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Box Hill Receives A$11.7 Million Boost for Three Infrastructure Projects
The funding marks an initial step toward addressing long-standing shortfalls that grew from earlier rezoning decisions and rapid population growth in the precinct.
How we reported this
Box Hill has secured A$11.7 million toward three infrastructure projects after local advocacy secured support through a state program aimed at growth areas.
The allocation arrives at a time when the area faces an estimated A$207 million gap in local infrastructure needs. This gap stems from decisions made more than a decade ago when the precinct was rezoned, setting the stage for substantial residential expansion that outpaced initial projections for supporting facilities.
Population growth outstripped original plans
Rezoning in 2013 anticipated 9,600 dwellings and 28,000 additional residents, along with three public primary schools and one public K-12 school. Actual development has since pushed the figure past 16,000 dwellings and 49,000 additional people, yet the number of planned schools stayed the same. The mismatch contributed to the current shortfall, compounded by higher land and construction costs than originally estimated in contribution plans.
Residents have tracked these pressures through a petition that collected more than 20,000 signatures, prompting parliamentary debate on the broader infrastructure concerns across the shire. The petition remains open for signatures until 5 September.
Projects funded and those still at risk
The A$11.7 million covers A$5.6 million for construction of The Water Lane Road, A$3.5 million for land acquisition for a new fire station, and A$2.6 million for planning and design of the Terry Road Upgrade. Without further funding, the remaining work program for the precinct cannot proceed in full. That program includes 16 playing fields, 7 local parks, 7 drainage basins, 14 traffic signals, 10 roundabouts, 3 vehicular bridges, 2 pedestrian bridges, 13 km of half-width local roads and 10.4 km of shared paths.
Council officers have described the recent allocation as a useful start that meets only part of the state’s regional obligations. They note that critical items such as sports fields, additional road upgrades and parks remain at risk if the full shortfall is not met.
Residents interested in following the petition or the upcoming parliamentary debate can visit the campaign site at www.fairerhillsfuture.com.au for updates and further details on how the funding decisions affect Box Hill specifically.