• Werribee, Hoppers Crossing, Point Cook Star

By Bridie Byrne

7th July 2009 11:05:22 AM

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YOUNG families have been left devastated by the new urban growth boundary as their homes make way for development.

For 55 years Malcolm Hand has owned a farming property that was going to be a legacy to his children.

With the UBG expanding by another 41,000ha this dream has been “stolen”.

Malcolm said his 13,000ha were going to be acquired for grasslands.

Close to 140 properties are within the two proposed 15,000ha grassland reserves at Mount Cottrell and Little River.

Malcolm said that since receiving a letter on 22 June, he had felt sick.

“I can’t sleep at night we have to make sure it doesn’t affect our health,” he said.

“We have kids, there goes their inheritance.

“What can we do, the government has already decided to take it, they have made up their mind.

“There is 20 days to put in a submission after 55 years, I don’t know how to write a submission.”

Local residents who attended a public information session last Tuesday were looking for answers as to why their homes could be bulldozed.

Up to 300 properties are set to be purchased under the land grab.

Up to 70 properties will be affected by the Tarneit rail line from Werribee to Sunshine.

Roads Minister Tim Pallas said he was aware of the emotional toll.

“The government doesn’t do these things in an insensitive way,” he said.

“When we talk about acquisition we are talking about people’s land and homes.”

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