Gurpreet Verma and his daughter Rhea are eagerly anticipating the development of Thornhill Gardens, a new housing estate in Rockbank, one of the fastest-growing suburbs in Australia. The area, located more than 30 kilometers from Melbourne’s CBD, has seen a significant population increase in recent years due to its affordability and proximity to amenities like the Sri Durga Hindu temple. Despite current challenges such as traffic congestion and lack of infrastructure, Verma believes the area’s potential for growth will make it a valuable investment for his daughter’s future.
However, Melbourne’s traditional model of outward expansion is showing signs of strain, with a slowdown in housing releases on the fringe and financial stress among builders. The state government is now focusing on concentrating new housing in established suburbs and building upwards, but there is still a significant demand for housing in growth areas. Analysts in the property sector express concerns about the market facing tougher conditions in the near future, with rising land prices and shrinking lot sizes in Melbourne’s greenfields.
One key issue related to Melbourne’s expansion is the encroachment of development into valuable agricultural land, as seen in areas like Bacchus Marsh where the critically endangered Victorian grassland earless dragon has been rediscovered. The region’s rich farmland is under threat from housing developments and increased tourist activities, leading to concerns about food security and land conservation. Peri-urban councils are advocating for better protection of agricultural land and more sustainable land use planning to balance residential growth with environmental conservation.
Experts warn that Melbourne is reaching its geographical limits for growth, raising questions about the sustainability of continued expansion into peri-urban areas. The allure of cheap land on the urban fringe is being challenged by the high costs to taxpayers of providing necessary infrastructure and services to support new developments. Infrastructure Victoria’s research shows that the state must invest significantly more in new homes in growth areas compared to building in more compact city centers, highlighting the inefficiency of the current development model.
Despite these challenges, residents like Rhea Verma remain optimistic about the future of new estates like Thornhill Gardens, seeing them as opportunities for growth and development. The allure of living in a fresh, untouched neighborhood with potential for new schools and amenities is still attractive to many, even as Melbourne faces a changing landscape of housing affordability and sustainability. As the city grapples with the complexities of urban growth and development, the need for thoughtful planning and sustainable practices becomes increasingly clear.
