Why a threatened frog became part of new Melbourne’s new community

Key points

• Woodlea at Aintree, a Melbourne west estate home to about 17,000 people, has been named Australia's best new community. Fifteen young growling grass frogs were recorded within a year of a purpose-built wetland habitat being created along Kororoit Creek.
• The estate won Development of the Year at the 2026 Urban Developer Awards. Judges praised the early delivery of schools, parks, shops and transport links.
• Residents say the estate has grown from a small pocket of homes into a full suburb, though they want the Melton line electrified sooner.