Knox City Council has welcomed new planning controls for the Wantirna Health Precinct that pave the way for better access to health care, more jobs and much-needed housing in Melbourne’s east.
Planning Scheme Amendment C185knox will rezone 22 hectares of predominantly government-owned land and the former Scope disability services site, bound by EastLink, Boronia Road and Mountain Highway in Wantirna.
Announcing the news via their website on 23 August, Knox Mayor, Cr Jude Dwight said rezoning the land was an important step in achieving the vision for the Wantirna Health Precinct that the council has been working on with the Victorian Government since 2014.
“We’re grateful to the Minister for Planning for recognising the many benefits that this initiative could deliver for our region,” she said.
“This is a win-win that will see surplus government-owned land used to generate health, housing and employment outcomes.”
Mayor Cr Dwight said the Victorian Government’s masterplan for the Wantirna Health Precinct includes a public hospital, medical services, education and research facilities, accommodation and housing.
“The Wantirna Health Precinct is anticipated to provide approximately 3,000 direct health related jobs alone, as well as education facilities and housing,” she said.
“Our labour market in Knox is shifting away from its traditional manufacturing and industrial base to more service-related jobs in health and education.”
“We definitely need more housing but we need it in appropriate locations near jobs, transport and services. We’re looking forward to seeing the details of the controls once the Minister has gazetted them.”
Mayor Cr Dwight said this is a golden opportunity to deliver better access to health care, more housing and create much-needed jobs in a location that leverages and builds upon an existing health care precinct, with Eastern Health and Knox Private Hospital adjoining the site.
“It’s really pleasing that council is making progress in our advocacy efforts for the Wantirna Health Precinct,” she said.
