WHITTLESEA will be one of the fastest growing municipalities in the next 20 years, according to a state government report.
With Melbourne’s population expected to grow from 4.1 million to 5.4 million between 2011 and 2031, the Victoria In Future 2012 report tips Whittlesea’s population will jump from 163,500 to 287,600 residents
– a rise of about 3.6 per cent a year, compared with the forecast statewide annual growth rate of 1.1 per cent a year. More of Whittlesea’s residents will be aged over 65: 14.7 per cent of the population compared with 9.8 per cent now.
Whittlesea mayor Stevan Kozmevski urged Planning Minister Matthew Guy to match these figures with real commitments to infrastructure, public transport and health and recreation services.
“At the moment the only certainty in growth areas is that houses will be built. We need certainty about the provision of services and infrastructure to meet the needs of a growing population into the future,” Cr Kozmevski said.
In the next 20 years, the strongest growth is expected in Melbourne’s urban fringe including Whittlesea, Cardinia and Wyndham.
While growth was positive, residents needed access to vital amenities and services, Cr Kozmevski said.
“Affordable housing is one thing, but affordable living another issue entirely. Without public transport, improved roads, schools and key health and recreation services, communities face not only health and lifestyle challenges but affordability issues, which are exacerbated by rising fuel costs and mortgage rates.”
He said limited revenue for local government meant Whittlesea was struggling to keep up with providing services for the more than 160 people moving to the City of Whittlesea each week. “New communities are missing out on essential infrastructure.”
