A proposed housing development in Melbourne’s western suburb of Cairnlea has sparked a significant backlash from local residents, who are concerned about its proximity to gambling venues and lack of community infrastructure. The development, planned for a 41-hectare site at the intersection of the Western Ring Road and Ballarat Road, is set to include around 500 homes, but residents argue the area lacks essential amenities.
Over 2,100 people have signed a petition urging the state government to reconsider the plans. Originally intended as a business precinct, the site is now earmarked for residential development by Development Victoria, which has touted features such as a new playground, green spaces, and affordable housing options. However, the proximity of two pubs with poker machines has raised concerns among locals.
Community Concerns and Calls for Action
Residents are worried that the development will exacerbate existing issues, such as traffic congestion and limited access to recreational facilities. Community advocate Graeme Blore emphasized the need for comprehensive planning, stating, “You can’t just put homes into an estate and call it an estate. You have to provide meaningful parks, social, recreational and community facilities.”
Blore and others are pushing for the inclusion of an indoor multipurpose recreational facility, parks, and sporting fields. The nearest public swimming pools are a significant distance away, and residents report that the bus service is unreliable. Blore also expressed concerns about the potential for increased gambling, given the area’s high electronic gaming machine losses, which exceed $98,000 daily at nearby pubs.
Expert Opinions and Development Challenges
Swinburne University senior lecturer Dr. Weijie Hu, an expert in affordable housing, highlighted the importance of integrating adequate facilities and public transport access into new developments. He noted the critical issue of the development’s proximity to gambling venues, stating, “If there is not enough open space or social infrastructures, many people will have to go to those gambling venues – that becomes their social venues.”
The site is within four kilometers of two train stations, but questions remain about the connectivity with local bus services. The planning minister took over as the responsible authority for the development in June 2025, a move aimed at streamlining housing approvals but one that has raised concerns with the Brimbank Council.
Local Government and Community Involvement
Brimbank Mayor Virginia Tachos emphasized the council’s role in ensuring that developments meet community needs. She called for increased community consultation, stating, “It’s very clear that there are significant gaps in the Cairnlea Estate Master Plan, and these are of major concern to the community and council.”
The development plan has already been adjusted following community feedback, reducing the number of homes from over 800 to about 500. Development Victoria is required to make financial contributions to local infrastructure, and the planning strategy is being finalized to comply with council regulations.
Future Steps and Ongoing Campaigns
The campaign against the development has been ongoing for years, with local figures like Paul Hopper, founder of the West Party, joining the effort. Development Victoria’s acting executive general manager, Nemesia Kennett, assured that the community would be kept informed as the site is remediated, and the agency would collaborate with the council to enhance local open spaces.
A Victorian government spokesperson reiterated the benefits of the development, stating, “The delivery of more housing within the established suburb of Cairnlea will give more Victorians the opportunity to live closer to jobs, schools, transport, and essential services.”
As the debate continues, residents remain hopeful for a development plan that better aligns with their vision for a vibrant, well-equipped community.
