Key details
Location
Epping/Wollert, Victoria
Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country
Policy objective
Affordability, Sustainability, Environmental protection rejuvenation and enhancement
Project partners
City of WhittleseaYarra Valley Water
Environment Protection Authority
Aurora Community Association
Overview
Aurora is a well-established, master planned community located 25kms from Melbourne over the established suburb of Epping and thriving Wollert.
Home to over 7,000 people, Aurora is serviced by numerous schools, child care and community centres, parks and gardens.
Development Victoria delivered approximately 2,000 affordable and diverse housing opportunities between 2005 to 2016 – all located within walking distance to the Aurora Town Centre, schools, open space and public transport.
Aurora, is one of the most sustainable housing development of its kind in Australia, with many leading edge environmental design elements, including 6-Star energy designed homes and Class A recycled water delivered to every home. Aurora's 6-Star energy designed homes could save up to 5 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per year.
The Habitas - Aurora residential development in Wollert is the latest accommodation offering, which will provide 89 new homes for the region at various price points to suit a range of Victorian home buyers. All homes will incorporate sustainability initiatives such as recycled water, solar hot water, LED lighting, and minimum 6-star rating with passive solar design. Construction of homes will commence in early 2024. For more information about Habitas, visit the Habitas Aurora website.
Aurora has an abundance of parks and green open spaces, including numerous sporting courts, ovals, playgrounds and exercise stations. The natural surrounds of Edgars Creek create the perfect backdrop for a leisurely stroll or ride along nearby trails, all of which are within walking distance from residential areas.
In 2021, we completed Edgars Creek Reserve - a 1.1 hectare park including extensive recreational and playground equipment, featuring shared paths, picnic tables, a fitness node, swings, trampolines and a flying fox. Edgars Creek was also rejuvenated as part of this project, and a pedestrian bridge connects residents to the west of the creek with the reserve, and the Aurora Town Centre.
A major transport corridor runs through the Aurora site, reserved for a future train line. A bus service also runs through the development, offering convenient public transport options for residents.
In mid 2023, we completed the final section of Edgars Road, between Rockfield Street and O’Herns Road, providing locals and surrounding communities easier access to retail, parks, schools and more. Connecting Edgars Road also provided residents with safe, quick and easy access to the newly completed Hume Freeway Interchange.
The first stage of the Aurora Northern Town Centre is complete and includes two major supermarkets, the Galada Community Centre, specialty retail shops, community and medical facilities and car parking.
Further expansion of the Aurora Northern Town Centre is planned within the next five years, and will include greater retail and commercial amenity, to ensure that residents don’t need to travel far for their daily needs.
Planning for a Business Park within Aurora is also underway, which will deliver further jobs and economic development opportunities for the local area.
630ha project area
2,000 homes
7,000 residents
25.2ha open space
Statement regarding Kangaroos on Edgars Road
Development Victoria is working closely with the City of Whittlesea, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) and Wildlife Victoria to help manage the presence of kangaroos near the recently opened section of Edgars Road.
The safety of the community and the well-being of local wildlife are key priorities for Development Victoria at this time and we are taking some immediate steps, as well as longer term action to help manage the situation
All options are being considered to ensure the safety of the kangaroos and drivers in the area, as well as ensuring that local community are protected.
Development Victoria has installed temporary fencing which will help prevent the Kangaroos from venturing onto the road.
We are also installing subsequent fencing to ensure the kangaroos are safely and progressively encouraged off the site towards the undeveloped land to the west of Edgars Rd. This will be undertaken under the guidance of a qualified ecologist, and once all the relevant approvals have been secured.
To help manage the situation into the future, Development Victoria has developed a Kangaroo Management Plan (KMP) for the area, which provides a comprehensive assessment of the issue and provide recommendations for the future management of Kangaroos at Aurora.
In accordance with expert advice, permanent yellow warning signs have been installed along Edgars Road, alerting drivers to the presence of kangaroos, and advising that they exercise caution while driving through the area. There are also signs along the road and on the staged fencing advising the public of our actions to keep the kangaroos safe, and what number to call if they become aware of injured wildlife. A copy of the sign can be found on our resources page.
Read FAQs and find out more about the Kangaroo Management Plan on the Kangaroos at Edgars Road tab.
