Settlement history

European settlement dates from the late 1830s when the township of Melton was established, functioning as a rural service centre for the surrounding districts. Land was used mainly for grazing and farming. Growth was minimal until the 1850s, spurred by the gold rush. Expansion took place from the 1890s into the early 1900s, aided by the construction of the railway line and the development of the Melton Reservoir. Residential development was not significant until the 1970s, when the town was identified as a centre for Melbourne's population growth in the west and reticulated water was supplied. Rapid growth took place during the 1970s and 1980s, particularly in and around the township. Up until the late 1980s, Melton township was the only major population centre in the City, although small townships were located at Diggers Rest, Rockbank and Toolern Vale. Significant residential development occurred in the east from the mid 1990s, resulting in the establishment of new suburbs such as Burnside, Caroline Springs and Hillside, and later Taylors Hill. Rapid growth took place from the 1990s, with population increase expected to continue.