GREEN Wedge campaigner Barry Ross fears the State Government's plans to fast-track development in Melbourne's growth areas show it has "capitulated" to developers.
He said he feared Green Wedge land, which includes parts of Keysborough and Bangholme, could be next to go if the land earmarked for the Government's planned Urban Growth Zone was not used effectively.
Last week Premier John Brumby announced the acceleration of housing development on farmland in five growth corridors, including Casey and Cardinia. Mr Ross said he hoped the land would be divided wisely. "There should be a higher density of dwellings than we are seeing in developments," he said.
"Land that was opened up to be used for 25 years has just seen this sprawl of McMansions and if this new land is just gobbled up the Green Wedge could be next."
Mr Ross, the secretary of the Defenders of the South East Green Wedge, said he was relieved the Urban Growth Zone posed no short-term threat to Green Wedge areas. "It's good to have a break between developments and not just have an urban sprawl," he said.
"It's nice to have a little bit of green to go through."
Sofia Dedes, spokeswoman for Planning Minister Justin Madden, confirmed no Green Wedge land would be used for the new zone.
"Urban Growth Zone refers only to land in the growth areas, inside the Urban Growth Boundary," Ms Dedes said.
"Green Wedges are at the heart of the state and the Brumby Government believes Green Wedges are a key feature to Victoria's liveability."
http://www.dandenongleader.com.au/article/2008/03/17/31403_osv_news.html