Construction Update December 2023
Timeline
Development Plan one approved
Development commenced
Creeds Park precinct opens for first residents
First primary school opens
Development Plan two approved
Won ATUG (Australian Telecommunications Users Group) Award for Broadband Excellence
Won UDIA Environmental Excellence Award
Won Banksia Award for Built Environment
Won Property Council of Australia for Sustainable Development
Tennis courts open
Won AILA (Australian Institute of Landscape Architects) 2012 for Conservation Management
Developed 2,000 lots (since commencing in 2005)
Sale of 410 hectares of land at Epping North at Aurora Estate to Lendlease
Northern Town Centre opens
Galada Community Centre opens
Early: Harvest Home Primary School opens
Late: Edgars Rd North connection opens
Early: Edgars Creek Secondary College
Early: Aurora Town Centre Park opens
Mid: Habitas sales commenced
Late: Edgars Creek Reserve completed
Late: O’Herns Rd Freeway Interchange opens
Late: Edgars Rd Works commence
Late: Habitas civil works commence
August: Edgars Rd works complete
Late: Master planning of Stage 2 of Habitas residential development underway
Late: Civil works on Habitas residential development site complete
Early: Habitas townhouse construction expected to commence
Late: Works on Koukoura Drive commence
Early: First residents move into Habitas
Mid: Final Habitas homes to be completed
Late: Koukoura Drive completed
Works on a new linear park commence
Outcomes
Since the project began in 2005 we’ve helped deliver:
- 2,000 Residential Lots
- Northern Town Centre
- 20 parks and playgrounds
- 8 childcares
- 3 primary schools
- 1 Secondary school
- 2 Community Centres – Creeds Farm Living and Learning Centre
- 25.2 hectares of Open Space
- 68.5 hectares of Protected Conservation Reserves
- Over 5 kilometres of walking and Cycling Paths
- 9 Exercise Stations
- Supported delivery for two of Aurora’s three schools
- Recycled Water Infrastructure
- Two direct freeway interchanges
- Harvest Home Road Upgrade
- Edgars Road (Ongoing)
Priority Access
Approach
Development Victoria developed the master plan for Aurora over 20 years ago (when we were known as Places Victoria) which involved extensive stakeholder engagement with a strong focus on community development and securing essential community infrastructure.
Aurora was designed to raise the benchmark within the property development industry by demonstrating new and innovative ways to manage our finite resources and reduce greenhouse emissions. It was envisioned that Aurora would be a pioneer in the reuse of water and energy efficiency.
The goal of Aurora is to push continuously toward more sustainable land, community and built form outcomes. The initiatives that Aurora implements today will continue to evolve and change over time as new technology allows us to improve our practices. Development Victoria is confident that Aurora will be a model development for the future, both now and through its life.
Sustainability
Aurora was the first greenfield development of its size to mandate 6-star energy efficiency to all homes and incorporate minimum sustainability initiatives, leading the way for the implementation of these standards in Victoria. These include:
- Water sensitive urban design using swales and rain gardens in streetscapes and public reserves
- Regeneration and enhancement of Edgars Creek waterway throughout the development
- Fibre to the Home (FTTH) infrastructure to approximately 1,500 homes, providing high speed internet services
- Third (purple) pipe infrastructure, delivering recycled water to all homes and public amenities
- Habitat conservation and enhancement of endangered and protected flora and fauna
- Solar power infrastructure to parklands
- Passive solar design to maximise natural resources and reduce energy consumption in homes
- Solar hot water systems to all homes
- 4 and 5-star heating, cooling and appliances, and AAA efficient water fixtures to homes
The Aurora project was instrumental in the development of an industry-wide Sustainable Community Rating tool, which was developed in partnership with the Urban Development Institute of Australia, the Property Council of Australia and the Municipal Association of Victoria.
A key sustainable feature of Aurora is its recycled water system. Aurora is the first development of its kind to incorporate wastewater recycling and reuse as well as internal household water management. Wastewater from kitchens, bathrooms and laundries is collected from all homes and treated through a local sewerage plant to Class A standard, as defined by the EPA. From there it is directed through a third pipe back to homes for toilet flushing, garden watering and car washing.
An extensive network of public open space and passive recreational areas within the development are irrigated using the recycled water.
Awards
- AILA (Australian Institute of Landscape Architects) 2012 for Conservation Management ATUG
- Banksia Award 2008 for Built Environment
- Property Council of Australia 2008 for Sustainable Development
- (Australian Telecommunications Users Group) 2007 for Broadband Excellence
- UDIA Environmental Excellence Award 2007
Location
The Aurora development is located near Epping, north-east of Melbourne. Edgars Road runs through the estate and provides a vital link to O'Herns Road and Hume Freeway.
