The proposed rezoning of Rossdale Golf Course for residential purposes has caused community unrest due to environmental concerns and a lack of community input. On behalf of a constituent, Rachel asked for assurance that thorough environmental assessments will be completed before greenlighting any development.
Thursday the 28th of August, 2025
Victorian Legislative Council
Rachel Payne (South-Eastern Metropolitan):
My constituency question is for the Minister for Planning. My constituent has lived in Edithvale for over 30 years. She has expressed deep environmental concerns about the proposed rezoning of Aspendale’s Rossdale golf course. This significantly contributes to the local tree canopy.
Adjoining the internationally recognised Edithvale wetlands, it serves as a vital habitat and wildlife corridor for native flora and fauna. This site is also prone to flooding and currently acts as a buffer for neighbouring properties. Yet the government is considering plans to redevelop the privately owned land into 700 to 1000 residential dwellings.
So my constituent asks: will the minister ensure there is a comprehensive and transparent environmental and flooding assessment before a final decision is made on the development of Rossdale golf course?
Written response received, 15th of October 2025:
I thank the Member for South Eastern Metropolitan Region for the question about the Rossdale Golf Course.
I acknowledge the concerns raised about the environmental significance of the golf course land and the adjoining Ramsar wetlands, along with tree canopy, habitat and flooding.
Tract Consultants on behalf of the Rossdale Golf Club requested that I intervene to prepare a planning scheme amendment to rezone the land. I have not agreed to intervene at this time and there is no amendment in train. I considered the preparation of a planning scheme amendment would be premature and have referred the matter to the Priority Projects Standing Advisory Committee for consideration and advice.
The committee will consider whether the first five steps of the Planning Guidelines for the Redevelopment of Golf Course Land to Other Purposes (June 2020) have been satisfactorily undertaken. This includes a review of the detailed assessments undertaken of the existing environmental values of the land and the flood impacts of any potential development.
The committee process is public and, when completed, its report will be publicly available.
Hon Sonya Kilkenny MP
Minister for Planning
Related:
> Hampton Park waste transfer station proposal – Rachel Payne
> Fix Chelsea station crossing – Rachel Payne
> Better buses in Kingston – Rachel Payne
External:
> Priority Projects referral 48: Rossdale Golf Course
> Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands | Ramsar Sites Information Service
