Member for Sunbury Josh Bull has called for the former Victoria University campus on Jacksons Hill to be master-planned, to give residents certainty and guide future development.

Speaking in Parliament on June 21, Mr Bull tabled a petition including more than 1200 signatures requesting government protection for the site.

The petition was compiled by the Sunbury Asylum Alliance and the Sunbury Community Progress Association, who have worked with Mr Bull to request a considered, long-term plan for the 35-hectare site.

Across all three levels of government, Federal Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell, Hume councillor Ann Potter and Mr Bull have backed the community’s call for a defined and tangible plan for the site.

A master plan would mean the right infrastructure could be strategically planned with the community involved, identifying the best locations for future schools, community facilities and open space.

Mr Bull said an over-arching plan for the whole area would account for heritage buildings, such as the Sunbury Mental Health hospital, and the site would be considered in coordination with growth in surrounding areas.

Mr Bull requested the Minister for Planning work with the community towards a long-term plan which allows for development while protecting the heritage and character of the area.

Quotes attributable to Member for Sunbury, Josh Bull
“Growth projections mean there will be more demand for schools and tertiary education, I’m pushing for Jacksons Hill to be an education and community hub for the growing number of families in Sunbury.”

“There are state-significant heritage buildings on this site which need protecting, a master plan means people will be able to have their say and have a clear picture on what a redeveloped Jacksons Hill could look like.”

“While the previous Liberal government ignored this site, I’m making sure there is a vision and a strategy so we can make the most of this valued community asset.