Happy to supply local knowledge, some more tips:
I agree with confidence in earlier posts about the Harness Racing Centre, and can confirm this construction is booming ahead, at all hours and days of the week. Advance publicity announces largest of its type in Aust (and poss sth hemisph), and will incorporate hotel, conference facilities, etc. etc. on a huge parcel of land, on the industrial park end of town. Across the road from the golf driving range, and a neighbour of Frews, (v large meat wholesaler), Saizaryia(?), Boral etc. etc.
Other recent developments - new health facility (Melton Health) with day procedure centre, chemo suite, etc. , Aldi store (v popular), Tasman meats (exc meat wholesaler direct to public).
Children - everywhere; Melton is disproportionate to the general population of Vic in this regard. Larger than average number of kids, v small pop of seniors (although recent developments of large nursing homes). As a result of bulge in this population, lots of services for kids. Wave pool, basketball stadium, although just redeveloped has also been outgrown and a further stadium mooted. Lots of primary & secondary schools (a couple with enrolments 1500+) also small campus of Vic Uni. All the associated sporting assoc, and playing fields. All good news for investors...
More on transport issues: Deer Park bypass ahead of schedule due to no rain stoppages during winter (silver lining to drought I guess). More roadworks at Rockbank fixing blackspot intersection of minor country road with Wstn Hwy. Other road option to city is Melton Hwy (struggles at peak times) and then Calder/Tulla Fwy (heavily congested as then joining with traffic from Watergardens, Taylors Lakes, Sunbury etc).
Todays local paper - Caroline Springs residents holding public meeting to complain about lack of train station between Rockbank and Albion, forcing them to drive or bus to either of these (15 mins drive), and then standing room only. BY comparison Melton has established station and has extended car parking in recent years. Rockbank has station but limited service.
More on Rockbank: personally i wouldnt recommend. Its name derives from the fact that it is built on a base of rock, which has to be jackhammered or blasted to make way for slabs, plumbing, etc. Costly. Also only has a general store - even petrol station closed down. No shopping at all. Does however have a caravan park (??) which has recently been overhauled and has a lot of new permanent cabins. (Melton also has rocky soil, and all houses are built on slab due to this)
So i guess if you're considering the area; Melton still a rural/urban mix and a services hub for surrounds; Bacchus Marsh (8 mins west) more rural but also seeing housing growth,;Rockbank a dormitory type suburb but with virtually no services; Caroline Springs much more suburban, but not yet caught up with facilities (still building schools, etc), ditto its adjoining cousins, Taylors Hill, etc.
One final thought that might go a little way to explain the lure of Melton - A LOT of truckies live here as its on a major route, and the low land price is attractive as larger blocks which allow truck parking.
If any of this is of interest, fine. Please feel free to pump me for specifics, as i have only recently discovered this site, and i'm learning heaps myself.
cheers,