Concerns raised over Murray’s Lane development in Murchison

However, according to Murchison local and volunteer member of the Murchison Planning Group Thomas Caldow the Murray’s Lane proposal would deliver a further 124 lots, which risks shifting the town away from its established low-density character.

“Hammond Rd, with most lots understood to sit around 800 to 1050 square metres, appears designed for a more conventional subdivision market rather than a predominantly lifestyle block market,” Mr Caldow said.

“Murray’s Lane appears to be attempting to appeal to lifestyle buyers on the perimeter, but has a significant number of lots at a higher density internally, which appear smaller in lot size than the internal lots of the Hammond Rd development.

“That mix is exactly what the community is concerned about because it changes the look, feel and servicing needs of the town.”

Mr Caldow said he believed Murchison residents had not had enough opportunity to meaningfully shape outcomes early, and that council communication had been largely statutory and document driven rather than proactive and community focused.

He also said that while the Hammond Rd development process was visible through formal documents, referrals and the Development Hearings Panel, it took considerable time and planning knowledge for ordinary residents to understand what was actually proposed.

“I received direct communication from the landowner of the Hammond Rd development as an adjacent resident; however, the full extent of both developments was not known at that stage,” he said.

“Murchison can grow, but I do not believe the town is currently equipped to absorb a large increase in population without a co-ordinated infrastructure and services plan.

“Our water pressure is poor, our internet speed is poor and our roads and gardens are inadequately maintained.

“All of these issues must be resolved and future plans and commitments from the relevant responsible authority need to occur before the additional stress of more residents is placed on the infrastructure and services of the town.”

Mr Caldow also emphasised concerns about ageing community facilities and local recreational infrastructure that had not kept pace due to limited investment, noting the Murchison Toolamba Football Club’s long-running difficulties with modernising clubrooms as a practical example.

“Additional participants will only increase demand on facilities that are already substandard,” Mr Caldow said.

“Healthcare access is also a real concern. If population increases, service demand increases, and without planning for access and capacity, residents can be worse off.

“I recognise council must follow statutory processes and those processes are visible in the Hammond Rd documentation; however, for changes of this scale council needs to lead with a clearer strategic narrative, including town character, minimum lot sizes, expectations for greenfield areas and how infrastructure beyond the development boundary will be delivered.

“Without that, residents are left feeling that the town is being reshaped through individual proposals rather than an agreed community plan.”

Acting on behalf of the Murray’s Lane landowner, Melbourne architecture and planning company A Different City said the project vision was to create a new urban residential community that integrated and responded to the valued character of the Murchison township, including the sensitive landscape character of Murray’s Lane.

“The project aims to deliver a diversity of housing opportunities and new infrastructure including a public park to support incoming residents and wider community engagement,” director Jonathon Fetterplace said.

“The project will upgrade road infrastructure, provide new public space and generate greater activity in the Murchison area, and existing vegetation impacts have been minimised where possible.

“We have worked with council, other government agencies and interested local residents where concerns may have been raised, with the provision of more information, in particular as it relates to managing the Murray’s Lane landscape.

“Subject to timing of approvals and sales, I would estimate construction commencement may be within 1.5 to two years.”

While Mr Fetterplace said the company welcomed further discussions with residents to answer questions or address concerns, Mr Caldow said residents wanted clear early information in plain English, not just a process that could be followed if you already knew where to look.

“My biggest concern is that Murchison is pushed into a higher density model by default and that we lock in outcomes that are difficult to reverse,” Mr Caldow said.

“The risks are predictable: more traffic on narrow streets, more on‑street parking pressure, and increased safety risks without safe pedestrian and cycling pathways, all while without matching investment in public land community facilities.

“My hope is that growth is done well and reflects what people value about Murchison.

“We support expansion of the town footprint, but we want it delivered through low‑density, lifestyle‑style development consistent with Murchison’s character.”

As the Murray’s Lane development is currently under consideration by council, it declined to comment when contacted.