A Wollert recycling company has issued almost $40,000 in fines by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Veolia Recycling and Recovery and Veolia Environmental Services (Australia) was fined for failing to use permissioned vehicles to transport hazardous waste The vehicles transported waste classed as reportable priority waste to sites in Wollert Dandenong South and Brooklyn during October Reportable priority waste can be extremely hazardous to human health and the environment and is only allowed in a vehicle with appropriate EPA permission EPA compliance programs manager Zac Dornom said it was disappointing to see a large company like Veolia fail to obtain the appropriate permission before transporting reportable priority waste the operator has the right to have the infringement notice reviewed by a court Police have charged five people and seized four luxury vehicles worth over $600,000 as part of an investigation into fraudulent loan applications allegedly submitted to obtain the vehicles Investigators will allege those involved were using fraudulent identity documents to submit loan applications to financial institutions to purchase high end vehicle which were then on sold for profit Police executed search warrants in Wollert on Monday A 54-year-old Wollert woman was charged with two counts of obtaining financial advantage by deception A 28-year-old Wollert man was charged with two counts knowingly deal with the proceeds of crime A 27-year-old Donnybrook man was charged with three counts of knowingly deal with the proceeds of crime Four search warrants were previously executed in Wollert A 26-year-old Wollert man was charged on January 1 with obtaining financial advantage by deception A 23-year-old Roxburgh Park man was charged on January 1 with obtaining financial advantage by deception Anyone with information on fraudulent activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au Whittlesea council has called on the state government to reject a plan for a waste incinerator in Wollert. As reported by Star Weekly, Cleanaway is proposing to build the Melbourne Energy and Resource Centre (MERC) at 510 Summerhill Drive. The proposed facility would process waste to produce energy for offsite use, involving the combustion, treatment, or bio-reaction of waste in a bid to reduce reliance on landfill and generate energy. A development licence application has been submitted to the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and a planning permit application has been submitted to the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP). Two rounds of community consultation have been held in relation to the project, with the community overwhelmingly opposed to the proposal. A community advocate group – No Northern Incinerator Wollert – was started to raise awareness about the proposed facility and lobby against its approval. At a council meeting on December 17, councillors added their voices to the growing opposition. Councillors backed a council officer’s submission to DTP and EPA urging the state government to reject the proposal in its role as decision-maker. Council chief executive Craig Lloyd will also write to the planning and environment minister to advocate against the proposal. Council’s decision reflects concerns about the facility’s potential impact on local amenities, human health, the environment, traffic and the surrounding community. Additional issues include its proximity to residential areas and the facility’s misalignment with state and local planning frameworks. Mayor Aidan McLindon said while council supported innovative waste solutions, it could not endorse a project that raises unresolved concerns about its impact on residents and the environment. “We owe it to our community to advocate for sustainable practices that align with their needs and expectations,” he said. In September, four northern suburbs Labor MPs – climate Action, Energy and Resources Minister and Mill Park MP Lily D’Ambrosio, Thomastown MP Bronwyn Halfpenny and Yan Yean MP Lauren Kathage and federal Scullin MP Andrew Giles – backed a parliamentary petition opposing the facility. Cleanaway, in its online response to community submissions, said the Summerhill Drive site was chosen following a review of 200 potential sites and is 1.4 kilometres from existing residential areas in Wollert and 1.2 km from future residential developments. “The proposed waste-to-energy facility offers an appropriate and productive use of the land, which is already surrounded by several industrial facilities making it unsuitable for residential development,“ Cleanaway It said a human health risk assessment (HHRA) identified no unacceptable risks to community health, noting that the risk of odour impacts was low. The EPA and DTP are still assessing the applications, with the EPA seeking additional information about the proposal from Cleanaway in November. CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) Explore our rubbish and bin services to help you manage waste responsibly e-waste management and other essential waste services safe and sustainable with these helpful resources We recognise the rich Aboriginal heritage of this country and acknowledge the Wurundjeri Willum Clan and Taungurung People as the Traditional Owners of lands within the City of Whittlesea More ways to contact us Subscribe to our eNewsletters to stay up to date on what is happening near you Subscribe to eNews Thumbprint artwork by Mandy Nicholson Hanson is dedicating more than 20 hectares of its site to the Wollert Resource Park Hanson continues to find innovative ways to improve its environmental impact while creating a circular economy hub set to become a state asset Hanson’s Wollert Quarry and Renewable Energy Landfill on Melbourne’s northern fringe could be the poster child for modern waste management the landfill has provided a safe end-of-life for waste generated across Melbourne and Victoria Hanson has established itself as a leader in sustainability – creating and restoring natural habitat and diverting useful and valuable waste streams from landfills “But we believe we can do even better,” says Chris Lynch Project Manager of Hanson’s Wollert Resource Park “Ideas like the Resource Park will help Melbourne tackle the challenges to become a leader in the circular economy.” Hanson is dedicating more than 20 hectares of its current site to the Wollert Resource Park creating what Chris hopes will be a circular economy powerhouse for Victoria Locating the Resource Park on the same site as the landfill will take advantage of the existing waste streams It will divert recyclable materials such as organics and soils from landfills while creating products that provide increased circularity for the construction materials business particularly in Victoria with the Circular Economy Act provides the right environment to invest in circular economy activities The Resource Park will expand waste processing and disposal infrastructure help provide clear streams for increasing waste volumes and improve the public’s knowledge of recycling practices “There are so many exciting developments in waste technology that are focused on recovering waste for as long as possible through repair and reuse before it enters the environment through disposal,” Chris says “Hanson wants to be at the forefront of this type of service offering ensuring valuable resources such as building materials and tyres can be recovered and repurposed for new uses.” It’s an ethos that runs company-wide. Hanson is part of the Heidelberg Materials group, which is driving circularity by reducing and reusing materials and natural resources through its Sustainability Commitments. Its aggressive target is to achieve 50 per cent of its revenue from sustainable products that are either low-carbon or circular. By 2030, it also wants to offer circular alternatives for 50 per cent of its concrete products. “Our Sustainability Commitments 2030 support our vision to build a more sustainable future that is net zero, safe and inclusive, nature positive, circular and resilient,” Chris says. He says proper waste management, like the types overseen at Wollert, is critical to ensuring that waste is disposed of appropriately. It also seeks to minimise its impact on human health and the environment. Hanson is still in the early design and development phase of the regulatory approval process to allow for recycling activities at Wollert and hopes to partner with councils and businesses that share the company’s vision.  The company is meeting with several waste suppliers who are interested in providing services for the Resource Park. Chris is also keen to speak with other like-minded individuals and councils who want to join the journey to transform the way waste is managed. Hanson currently supports several local councils in safely disposing of their waste through landfill operations. Chris is aware of the challenges faced by local government, including increased littering, illegal dumping, and environmental pollution. All these issues can impact local communities and budgets. In 2019-20, Victorian councils alone spent more than $706 million on delivering waste management services, according to the Victorian Auditor-General’s Office. “Local councils can be at the forefront of this new waste management approach, too,” Chris says. “By collaborating with initiatives like resource parks, councils can benefit from alternative options to expensive landfill and treatment. “We’re here to help councils to process and dispose of their waste responsibly and hopefully create new resource streams through projects like the Wollert Resource Park.” The Resource Park will be delivered in two precincts; general resource recovery and waste-to-energy. Work on a development licence and planning permit for the waste-to-energy facility are underway. Chris says it will be the last piece to the puzzle to make the Resource Park circular. “By locating waste-to-energy at the landfill site and integrating it with other resource recovery activities, we will extract truly residual material from each waste stream,” he says. “We would have done everything we can to recycle waste up to this point. Our last chance for recovery before landfill is waste-to-energy. It’s aligned with the government’s waste hierarchy and a way for us to provide baseload renewable energy back into the grid.” There are two ways in which waste-to-energy can be transformed into useful resources: energy and construction material. The energy produced will supplement Hanson’s existing landfill gas-to-power station, which is already generating energy back into the grid for more than 10,000 