Expansion plans moving forward

PLANS for the expansion of Bunyip have moved forward with Cardinia Shire Council seeking approval from Minister for Planning Rob Hulls to turn land in Railway Avenue over to ruralresidential development.
The council at its town planning meeting on Monday, 1 August endorsed plans to amend its planning scheme to allow houses to be built on what is currently a rural property.
Councillors were responding to a request from Doug Strang, and were told the proposal was consistent with the Bunyip Township Strategy.
If approved, the amendment will add further to plans to significantly increase the number of houses along the western fringe of Bunyip township.
Undeveloped residential land nearby is under consideration for a planning permit for a 163lot residential subdivision in 10 stages.
The Bunyip Township Strategy identifies the town as capable of sustaining substantial population growth, with up to 4500 residents proposed as the eventual ceiling for the community.
Cr Graeme Legge said Mr Strang’s request presented no adverse environmental, social or economic impacts.
Bunyip Ward councillor Helen Ward said the proposal was still in its early days.
This was the “first step”, she said.