VIC Projects Take Sodding Great Steps Forward

AVID Property Group invited Wyndham City Mayor, Cr Henry Barlow to turn the first sod at an event to launch its latest residential project in Victoria, Savana.

Located on Hobbs Road in Wyndham Vale, the $120 million project is spread across 42 hectares and will deliver 619 lots, which are anticipated to become home to more than 1,600 new residents.

The projected economic impact of Savana on the local area is expected to be extremely positive, with the creation of more than 1,500 short-term jobs and 1,200 long-term jobs.

Cr Barlow congratulated AVID on the start of their new project.

“Wyndham is a great place to live, grow your family, work and even retire. We have a culturally diverse community of which we are very proud and we are also home to great tourist attractions like the Werribee Open Range Zoo and the Werribee Park Mansion."While the turning of the sod ceremony marks the official project launch, the new neighbourhood has already experienced strong sales, with each Savana release selling out in a matter of days.

AVID Property Group Victorian General Manager Paul O’Brien said more than $35 million is being spent on improvements to build roads, services, community facilities and recreation precincts.

He said Savana will be offering a range of benefits and services including walking and bike tracks.

"Future plans for onsite childcare facilities are pending approval from council, along with a large community park,” Mr O’Brien said.

Savana is adjacent to the Wyndham Vale station - rated best in Victoria with an 8.95 rating out of 10 by Melbourne commuters in 2016 – while also boasting an easy journey to Melbourne CBD and short trip to neighbouring suburb Werribee.

The surrounding local schools make it ideal for growing families; with a major Shopping Centre nearby, Savana ensures residents have everything they need on their doorstep.
Contract agreement sets $395 million package of rail-related works in motion
Meanwhile, a contract was signed between Laing O’Rourke, Fulton Hogan and Jacobs to begin work in the coming months on removing the dangerous and congested level crossing on Lower Plenty Road, rebuild Rosanna Station and duplicate the Hurstbridge line.

These works are part of a $395 million package of works that also includes the removal of the Grange Road level crossing in Alphington.

Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan said the contract marks a significant move forward in progress after "years of excuses" that delayed the project's completion.

“Level crossings and sections of single track are relics of the past. They don’t belong on a modern train network and we’re removing them, to reduce road congestion and run more trains.”

The project will also build a brand new Rosanna Station next to the crossing and duplicate the notorious single section of track between Heidelberg and Rosanna, creating space for more frequent, reliable services, which will have flow-on benefits for the South Morang line.

The second track will be built to the east of the existing tracks, but will not require any property acquisition. The duplication will include a new tunnel under Darebin Street next to the existing brick tunnel.