Industrial Estate Approved By Creek

VCAT has approved a major industrial subdivision on the edge of Point Cook, paving the way for a development that many residents and Wyndham councillors had hoped would never proceed.

In a decision handed down on 19 June, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal overturned Wyndham City Council’s position and granted a permit for a 19-lot industrial subdivision at 5 Firth Place, a large parcel of land wedged between the Princes Freeway and Skeleton Creek.

The proposal has been one of the most closely watched planning matters in the area, attracting opposition from nearby residents concerned about the impact industrial development could have on local amenity, traffic, open space and the natural environment.

While the subdivision itself does not approve individual warehouses, the permit clears the way for future industrial development on land that has long remained undeveloped despite being zoned Industrial 3.

The site sits directly beside Skeleton Creek and borders residential communities in Point Cook, Seabrook and Altona Meadows.

Concerns Over Appropriate Land Use

For many locals, the land has served as a visual and environmental buffer between established neighbourhoods and major transport infrastructure.

Residents who objected to the proposal argued the scale of future industrial development would fundamentally change the character of the area.

Concerns raised throughout the process included truck traffic, noise, lighting, impacts on wildlife habitat and increased pressure on surrounding roads.

Several residents also argued the industrial estate would sit uncomfortably close to homes, walking trails and public open space, diminishing the appeal of an area that has long been valued for its connection to Skeleton Creek.

The application became contentious within Wyndham City Council.

Planning officers recommended the proposal be supported with conditions, however councillors resolved in September 2025 that they would have refused the permit on a range of planning grounds had a decision been made within the statutory timeframe.

VCAT Rules Otherwise

Among the concerns identified by council were the interface with Skeleton Creek, potential amenity impacts on nearby residential areas, air quality, noise and native vegetation removal.

The matter ultimately proceeded to VCAT after council failed to determine the application within the required timeframe.

Following a three-day hearing in January, VCAT Member Nick Wimbush concluded the site’s constraints could be appropriately managed and that the long-standing industrial zoning supported the subdivision.

The tribunal found the need for industrial land was well established and determined that flooding, vegetation and environmental considerations could be addressed through permit conditions.

VCAT also noted that more than 80 per cent of the site’s native vegetation would be retained within a large balance lot surrounding Skeleton Creek.

Environment, Traffic Among Biggest Fears

The permit includes extensive conditions relating to landscaping, environmental management, stormwater treatment, flooding controls, native vegetation protection and road upgrades.

One of those conditions requires a dedicated left-turn lane from Palmers Road into the future industrial estate, with VCAT finding the additional infrastructure was justified by the development.

Despite the ruling, the decision is unlikely to ease concerns among many nearby residents.

While supporters point to the site’s industrial zoning and the need for employment land in Melbourne’s west, opponents argue the development represents a significant shift for an area better known for open space, creek corridors and residential neighbourhoods.

For residents living near Skeleton Creek, the decision marks the end of a lengthy planning battle and the beginning of a major transformation of one of the last undeveloped parcels of land along this section of the corridor.