The Echuca West Precinct has officially been gazetted by the Minister for Planning, releasing much-needed residential land and allowing development to start.
Campaspe Shire Mayor Chrissy Weller said the planned rezoning will provide residential land supply for the next 40 years.
“This is extremely exciting news, as the biggest rezoning in our shire’s history. The Echuca West Precinct will guide residential development for decades. In fact, we’re already noting increased interest in commercial ventures in the area, based on future growth.
“The announcement follows five years of work by Council’s Planning Unit, together with the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, the Victorian Planning Authority, landowners, developers, referral authorities and other key stakeholders.
The planned rezoning affects 615 hectares of land, bounded by Stratton Road, the Murray Valley Highway, the Northern Highway and Echuca West School Road.
The land has been rezoned from farming zone to urban growth zone, enabling the development of 5,000 new dwellings, which equates to housing for around 14,000 residents.
Mayor Weller said the rezoning was part of a Precinct Structure Plan.
“The Plan will guide all high level infrastructure in the area, including the location of major roads and intersections, drainage, and open spaces.
“Council’s Planning Unit is now working with developers on subdivisions.
“We look forward to seeing the developers create our vision of the Echuca West Precinct.”
The planning amendment was open for public exhibition in July and August 2021, with Council adopting the amendment in December 2021.
