Residents, State Opposition upset at plan for 240 units at Ashburton’s Markham Estate

THE State Government has accused the opposition of scaremongering over a plan to build 240 units at a social housing estate in Melbourne’s east.

The State Government has plans top build 240 units at Markham Estate in Ashburton. Picture: Janine Eastgate

A STATE Government plan to build 240 units on the site of Ashburton’s Markham Estate has been slammed by residents and the State Opposition.

The plan will see 60 social housing units built on the rundown site, alongside 180 other private dwellings.

Ashburton Residents Action Group spokeswoman Angela Walker said local residents felt like they had been misled over the future of the site.

“Both major parties went to the last election promising there wouldn’t be any overdevelopment on the site,” Ms Walker said.

“There were already 56 ministry units on the site, so really 60 isn’t a lot different.

“The community is opposed to high-rise development on the site, but it is of the view that a similar development to that on the corner of Warrigal Rd and Victory Boulevard would be more appropriate.

“The estate itself borders a flood zone and the feeder roads are so narrow, we have concerns there will be traffic gridlock.”

Burwood state Liberal MP Graham Watt said he had sought information from the Andrews Government on their intentions for this site and has had to resort to Freedom of Information to get answers.

“It is not good enough for the Andrews Government to ignore residents’ concerns and worse that residents are kept in the dark,” he said.

Housing minister Martin Foley said when in government, the Liberal Party did nothing for the estate.

“There will be consultation,” Mr Foley said.

“The council, the local community, and most importantly Markham residents will get to have their say.

“Graham Watt and the Liberals are scaremongering. I’m confident the community can see through this.”

Boroondara Mayor Coral Ross said the council had still not seen any plans for the site.

“When plans are available council will be able to make an informed assessment of the proposal and its preferred outcome,” Cr Ross said.

“Council will be advocating strongly to the state government for any redevelopment of the site to provide far more social housing than currently exists.

“The site should not be used as a source of profit for Places Victoria or the State Government at the expense of optimising the opportunity for social housing.”