VICTORIAN Planning Minister Richard Wynne last week announced the approval of the precinct structure plan for Mt Atkinson, a new suburb to the south-west of Caroline Springs that will feature more than 8,000 dwellings for 22,000 people over the next 15 years.
The Mt Atkinson and Tarneit Plains Precinct Structure Plan (PSP) covers 1,532 hectares approximately 34 kilometres to the west of the Melbourne CBD. The precinct is bound by the Western Freeway to the north, Hopkins Road to the east, Middle Road to the south and the Outer Metropolitan Ring (OMR) Road reservation to the west
Mr Wynne said that in a ground-breaking move, the arrangements for the delivery of two schools, community facilities and land acquisition for a future train station have been agreed in principle with the developer before rezoning.
According to the plans, up to 19,000 long-term jobs in retail, commercial, industrial, office, education and home-based businesses will be created in Mt Atkinson and the adjacent Tarneit Plains precinct.
The in-principle agreement with Mount Atkinson Holdings and Stockland will see two government schools built, land acquired for a future train station and other first-class community facilities.
A Growth Areas Infrastructure Contribution of more than $100 million paid by the developers will also cover a CFA station and early delivery of a new bus service connecting to Rockbank Station.
Sports grounds, a conservation reserve, community centres and kindergartens are also funded under a separate agreement with Melton City Council.
More information about the Mt Atkinson and Tarneit Plains Precinct Structure Plan is available from the Victorian Planning Authority website at  https://vpa.vic.gov.au/project/mt-atkinson-tarneit-plains/>.
