Revealed: Applications to rezone farmland to housing estates in Nagambie, Echuca, Toongabie

Farmland in Nagambie, Echuca and Gippsland could be rezoned and turned into housing estates. See how to have your say on the applications made by developers and councils.

Towns in northern Victoria and Gippsland could have farmland rezoned for housing, due to growing populations.

Farmland in northern Victoria and Gippsland could soon be rezoned and turned into housing estates.

Planning applications for developments at Nagambie, Echuca, and Toongabie are currently on public exhibition – a process which allows the public to make a submission on the proposals.

At Nagambie, developer CRC Constructions is proposing to rezone 41ha of farmland to build an estate with 250 houses.

The land is on the west side of High Street and Lobbs Lane.

Strathbogie Shire Mayor Chris Raeburn said the area was experiencing a shortage of houses to buy and rent.

“We have a growing population but also have to be respectful of what the community wants,” Mr Raeburn said.

“People do enjoy the area for the rural sector and quiet life”.

At Echuca, the Campaspe Shire Council is proposing to rezone farmland for the Echua West Precinct Structure Plan, a 615ha site which will accommodate 5000 houses.

In its application, the council says Echuca is experiencing increased population growth and take-up rates have created a residential land supply shortage.

Mayor Chrissy Weller said property owners in the rezoning area all wanted to be involved.

“A lot of work has gone into this project, the housing blocks aren’t tiny,” Ms Weller said.

“We have a growing population but also need more housing to accommodate workers”.

In Gippsland, the Latrobe City Council is proposing to rezone farmland at Toongabie, Hazlewood North and Flynn for its rural living strategy.

In its application the council writes, “it is estimated that Latrobe City has a shortfall of 102 rural living lots (204ha) to meet the 15 year supply required.”

While the public can have their say about the proposed developments, Victorian Planning Minister Richard Wynne will ultimately decide if the planning schemes are amended and farmland is rezoned for the developments.

Victorian Farmers Federation president Emma Germano said farmers were impacted by the lack of accomdation in towns too.

“That’s a difficult situation for the staff farmers have working on farms,” Ms Germano said.

“We want to see a strategic overview for rezoning farmland which considers the long term impacts rather than a piece-by-piece approach”.

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