By Laura Michell
The boundaries of several Hume suburbs, including Craigieburn and Sunbury, could change.
Hume council has launched a review of its suburb boundaries, focusing on Craigieburn, Mickleham, Oaklands Junction, Yuroke, Sunbury, Bulla and Kalkallo.
A report to the council’s June 24 meeting said the redesign of some suburb boundaries might be required to ensure the size and design of those suburbs met the needs of local communities. Council officers have recommended a number of possible changes, including the creation of a new suburb at the eastern boundary of Craigieburn in a bid to reduce its size.
Officers also recommended the creation of a new suburb either to the north or east of Mickleham, which in turn would affect the boundaries of neighbouring Oaklands Junction, Kalkallo and Yuroke.
The report to the council stated a new suburb should be considered for east of Yuroke. The report also recommended changes to Sunbury and Bulla, noting that the current boundary intersection was located a “significant distance” from Bulla township.
“There is the possibility that a new locality could be created at this intersection point, utilising land that is currently in both Sunbury and Bulla,” the report stated.
Cr Drew Jessop said it was clear that existing boundaries were no longer appropriate given the growth in Hume’s population and rate of development.
“Because the growth areas are increasing and taking away the rural land, we need to look at the boundaries to see if they are still relevant,” he said. “This is the right time to do this before the rural areas are replaced by urban developments.”
The council will set up a community consultation process as part of the review, giving residents a chance to have their say on the proposed changes and to suggest names for the new suburbs.
“I expect [the review] to generate greater feedback,” Cr Jessop said.
“We are not set in our way about what will be the boundaries. We need the community to come on this journey.”