homes from gases captured from the landfill. The bottom ash left after the waste-to-energy process could also be used as a virgin material substitute and offered as one of Hanson’s construction materials. While Hanson is still in the early design and development phase, Chris says there’s potential to create a co-located repair café and maker space for some difficult-to-recycle materials, such as textiles. An education space and a regular site tour schedule are also being developed to support school curriculums, tertiary courses, industry interest groups, and research projects. Hanson has also entered a partnership with local social enterprise Whittlesea Community Connections to collect seeds from native plants growing at Wollert landfill. The seeds will be propagated at nugal biik plants and seeds nursery and eventually find their way back to the landfill revegetation project. In the past 20 years, Hanson has planted hundreds of thousands of trees on the site. Chris says the partnership with nugal biik has helped deliver a good outcome for Hanson and the nursery. It provides job pathways for members of the community who may have been disadvantaged, and profits that can be reinvested back into community programs. Hanson’s goal is for the Wollert Resource Park to operate indefinitely as a critical asset for Victoria and the local community. “The Resource Park will bring us one step closer to creating new jobs, energy and investment in Whittlesea. But we appreciate that the circular economy can be a new idea for people to understand. So, we are committed to developing a community engagement approach to ensure people are provided with clear information about the Resource Park and opportunities to have any concerns they have understood,” Chris says. “We want to inspire the community to play a positive role in waste management and help us contribute to becoming a circular economy.” A Wollert Resource Park website is in development and is expected to go live in 2024.  For more information, email resourcepark@hanson.com.au Researchers at Australia’s Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA) have developed a roadmap to help Australian food and beverage businesses shift... Performance sustainability and software solutions group AMCS has deepened its Australian market presence with the acquisition of Mandalay Technologies. Mandalay... The demanding tasks found on waste management sites require powerful, reliable, efficient and sustainable machinery. JCB, a global leader in... © 2025 All Rights Reserved. All content published on this site is the property of Prime Creative Media. Unauthorised reproduction is prohibited © 2025 All Rights Reserved. All content published on this site is the property of Prime Creative Media. Unauthorised reproduction is prohibited The Golden Sun Moth sculpture by Benjamin Gilbert celebrates the delicate balance of ecosystems It specifically highlights the connection between the Golden Sun Moth and the matted flax-lily this stunning artwork made of stainless steel and stone is located at Champions Parade in Wollert Gilbert's work reflects his passion for sculptural form and environmental consideration making it a significant piece of public art in the region Learn more about the artist and visit the Golden Sun Moth sculpture to appreciate its intricate beauty and ecological significance Benjamin Gilbert’s passion for sculptural form began in his father’s old green shed where a metal table and an antique vice were the tools of his childhood imagination “I grew up having a shed with absolutely no rules,” says Gilbert of his early life in Yackandandah “We made a lot of cubby houses!” Following his passion for creating things with his hands coupled with the practical sensibility of a rural upbringing Learn more about Benjamin Gilbert on his website The City of Whittlesea has received enquiries about a proposed Waste to Energy Facility at 510 Summerhill Road Cleanaway Operations Pty Ltd has applied for a Development Licence from the EPA and a Planning Permit from the Department of Transport and Planning for this facility The Victorian Government will handle the processing and decision-making for these applications The City of Whittlesea is not responsible for making decisions on this project nor do we have any authority on this matter has provided submissions to the Victorian Government as part of the planning process and we will continue to strongly advocate for the best possible outcomes for our community If you would like to know more about the proposal visit the Victorian Government’s Engage Victoria website.  Record ANZAC crowds New Mayor appointed Remembering ANZAC Residents invited for budget feedback Mobile pledge towards Whittlesea Where to vote: Whittlesea CCTV promise for Whittlesea 2026 Prep enrolments now open Magpies record first win Eagles back on track Laurimar powers past Demons Kilmore stay perfect Wallan treks to the coast Kilmore clips Hawks’ wings Len Baker’s Sulky Snippets: April 29, 2025 From the Boundary with Ray Carroll: April 29, 2025 Wollert Country Fire Authority (CFA) has been named a successful recipient of the Volunteer Grants Program fund Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell travelled to visit the team last month congratulating brigade member Nash Bandara and Community Engagement Officer Jessica Jones on the news “It goes without saying that I hold these guys in the highest regard and to be able to provide any assistance I can to make their jobs easier is something I am very happy to do,” he said “This funding allowed for the installation of a security system that protects both assets such as equipment and facilities as well as the members who access the station at all hours “These kind of projects are exactly what the Volunteer Grants Program is about ensuring the work of our volunteers is supported and valued.” The Volunteer Grants Program offers grants between $1000 and $5000 to support the work of local community organisations by enabling the inclusion of vulnerable people and promoting awareness to increase participation in volunteering Examples of what grant funding can assist with include small portable equipment purchases contributions towards the cost of training volunteers reimbursement of fuel costs for volunteers and undertaking background screening checks for volunteers © The North Central Review Pty Ltd The Weekly SOURCE is published by DCM Media Play Duration: 2 minutes 33 seconds2m 33sPresented by They're known as lifestyle villages.  Gated communities for the over 50s with resort style living. But what some don't realise is the exorbitant fees some operators charge on the sale of the home. Featured:Geoff Gauci, retireeFiona York, Housing For The Aged Action Group Retired policeman Geoff Gauci says Lifestyle Wollert has become his 'financial prison'.(ABC News: Danielle Bonica) TranscriptRachel Mealey: They're known as lifestyle villages, gated communities for the over 50s with resort-style living. But what some don't realise is the exorbitant fees some operators charge on the sale of the home. Adele Ferguson has the story. Adele Ferguson: In Victoria's north, 80 residents are mobilising, taking on a billion dollar corporate housing empire, over fees they say are unethical. Retired policeman Geoff Gauci lives at lifestyle communities at Wollert, known as land lease communities. Residents buy the house and rent the land, similar to a caravan park. Geoff Gauci: They told me a lot of times, this is within the industry standards, everybody's doing it. So you then learn to accept it. But in actual fact, lifestyle has manipulated their contract in such a way that it becomes deceptive and it's misleading. Adele Ferguson: Lifestyle charges exit fees when a resident sells. They can be as high as 20% of the sale price of a home. It means a property that sells for $500,000 after five years is charged an exit fee of $100,000. Some residents say it means they're unable to leave because the cost is too high. Geoff Gauci: Now we're stuck in this financial prison. Adele Ferguson: Some experts believe some exit fees in Victoria are illegal. Fiona York: That is very likely to be illegal in Victoria. Adele Ferguson: Fiona York is from Housing for the Aged Action Group. Fiona York: There's operators that want to make a buck and this is a model that is making money for them. Rachel Mealey: Adele Ferguson reporting and you can see her 7.30 story on ABC TV or on iview. Download the ABC listen app to hear more of your favourite podcasts a community hall and mini-branch library are some of the features of a new multi-purpose centre soon to be built in West Wollert.  Council agreed to award a construction tender for the new multi-purpose centre to be located on the corner of Jardin Road and Meadow Lane in Wollert.  The West Wollert Community Centre will provide a safe and welcoming space for people of all ages and abilities to access services Chair Administrator Lydia Wilson said the centre would reduce the need for residents to travel to neighbouring suburbs to access vital services.  Wollert’s population is forecast to surge from about 7396 people in 2023 to more than 33,700 people by 2041.  “This project is testament to our commitment to meet the ever-expanding needs of our community,” she said.  “It will be exciting to see this facility take shape in the coming years and ultimately become a vibrant place where residents can connect The centre will offer early childhood education programs via a three-room kindergarten and Maternal and Child Health services from two consulting suites.  It will also feature a mini-branch library providing residents with access to Yarra Plenty Regional Library’s extensive catalogue as well as dedicated work and study spaces.  Residents will also be able to make use of a bookable community hall and accessible amenities including a Changing Places facility outdoor area and off-street parking.  The $15.84 million project is funded by Council and the Victorian Government through $6.75 million from its Building Blocks Partnership and $1.5 million from its Growing Suburbs Fund programs.  