6000 homes planned for defence department land in Maribyrnong

THOUSANDS of new homes could soon be built on the former defence site in Maribyrnong after the Federal Government agreed to release the land.

Australian Defence Force land in Maribyrnong is about to be opened up for housing. Picture: Alex Coppel.

THOUSANDS of new homes could soon be built on the former defence site in Maribyrnong after the Federal Government agreed to release the land.

However, some fear the site could be overdeveloped with the Goverment looking to cram in twice as many homes as was previously estimated.

The Federal Goverment says the 127ha former defence site, less than 10km from Melbourne’s CBD and on the banks of the Maribyrnong River, could fit up to 6000 dwellings.

The Defence Department had previously said the site was suitable for 3000 homes.

The move, announced as part of the Federal Government’s Budget, was part of a promise to increase the supply of new housing, with expressions of interest to open later this year.

However, the site must first undergo expensive decontamination works.

The State Government had been in talks to buy the site since 2004. But under the plan it would need to bid for land with the private sector.

State minister for Major Projects Jacinta Allan said there needed to be measures to ensure the proper transport, education and other services were intergrated into the site.

She said it could not be a “free for all” where the interests of developers were put ahead of first-home buyers and the community.

It might be some years before houses are built on the site.

In the Budget papers, the Government said it was committed to working with all levels of government to ensure the development included an appropriate share of social and affordable housing.

A heritage plan has been prepared and a number of historical features would be integrated into the development.

Maribyrnong Mayor Catherine Cumming said there would need to be substantial infrastructure to support the development.

“This includes open space, community facilities, sporting infrastructure and public transport,” she said.

“We also like to see the river’s edge handed over to us to allow the completion of the trail along the river from the Heavenly Queen temple in Footscray to the Quang Minh temple in Braybrook and for recreational use.”

The government will publish an online registry of its land holdings, including mapping their locations from December 1.

This will allow other levels of government, private businesses and community groups to put forward proposals to put the land to better use, including housing, amenities, services and employment hubs.