Villawood defends Jacksons Creek Valley plan in Sunbury

RESIDENTS up in arms over valley proposal, but developer says it would open up scenic area and boost local economy.

Jacksons Creek Valley in Sunbury, where development is proposed.

VILLAWOOD Properties says a campaign against its proposed development at Jacksons Creek valley threatens to stagnate the Sunbury economy and deny residents access to the region’s “bountiful natural features”.

As reported by the Leader on February 7, Villawood plans to build a 406-lot development on behalf of the Salesian Society. The land is currently used for private farming and education behind Salesian College.

Its development among 230ha of land would be part of the Victoria Planning Authority’s (VPA) Lancefield Rd Precinct Structure Plan.

However, a group of residents fighting the proposal have received the backing of Hume councillor Leigh Johnson, while a change.org online petition for the “beautiful historical valley” to be “saved for all future generations of Victorians to enjoy” has attracted more than 1770 supporters.

Opponents of the development have voiced concerns the land abuts indigenous landmarks such as the Wurundjeri-owned Sunbury rings, Jacksons Creek and its platypus population, and Canon Gully which hosted war games in the 1860s-70s.

SUNBURY SITE HERITAGE OUTRAGE

SUNBURY BORA RINGS PLANTING DAY

JACKSONS CREEK ABORIGINAL HISTORY INSPIRES

The National Trust Australia (Victoria) has supported the group and applied to Heritage Victoria to have the region protected.

Villawood Properties exec-utive director Tony Johnson said not developing the site would deny access to some of the most scenic landscape in Sunbury.

“Opening this private land up to showcase Sunbury’s natural features will drive visitation and provide a boost to the local economy,” he said.

“Additionally, the development will enable the Salesian College Rupertswood to build a second campus in Sunbury.

“The ultimate vision is to develop world-class space for conservation and recreation that would be over seven times larger than the current Emu Bottom Wetlands.”

Mr Johnson said although the Sunbury rings weren’t in the area to be developed, Villawood had developed a cultural heritage management plan to protect it and the new housing would be no closer than homes in the existing Sherwood community.

Mr Johnson said his message to those calling for the preservation of Jacksons Creek was “we 100 per cent agree that the creek must be protected, which is why more 60 per cent of the land we’re looking to develop is being put aside for conservation and recreation”.

VPA chief executive Peter Seamer said the authority would “work with the National Trust to determine how the PSP can best respond to the matters outlined in their submission”.

Mr Seamer said if the petition was presented to the VPA it would be considered with all other submissions.