The centre is expected to open in time for Term 1 Police from the VIPER Taskforce have seized methylamphetamines with a street value of $1 million and arrested a man following a warrant in Wollert last Friday The warrant was executed at a residential address on Steen Avenue police located five bags of methylamphetamine weighing almost two kilograms A 28-year-old Wollert man was arrested and subsequently interviewed by police He is expected to be charged with trafficking large commercial quantity of methylamphetamine possess firearm/longarm and possess ammunition VIPER Taskforce Detective Inspector Craig Darlow said that the negative effects this amount of methylamphetamine would have had in the community would be significant “This includes further criminality linked to the use and trafficking of drugs These drugs had a street value of about $1 million and this is money that would have funded further crimes in a ruthless cycle,” he said “Today also highlights how we often see drugs and firearms go hand in hand so to seize a weapon during this warrant is also particularly satisfying It also just heightens the further harm that is potentially caused by the trafficking of illicit drugs.” Anyone with further information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au A waste to energy facility is proposed to be established in Wollert to increase the recovery of materials currently being sent to landfill and to use these materials in the generation of energy that will be exported to the electricity grid proposed by Cleanaway is in line with the Victorian Government’s circular economy policy for the recovery of energy and other resources from residual waste through the Victorian Waste to Energy Framework There is presently one existing waste to energy facility operating in Wollert at Yarra Valley Water’s Aurora sewage treatment plant generating enough energy to power the facility and the sewage treatment plant The Aurora facility became fully operational in May 2017 It processes a broad range of commercial food waste Victoria is presently assessing the MERC application The EPA has advised that the proposed facility would see up to 380,000 tonnes of waste material that would otherwise have gone to landfill used in the process “The waste to energy process is forecast to generate approximately 46.3 megawatt (MW) gross of electricity 4.7MW of which would be used to power the facility itself The remainder of 41.6MW would be exported to the grid as base load electricity,” an EPA spokesperson said.  The proposal also states that 99.9 per cent of the flue gas produced will be gases common to air “The remaining pollutants will be treated with modern technology to meet stringent emission limits,” the proposal states Waste ash produced from the process would be treated at the facility to be used as an alternative construction product Metals will be recovered from waste ash for recycling and sale.  The public submission and comment period for the development licence application was open from February 20 to April 14 Many of the submissions received argue against the construction of the facility on the grounds of its negative impact on the surrounding environment EPA will now review the submissions as part of the application assessment process If approved the facility will come into operation in 2029 The Epping Road Upgrade team visited Wollert Secondary College to educate the 52 year-7 foundation students about our sustainability goals on the Epping Road Upgrade and how we’re protecting the environment during construction We’re committed to minimising impacts on the environment which is why we have a range of safeguards and initiatives in place including the use of new sustainable materials with lower embodied carbon and using more recycled materials we sensitively balance our impact on the environment with the need to improve road safety and journey reliability. This includes identifying sensitive and protected flora and fauna and developing measures to reduce potential impacts on those species One way we’re doing this on the Epping Road Upgrade is to build and install 10 bee hotels in the Wollert Secondary College school garden We used soil recycled from the excavation works on the east side of Epping Road citrus trees and garden tools to the school on the day Bee hotels are a great tool to teach students about the diversity of nature The students will learn firsthand about pollination and the vital role of bees in maintaining our food supply and contributing to biodiversity and other ecosystem services These small structures are designed to attract native solitary bees and provide long-term accommodation where they can nest This is just one way in which the Epping Road Upgrade is creating positive and long last lasting benefits – beyond the improvement of local road infrastructure – and contributing to building better communities More information about the project is available on our Epping Road Upgrade page Whittlesea City Council (Council) gives notice under section 206 and clause 3 of Schedule 10 of the Local Government Act 1989 (Act) and section 114 of the Local Government Act 2020 that it proposes to discontinue and sell part of the road known as Kesenay Road Wollert Vic 3750 (being part of land contained in certificate of title volume 12329 folio 842 hatched and marked “A” in the plan below (Proposal).  Council intends to sell the Road to the owner of 370B Vearings Road Wollert Vic 3750 in exchange for part of 370B Vearings Road Wollert Vic 3750 and being part of certificate of title volume 12329 folio 844 (comprising an area shown cross-hatched and marked “B” in the plan above) which will be created as a road reserve and vested in Council as part of the Proposal As part of its community engagement process Council is inviting submissions on this proposal.  Any person wishing to make a submission must do so in writing to the undersigned by no later than 13 February 2024 A person making a submission is entitled to request in the submission that they wish to appear in person or to be represented by a person specified in the submission in support of the submission at a meeting of the Council or its Committee on a date time and place to be determined by the Council All submissions will be considered in accordance with section 223 of the Act Following consideration of any submissions Council may resolve not to discontinue the Road or to discontinue the Road and either sell the Road to the adjoining owner or transfer the Road to itself Enquiries to George Vassiliadis on 03 9217 2170 or george.vassiliadis@whittlesea.vic.gov.au Submissions quoting reference ‘Vearings Road’ should be addressed to the Chief Executive Officer and can be hand delivered to the Council’s Municipal Offices at 25 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang, emailed to propmgmt@whittlesea.vic.gov.au or posted to the following address: One of the most striking statement homes to hit the market in Melbourne is for sale in Wollert for a price that would double the suburb record The new five-bedroom pad at 18 Brighton Ave is on another level to what has been built in the outer northern area before — and has the $3.3m-$3.63m guide to match That’s more than double the previous record for a house on a regular residential block in the growth suburb: $1.56m set by another five-bedder at 15 Osmond Cres in December 2021 RELATED: The Block Gisborne: Danny Wallis puts two of his country Victorian properties up for rent Victoria’s $38m apartment record could soon be broken by Sapphire by the Gardens penthouse Statement New York marble captures the attention throughout the home Fittingly, Melbourne’s flashiest agents at Zed Real Estate have the listing which is dripping in New York marble on floors and walls — and makes a statement all the way through Agency director Zed Nasheet said the builder created “some of the most luxurious homes in Melbourne” and specialised in French Provincial pads in eastern suburbs including Balwyn “The ideal buyer is somebody that doesn’t want an acreage – because for the same price you can buy 10 acres in that area,” he said “The ideal buyer is somebody like myself – I hate land – but I’d rather live in very nice house – a statement piece that feels like a hotel every time you walk into it It’s designed for business professionals who don’t want the land but want a statement piece.” A void stretches above the main living area including the particularly spectacular main suite while multiple pools and water features provide a serene setting Fellow listing agent Robert Curcio said the design was so considered if the study window was opened the sound of the waterfall came through to provide a moment of relaxation “You wave your hand across the controls and all the panels light up connect to the apps and control it from anywhere in the world … It’s an entertainer’s paradise which “smacks you in the face” with opulence cost $2.5m to build and would cost $3m to build now MORE: Melbourne ICU nurse’s two-year pandemic rental nightmare Australian Westworld: Entire Victorian wild west village with its own saloon, jail, brothel for sale third parties have written and supplied the content and we are not responsible 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Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time A landowner is fighting to have a proposed train line that cuts through his property removed so that he can subdivide and sell the land in a dispute that Victorian transport authorities fear could kill plans to connect fast-growing suburbs in Melbourne’s north to the city’s rail network The corridor runs from Lalor to the booming fringe suburbs of Epping North and Wollert and was conceived more than 20 years ago when the area was first opened up for housing though it has never progressed beyond the concept phase The Wollert rail corridor snakes through industrial land in Epping North on its way to new housing estates in Wollert Property developers George and Frosa Adams own industrial land in Epping North and are fighting in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal to have reference to the public transport corridor removed from development plans so that the land can be subdivided into eight lots and sold The part of the corridor that runs through their property has never been placed under a public acquisition overlay and the pair argued at the tribunal that the state has failed to progress the rail proposal for 24 years and should no longer stand in the way of their plans to sell the land The state was warned in two separate expert planning panel reports that any failure to apply a public acquisition overlay to the corridor could expose the project to problems including a lack of “statutory teeth” to secure the alignment “It is unreasonable to expect affected landowners to have a rail line shown on the plan but to wait indefinitely for the land to be purchased,” one panel warned said her client had been forced to put plans for the disputed land on hold for several years and “wants to move on in life” The Wollert rail link was first conceived in plans in 2001 but has been passed over in favour of other extensions such as Mernda rail the