Campaspe Shire Council has adopted a residential land review after releasing a report to the community in September.
The report received seven comments, and as a result adjustments had been made around the wording of the population forecast.
Instead of the review stating that the population of Echuca “is expected to double in the next 15 years,” the land review now states that Echuca’s population is “expected to more than double with the Echuca West expansion.”
Council said any finer details relating to Echuca West were part of the Echuca West precinct structure plan.
Campaspe Shire Mayor Rob Amos said the purpose of the land review report was not to specify particular lots for residential needs but to decipher whether there was adequate housing supply for future population demands.
“Council is required, as the planning authority, to ensure at least a 15-year supply of land is provided for residential purposes,” Cr Amos said.
“The report highlights that within the townships there has been constrained supply, or within the next 15 years there will be supply issues, if nothing is changed.
“It also highlights the need for a diverse mix of land supply, small and large lots, to provide choice for current and future residents.”
The review is just the first step in a lengthy process of future land rezoning in Echuca.
About 615 hectares of land in Echuca’s West will be rezoned — an area bounded by Stratton Rd to the west, Murray Valley Hwy to the north, Northern Hwy to the east, and Echuca West School Rd to the south.
Following the adoption of the new residential land review, the Riverine Herald asked a Campaspe Shire Council spokesperson whether proposed residential sites in Echuca’s West have been assessed for potential flooding impacts.
“Council has strategically directed growth to Echuca West on the basis that this area is not affected by flooding,” the spokesperson said.
“Overland flow is also to be controlled through wetlands which council has already considered and designed.”
Council advised that any changes to land zones would be part of a planning scheme amendment. The amendment process provides an opportunity for community input before any changes can be made to the Campaspe planning scheme.
Cr Amos said the planning scheme amendment process involved assessing identified areas for rezoning, completing relevant background reports, including land capability assessments, all required to support the process.
“It’s a long process and one the community can input into once we progress with an amendment, which is where we see identified parcels of land, and planning zone changes required,” he said.
The residential land review can be accessed via the council’s website.