For decades, Riddells Creek has been a sleepy rural town beneath the picturesque Macedon Ranges where geese wander freely and a trip to the shops means bumping into plenty of familiar faces. But big change is now coming for this country community, which has been earmarked for a residential explosion. Plans for a property development would double the size of Riddells Creek, which lies just beyond Melbourne’s northern outskirts.
The wandering geese of Riddells Creek. Credit: Justin McManus Residents are now hitting back at the development plan, arguing it would destroy the rural character and undermine the close nature of their community. The Victorian government is considering new planning conditions and a permit application allowing for residential development at a large site in Amess Road in Riddells Creek.
A long-term plan for the site prepared by Echelon Planning, on behalf of Banner Asset Management – which owns much of the land – says the Amess Road precinct would have about 1360 dwellings accommodating about 3800 residents. In the 2021 census, Riddells Creek had a population of almost 3600. In 2011, it was just under 2800.
The site of proposed development at Riddells Creek. Credit: Justin McManus “The Amess Road precinct will create an attractive extension to the existing Riddells Creek township, providing long-term residential growth for Macedon Ranges Shire,” the Echelon planning document says. Stage one would include 182 lots and further growth may occur ov.
