About the railway towns

Nar Nar Goon, Tynong, Garfield and Bunyip are known as the ‘railway towns’. They provide a range of activities that contribute to the economic vitality of the rural areas for Cardinia Shire.

A draft background report titled, Cardinia Railway Towns Economic, Social and Land Use Assessment, has been prepared for discussion purposes.

The draft background report identifies the following:

  • The role and function of each of the railway towns (Nar Nar Goon, Tynong, Garfield and Bunyip)
  • The implications of the development of Pakenham and Pakenham East for these towns
  • The relationship between the towns and what role they play in supporting one another
  • The demand and supply for retail, commercial, industrial and residential development within the towns
  • Recommendations to guide the future development of these towns
  • Six principles to ensure the rail towns successfully function as engaging, attractive areas that service the needs of residents, visitors and workers

As part of the first stage of consultation, community feedback was sought on the draft report. This was exhibited from 8 May 2019 to 19 July 2019.

At the Council Meeting on 16 September 2019, Council considered the feedback and resolved that Council:

  • Support that further work is required as outlined in the report in order to provide Council with information and evidence to:
    • satisfy the actions outlined in the 2017-21 Council Plan
    • develop clear policy direction
    • provide a framework to guide any future township strategy for Nar Nar Goon and Tynong or review the existing strategies of Garfield and Bunyip
    • articulate principles that are based on sound evidence and community input that can be used as an advocate tool where Council does not have the authority to make decisions.
  • Advise all submitters be of Council's resolution and Council's webpage be updated to reflect the next steps of this project.

Further community consultation will be undertaken throughout this project.

1) Nar Nar Goon and Tynong are the priority

  • Garfield & Bunyip are located within the UGB (satellite areas) and both towns have a township strategy (Bunyip Township Strategy (2009) and Garfield Township Strategy (2002)).
  • Nar Nar Goon and Tynong, do not have a UGB or a township strategy.
2) Understanding key infrastructure and services - current capacity and impact of future expansion
  • Understanding the provision of key infrastructure/services (drainage, sewer and water) is crucial in moving forward with the background report.
  • Elements that need to be considered, understood and clearly documented in the report include:
  • the capacity and priority of an agency to deliver the infrastructure
  • the cost of the delivery of new or upgraded infrastructure and who pays.
  • Just stating that an investigation or review is required does not put Council in a position to make an informed decision on key elements such as the principles or make a decision as to whether an expansion could be accommodated within the towns within a specified timeframe
3) Principles - clear direction based on evidence

  • The principles need to be clearly documented and based on evidence to ensure they:
  • provide Council with a set of key 'positions' that form the framework of what Council does or doesn't want to see for the rail towns and the green wedge.
  • identify key elements that are important to Council that can be used to advocate to the State Government if the railway towns are in a position to seek expansion outside their current footprint.
  • assist Council in assessing future proposals, such as the NNG Mesh Report should an official Council position be sought in the future.
4) Current footprint of Nar Nar Goon and Tynong - additional work required
  • The background report should not only provide Council with the necessary analysis to pursue updated policies for the towns with regards to land use and development, but it should also provide a clear understanding of what is the capacity of Nar Nar Goon and Tynong today. The implementation strategy within the background report identified "Prepare a detailed residential zone review for all four towns to determine opportunities for rezoning" as a high priority.

5) Requirement of a principle identifying change - the extent and preferred location

  • It is important to ensure that if a principle is included in the background report that supports expansion of the rail towns, the principle should provide direction about the extent and preferred location of the expansion as well as the impact of that growth. This information should be clearly documented to help inform any township strategy.