed for infrastructure. “The Victorian Planning Authority consults widely with the public during planning, and PSPs are approved well in advance of development,” he said.
(Dennis Manktelow)
By Adem Saban
SUE CLUGSTON AND BELLA
Bella tops the kitty hit parade She’s the apple of her owner’s eye, but Bella the domestic short-hair cat is far from unique. Figures from Wyndham council reveal Bella is the most popular cat name among felines registered across the city with 92, followed by Oscar (49), Max (47), Molly (47) and Charlie (44). Missy, Coco, Leo, Lily and Simba round out the top 10. When it comes to breed, domestic short-hair kitties top the list. Bella’s carer, Sue Clugston, said her daughter, Sharon, rescued the moggie, now 14, when she was a kitten. The Hoppers Crossing resident said Bella had a lovely, playful nature. “Sharon loved the name Bella, because it means beautiful,” Ms Clugston said. “Bella’s very affectionate now, and the vet loves her – she just purrs and purrs.” Charlene Macaulay
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