Thank you to everyone who joined our community webinar on 15 October to discuss the Victorian Government’s proposed Activity Centres in Hawthorn, Glenferrie, Auburn and Kew.

The webinar was hosted by Mayor Sophie Torney. The mayor was joined by City of Boroondara's Scott Walker, Director of Urban Living and Charles Windeyer, Manager City Futures.

We appreciate the thoughtful questions, feedback and ideas shared by more than 115 residents who took part in the session.

Throughout the conversation, participants raised key issues that matter deeply to our community. The most frequently asked-about topics included:

• heritage protection
• building heights and development density
• traffic and parking impacts
• how infrastructure and services will keep up with a growing population.

Other topics that were raised were:

• protecting the tree canopy
• affordable housing
• sustainability, environmental and climate implications of housing growth
• public transport capacity
• the role of developers in shaping growth.

Watch a recording of the webinar 

Have your say

Another topic raised by attendees during the webinar was the importance of genuine community consultation by the Victorian Government. One question from an attendee that went straight to this point was, 'Has the state government shown any willingness to modify its plans as a result of community feedback?'

Our presenters’ advice in response to this question was that all residents should make their voice heard through the government’s survey on the Engage Victoria website.

The government’s consultation on Activity Centre plans for Hawthorn, Glenferrie and Auburn train stations, and Kew Junction, closes this Sunday 19 October at 11:59 pm. 

Have your say on Activity Centres

Council’s response to Activity Centre plans

The Victorian Government has requested a report from Boroondara that responds to the government’s Activity Centre plans for Hawthorn, Glenferrie and Auburn train stations and Kew Junction.

Our planning team has developed a strong submission that will be presented to councillors on Monday 20 October before being provided to the Victorian Government. 

You can read the planning team's report and find out how to watch the council meeting online, at our Urban Planning Delegated Committee Meeting page.

Stay informed about planning reforms

For all our latest updates on government Activity Centre plans, visit our Victorian Government changes to planning page.