Think Wonthaggi seems busy lately? You ain't seen nothing yet. LAST week the State Government gave the green light for massive new estates that will more than double Wonthaggi’s population from the current 8500 to 20,000.
Under the Wonthaggi North East Precinct Structure Plan, the paddocks to the north-east of the town will be turned into housing estates, parklands, a school, shops, a village hub and factories over the next 30 years.
Our little country town is destined to become a major regional centre.
Many of us will be long gone by the time it’s finished but we will see rapid growth in the next few years. In fact we’re seeing it already. Whoever dreamed we’d see gridlock in the Wonthaggi CBD most days? Who envisaged our million dollar houses, our display village, our car rental depot, our massive new hospital, our Bunnings megastore?
Under the Wonthaggi North East Precinct Structure Plan, the paddocks to the north-east of the town will be turned into housing estates, parklands, a school, shops, a village hub and factories over the next 30 years.
Our little country town is destined to become a major regional centre.
Many of us will be long gone by the time it’s finished but we will see rapid growth in the next few years. In fact we’re seeing it already. Whoever dreamed we’d see gridlock in the Wonthaggi CBD most days? Who envisaged our million dollar houses, our display village, our car rental depot, our massive new hospital, our Bunnings megastore?
The Post asked Wonthaggi residents to reflect on what lies ahead. Please add your own comments.
Vilya Congreave, Wonthaggi resident since 1967.
When I arrived in Wonthaggi the population sign read 2500. Wonderful memories of a small township steeped in history. So much to learn from the old miners and their wives who spoke with such pride of their beloved Wonthaggi.
Do you dread the growth or look forward to it?
We knew it would change. More affordable housing has been needed for some years now. My own daughter and her family are like many younger people who hope one day to return to live in her home town.
It has to happen, but can we be assured of licensed, legitimate developers and builders? Infrastructure must be planned and built together with the housing. Not afterwards as is the usual way.
When I arrived in Wonthaggi the population sign read 2500. Wonderful memories of a small township steeped in history. So much to learn from the old miners and their wives who spoke with such pride of their beloved Wonthaggi.
Do you dread the growth or look forward to it?
We knew it would change. More affordable housing has been needed for some years now. My own daughter and her family are like many younger people who hope one day to return to live in her home town.
It has to happen, but can we be assured of licensed, legitimate developers and builders? Infrastructure must be planned and built together with the housing. Not afterwards as is the usual way.
How do we prepare?
I and many others feel we don’t have the services to cover the population as it stands now. Health, education and recreational green spaces are essential to everyone’s wellbeing.
Do we need more supermarkets? The current large ones have made it very hard for smaller businesses to survive. Another great memory lost where one could meet and greet local small business owners. The sharing and caring of the town was quite unique and fortunately it still thrives in certain areas.
I and many others feel we don’t have the services to cover the population as it stands now. Health, education and recreational green spaces are essential to everyone’s wellbeing.
Do we need more supermarkets? The current large ones have made it very hard for smaller businesses to survive. Another great memory lost where one could meet and greet local small business owners. The sharing and caring of the town was quite unique and fortunately it still thrives in certain areas.
 Wonthaggi set to double Jan 18, 2024 - The State Government has given the green light for massive new estates that will eventually house more than 12,000 people. |  Bigger - or better? Jan 25, 2024 - The developers are circling our town, eyeing the prize and working out how to maximise the carve-up, writes Mark Robertson. |
Neil Rankine, Wonthaggi resident since the 1980s.
Do you dread the growth or look forward to it?
Not much point dreading it as it's going to happen, we have to make sure the damage to what's special is minimised/stopped.
How do we prepare?
Planning planning planning - that said, being under a precinct structure plan there are now few third party rights to get changes outside what the planning scheme now allows for the North East. Our council must ensure that the 'benefits' of going the 'precinct structure plan' route are enforced on the developers and done well. Next questions deal with the flow on effects of doubling the population.
What makes Wonthaggi special and how do we retain it?
It's the laid back lifestyle and opportunity to participate that I think is most important. Laid back lifestyle for me is partly about the ability to escape into nature along the tracks and beaches. The DAL will give the council some clout in protecting and hopefully enhancing that.
The ability to participate is mainly about welcoming in new people, Wonthaggi is better than most in this respect and hopefully it will self-perpetuate but it’s worth considering how to make the incoming hordes realise Wonthaggi is like that. If they hunker down out in the north-east we'd be better to build a Wall (obviously not desirable)!
Would Wonthaggi be even better if it was a little more Pakenham/Cranbourne?
No, my daughter moved here from Pakenham, knowing what she'd left behind in Wonthaggi. It's sterile, inefficient, uninspiring there. They like it as the price is right to build (or was) and it's 45 minutes into Melbourne/SE suburbs mainly for work but also school, entertainment, etc. The one benefit of doubling our population I can think of is a few more jobs, schools with a broader range of subjects and a bit more likelihood of entertainment coming to us.
Do you dread the growth or look forward to it?
