Stay informed on the major changes to housing planning rules proposed by the Victorian Government.
Join us at the community forum on 11 February 2025 to learn about the local impact of what we know so far and what’s likely coming.
This public information session will explain how it could change your rights and promote higher density living in Boroondara. We’ll share factors to consider in planning for population growth and housing development, and what Council had done to plan for this.
Community forum details
Tuesday 11 February, 6:30 pm
Hawthorn Arts Centre, Main Hall and live-streamed
We know more housing is needed
But this housing needs to be in the right locations - which should be determined through community consultation and evidence-based planning.
The reforms itself won’t build more houses or more affordable housing. It relies on developers to deliver the new housing and meet the Victorian Government’s targets.
Council is committed to supporting the community of the future. Our strategic documents are based on extensive research and data projections and underwent community engagement. Prime examples are our Boroondara Housing Strategy and our Camberwell Junction Structure and Place Plan - but the impact of these reforms may also extend to our Climate Action Plan and other local strategies.
Impact of the reforms
The places in Boroondara marked for major changes are (as of writing this article):
- Camberwell Junction
- train stations of Hawthorn, Glenferrie and Auburn.
The reforms include supporting taller building heights and changing planning controls, such as rezoning neighbourhoods near the centre for more development and auto-approving certain development applications (i.e. no community input, no council review).
The Victorian Government’s approach may result in poor outcomes that will have negative and long-lasting impacts on residents. You’ll see increased traffic, reduced open spaces, and strain on local schools and services.
For more details, read Victorian Government changes to planning.
What you can do
The Victorian Government has not consulted you, but we are advocating for this, and you can too. We’re advocating for a reform process that consults properly, considers local context and planning controls that do not destroy what makes Melbourne special (including its amenity).
We want the Victorian Government to:
- consult local communities
- work with local councils
- base planning reforms on data, analysis and good planning practice.
RSVP to our community forum and join us on Tuesday 11 February to stay informed about the proposed changes and how you can have your voice heard.