A balance between nature and neighbourhood it set to be struck, as Whittlesea council gives the green light to a major rezoning proposal that promises both new homes and lush open spaces.
At the April 15 meeting, the council unanimously passed a motion to rezone 21 hectares of land across 307 Bridge Inn Road and 390 Masons Road, Mernda.
The decision will allow for the construction of up to 200 new homes and a retirement village with an aged care facility– while also delivering a massive 35 hectares of parkland to the community.
Councillor Jarrod Lappin hailed the move as a “win-win” for Mernda, celebrating both the boost to local housing supply and the expansion of the beloved Quarry Hills Parkland.
“I think it’s a very well thought out amendment and a really good policy for Mernda,” he said.
“I know some residents were concerned about traffic and noise, but these issues will be addressed. This is great news for the community as a whole.”
Councillor Deb Gunn also praised the integration of the Parkland expansion into the city’s long-term planning vision.
“This is going to be great for Whittlesea,” she said.
“The expansion of Quarry Hills fits beautifully into the master plan, as explained by our executive team.”
The development will see one parcel used for the housing project and the other for the retirement village.
Meanwhile, the significant parkland transfer to council ownership marks a bold step in preserving green space amid Mernda’s ongoing growth.
Councillor Blair Colwell backed the officer’s recommendation, highlighting the broader vision, the Quarry Hills Regional Recreation Park is expected to grow a staggering 1000 hectares by 2040.
“The 21 hectares of urban development will provide-much needed housing and promote innovative urban design,” he said.
“We’re doing our bit to ensure housing supply– hopefully easing housing prices and opening the door for young and first home buyers.”