Development Victoria acknowledges the Wurundjeri people as the Traditional Custodians of the land now named Aurora.
Who to contact about this project
For more information, or to receive updates about this development visit the Habitas Aurora website.
Latest news
View allWas this page helpful?
Resources
- Kangaroos near Edgars Road, Epping signage PNG, 517.1 kb
- Aurora Summer Community Update 2023 PDF, 421.7 kb
- Aurora Autumn Community Update 2023 PDF, 485.7 kb
- Aurora Spring Community Update 2022 PDF, 372.6 kb
- Aurora Autumn Community Update 2022 PDF, 786.6 kb
- Aurora Spring Community Update 2021 PDF, 1.0 mb
Design guidelines
- Design Standards Stages 1C and 2B PDF, 2.7 mb
- Design Standards Stage 17 PDF, 3.5 mb
- Design Standards Stage 17B PDF, 4.7 mb
- Design Standards Stages 19 to 21 PDF, 2.9 mb
- Design Standards Stages 22 and 23 PDF, 2.9 mb
- Design Standards Stages 24 to 26 PDF, 4.4 mb
- Design Standards Stage 29 PDF, 1.7 mb
- Design Standards Stage B3 - Epping Release PDF, 3.4 mb
EPBC annual monitoring reports
- Aurora EPBC Act approval compliance report - January 2023 to December 2023 PDF, 7.5 mb
- Aurora EPBC Approval Compliance Report Final – July 2021 to December 2022 – Biosis PDF, 29.0 mb
- Biosis – Annual Monitoring Report – Golden Sun Moth – 2016/17 – DV PDF, 1.4 mb
- Biosis – Annual Monitoring Report – Golden Sun Moth – 2016/17 – LL PDF, 6.1 mb
- Biosis – Annual Monitoring Report – Matted Flax-lily – 2016/17 – DV PDF, 2.9 mb
- Biosis – Annual Monitoring Report – Matted Flax-lily – 2016/17 – LL PDF, 372.4 kb
- Biosis – Annual Monitoring Report – Golden Sun Moth – 2017/18 – LL PDF, 2.0 mb
- Biosis – Annual Monitoring Report – Golden Sun Moth – 2017/18 – DV PDF, 1.9 mb
- Biosis – Annual Monitoring Report – Matted Flax-lily – 2017/18 –DV PDF, 2.9 mb
- Biosis – Annual Monitoring Report – Matted Flax-lily – 2017/18 – LL PDF, 5.0 mb
- Biosis – Matted Flax-lily Photopoint Monitoring Report 2008-2017 PDF, 72.7 mb
- Biosis – Annual Monitoring Report – Matted Flax Lily – 2018/19 – LL PDF, 2.6 mb
- Biosis – Annual Monitoring Report – Matted Flax Lily – 2018/19 – DV PDF, 2.2 mb
- Biosis – Annual Monitoring Report – Golden Sun Moth – 2018/19 – LL PDF, 2.9 mb
- Biosis – Annual Monitoring Report – Golden Sun Moth – 2018/19 – DV PDF, 2.2 mb
- Aurora EPBC Approval Compliance Report – Year 10 to October 2019 – Biosis PDF, 3.3 mb
Kangaroo Management Plan
Development Victoria is working closely with the City of Whittlesea, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) and Wildlife Victoria to help manage the presence of kangaroos near the recently opened section of Edgars Road.
The safety of the community and the wellbeing of local wildlife are key priorities for Development Victoria at this time and we are taking some immediate steps, as well as longer term action to help manage the situation.
All options are being considered to ensure the safety of the kangaroos and drivers in the area, as well as ensuring that local community are protected.
Development Victoria has installed temporary fencing which will help prevent the kangaroos from venturing onto the road.
We are also installing subsequent fencing to ensure the kangaroos are safely and progressively encouraged off the site towards the undeveloped land to the west of Edgars Road. This will be undertaken under the guidance of a qualified ecologist, and once all the relevant approvals have been secured.
To help manage the situation into the future, Development Victoria has developed a Kangaroo Management Plan (KMP) for the area, which provides a comprehensive assessment of the issue and recommendations for the future management of kangaroos near Edgars Road in Aurora. A copy of the KMP can be found below, together with Frequently Asked Questions about the issue and our planned response.
