By Laura Michell
Whittlesea’s population is expected to swell by 159,000 people by 2040, requiring 113,000 extra cars on the road, according to the council’s long-term outlook for the municipality.
Whittlesea 2040: A Place for All was launched by the council last month, outlining its priorities for the community until 2040.
According to the report, Whittlesea will need 62,000 new houses, 52 early years and educational facilities, 137 new sports facilities and 65 community centres in the next two decades to cope with population growth.
The council has listed improvements in road networks and traffic management, expanded public transport networks, more schools, improved and new parks and more affordable community events and activities among its priorities.
The document was created using feedback from more than 400 residents. For the past eight months, the council has been asking them what they love about their local area and their hopes for it by the year 2040.
Councillor Kris Pavlidis saidWhittlesea 2040 was about ensuring the council was ready for the challenges and opportunities the future would bring.
“Our municipality is one of the fastest growing areas in Australia,” she said. “In fact, we’re the fourth largest and sixth fastest growing local government in Victoria.
“It’s important that we plan for the future. We want to make sure our community is a place that the next generation enjoy living, working and playing in.
“In 20 years’ time, our society will be a very different place. Who knows what technology will be around or what the world will look like?”