Albanese government committed $250,000 to a feasibility study for the corridor on the condition that the state Labor government match the funding we still don’t know if this is even a feasible idea: train tram or bus … whatever this project is ultimately going to be it has less certainty than even the Airport Rail Link which has recently been delayed by another four years,” Porter argued She said subdividing the land for industrial development today would not stop construction of a rail line in the future “if the corridor ever comes to fruition” The Adams’ bid is being opposed by the City of Whittlesea which has lobbied for years for the rail line’s construction The suburbs of Epping North and Wollert are projected to grow in population to about 95,000 people by 2041 – roughly double their current number – but public transport in the urban growth corridor is limited to local buses told the tribunal that “every plan that has been approved “All of the planning that has been occurring in Melbourne He said it would be unacceptable to sell off any part of the corridor today no matter how small because doing so would compromise the entire project Avoid compromising long-term strategic approaches to the allocation of land through incremental decision-making,” he said likened the would-be removal to cutting a link from a chain Although the state government had not committed to building a rail extension to Wollert the corridor had been set aside in strategic plans and should be protected from incompatible development Epping North resident Tony Francis has spent years campaigning for the rail link and says it is still desperately needed “It’s the potential of the land that warrants it being set aside in the way that it presently is set aside within this development plan,” he said Attempts to contact the Adams were unsuccessful. George Adams is best known for paying $8.5 million for a Hamilton Island holiday house built by the late Beatles guitarist, George Harrison, and successfully fighting in the Queensland Supreme Court for the right to renovate it Retiree Tony Francis moved into the Aurora estate in Epping North in its first phase of development in the 2000s and has campaigned for years for the Wollert rail link He believes the state government has never shown any sincere interest in the project even though the line was a feature of the earliest published plans for Aurora “The need for a rail line extension to Wollert is much greater than ever before even though the likelihood of it happening is now more distant than ever,” Francis said Get the day’s breaking news, entertainment ideas and a long read to enjoy. Sign up to receive our Evening Edition newsletter here. A landowner is fighting to have a proposed train line that cuts through his property removed so that he can subdivide and sell the land, in a dispute that Victorian transport authorities fear could kill plans to connect fast-growing suburbs in Melbourne\\u2019s north to the city\\u2019s rail network. The corridor runs from Lalor to the booming fringe suburbs of Epping North and Wollert, and was conceived more than 20 years ago when the area was first opened up for housing, though it has never progressed beyond the concept phase. Property developers George and Frosa Adams own industrial land in Epping North and are fighting in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal to have reference to the public transport corridor removed from development plans so that the land can be subdivided into eight lots and sold. The part of the corridor that runs through their property has never been placed under a public acquisition overlay and the pair argued at the tribunal that the state has failed to progress the rail proposal for 24 years and should no longer stand in the way of their plans to sell the land. The state was warned in two separate expert planning panel reports, in 2001 and 2013, that any failure to apply a public acquisition overlay to the corridor could expose the project to problems, including a lack of \\u201Cstatutory teeth\\u201D to secure the alignment. \\u201CIt is unreasonable to expect affected landowners to have a rail line shown on the plan, but to wait indefinitely for the land to be purchased,\\u201D one panel warned. Adams\\u2019 legal counsel, Emily Porter, SC, said her client had been forced to put plans for the disputed land on hold for several years and \\u201Cwants to move on in life\\u201D. The Wollert rail link was first conceived in plans in 2001, but has been passed over in favour of other extensions such as Mernda rail. Two years ago, the Albanese government committed $250,000 to a feasibility study for the corridor, on the condition that the state Labor government match the funding. \\u201CTwenty-four years down the track, we still don\\u2019t know if this is even a feasible idea: train, tram or bus \\u2026 whatever this project is ultimately going to be, it has less certainty than even the Airport Rail Link, which has recently been delayed by another four years,\\u201D Porter argued. She said subdividing the land for industrial development today would not stop construction of a rail line in the future \\u201Cif the corridor ever comes to fruition\\u201D. The Adams\\u2019 bid is being opposed by the City of Whittlesea, which has lobbied for years for the rail line\\u2019s construction, and the government department, Transport for Victoria. The suburbs of Epping North and Wollert are projected to grow in population to about 95,000 people by 2041 \\u2013 roughly double their current number \\u2013 but public transport in the urban growth corridor is limited to local buses. Maddocks partner Terry Montebello, acting for the City of Whittlesea, told the tribunal that \\u201Cevery plan that has been approved, bar none, has shown the transport corridor\\u201D. \\u201CAll of the planning that has been occurring in Melbourne, at least in this northern corridor, all the way up to Wallan, has been consistent,\\u201D Montebello said. He said it would be unacceptable to sell off any part of the corridor today, no matter how small because doing so would compromise the entire project. \\u201CIt\\u2019s a reminder to stick to the course. Avoid compromising long-term strategic approaches to the allocation of land through incremental decision-making,\\u201D he said. Barnaby Chessell, SC, representing Transport for Victoria, likened the would-be removal to cutting a link from a chain. Although the state government had not committed to building a rail extension to Wollert, the corridor had been set aside in strategic plans and should be protected from incompatible development, Chessell said. \\u201CIt\\u2019s the potential of the land that warrants it being set aside in the way that it presently is set aside within this development plan,\\u201D he said. Attempts to contact the Adams were unsuccessful. George Adams is best known for paying $8.5 million for a Hamilton Island holiday house built by the late Beatles guitarist, George Harrison, and . Retiree Tony Francis moved into the Aurora estate in Epping North in its first phase of development in the 2000s, and has campaigned for years for the Wollert rail link. He believes the state government has never shown any sincere interest in the project, even though the line was a feature of the earliest published plans for Aurora. \\u201CThe need for a rail line extension to Wollert is much greater than ever before even though the likelihood of it happening is now more distant than ever,\\u201D Francis said. Get the day\\u2019s breaking news, entertainment ideas and a long read to enjoy. Important bike facilities are on the cards for the burgeoning residential communities in Melbourne’s outer north. Major Road Projects Victoria (MRPV) has investigated a potential upgrade of Craigieburn Road East from the Hume Freeway entry ramp and Epping Road in Wollert, which will provide high-quality off-road trails. The road is a scary riding prospect, yet riders currently have no alternatives.  Much of Craigieburn Road East is a future Strategic Cycling Corridor (SCC), which links to SCCs at Craigieburn Station, Epping Road, Boundary Road and Bridge Inn Road via the SCC proposed along easements down to the Northern Hospital on Cooper Street, Epping. Population is growing rapidly across Melbourne's north, placing intense pressure on transport networks. While the developers of these suburbs are generally providing local bike infrastructure, the key bike connections linking the region are not yet built. Getting bike and pedestrians links into projects earlier would enable more education and work trips to be taken by bike, easing dependency on car travel. MRPV has completed its development work and a business case that provides a detailed examination of the potential upgrade has been completed,too.   In a community survey, 82% of respondents said they would like a separate walking/cycling path to be built alongside Craigieburn Road East. Details of the business case are not yet known but it is expected to include a shared path separated from the road and linked to the local path network. There would be a crossing installed at Wimmera Crescent where the north-south SCC intersects with Craigieburn Road East. The Galada Tamboore Trail, which runs along the Hume Freeway alignment to Craigieburn also intersects with Craigieburn Road East at the Curly Sedge Creek crossing. A new riding arrangement will be required here. The rationale for not upgrading the road to the west of the Hume Freeway has not been announced. That short distance of 1.4km (5 minutes by bike), with a decent bike facility to replace the terrible section of road, would enable the residents of Woolert’s western sector to get to Craigieburn Station by bike. Become a Member and help fund our advocacy work. Find out more about Bicycle Network and support us in making it easier for people to ride bikes. The Great Victorian Bike Ride is set to return in 2025 on 24–28 November, offering an exciting new format while keeping the spirit of this beloved event alive. Bicycle Network Memberships offer benefits to all kinds of riders, on all kinds of bikes. The Peaks Challenge Ride2School fundraiser is on again for this year's epic event on Sunday 9 March. The City of Adelaide will undertake a speed limit review to understand the need for reducing speeds to support business and residents and create a safer city environment. Work on the much-anticipated $38.9 million Sydney Harbour Bridge ramp upgrade has begun.  When completed, the bike lane will link the country's most famous bridge to the bike network in Milsons Point.  