URGENT UPDATE: Local resident Melissa Frost is mobilizing against a proposed industrial precinct that threatens the environmental integrity of Skeleton Creek and the liveability of surrounding suburbs, including Point Cook, Seabrook, and Altona Meadows. The planning application to subdivide land at 5 Firth Place into 19 industrial lots was submitted to Wyndham Council on 2 August 2024, sparking significant community backlash.
As the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) prepares to hold its first compulsory conference on 17 October 2025, tensions are escalating. Frost, who lives less than 300 meters from the proposed site, argues that the development would transform the region into a “depressing, disgusting concrete jungle.”
“This is not just about property values; this is about the quality of life for our community,” Frost stated emphatically. She fears that the industrialization would lead to pollution, noise, and the loss of local wildlife, damaging the ecosystem for generations.
Wyndham Council has recently taken a stand, supporting over 100 resident objections and unanimously voting against an officer’s recommendation to grant the permit to the developer, Schiavello Group. As discussions intensify, the council faces pressure from both residents and the developer, who is looking to expedite the process through VCAT due to delays in the council’s decision-making.
Even more concerning, Melbourne Water, the regional drainage and floodplain authority, has given conditional approval for the development, which Frost finds perplexing. “How Melbourne Water can put their stamp of approval on this is beyond me,” she said, highlighting the potential risks to the local environment and community wellbeing.
Frost warns that the consequences of this development extend far beyond her own backyard. “There are so many walking groups, cyclists, and families who enjoy nature here. This would destroy their right to enjoy such a beautiful environment,” she added.
In response to the mounting community concerns, Frost urges residents to voice their opposition. “Once it’s gone, it’s gone forever,” she declared, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
The council’s decision and community response will be pivotal in the upcoming VCAT meeting. As this situation unfolds, the implications for Skeleton Creek and its surrounding areas remain critical.
What’s Next? All eyes will be on the VCAT conference on 17 October 2025, where community members, including Frost, will formally present their opposition. The outcome of this meeting could shape the future of the local environment and community for years to come.
As stakeholders await the tribunal’s decision, the community remains on high alert, prepared to fight for the preservation of their environment.
