Place Snapshot: Wollert

Local history

Located north of Epping, the name Wollert is thought to derive from an Aboriginal expression describing a place inhabited by possums.

From 1836 until the early 1850s the area was occupied by large sheep runs. In 1853, much of the land was subdivided into smaller farm lots and the main access roads were laid out.

A village grew up along Epping Road, near Lehmanns Road, which included a couple of churches and a State School (1877-1994). Later, near the corner of Epping and Bridge Inn Roads, a post office (1876), a twentieth century ‘dance palais’, a sports reserve and a CFA station were established.

During the late 1940s several large properties were purchased by the Soldier Settlement Commission for subdivision into farms for eligible ex-servicemen. Until the 1960s, dairying was an economic mainstay.

West of Wollert, at the junction of the Merri Creek and Summerhill Road, was another village called Kinlochewe. At its peak in 1848, about 400 people lived in its vicinity. However it was completely destroyed in the 1851 Black Thursday bushfires.

Wollert’s unique drystone walls, as well as a number of mid to late 19th century homesteads, stand as a reminder of its past.

Land use

The rural north includes the rural balance of the City of Whittlesea, including some rural-residential areas.

The non-urban areas are characterised by forest, cattle grazing, farming and poultry, horse and dog breeding.

Population

Population density and growth

The 2021 population for Wollert was 24,411, compared to 9,060 in 2016.

The number of dwellings in Wollert has grown rapidly, from 2867 in 2016 to 7,748 in 2021, with the average household size growing from 3.2 people per household to 3.3 in 2021.

Demographics

Couples with families make up 63 per cent of households in Wollert, compared with an average of 45 per cent of households across Victoria. 

There is a high proportion of children in Wollert. More than 20 per cent of Wollert's population in 2021 were under the age of 10.

Diversity

In Wollert, 65 per cent of people spoke a language other than English at home in 2021.

The 3 most common languages used at home other than English were Punjabi, Arabic, Hindi and Macedonian.

Employment

11,998 people living in Wollerth in 2021 were employed, of which 58 per cent worked full-time and 30 per cent part-time.

Families and households

In Wollert, 63 per cent of households were made up of couples with children in 2021.

In Wollert, 73 per cent of households were purchasing or fully owned their home, 23.5 per cent were renting in 2021.

Car ownership

Analysis of car ownership in 2021, indicates 68 per cent of households in the rural north had access to 2 or more motor vehicles.

Future growth

In 2010 the State Government extended the Urban Growth Boundary to allow additional urban development to take place in Melbourne’s outer suburbs.

Precinct Structure Plans

Precinct Structure Plans are high-level master plans for whole communities. They lay out roads, retail hubs, schools, parks, housing, employment, connections to transport and generally address biodiversity, cultural heritage, infrastructure provision and funding through the development contributions plan.

The Metropolitan Planning Authority (MPA) is the statutory authority responsible for overseeing the preparation of all Precinct Structure Plans in Melbourne’s growth areas and advising the Minister for Planning on their approval.

The MPA is working in partnership with growth area councils, which includes the City of Whittlesea to complete the planning for Melbourne Growth Areas.

In the City of Whittlesea, the extension of the Urban Growth Boundary has created several future growth areas that will be planned and developed over the next 5 to 30 years.

The State Government’s, Metropolitan Planning Authority, in partnership with Council, has currently prepared the Wollert Precinct Structure Plan.

Major surrounding features

• Yan Yean Reservoir Park
  Managed by Melbourne Water. The Reservoir supplies the northern and central suburbs of Melbourne.
• Toorourrong Reservoir Park (Whittlesea)
  Managed by Parks Victoria. Completely destroyed during the 2009 bushfires, the Victorian Government spent $5.1 million rebuilding the park which re-opened to the public in late 2015 and is also home to the Whittlesea Bushfire Memorial.
• Kinglake National Park
  Has 23,210 hectares of tall forests, fern gullies and rolling hills, an extensive network of walking tracks and other facilities, as well as vantage points offering scenic views. It protects almost 600 native plant
  species, over 40 native mammal and 90 native bird species.
• Growling Frog Golf Course (Yan Yean)
  The course has first class facilities including a restaurant and café, dedicated driving range, putting green, chipping green, practice bunker and more. The creation of a dedicated recycled water supply has ensured there will be plenty of water to keep the course maintained at the highest standard throughout the year.
• Whittlesea Golf Club
  Situated in the Humevale Valley, houses a challenging 18-hole layout for golfers of all standards.
• T H Hurrey Recreation Reserve (Yan Yean)
  Facilities at this 4-hectare park include 4 tennis courts (asphalt), a pavilion and changerooms,
  barbecues, picnic facilities, and a public toilet.
• Tuttle Recreation Reserve (Wollert)
  Facilities at this 2.16 hectare park include 2 public access tennis courts (synthetic grass), a pavilion and clubrooms, picnic facilities, barbecues and public toilets.