Today, Minister for Development Victoria Colin Brooks announced the appointment of Birchmore Group, who will lead the development of four of the five remaining sites at Junction Place.
This proposed project, subject to planning approval, is set to deliver short stay accommodation and a combination of mixed use and residential developments. It is forecast that the project will support more than 1000 local jobs, in one of the country’s largest urban renewal initiatives.
The results of Wodonga’s 2024 Local Government Election are expected early next week, with the incoming councillor group to be briefed on this project and its history as a matter of priority.
More information on today’s announcement can be viewed here.
Quotes attributed to Matthew Hyde, CEO Wodonga Council
“On behalf of Wodonga Council, I am pleased to hear of progress on site at Junction Place.
“This site has a long and storied history and I appreciate the strong community interest in its future.
“In August of 2022, the sitting council at the time voted to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Development Victoria.
“This MOU delegated the responsibilities of each party, with the council clearly defined as the designated planning authority.
“It is now the responsibility of this organisation to carry out this role, which will include the assessment of any application put forward by the developer against the provisions in the planning scheme, with the objective of working towards an outcome that delivers the best result for our community.
“The council was supportive of Development Victoria establishing a Community Reference Group (CRG) and a Terms of Reference was developed, with members of the community recruited.
“I thank the CRG for their time and effort; there is a long history to this project and it was vital to have a community-led voice in any conversation about its future.
“Development Victoria has advised that it is continuing to work through the appointment process for the remaining site, with an announcement expected later this year.
“As the planning authority on this project, it is essential that the statutory process is followed. Therefore, questions regarding the proposed plans and any prospective engagement with the community are best directed to Development Victoria per the MOU.”