HOUSES will replace cattle on lush, green paddocks on Warrnambool’s northern fringe rezoned yesterday by the state government to cater for population growth.
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Forty-eight hectares fronting Aberline and Wangoom roads have been changed from rural to residential zone as the last piece of Warrnambool City Council’s north-east growth sector.
The new rezoning abuts an earlier section off Whites and Aberline roads which is being subdivided and fitted with roads, drainage and footpaths.
Together both sections will have space for an estimated 750 housing lots.
Developers and the city council hope it will trigger demand for new housing and revive the depressed local construction industry where skilled tradespeople are short of work, some unemployed.
It is expected house building will start by late November when titles are released on the section closer to Whites Road.
The rezoning approval also means completion of Aberline Road reconstruction could happen in the next two years.
Premier and South West Coast MP Denis Napthine told The Standard the area was ideal because of its proximity to existing houses, the eastern retail sector and new Horne Road industrial zone.
“We are looking at new land with an estimated 480 to 485 residential lots in the next two years,” he said.
“It’s another vote of confidence in Warrnambool.
“Two years ago Planning Minister Matthew Guy toured Warrnambool with city council leaders Bruce Anson and Bill Millard when they pointed out choke points in residential and industrial land.
“Developers were calling for speedier action to cut through red tape.
“Now we’ve ticked the boxes to create opportunity for jobs.”
