Growth plan bites Casey farmers
CHANGES to the Urban Growth Boundary will spell the end of farming in Casey, the city has warned.
Cr Lorraine Wreford said State Government plans to annex 4600ha of Casey farming land, including basically all of Clyde, for housing will wipe out $400 million of annual food production and put 2000 people out of work.
“I have nothing against development, but it should be in the right area,” Cr Wreford said.
“We’ll lose irreplaceable farming land that is already set up with recycled water, so it’s drought-proof. This land is precious for our food supply. It’s a wicked waste.”
Cr Lynette Keleher said she was outraged by the government’s plans. “Once that land is lost, it’s gone forever - and for what? More houses. It’s unforgivable,” Cr Keleher said.
Market gardener Charlie Tuosto said the area had some of the best vegetable-producing soil in Australia. “They shouldn’t touch this land. It would destroy everything we’ve built here,” he said.
But most market gardeners say they are happy to move on.
Fourth generation farmer Craig Arnott of Arnott Vegetable Farms, based in Clyde for 40 years, said farmers had gone as far as they could in Clyde.
“If people want their vegies cheap and fresh we need to be able to expand. But we can’t do that in Clyde. It’s time to move on. This is progress,” Mr Arnott said.
Planning Minister Justin Madden said the changes would help manage Melbourne’s long-term growth.
For maps and full reports go to dpcd.vic.gov.au.
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