Amy Hume
Riddells Creek residents challenging the density of a residential development say the rural identity of their town is not for sale.
The developer-led precinct structure plan includes the development of 131.8 hectares north of Amess Road identified for future growth.
Residents say changes to the plan increase the development beyond the 1290 lots with an average size of 476 square metres proposed in 2019.
Objectors are fighting for less density, road safety, planned infrastructure and to be heard on planning that will reshape the town.
“They are not the only issues here but they are what galvanise the community,” Riddells Creek resident Robert McConville told the Express.
Robert McConville, Ross Colliver and Simon Were are leading a petition that launched last week and has already gained 400 signatures.
A key point calls for rejection of lot sizes below 800 square metres, and to set a maximum of no more than nine lots per buildable hectare.
“We want the rural aesthetic to be at the forefront. Cutting up residential blocks like this is turning our nice rural haven into some form of chaotic urbanisation,” Mr McConville said.
“We don’t want it to be a conglomerate of tiny blocks on the train line for commuters. It’s the Macedon Ranges – we’ve got some of the best landscapes and valuable environmental assets in the region.
“The town’s not ready for it and, aside from that, neither are the people. We’re not against development but rural identity of the town is not for sale.”
The petition also seeks vehicle and pedestrian movement to be a priority, as well as a commitment to services and infrastructure.
“I don’t think the town has the infrastructure to support this kind of growth or the capability to build it,” Mr Were said.
“People move to Riddells Creek to be in a rural town not to be living in the next Sunbury, Melton, Rockbank or Craigieburn.”
Mr Colliver said the Macedon Ranges community still had the ability to influence the outcome of the proposal.
“We understand that growth will occur but we do not want housing lots to be small and jammed together,” he said.
“This needs to be thought through. There is no proper vision for the town.”
The petition is still available online at: change.org and at locations around the community to sign including Riddells Creek Neighbourhood House. It is expected to be presented to the council in early 2023.
