We the undersigned, as residents of Essendon North, Niddrie and surrounding impacted suburbs call on State Government Ministers Ben Carroll, Danny Pearson and Moonee Valley City Council to call for a pause on the implementation of any planned overdevelopment of Niddrie and Essendon North.

The Victorian Planning Authority has released their Draft Activity Centre Plans for Keilor Road Niddrie and Essendon North simultaneously as they all centre around Keilor Road. You can read more about the Plan here

https://vpa.vic.gov.au/project/niddrie-northessendon/

The Draft Plans make some note on infrastructure but suggest that existing public transport could sustain the extra patronage this massive development would provide. 

We recognise a need for extra housing in Victoria and that there may be some opportunities within our own suburbs however infrastructure is already stressed and we as local residents and business owners are strongly concerned that this development will be a breaking point.

We call for more consultation to take place and more investment in, and implementation of, the infrastructure required before any overdevelopment occurs.

Infrastructure improvements that need to be looked at include (but are not limited to):

• Upgrades to local schools and an increase in number of spaces available (both Primary and Secondary.)
• An increase in the number of childcare and kinder places
• Protection and enhancement of open spaces
• Fix the Bulla Road Roundabout
• Build the East Keilor Train Station. 

We need to be assured that the amenity of existing residents is protected in any development of Niddrie and Essendon North lest the reason these areas were chosen in the first place be destroyed.

Petition Prepared and Authorised By Hamish Jones PO Box 164, Keilor East, VIC, 3033