Dookie may be getting an “opportunity to increase the population”.
A combined planning scheme amendment and planning permit has been lodged with Greater Shepparton City Council for 100 Ryans Rd, Dookie.
The amendment would rezone 13.45 hectares of farming land at 100 Ryans Rd, Dookie, to a low-density residential zone.
The proposed rezoning aims to increase rural residential lots and provide an allotment size not currently available in Dookie.
The permit proposes to subdivide the land to create 11 lots, at a density consistent with the existing fabric and spatial character of the town.
At its May meeting, council adopted the amendment to submit a planning permit to the Victorian planning minister for approval.
Cr Geoff Akers forwarded the motion and Cr Fern Summer seconded it. The motion was carried unopposed.
“We know housing is in short supply, and we’ve got some lovely liveability out in Dookie, so I do hope that this meets all their needs,” Cr Summer said.
Cr Akers said the rezoning should be a “really good plan for Dookie”.
“It’s something that I’m sure many in the Dookie community are calling for — an opportunity to increase the population,” he said.
The number of vacant rural residential lots is comparatively low in Greater Shepparton compared to other regional Victorian municipalities.
The Greater Shepparton Housing Strategy 2011 identified 100 Ryans Rd as a potential low-density development with a five- to 10-year development horizon, and the Framework Plan Review 2019 recommended the land remain available for future residential development.