Not much point dreading it as it's going to happen, we have to make sure the damage to what's special is minimised/stopped.
How do we prepare?
Planning planning planning - that said, being under a precinct structure plan there are now few third party rights to get changes outside what the planning scheme now allows for the North East. Our council must ensure that the 'benefits' of going the 'precinct structure plan' route are enforced on the developers and done well. Next questions deal with the flow on effects of doubling the population.
What makes Wonthaggi special and how do we retain it?
It's the laid back lifestyle and opportunity to participate that I think is most important. Laid back lifestyle for me is partly about the ability to escape into nature along the tracks and beaches. The DAL will give the council some clout in protecting and hopefully enhancing that.
The ability to participate is mainly about welcoming in new people, Wonthaggi is better than most in this respect and hopefully it will self-perpetuate but it’s worth considering how to make the incoming hordes realise Wonthaggi is like that. If they hunker down out in the north-east we'd be better to build a Wall (obviously not desirable)!
Would Wonthaggi be even better if it was a little more Pakenham/Cranbourne?
No, my daughter moved here from Pakenham, knowing what she'd left behind in Wonthaggi. It's sterile, inefficient, uninspiring there. They like it as the price is right to build (or was) and it's 45 minutes into Melbourne/SE suburbs mainly for work but also school, entertainment, etc. The one benefit of doubling our population I can think of is a few more jobs, schools with a broader range of subjects and a bit more likelihood of entertainment coming to us.
Anon, South Wonthaggi. Born in Wonthaggi, now part-time resident
Do you dread the growth or look forward to it?
I have a selfish attitude to this - As long as South Wonthaggi isn’t further subdivided and developed, I am not too concerned. I think the PSP area (covering land north and east of the town) is the most appropriate location for future development.
How do we prepare?
The Precinct Structure Plan process delivers a much better outcome than the old system where a land owner simply obtained approval to carve up lots for sale. There are many bad examples along the coast. Parts of North Wonthaggi subdivided under the old Shire of Bass have odd allotment and road configurations. The PSP process provides better planning for key natural landscape features, water management, biodiversity and the best location for commercial, industrial, residential, recreation and educational uses etc. The Wonthaggi North East PSP might not turn out to be perfect but adjustments can be made over time.
What makes Wonthaggi special and how do we retain it?
What makes Wonthaggi special for me - the planned CBD and old town street layout, the people, the small but obvious signs of coal mining heritage, the trees, the wide landscaped nature strips, and the beach close by. Strong landscape protection is needed to retain much of its character. The sound of birds. The back lanes. As a child I knew a lot of old people and now I know their great grandchildren too. A choice of good plumbers, electricians and mechanics.
Would Wonthaggi be even better if it was a little more Pakenham/Cranbourne?
A potential important benefit from an increased population is an increase in the number of well qualified and experienced medical professionals. The new hospital can only serve the community well if it employs a good staff of surgeons and other medicos. While I believe that the hospital has greatly improved its oncology department, it still sends most patients to other hospitals for surgical treatment because it does not have the right staff.
I know many Wonthaggi people who travel to Cranbourne and Pakenham for specialists’ appointments. We just don’t want our town to look like some parts of Cranbourne or Pakenham.
Do you dread the growth or look forward to it?
I have a selfish attitude to this - As long as South Wonthaggi isn’t further subdivided and developed, I am not too concerned. I think the PSP area (covering land north and east of the town) is the most appropriate location for future development.
How do we prepare?
The Precinct Structure Plan process delivers a much better outcome than the old system where a land owner simply obtained approval to carve up lots for sale. There are many bad examples along the coast. Parts of North Wonthaggi subdivided under the old Shire of Bass have odd allotment and road configurations. The PSP process provides better planning for key natural landscape features, water management, biodiversity and the best location for commercial, industrial, residential, recreation and educational uses etc. The Wonthaggi North East PSP might not turn out to be perfect but adjustments can be made over time.
What makes Wonthaggi special and how do we retain it?
What makes Wonthaggi special for me - the planned CBD and old town street layout, the people, the small but obvious signs of coal mining heritage, the trees, the wide landscaped nature strips, and the beach close by. Strong landscape protection is needed to retain much of its character. The sound of birds. The back lanes. As a child I knew a lot of old people and now I know their great grandchildren too. A choice of good plumbers, electricians and mechanics.
Would Wonthaggi be even better if it was a little more Pakenham/Cranbourne?
A potential important benefit from an increased population is an increase in the number of well qualified and experienced medical professionals. The new hospital can only serve the community well if it employs a good staff of surgeons and other medicos. While I believe that the hospital has greatly improved its oncology department, it still sends most patients to other hospitals for surgical treatment because it does not have the right staff.
I know many Wonthaggi people who travel to Cranbourne and Pakenham for specialists’ appointments. We just don’t want our town to look like some parts of Cranbourne or Pakenham.
Catherine Watson, resident since 2003.
Do you dread the growth or look forward to it?
Of course I fear for my town but I can’t begrudge others the chance to find what I’ve found here.
