Long-term plan being prepared for Lilydale's Cave Hill Quarry

ONE of the biggest planning projects ever seen in the Yarra Ranges is getting closer to becoming a reality.

ONE of the biggest planning projects ever seen in the Yarra Ranges is getting closer, with a huge multi-million redevelopment of the Lilydale quarry set to become a reality.

Sibelco Australia is working with Places Victoria and Yarra Ranges Council to prepare a long-term plan for the Cave Hill quarry, with the community invited to have their say on a new masterplan for the site.

The lime quarry and surrounding buffer occupies 170 hectares, with potential to develop residential lots plus commercial, retail and public areas.

The masterplan, "Plan Cave Hill," will respond to a range of opportunities for the future of the site including transport and mobility, employment and education, housing diversity, community facilities and open space.

Yarra Ranges Council released information in December, stating 4000 dwellings were proposed for the quarry site.

Mayor Jim Child said the development was exciting for the area, and would include large areas of open space for the community.

"Twenty years down the track, to have all that area developed, and to have all that open space, it will be a tremendous outcome for that site," Cr Child said.

"It's an exciting time."

A drop-in information session will be held on Sunday at Yarra Ranges Regional Museum.

A community forum will be held on Thursday, July 4, 6-8.30pm at Lilydale Primary School.

For details, visit the Plan Cave Hill website.

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