Late last year, we launched our Affiliate Membership program, specially designed for cycling groups and clubs. Orange in New South Wales is in line for a nice new stretch of bike path, one that will expand the off-road network and improve access to schools, playgrounds and sports facilities. Work has kicked off on a key Canberra bike route, setting the wheels in motion for safer and more pleasant journeys through the city’s northern suburbs. In a submission to the federal government’s draft National Urban Policy, Bicycle Network and seven other Australian bicycle organisations have called for active transport infrastructure funding to be increased to 10% of federal transport investment. Many of our best bike journeys are along coastlines, or up and down the creeks and rivers that meet the sea. These are generally traffic-free routes, scenic, calm and refreshing. But with rising sea levels some of this vital infrastructure is at threat of inundation, erosion and from changes in groundwater chemistry. More than 20 hectares of Hanson’s Wollert landfill site has been set aside for advanced resource recovery and material reuse Hanson’s Wollert Landfill is an example of how landfill can play a positive role and be an agent for change Project Manager Chris Lynch outlines plans to transform the site into a circular economy powerhouse the Wollert Quarry and Renewable Energy Landfill has quietly gone about providing a safe end of life for waste generated across Melbourne and Victoria Now owner operators Hanson are set to transform the site into a circular economy powerhouse. The company is dedicating more than 20 hectares of its current site for advanced resource recovery and material reuse says the Wollert Resource Park will transform the waste streams already received and transform them into valuable products for the circular economy in Melbourne and Victoria “We envisage the landfill will be operating for more than 50 years and the quarry at least another 10,” Chris says “We want to do something positive with the space left by quarrying something that will benefit the whole community “The goal is for the Resource Park to be operating forever For as long as there’s a waste management need in Melbourne.” The Wollert site currently has a quarrying operation The quarry supplies basalt products for a variety of uses including construction of roads and houses and concrete for infrastructure projects It’s been operating since the late 1970s and has increased output selling about 2.5 million tonnes of material in 2022 The landfill started operating in 2000 and accepts thousands of tonnes of waste each year including municipal The landfill cells are in previously quarried parts of the site and are designed to help contain leachate and help capture and recover landfill gas that is used by the onsite biogas power generation facility This facility currently produces 7.7 megawatts of renewable energy Chris says locating the Resource Park on the same site as the landfill and quarrying operation will take advantage of the existing waste streams diverting recyclable materials from landfill while creating products that provide increased circularity for the construction materials business He says there’s potential for co-located repair cafes and maker space for some of the difficult to recycle materials “The potential at Wollert is huge,” Chris says particularly in Victoria and federally with waste export bans has provided the right environment to invest into the circular economy “Prolonging the life of existing assets is a big part of this What can we do to repurpose and recirculate more material that’s currently in the market rather than relying on virgin material “The Resource Park offers a unique opportunity due to its proximity to waste-generating markets and a significant landholding being dedicated to these operations.” The Resource Park will be delivered in two precincts a waste-to-energy precinct and a general resource recovery precinct Both will share some infrastructure including a recently installed weighbridge the onsite leachate treatment plant and close access to offtakes for residual and process products Chris says there’s a huge volume of material that can be recovered and recycled that currently has nowhere to go Hanson is well positioned to take on those materials Stage one of the Resource Park has the capacity to produce more than one million tonnes of recycled material He says the company is looking at the waste-to-energy precinct to provide more behind the meter applications The power generated could be used behind the meter for crushing and screening operations to fully capture all of the products coming through Sustainability is part of the ethos at Hanson the company converted a capped portion of the landfill site into a solar farm installing more than 380 solar panels that can generate up to 100 kilowatts per annum It has also established native habitat and improved biodiversity outcomes for used landfill cells with approval from the Environment Protection Authority the company trialled a phytocap that uses deep beds of locally sourced soils The soil layer acts as a sponge for rainfall in winter The plants transpire the moisture back into the atmosphere in summer months preventing rainfall from penetrating the waste below and the production of leachate More than 50,000 native plants have been planted every year and the rehabilitated areas are now home to many local animals including kangaroos and wedge tailed eagles Chris says the Resource Park has been on Hanson’s agenda for some time and is now gaining momentum The company is currently going through regulatory approval processes to allow for recycling activities on site and is hoping to partner with businesses aligned with the company’s vision by early 2024 Chris was brought in to steer the project in 2022 and has enjoyed engaging with the local community to drive the vision forward Part of that has been the formation of a local stakeholder group that meets regularly He says it’s important the local community shares the company’s vision and feels empowered to provide input It’s a process that will continue throughout the site’s lifetime “There’s a great opportunity here as we transform the site into a circular economy powerhouse,” Chris says “A compliant operation with shared infrastructure that will alleviate the need for a proliferation of small-scale waste management assets across Melbourne is better for the community “We’re future proofing this asset so we can continue to play a positive role in the waste management framework in Victoria and be an agent for change.”   For more information, visit: www.hanson.com.au Researchers at Australia’s Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA) have developed a roadmap to help Australian food and beverage businesses shift.. Performance sustainability and software solutions group AMCS has deepened its Australian market presence with the acquisition of Mandalay Technologies The demanding tasks found on waste management sites require powerful All content published on this site is the property of Prime Creative Media in a dispute that Victorian transport authorities fear could kill plans to connect fast-growing suburbs in Melbourne\\u2019s north to the city\\u2019s rail network including a lack of \\u201Cstatutory teeth\\u201D to secure the alignment \\u201CIt is unreasonable to expect affected landowners to have a rail line shown on the plan but to wait indefinitely for the land to be purchased,\\u201D one panel warned said her client had been forced to put plans for the disputed land on hold for several years and \\u201Cwants to move on in life\\u201D we still don\\u2019t know if this is even a feasible idea: train tram or bus \\u2026 whatever this project is ultimately going to be which has recently been delayed by another four years,\\u201D Porter argued She said subdividing the land for industrial development today would not stop construction of a rail line in the future \\u201Cif the corridor ever comes to fruition\\u201D The Adams\\u2019 bid is being opposed by the City of Whittlesea which has lobbied for years for the rail line\\u2019s construction The suburbs of Epping North and Wollert are projected to grow in population to about 95,000 people by 2041 \\u2013 roughly double their current number \\u2013 but public transport in the urban growth corridor is limited to local buses told the tribunal that \\u201Cevery plan that has been approved \\u201CAll of the planning that has been occurring in Melbourne has been consistent,\\u201D Montebello said \\u201CIt\\u2019s a reminder to stick to the course Avoid compromising long-term strategic approaches to the allocation of land through incremental decision-making,\\u201D he said \\u201CIt\\u2019s the potential of the land that warrants it being set aside in the way that it presently is set aside within this development plan,\\u201D he said Attempts to contact the Adams were unsuccessful George Adams is best known for paying $8.5 million for a Hamilton Island holiday house built by the late Beatles guitarist \\u201CThe need for a rail line extension to Wollert is much greater than ever before even though the likelihood of it happening is now more distant than ever,\\u201D Francis said entertainment ideas and a long read to enjoy Wollert’s fire brigade has been announced as one of eight Victorian recipients as a part of property development company Cedar Woods national community grants program says the funding will provide much needed relief “This grant will help us fund our upcoming fire station infrastructure improvements including the installation of a fire hose drying tower and connection of our large rainwater storage tanks to a pump,” Mr McCombe said “We will also use this grant to further promote fire safety and volunteerism with the CFA in Wollert and the surrounding areas.” The CFA has been run entirely by volunteers since 1942 and currently responds to over 200 calls a year in Wollert and surrounding neighbourhoods Cedar Woods’ Victorian development director James Bovell said that the community aspect was pivotal to awarding the fire brigade the grant “The application stood out to us as the infrastructure upgrades that they will be using the grant for will have a real impact on the Wollert community,” Mr Bovell said on-site water source that uses rainwater instead of drinking water and a new fire hose drying tower they will be able to more easily and sustainably fill up their trucks on-site and better maintain their fire hoses a critical piece of their emergency response equipment we are acutely aware that while we play a significant role in the growing communities in which our developments are