As Box Hill experiences a surge in population growth, residents are grappling with a staggering $207 million funding deficit for crucial infrastructure development. This shortfall, coupled with the insufficient number of schools and community facilities, threatens to hinder the construction of hundreds of new homes, leaving the community at risk of missed opportunities for vital services.
The ongoing infrastructure demands in Box Hill include the establishment of 16 sports fields, 7 parks, 13 kilometers of new roads, 14 traffic signals, and 10 roundabouts, alongside essential educational institutions and public services. Without immediate intervention from both state and federal governments, the completion of these necessary projects remains uncertain. Families are facing worsening traffic congestion, inadequate amenities, and an unstable future.
Dr. Michelle Byrne, Mayor of The Hills Shire, criticized the lack of government funding for the necessary infrastructure in Box Hill, highlighting that the area has been neglected by successive NSW Governments. “Box Hill is the suburb that the state forgot,” Mayor Byrne lamented. “It’s high time it receives the financial support needed to ensure a livable community.”
In regions like Box Hill, infrastructure is typically financed through developer contributions. However, these contributions were capped for years, leading developers to cover less than half of their infrastructure costs. “We’ve consistently been told by various governments that they would fill the funding gap, yet Box Hill is still significantly underfunded,” Mayor Byrne stated. “It’s time for the NSW Government to settle its outstanding bill for this shortfall.”
The funding gap has ballooned due to rising construction and land prices, alongside inaccurate estimates in the Contributions Plan regarding infrastructure expenses. Notably, the $207 million figure represents only the basic local infrastructure needs, without accounting for state-level necessities like schools, libraries, swimming pools, and community centers that the government deems ‘non-essential.’
In a concerning suggestion, the NSW Government proposed that Box Hill could raise council rates as a potential solution. However, this could lead to a staggering increase of up to 450%, bringing rates to nearly $6,000 per year. “In a tough cost-of-living climate, particularly in a community primarily consisting of young families, this isn’t a sustainable option. It would impose an unfair burden on our residents,” Mayor Byrne argued. “Such a move would also deter potential homebuyers.”
Box Hill is projected to house over 50,000 residents within the next decade, prompting concerns from local residents like Neerav Sharma, who has lived in the area for three years. “Box Hill has incredible potential for families, but the daily commutes and lack of necessary facilities seriously diminish our quality of life,” Mr. Sharma remarked. “We urgently need more schools, improved roads, and enhanced local services to make this area both desirable and livable.”
Local MP Robyn Preston raised issues regarding the outdated infrastructure unable to keep pace with Box Hill’s burgeoning population. “Families expect essential services and facilities that have yet to be delivered,” she said. “An enormous rate increase is not the solution—these families are already contending with rising everyday expenses and mortgage costs.”
Delaying housing construction is also tied to inadequate drainage systems in the area. Mayor Byrne explained that the funding shortfall prevents the development of crucial stormwater management infrastructure. “If we had the necessary drainage in place, we could potentially see an additional 150 homes constructed, contributing to addressing the housing crisis,” she added.
In response to these pressing concerns, The Hills Shire Council has initiated the “Fight for a Fairer Hills Future” campaign, urging the NSW Government to allocate funds for vital infrastructure projects in Box Hill and across the wider Hills region. Mayor Byrne emphasized the importance of community engagement, stating, “We need 20,000 signatures on our petition for it to be brought to Parliament. Let’s advocate for a fairer future for the Hills and ensure our facilities meet the demands of our rapidly growing population.”
As the community continues to push for necessary change, residents are united in their call for action, eager to see the essential infrastructure come to fruition.
Join the fight for a fairer Hills future. Sign the petition today at fairerhillsfuture.com.au.
