Commentary: If you care about the future of Jacksons Hill, there’s something you need to know.
The Victorian Government has opened public consultation on a proposal to rezone around 11 hectares of open land at the former Victoria University campus from Public Use Zone to Mixed Use Zone.
That consultation closes on 12 July. That’s just two weeks for the community to respond to a proposal that could permanently change one of Sunbury’s most significant open spaces.
Now, it’s important to understand exactly what’s being proposed.
This amendment does not approve housing or buildings today. But it does create the planning framework needed for the land to be sold and considered for future residential and mixed-use development.
Once land is rezoned and sold, there’s usually no going back.
The Government says the land has been declared surplus to its needs and that the rezoning is required before any sale can proceed. The proposal also includes an Environmental Audit Overlay because previous investigations found the land requires further environmental assessment before it could be used for sensitive purposes like housing.
A contamination review identified areas containing elevated levels of contaminants and asbestos associated with the site’s historical uses. The consultants concluded that further investigation and remediation will be required before redevelopment could occur.
Those environmental issues can potentially be addressed in the future. But they also highlight why decisions about Jacksons Hill deserve careful public scrutiny—not a rushed consultation.
Jacksons Hill isn’t just another vacant block of land.
It’s part of Sunbury’s history. It’s a prominent green space. And decisions made today will shape what future generations inherit.
Whether you support development or oppose it, everyone should agree that the community deserves a genuine opportunity to have its voice heard.
If you believe this land should remain public open space…
If you think the Government should reconsider selling it…
Or if you simply believe a decision of this importance deserves more than two weeks of consultation…
Now is the time to speak up.
The consultation closes on the 12th of July, and every submission will be considered before the Minister for Planning makes a decision.
Don’t assume someone else will do it for you.
Read the proposal. Look at the facts. Then make your own submission.
Because once decisions like this are made, they’re often impossible to reverse.
The future of Jacksons Hill is being decided now.
If you have a view, make sure it’s heard.