Michaela Meade
Mickleham had the highest population growth rate in the country in 2019-20, according to new Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data.
ABS regional population data reveals that the population of the Mickleham-Yuroke corridor grew by 32.8 per cent in 2019-20 – an increase of 3688 people.
The area was also revealed to be the second fastest growing region in the state, behind Cranbourne East, which welcomed 6700 new residents in 2019-20.
According to the ABS, Wollert recorded the third highest population growth rate in Victoria (20 per cent).
Hume’s overall change in population was 3.3 per cent, increasing to a total population of 241,188, while had a population increase from 230,297 to 236,539 people, according to the ABS.,
Hume mayor Joseph Haweil said Mickleham is a “great place to call home” and this is reflected in the data.
He said the data highlighted the work ahead for council.
“As with any growth area, we need to properly plan and manage this growth to ensure ongoing liveability,” Cr Haweil said.
“This is done by planning complementary infrastructure, such as transport, education, medical and community facilities, and ensuring there are opportunities to work and connect locally.
“We continue to advocate for partnerships with state and federal governments to provide for solutions that will meet the community’s needs, and one of Hume’s highest priorities is adequate transport options to alleviate congestion.
“Significant investment is also needed from the Victorian government to forward supply development-ready employment land to support large scale industrial and commercial development opportunities and ensure we’re ready for the next wave of economic growth.
“These initiatives will improve the safety and amenity of our community and access to services and employment, now and into the future.”
Cr Haweil said there are many projects underway across the municipality to address the growth.
“Council is supporting the significant growth along the northern growth corridor with a record capital works spend, which includes four new community centres with preschools, a new active open space in Kalkallo, a number of new rugby pitches and the duplication of Aitken Boulevard in Craigieburn,” he said.
“Council is also working with the developers to deliver a new active open space, new bike paths and new parkland in Merrifield as well as an extension of Aitken Boulevard to link Craigieburn to Mickleham.
“Hume continues to call on the Victorian government to support much-needed road projects, including the duplication of major arterial roads such as Craigieburn Road, Mickleham Road and Donnybrook Road, and upgrades to the Hume Freeway, including the duplication of the Donnybrook Road interchange overpass.”