In accordance with expert advice, permanent yellow warning signs have been installed along Edgars Road, alerting drivers to the presence of kangaroos, and advising that they exercise caution while driving through the area. There are also signs along the road and on the staged fencing advising the public of our actions to keep the kangaroos safe, and what number to call if they become aware of injured wildlife. A copy of the sign can be found below.
Kangaroos near Edgars Road, Epping signage
Kangaroos at Edgars Road, Epping FAQs
Development Victoria is working closely with the City of Whittlesea, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) and Wildlife Victoria to help manage the presence of kangaroos near the recently opened section of Edgars Road in Epping.
The safety of the community and the wellbeing of local wildlife are key priorities for Development Victoria and a range of initiatives have been undertaken.
These include the installation of temporary fencing to prevent kangaroos from venturing onto the road and the installation of additional signs along Edgars Road. We have also installed staged fencing to ensure the kangaroos are safely and progressively encouraged off the site towards the undeveloped land to the west of Edgars Road (see map below). This will continue to be undertaken under the guidance of qualified ecologists, and in accordance with the Kangaroo Management Plan.
To help manage the situation now and into the future, Development Victoria has developed a Kangaroo Management Plan (KMP) for the area, which provides a comprehensive assessment of the issue and recommendations for managing the presence of kangaroos near the recently opened Edgars Rd.
We have installed temporary fencing along Edgars Rd to prevent kangaroos from venturing onto the road, helping to keep both the kangaroos and drivers safe.
Subsequent fencing is now being installed to ensure the kangaroos are safely and progressively encouraged off the site towards the undeveloped land to the west of Edgars Road. This continues to be undertaken under the guidance of qualified ecologists, and in accordance with the KMP.
There is a gap in the fencing along Cotters Rd to allow the kangaroos to move further to the west where there are multiple permanent water sources, including Edgars Creek.
To help protect the kangaroos as they pass through, two VMS signs have been installed on Cotters Rd (one facing north and one facing south) with the following messaging: CAUTION REDUCE SPEED / INCREASED KANGAROO ACTIVITY.
In accordance with expert advice,permanent yellow warning signs have been installed along Edgars Road, alerting drivers to the presence of kangaroos and advising that they exercise caution while driving through the area. There are also signs along the road advising drivers of a phone number to call if they become aware of injured wildlife.
Whittlesea Council, now the responsible authority for Edgars Road, has also reduced the speed limit along the road to 50km/hr in a further step to protect drivers, pedestrians, and the kangaroos.
We do not expect any direct impacts for residents or local businesses while the staged fencing takes place. There may be some temporary road closures in early 2024 as some elements of the KMP are implemented.
If a member of the public becomes aware of a kangaroo either within the fenced area, or an injured/distressed kangaroo in proximity to the site, we request that this is reported to Wildlife Victoria (contact information listed below), so that the kangaroo can be safely attended to by an expert.
- Wildlife Victoria – 1300 094 535
The staged fencing process has commenced and is expected to be completed in early 2024.
Over the coming months, drivers are encouraged to be aware that kangaroos may begin using new routes to navigate through the suburb, and to exercise additional caution on local roads.
This approach has been developed to encourage the kangaroos to the undeveloped area to the west of Edgars Road, which is a suitable natural habitat providing adequate food and water resources.
A Kangaroo Management Plan provides a comprehensive assessment of the issue and recommendations for the effective management of kangaroos near the recently opened Edgars Road.
Development Victoria has worked with Ecology and Heritage Partners to develop a Kangaroo Management Plan for the site to minimise risks to kangaroos, people and the environment. The plan is being considered by the Conservation Regulator at the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA). We have also installed new signage alerting drivers to the presence of kangaroos and fencing along Edgars Road.
We were first alerted to concerns about kangaroos on the new road in early August and acted quickly to install new signage, fencing along Edgars Road and prepare a KMP.
The wellbeing of these kangaroos is important, and the staged fencing approach will allow us to encourage the kangaroos to the undeveloped land to the west of Edgars Road, with minimal stress to the kangaroos.
Regular inspections will be carried out by qualified ecologists to ensure the welfare of the kangaroos is managed in accordance with best practice, as they are safely encouraged away from the current site towards a more suitable site to the west.
The welfare and safety of the local Eastern Grey Kangaroo population is a key priority. This Kangaroo Management Plan has been prepared to address the immediate issue of kangaroos near the recently opened Edgars Road. A subsequent Kangaroo Management Plan will be created to address the issue of kangaroos in the vicinity of our future development site/s in Aurora, including land to the west.
Download the Kangaroo Management Plan
Updated on 16 April 2024