Sunbury council will have a solid financial foundation for its debut following a state government amendment that guarantees millions of dollars from the sale of 50 hectares of land on Racecourse Road will go to the new municipality.
Planning Minister Matthew Guy also promised last week $200,000 for town centre upgrades and improvements to O’Shannassy Street and Sunbury Village Green.
The now-caretaker government approved an amendment to rezone 275 Racecourse Road, Sunbury, from farming zone to general residential, allowing ‘‘much-needed land to be unlocked for residential housing’’.
Mr Guy said 100 per cent of money raised from the sale of the land would go to Sunbury council, and not Hume.
The government recently confirmed Sunbury council will come into existence on July 1 next year. The new city will include Sunbury township, Bulla and parts of Diggers Rest.
“The rezoning and sale of this land will put the new Sunbury council on a firm financial footing,” Mr Guy said.
Sunbury Residents Association president Bernie O’Farrell welcomed Mr Guy’s decision, given that an initial report by KPMG recommended only 25 per cent of proceeds from the sale go to a Sunbury council.
‘‘We’re pleased that all the money will go to Sunbury council,’’ Mr O’Farrell said. ‘‘It will contribute significantly to putting the council on sound terms financially.’’
Liberal candidate for Sunbury Jo Hagan welcomed funding for town centre upgrades saying it would provide attractive, safe and integrated community facilities and spaces.”