located local organisations are the heart and soul of these communities “It is important that we both recognise their role and support their work.” Another Victorian recipient of the community grant was Wydnham’s Little Buddy Toy Library Major civil works to improve key intersections are about to begin in a huge step toward the Epping Road Upgrade's goal of safer The first of six intersection upgrades will kick off at Baltrum Drive in Wollert early in the new year Works to upgrade the remaining intersections will take place throughout 2024 and 2025 as part of the improvements to Epping Road Baltrum Drive will close in both directions between Epping Road and Matilda Avenue from Wednesday 10 January until late February so crews can safely upgrade existing lanes build sections of new shared walking and cycling paths and install drainage pipes and critical infrastructure services for new traffic lights and street lighting Epping Road will remain open in both directions and access to Baltrum Drive will be maintained via Pine Park Drive access to local businesses will be maintained via the Epping Road service road for traffic travelling southbound while northbound traffic can access the shops via Pine Park Drive With shops remaining open for business as usual Wollert and surrounding areas are encouraged to continue supporting local businesses by shopping in the area Access to the recently opened Linfield Parade from Epping Road will temporarily change to left in and left out only to maintain safety and traffic flow A short detour will be in place via De Rossi Boulevard Drivers should plan their journeys and allow extra time when travelling through the area Roadside electronic message boards will notify motorists of any changes The other five intersections set for improvements as part of the Epping Road Upgrade are Hayston Boulevard The improvement works at each intersection will take place at different times throughout 2024 and 2025 The upgrade’s critical works to relocate and protect essential services are also ramping up Hayston Boulevard and Fletcher Street will close at Epping Road from Thursday 11 January until early February so crews can safely install a new water main access to Hayston Boulevard and Fletcher Street will be via Brush Road or Harvest Home Road Access to private properties and businesses will be maintained at all times Drivers should plan their journeys and allow extra travel time Along with the intersection improvements and essential services works the Epping Road Upgrade is adding extra lanes between Craigieburn Road East in Wollert The project will also build sections of shared walking and cycling paths and new on-road bicycle lanes to improve safety and connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists more-reliable journeys for the 35,000 drivers who use Epping Road daily in Melbourne’s north More information about the Epping Road Upgrade, including its intersection works and traffic changes, is available on our Epping Road upgrade page A petition against a proposed affordable housing development in Wollert has picked up more than 2000 signatures City of Whittlesea administrators resolved to lease land to a community housing organisation for a 50-year term, after a council report showed that demand far outstrips supply for affordable housing in the municipality and that gap will continue to increase with the growing population.   The petition was started by a resident who lives 900 metres from the proposed five-acre development site at 1F Ashline Street Wollert who says the development would devalue his property Council has responded saying there is no evidence to suggest it would impact housing prices “There is no evidence to suggest home values are impacted by affordable housing,” City of Whittlesea chief executive Craig Lloyd said “What we do know is that there is a significant shortage of affordable housing in the City of Whittlesea which has been exacerbated by the pandemic which has left more people without incomes and or significantly reduced incomes.” One in five City of Whittlesea households is classified as having a very low income and one in three households who are renting is experiencing housing stress which is defined as spending 30 per cent or more of household income on rent.  The rate of affordable housing provision in Wollert is 0.7 per cent far lower than Greater Melbourne’s average at 2.6 per cent there were no rental properties available in the Epping North and Wollert area for very low-income households There are currently at least 630 people living in the City of Whittlesea who are homeless and the municipality has one of the highest family violence rates in metropolitan Melbourne “We urgently need more housing for people on low incomes,” Mr Lloyd said “The Victorian Government is investing in the Big Build Program funding to help address this critical shortage and council is looking at ways we can also support our residents to find affordable housing “The Ashline Street proposal in Wollert is about providing high-quality and attractive local housing for local people which is affordable in a location that is close to parks Council is consulting with the community about this proposal before making a decision.” Community consultation was open for a month and closed yesterday The outcomes of community consultation and council’s decision will be heard at the December ordinary council meeting That’s not good idea to build the houses this area council have to move this project to another suburb like region area Isn’t the recent backlash at the luxury Abbotsford apartment in Victoria Street enough evidence that affordable community housing is undesirable and not wanted in Wollert Are these administrators being blinded by the report There’s a video from The Age showing plans to move the homeless out of Abbotsford after ugly backlash against the threats we don’t want a recurrence at Wollert This is such a ridiculous idea and as locals we are very disappointed by this proposal We need our kids to be safe while they go to school not having to deal with syringes and bottles on naturestrip Had really bad experiences living near these type of houses And a three storey building is going to ruin the look of St claire estate and high density and traffic would be a major problem.So please dont go ahead with this Why consult if you have a predetermined view…..just an administrative process I guess? Jinding has snapped up a Wollert site next to its The Patch estate which it starting building the infrastructure for in June is costing a speculated $43 million; the sale incurs no GST Spreading 28.17 hectares it has the potential to yield c250 lots Its western boundary is earmarked for a government school Core Projects’ Kane Malcomson and Chris Jabs were the agents The deal comes four months since Oreana picked up a neighbouring 27.63ha parcel at the north west corner of Bodycoats and Boundary roads The Patch is master planned with about 700 dwellings 2000 square metre retail precinct and community hub Also today we are reporting Jinding paying over $90m for a 29ha parcel at 1240 Mickleham Road Greenvale – about 15 kilometres south west of Wollert (story continues below) Elsewhere in the suburb, last month, the Montalto family spent a speculated $15m for a 219ha Green Wedge zoned parcel with longer-term development upside: 795 Epping Road and the neighbouring 825 Epping Road In September, Peet paid Greencor c$30m for the balance of the Mystique housing estate At the start of the year, Cedar Woods outlaid $30m for a 21.7ha parcel in the pocket neighbouring a 43ha property for which it spent $56.65m in 2019; both properties are now being marketed as the Mason Quarter Dahua and Evolve are also behind residential projects in the suburb Subscribe to your newsletter at the bottom of this page A former property analyst and print journalist Marc is the publisher of realestatesource.com.au Forgot your password? You will receive mail with link to set new password Back to login is the suburb record holder — but for how long Wollert’s house price record is tumbling every couple of months with a new benchmark set and another fresh challenger already having a crack at the title The five-bedroom Lentini Homes boutique build at 3 Listington Way fetched $1.6m on March 17 to raise the bar $40,000 from another five-bedder at 15 Osmond Cres’s $1.56m in December But another property — also five bedrooms, at 6 Skyway Ave — has already entered the running to top the latest big sale with a $1.5m-$1.65m price guide having it on the pace RELATED: Wollert house price record: Osmond Cres home raises bar Surging suburbs: Clyde, Wollert among suburbs in hot demand Greensborough house becomes suburb’s second-priciest as auctions soar to April high An air of refined luxury in the Lentini Homes build Jellis Craig Northcote’s Stephanie Lentini sold Listington Way and said the buyers spent two hours at their first inspection and returned twice more before putting in their offer It had a price guide of $1.5m-$1.65m via expressions of interest private sale campaign “They bought it because it was a bit more up-market and of a higher quality,” Ms Lentini said noting the buyers had been burned by problems with another new-build in a neighbouring suburb Skad Real Estate’s Rahul Malik sold 15 Osmond Cres and now has the Tokas Homes display home at 6 Skyway Ave they do a lot of work in the southeastern suburbs and the house in itself has real oak timber flooring which is rare and the most expensive flooring you can these days — that’s the highlight of the home,” Mr Malik said “And it’s facing the biggest park in Wollert and right next to it is Edgars Rd where you can see the city towers — that’s how high that street’s position is.” Mr Malik said buyers were coming from the southeast and west as well as nearby areas including Craigieburn Another impressive home at 20 Pavilion Boulevard also set a Wollert record in recent months with its $1.54m sale in November among a string of top-end sales in the suburb Mr Malik is also listing the single-level 8 Skyway Ave by Tokas Homes for $1m-$1.1m The outer northern suburb’s median house price is $650,000 Sign up to the Herald Sun Weekly Real Estate Update. Click here to get the latest Victorian property market news delivered direct to your inbox MORE: Brimbank, Moreland and Darebin named among national top 10 for property growth Is Victoria’s real estate boom over? Julia Gillard: PM-time Altona home fetches premium at auction There are calls for the State Government to help fund a Wollert Rail Feasibility Study – a ‘crucial step’ in the delivery of the much-needed Wollert Rail line extension The study will provide an analysis of better transport options for the City of Whittlesea with exploration of the Epping line extending to Epping North and Wollert It is estimated there will initially be 15,000 daily trips on the Wollert rail The study was identified in the Victorian Infrastructure Plan in 2017 and is outlined in Victoria’s 30 Year Infrastructure Strategy to address infrastructure demands but is still yet to be completed.   