First the good:
My fears:
My hopes:
What makes Wonthaggi special and how do we retain it?
My partner and I bought an old miner’s cottage on the south side of Wonthaggi in 1996. The first weekend one of our neighbours called in to welcome us. “We need new blood here,” he said. That was the last thing we had expected. I soon learnt Wonthaggi was not your average small town.
The Wonthaggi Historical Society’s summer series of talks reminded me of this town’s achievements, its place in Australian history. I want the new arrivals to know this place is special.
Would Wonthaggi be even better if it was a little more Pakenham/Cranbourne?
As a journalist I covered Cranbourne, Berwick and Narre Warren. Most residents of the new estates had no interest in where they lived. All they asked – or perhaps all they could afford – was a house close to a train line so they could commute to Melbourne to earn the money to pay their mortgage. I found that very sad.
Do you dread the growth or look forward to it?
Of course I fear for my town but I can’t begrudge others the chance to find what I’ve found here.
First the good:
- The new precinct is well situated and will take the pressure off Bass Coast’s smaller, more vulnerable towns and villages.
- Young people who grew up here and left for education and careers should have the chance to come back when they’re ready. And that means more houses.
- Our mayor points to the huge increase in houses as a boost for affordable housing. I hope that’s true though I have my doubts given the recent tortuous history of housing in Australia.
- With a bigger population, a lot of things become possible. Better public transport, a VicRoads branch, more medical services, restaurants, bookshops, professional jobs.
- This is entirely selfish but the development is all on the other side of town. If it was on my side, I would probably have shifted to Fish Creek by now.
My fears:
- 500 acres of bland suburbia, 3 and 4 bedroom brick veneers that take up the whole block and leave no room for nature.
- That Wonthaggi becomes an outer, outer suburb of Melbourne.
My hopes:
- Developers with some imagination who offers a range of energy efficient dwellings in garden settings and interesting streetscapes.
- Genuinely affordable houses with a diversity (1, 2 and 3 bedroom houses, units and apartments)
- The new residents will be welcomed and will in turn discover the charms of this place.
What makes Wonthaggi special and how do we retain it?
My partner and I bought an old miner’s cottage on the south side of Wonthaggi in 1996. The first weekend one of our neighbours called in to welcome us. “We need new blood here,” he said. That was the last thing we had expected. I soon learnt Wonthaggi was not your average small town.
The Wonthaggi Historical Society’s summer series of talks reminded me of this town’s achievements, its place in Australian history. I want the new arrivals to know this place is special.
Would Wonthaggi be even better if it was a little more Pakenham/Cranbourne?
As a journalist I covered Cranbourne, Berwick and Narre Warren. Most residents of the new estates had no interest in where they lived. All they asked – or perhaps all they could afford – was a house close to a train line so they could commute to Melbourne to earn the money to pay their mortgage. I found that very sad.
Geoff Ellis, Bass Coast resident since 2010, Harmers resident since 2020
Do you dread the growth or look forward to it? Why?
There is a requirement for councils to have a certain amount of land available for building and this new precinct takes that into account. I dread the inevitable increase in population across Bass Coast and would rather see the influx confined to one 'Big New Pakenham' than several more little ones in places like The Gurdies or Bass. In a way I see this as a victory for trees and critters as it takes the pressure off development in small townships.
How do we prepare?
Change the planning scheme to allow more creative housing outcomes.
What makes Wonthaggi special?
The people. The fucked up road layout which means every way to anywhere is as quick (or slow) as any other way to go. The tip. Finding a bike at the tip. Apex Park in December when the noon hooter scares the tourists. Mitchell House volunteers. ArtSpace. The ethics discussion group. The stupid flower beds in the roundabouts. Community gardens. The Bass Coast Post. Michael Giles.
How do we retain that?
Keep the CBD streetscape to one storey. Activate the derelict school site as an adjunct and overflow mini precinct.
Would Wonthaggi be even better if it was a little more Pakenham/Cranbourne?
No no no no no no ….
Do you dread the growth or look forward to it? Why?
There is a requirement for councils to have a certain amount of land available for building and this new precinct takes that into account. I dread the inevitable increase in population across Bass Coast and would rather see the influx confined to one 'Big New Pakenham' than several more little ones in places like The Gurdies or Bass. In a way I see this as a victory for trees and critters as it takes the pressure off development in small townships.
How do we prepare?
Change the planning scheme to allow more creative housing outcomes.
What makes Wonthaggi special?
The people. The fucked up road layout which means every way to anywhere is as quick (or slow) as any other way to go. The tip. Finding a bike at the tip. Apex Park in December when the noon hooter scares the tourists. Mitchell House volunteers. ArtSpace. The ethics discussion group. The stupid flower beds in the roundabouts. Community gardens. The Bass Coast Post. Michael Giles.
How do we retain that?
Keep the CBD streetscape to one storey. Activate the derelict school site as an adjunct and overflow mini precinct.
Would Wonthaggi be even better if it was a little more Pakenham/Cranbourne?
No no no no no no ….