SUBMISSIONS to the State Government’s proposed new Urban Growth Boundary and the associated land tax have closed, with more than 3000 statements received.

The proposed Growth Areas Infrastructure Contribution legislation, originally expected to be sent to the Lower House this month, has yet to be released in detail by the government – a fact that is wearing thin with lobby group Taxed Out.

Jeanette Laffan, a Beveridge landowner and secretary of Taxed Out northern division, said the latest fact sheet from the Growth Areas Authority – the group chartered by the government to advise on the UGB and associated tax – was a clear demonstration that the proposals were “legislation on the run”.

“This is the third fact sheet in five weeks – every time they put one out and we put up a fight, they put out a new one,” she said.

The latest Taxed Out protest and information meeting was held at Woodstock Community Hall on Thursday night, with around 250 residents turning out to voice their grievances against the GAIC’s current proposed form.

“We’re not against infrastructure, we’re actually not against an infrastructure levy, they just need to get the timing right,” Mrs Laffan said.

“This tax is related to development, so the tax should be at the time of development, not when the landowner is trying to sell their family farm.”

Mrs Laffan said after the meeting on Thursday that the group had again been disappointed with the lack of government representation at the event.

“It doesn’t surprise me, but at the same time it disgusts me,” she said.

“They haven’t got the guts to come and face us, explain why they’re doing this and hear people’s concerns.”

She said Yan Yean MP Danielle Green had sent an apology for health reasons, Seymour MP Ben Hardman had cited a prior engagement and Liz Beattie had declined an invitation to attend.

A spokesperson for Planning Minister Justin Madden said the GAIC Bill was expected to be introduced into State Parliament later this year.

“The government is taking action to ensure families in Melbourne’s newest communities have access to the infrastructure and services they need and expect,” she said.

“The Planning Minister recently met with this group and listened to their concerns regarding the Growth Area Infrastructure Contribution.”