JANUARY 15, 2019 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
NEWS + SPORT + PROPERTY GUIDE
Sands of time stand still
Jessica Micallef
(Pictures: Marco De Luca)
Fluttering fairies and magical mushrooms have taken up residence in Riddells Creek. The Enchanted Forest Sand Sculpting Exhibition showcases sculptures, each handcrafted from 30 tonnes of sand, to capture children’s imaginations. Exhibition tour guide Rosie Gallicchio said 11 international sculptors had created a dazzling display that tells an enchanting tale. “It’s a story about a little girl named Odette, with a rabbit named Tony, trying to find the missing fairy’s magical keys,” she said. “We wanted to bring the wonder of the beautiful part of living in a forest to life in sand sculptures.” Ms Gallicchio said children could feast their eyes on imaginary creatures that come to life through sand. “We’ve got fairies, unicorns, goblins, griffins, we’ve got mushroom people,” she said. The exhibition will run until April 30, Wednesday to Sunday, at 1012 Kilmore Road, Riddells Creek. Tickets can be purchased at ticketebo. com.au/sandartgallery ELLA, 8
Sunbury’s housing boost By Jessica Micallef Families and first home buyers are set to benefit from more affordable housing in a new Sunbury community. The state government has approved the Sunbury South and Lancefield Road Precinct Structure Plan, which will provide 19,000 homes and 6000 jobs close to schools, trains and upgraded roads, as part of its Homes for Victorians strategy.
The Victorian Planning Authority, together with Hume council, prepared the PSP for the new community, which will be next to Goonawarra and Jacksons Hill residential areas. Sunbury South will be developed over 20 years, with about 1000 houses expected to be built in the next five years. More than 2800 hectares will be available with almost 40 per cent of open space, including a regional park, a conservation network along
the Jacksons Creek corridor and a reserve at Redstone Hill. A town centre, health and emergency service facilities, six primary schools, two secondary schools and one prep-to-12 school are included in the plans. Land has also been set aside for two train stations, two bridge crossings in Jacksons Creek and three grade-separated road crossings of rail lines. Acting Premier Tim Pallas said the Sunbury South and Lancefield Road plan was important
for dealing with the rising population in Melbourne’s north. “We said we’d deliver an additional 100,000 lots, and we’ve got it done,” Mr Pallas said. “This increase in supply is also a boost to the construction industry, creating jobs. “This will ensure there is plenty of new housing coming to market to stay ahead of population growth and make new homes close to jobs, services and schools as affordable as possible.”