The Federal Government committed $250,000 in the October 2022-23 Federal Budget to fund a feasibility study for public transport in the area.  But the City of Whittlesea said the funding was ‘contingent’ on the State Government matching the $250,000 City of Whittlesea chief executive Craig Lloyd said the feasibility study was a ‘crucial step’ in the delivery of the much-needed Wollert Rail line extension.   “Wollert Rail is an essential piece of infrastructure that will have an immense positive impact on the lives of residents in the Epping – Wollert Growth Corridor including improving access to the Northern Hospital for key workers and patients,” he said.    Mr Lloyd said the rail was one of council’s key advocacy projects and it would continue to advocate the State Government to match the Federal Government’s investment in the 2023-24 financial year.   “Council regularly meets with state and federal member of parliaments both within and outside the municipality as well as ministers to raise awareness and progress the City of Whittlesea’s advocacy priorities for our community,” he said.   Nationals Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad urged Transport Minister Jacinta Allan to explain when the feasibility study would be completed.   Ms Broad last month told Parliament the planned rail was a vital piece of infrastructure for thousands of residents in the growing suburbs.    Jacinta Allan wrote to the City of Whittlesea to say the State Government would start the feasibility study into the new rail in 2022 but since then nothing has been done,” she said.   A State Government spokesperson said the government was continuing to work with the Federal Government on their commitment to deliver a feasibility study.   “We won’t be lectured by Gaelle Broad and the Victorian Liberal and Nationals who have made commitments to several rail projects all in the south and east of Melbourne but nothing for the northern suburbs of Melbourne including Wollert Rail,” the spokesperson said In the lead-up to the 2019 Federal election cities and regional development Anthony Albanese announced a Shorten Labor government would contribute towards the study Federal Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell and Member for Scullin Andrew Giles announced the promised $500,000 towards the study.    Mr Mitchell said last week the study was expected to be completed by mid-2024 and it was expected the State Government would match the funding contribution “The project schedule will be determined as planning on the project progresses and in consultation with the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning,” he said.   and the Arts is awaiting submission of a detailed formal project proposal from the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning.” Mr Giles echoed Mr Mitchell’s statement and was pleased the Labor Government’s first budget was able to deliver $250,000 to the study.   “Access to public transport in our growing communities is so important and something I’ve been campaigning for since I was first elected,” he said.    “The Albanese Government understands the importance of delivering more accessible transport infrastructure which is why we have committed to a feasibility study to address these challenges in the Epping North and Wollert areas.” A dreamy Hamptons-style home on Melbourne’s northern outskirts is poised to raise the price bar for its burgeoning suburb by more than $250,000 The five-bedroom, five-bathroom pad on 610sq m at 15 Osmond Cres, Wollert SKAD Real Estate agent Rahul Malik said the previous benchmark was just 100m down the road at 2 Wyperfield Way RELATED: Craigieburn house price record: Highest home soaring for benchmark Surging suburbs: Clyde, Wollert among suburbs in hot demand Melbourne auctions: Craigieburn house tops reserve by $31,000 “This is actually better than the display homes in Wollert “And the owner of this house has upgraded the design to include five bedrooms were moving to New South Wales to be closer to their children in Sydney “It’s actually the location that sets it apart,” he said “In front of the house will be parkland in the future and its right on Edgars Rd which goes all the way from Wollert to Epping and even to Thomastown “The build inside is top of the range with huge windows in the kitchen From level one you can actually enjoy the city fireworks; where the pool table is you can see the city towers there It’s above all the houses and it’s a nice view.” Mr Malik said the Wollert market was busy with new builds while 15 Osmond Cres was attracting local families and those from across the city The oversized main bedroom has its own retreat area Three more bedrooms are also on this floor while a guest bedroom is cleverly zoned on the bottom level Wollert’s median house price is $595,000, according to realestate.com.au Mr Malik is also selling what would be Craigieburn’s most expensive house, at 30 Excelsior Heights That impressive property is on the market for $1.45m-$1.55m Sign up to the Herald Sun Weekly Real Estate Update. Click here to get the latest Victorian property market news delivered direct to your inbox MORE: Out-of-home care: Young Victorians face homelessness, hospitalisation Hotspotting: Cobram, Cowes, Lakes Entrance among regional Victorian suburbs next in line for property price boom Heathmont ‘chalet’ listed for first time in 40 years Nine affordable homes are set to be delivered in Wollert after Minister for Housing Harriet Shing turned the first sod with St Vincent de Paul Victoria SVDPV announced that it is moving into the building phase of a community housing project in partnership with Homes Victoria delivering four two-bedroom and five three-bedroom townhouses as part of the State Government’s Big Housing Build Ground is due to be broken at Wollert under the auspices of SVDPV’s housing provider VincentCare Community Housing which manages a range of properties and tenancies across Victoria which allocated $5.3 billion to build 12,000 new homes in metropolitan and regional Victoria under the Big Housing Build especially single parents and their children the project will provide a safe place to call home and opportunity for a self-sustainable future Group chief executive of SVDPV Dr Jennifer Fitzgerald said the housing crisis disproportionately affected single-parent families “We are honoured to contribute to a collaborative effort that is quite literally building dreams Partnering with both government and building contractors amplifies our impact ensuring families have stable housing,” she said “Homelessness is a challenge with viable solutions “Our collaboration with government and business to offer family-oriented social housing underscores our dedication to providing roofs over heads with a focus on improving the lives of those most affected.” Minister for Housing Harriet Shing said she was honoured to work alongside SVDPV on the initiative “Every day around Victoria we are building light-filled and families as part of the single biggest investment in social and affordable housing by any state or territory government,” she said “We are proud to work alongside St Vincent de Paul Society to provide these brand new homes to enable more people on the Victorian Housing Register to connect to schools and services in this growing part of the city.” Dyson Group will run school bus services to and from the new Wollert Secondary College Victorian and New South Wales operator Dyson Group says it’s pleased to announce that it’s been awarded the Wollert Secondary School bus service contract Dysons says the new service will connect students from the Salt Lake Boulevard bus terminus to the newly established Wollert Secondary College Dysons’ service will go on from the terminus through to the below stops: “We’re honoured to provide safe and efficient transportation for the Wollert community,” Dyson Group says RELATED ARTICLE: Dysons gives back in spades at Pat Cronin Foundation walk “Our experienced and dedicated team of drivers and support staff will work closely with the school and parents to ensure a high-quality service that meets the needs of our customers.” Australasian Bus & Coach (ABC) is the leading bus and coach publication in the region providing news directly to the local industry ABC has released monthly magazines all about buses and coaches while our website and eNewsletter continue to keep the industry updated each and every day.  The 145-year-old Wollert Church has found a new place to call home just 10 kilometres up the road in Mernda As part of the Epping Road upgrade the historically significant weatherboard church built in 1878 has been preserved and relocated to the Carome Homestead Major Road Projects Victoria (MRPV) acquired the original church site as part of the Epping Road Upgrade and preserved the building before passing it on to Working Heritage to manage Working Heritage chief executive Ross Turnbull said the company is looking forward to the opportunities the Wollert Church will provide for the community “We envisage the church will be used for the local community who will be able to hire it at an appropriate community rate,” he said “Heritage provides connection to the local area and place and I am confident that residents will be pleased to see it in really good condition.” Mr Turnbull said the opportunity to relocate the church from Wollert to Mernda was unique “Buildings don’t often get picked up and preserved so we were lucky this was able to be moved and reconstructed,” he said “It’s a great way to provide a facility for the community that makes use of a beautiful old building.” Mill Park MP Lily D’Ambrosio said it was fantastic the church could be restored to its former glory “It is a fantastic outcome for the community that we have been able to preserve a part of Wollert’s history by relocating this historic church from Epping Road to Carome Homestead,” she said The church was built to serve the local Methodist congregation and held its first service in 1878 The building later became the central hub of the community as the Uniting Church Mr Turnbull said an official opening ceremony of the Wollert Church will take place in the coming months In Wollert’s second