Doncaster Hill

Doncaster Hill
Doncaster Hill, viewed from Heidelberg, looking south-east (Dandenong Ranges in background)
Highest point
Elevation	120 m (390 ft)AHD
Prominence	Low
Geography
Location	Victoria, Australia
Climbing
Easiest route	Car, Bus (sealed road)

Doncaster Hill is one of the highest points in the metropolitan area of Melbourne, Australia. Located in the suburb of Doncaster, it is 120 metres above sea level and has uninterrupted views of the city, Port Phillip, Macedon Ranges, the You Yang Ranges and Dandenong Ranges. The hill experienced extensive low-density urban development during the 1960s and 70s, consisting of typical detached suburban dwellings.

The surrounding transport infrastructure is heavily reliant on private automobiles. The City of Manningham has enacted policies to encourage high-density development atop the hill, however it lacks a holistic policy and incentives scheme to properly encourage sustainable urban development and transit-oriented development. As a result, the housing available is generally marketed to higher income earners and are of low practical quality.

Government Planning Strategies

The Doncaster Hill Precinct strategy is a 20 year, AUD$2 billion proposal created by the City of Manningham for the area. The 58 hectare precinct identified by the strategy is located 12 kilometres from Melbourne's central business district and is situated close to main arterial roads, including the Eastern Freeway, but is poorly serviced by public transport, no trains or trams are anywhere near the precinct, only buses.

The strategy aims to create an urban village which reduces urban sprawl that would otherwise place pressure on natural environments in the green wedges to the precinct's east. The proposal includes both residential and commercial developments. Streetscapes, parks, transport and planning schemes are all being improved and amended as part of the proposal.

Current developments in the area include the Westfield Doncaster shopping centre as well as a number of low-density commercial/residential buildings. A number of projects have already begun on Doncaster Hill, which has so far been limited to medium-density residential towers and flats. Investors are shying away from committing to a proposal that does not include upgraded public transport and car-free precincts, which is slowing the current progress of development.

Many investors want to undertake developments like that of Council House 2 in Melbourne's CBD and argue that the Manningham City council's proposal for the Doncaster Hill precinct is dated and should focus more on sustainability to entice investors.

Car-free Doncaster Hill

Central Melbourne as seen from atop Doncaster Hill.

There is much pressure on Manningham City Council to implement car-free approaches to the Doncaster Hill precinct. Included in this proposal is the extension of the number 48 tram along Doncaster Road and the extension of the train line along the Eastern Freeway to Manningham.

Doncaster Road once carried over 50,000 vehicles per day, but since 1997 it has no longer been used as a major through-road since the Eastern Freeway was extended to Springvale road in 1997 and as such Doncaster Road with its wide berth would be a perfect candidate for the implementation of car-free streetscape.

The precinct could be one of the first in the world to be entirely car-free along with others in Germany, Denmark, the United States and many more. This, coupled with the proposed reconstruction of the Doncaster Tower and the existing nearby Contemporary Art Gallery has the potential to make Doncaster Hill a major tourist attraction and progressive destination for potential residents.

Eastern Golf Club

Slightly down the hill towards the city is the Eastern Golf Club, a golf course which has been proposed to be sold. Although three preservation groups advocate rezoning the land to prevent any redevelopment, if the sale goes through it could be used to construct a medium-density sustainable urban precinct treating its own waste, collecting its own water and generating its own electricity. Many suggest coupling this potential sustainable land development with the doncaster hill precinct to create one of the largest car-free areas in the world in an existing urban environment. However, this is unlikely as it would require large political support.

Retain Eastern At Doncaster (READ) group attempted to present the alternative to relocation which would keep The Eastern Golf Club in its location at Doncaster. Neighbourhood gatherings to show support to the members were held, Local Government and expert consultation was made and support gained especially from Manningham City Council, MP Mary Wooldridge and Councillors. Provision for water was explored and planned for - water was the significant resource needed to build a sustainable future for the club. For information regarding the alternative to relocation, also discussion & support messages. http://easternsupport.bravehost.com/index.html

Doncaster Tower Reconstruction

Many local residents and historical societies have suggested constructing a replica of the original Doncaster Tower atop Doncaster Hill. The proposal suggests it be constructed of reinforced concrete clad in timber to replicate the original construction. This would provide another man-made drawcard to the area, provide 360 degree views of Melbourne and its surrounding environment as well as increased telecommunication installation opportunities.

Precincts

There are seven proposed precincts in the Doncaster Hill planning strategy. Five of the precincts are residential, one is retail and the other is for civic purposes.

Precinct 1

Precinct 1, or the Civic Precinct, covers the non-residential area off Doncaster Road, near the municipal offices.

External links

• Doncaster Hill official website