major housing estate deal this quarter Peet Limited is paying a speculated $30 million for the balance of the Mystique community (outlined The 25.75 hectare Craigieburn Road parcel is earmarked for about 300 lots has in recent years sold down 250 plots as part of the project Nine months ago, Cedar Woods outlaid $30m for a 21.7ha farm abutting its Mason Quarter estate Evolve and Jinding are other major developers in the area Also today we are reporting Peet sold a Craigieburn retirement village site to New Zealand’s Summerset Group for $30m (story continues below) Chris Jabs and Trent Malcomson said 15 offers were received for the Mystique land the agency listed a 28.2ha block at nearby 65 Bodycoats Rd with the potential to make way for more than 250 dwellings and a school Wollert’s median house price is $590,000 – up from $411,000 in 2015 Wollert among suburbs in hot demandJayitri Smiles Fringe suburbs Clyde and Wollert have joined trendy Prahran among Melbourne’s hottest markets for houses Buyer demand for houses has almost doubled in these pockets over the past year Also rising rapidly up the ranks of househunters’ wishlists were West Footscray and “diamond in the rough” Frankston North West Footscray was snapped up quickly in August Realestate.com.au chief economist Nerida Conisbee said government housing grants were boosting demand for greater Melbourne’s affordable pockets we’re seeing very strong interest in house and land packages off the back of first-home buyer activity and HomeBuilder,” Ms Conisbee said She added “a lot of buyers” were also eyeing “relatively cheap” West Footscray closer to the city Realestate.com.au chief economist Nerida Conisbee Realestate.com.au calculates demand based on “serious buyer activity” on the site including the number of visits to a listing looking at photos on a listing multiple times Lendlease head of development Tom Trevaskis said inquiry for Wollert’s Aurora development had increased 135 per cent in the past year with a noticeable spike after the federal government announced the $25,000 HomeBuilder grant “People are looking for quality places with open space which have all been designed as part of a masterplan,” Mr Trevaskis said “That’s been the case through areas like Clyde Wollert and established communities near Melton and Werribee.” Treetops Park at Wollert’s Aurora development A flurry of development has built up Wollert Other suburbs were attracting attention by shaking off shady reputations from times gone by which Ray White Frankston agent Trent Harrison called “substantially undervalued” compared to neighbouring areas “People have realised it’s a diamond in the rough because everywhere else around it had a surge in value in 2017,” Mr Harrison said “First-home buyers are now buying properties and renovating them which is really improving the perception of the area.” Frankston North has been called a “diamond in the rough” The agent said he had received “overwhelming” interest for Sarah Opie and Cassie Torcasio’s Frankston North family home in the form of 59 inquiries and seven offers Ms Opie said she was impressed with the result for her renovated four-bedroom home which she bought for an “extremely reasonable price” in 2013 “The only issue with the suburb is a stigma still attached but it’s not as warranted as it previously was,” Ms Opie said “It’s never going to be as popular as Frankston South or Seaford but we still happily raised a family here and have seen massive changes over time.” Sarah Opie and Cassie Torcasio and their son Archer outside their Frankston North house There are big blocks available in the suburb Deer Park and Lalor also experienced major upticks in demand Buyer’s advocate Cate Bakos said while first-home buyers were still desperate to break into on-trend suburbs like Brunswick many were noticing “lower-price-point areas” “First-home buyers love to buy with the stamp duty concession and some have access to the deposit saver scheme too But they are only fully active up to $600,000,” Ms Bakos said you can buy a three-bedroom unit or townhouse in Caroline Springs or Lalor for about $550,000 to $600,000 and still be in an established area near transport and shops.” Northcote and St Kilda remained Melbourne’s most popular suburbs among buyers overall located in wollert in the city of whittlesea 25 kilometers (16 miles) north of melbourne’s central business district the 9,000 square meter (96,875 square foot) development places an emphasis on health and well-being named the ‘wollert neighbourhood centre’ the complex integrates community spaces — including a central public courtyard and childcare and education facilities — with the retail program at the center of the scheme, a shaded courtyard with an amphitheater serves as a stage for community events and daily activities. an accessible roof offers extra room for sports and education, which OMA says will open up possibilities for urban agriculture and energy saving initiatives spatial zones organized in vertical stripes house amenity spaces multiple entrances in the building’s elongated façade provide access to the scheme’s public space and through the building capable of doubling as an outdoor amenity space a car park to the south is separated from the pedestrian-friendly northern façade a public transportation connection point to the west connects the complex with the greater melbourne area ‘the centre has been conceived as the heart of a potential masterplan with residential and commercial programs,’ explains OMA will offer a new living option typically unexplored by the suburban population.’ ‘suburban shopping centers are often places for pure consumption,’ says paul jones OMA’s regional director who is leading the project ‘we conceived the wollert neighbourhood centre as social infrastructure where retail and social interaction weigh equal existing community activity centers in wollert’s surrounding areas amenity and cultural spaces for use by people in the community with different needs it will be a social condenser in the area.’ plans for the project are currently with the whittlesea council name: wollert neighbourhood centre status: concept design submitted for local planning approval client: sandhurst retail location: whittlesea, victoria, australia site: 3.3 hectares program: mixed use community and retail centre architect: OMA regional director: paul jones project architect: clare johnston team: fedor medek marcus parviainen supervising partner: david gianotten project manager: case meallin AXOR presents three bathroom concepts that are not merely places of function but destinations in themselves — sanctuaries of style Custodian property expert James Fitzgerald says land prices in growth areas could double in less than a decade Property prices in several of Melbourne’s battler suburbs could more than double in fewer than 10 years Projections from property investment firm Custodian show populations in Melbourne’s outer east and north are set to soar by 2031 adding hundreds of thousands of dollars to suburbs like Clyde While homeowners who have already bought into growth regions are tipped for major windfalls in the near future the next generation of first-home buyers could soon be priced out of the city’s currently most-affordable suburbs RELATED: Melbourne housing affordability 2025: First-home buyers’ given ominous 14-month deadline John McGrath: Property guru reveals picks for top Victorian suburbs to boom in 2024 Clyde North: Half-burned home listed for half a million dollars, Porter Davis arson house to hit market Custodian property investment expert James Fitzgerald said land prices in these areas were likely to more than double in less than a decade with house prices also expected to perform similarly with a current median house price of $720,000 It comes after the Victorian government’s most recent housing statement indicated only 30 per cent of new homes would be delivered in growth areas compared to 70 per cent in established areas Burbank chief executive and Urban Development Institute of Australia Victorian director Tom Trevaskis said the state government would need to release more land if prices were to remain affordable in growth regions “We’re at record overseas migration and peak housing demand so if there’s still a supply and demand imbalance (in 10 years) it puts pressure on prices,” Mr Trevaskis said he added that those who had recently bought in estates such as his firm’s Eliston development in Clyde would benefit from long-term price gains if land supply was limited Only Estate Agents Narre Warren director Khalid Sarwari noted the area mostly comprised young families and first-home buyers looking for an affordable alternative to nearby Berwick 4 Shale Way is listed for $650,000-$700,000 5 Ontario Pde is listed for $680,000-$725,000 “Smaller estates will have tremendous growth over the next 10 years,” Mr Sarwari added “There’s 20 per cent more infrastructure being put in like restaurants Custodian’s investment hotspot report also highlighted that the Berwick Health and Education Precinct set to be developed on a 122ha site and provide 11,000 new jobs would likely contribute to Clyde North’s soaring population growth the transport and logistics sector is one of the biggest employers in the Hume region Bombay Real Estate Wollert area manager Lana Trpkovski said her firm had sold 37 properties in the area in October and had seen a 100 per cent auction clearance rate in recent weeks “With new infrastructure coming up like schools and childcare there’s no need (for buyers) to go to the inner suburbs now,” Ms Trpkovski said “Even buyers from the far north like Kilmore and Wallan are coming to these areas now.” Current median values – forecast median values 2031 MORE: Cheltenham: Luck of the Irish fails to defy Cup weekend as property passes in Windsor: Inside illustrator Bettina Guthridge’s 162-year-old converted ‘inside out’ farmhouse Yarra Ranges: Award-winning architect John Denton’s unusual pad with its own winery could set new price record Share via...Gift this articleSubscribe to gift this article Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe ASX-listed waste management and recycling group Cleanaway has acquired an 82-hectare farm in Melbourne’s outer north that could make way for a future recycling plant the farm at 510 Summerhill Road in Wollert about 45 kilometres north of the Melbourne CBD was originally purchased by Macquarie Corporate Holdings on September 27 last year for $15.73 million SaveLog in or Subscribe to save articleShareCopy link Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe. 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