The Victorian Government is moving ahead on planning reforms that will change our neighbourhoods forever, despite Council putting forward an approach that would protect heritage and ensure new housing is put in appropriate areas.
Our response to the government’s planning reforms proposed that councils be empowered to deliver their own plans for more housing rather than being cut out of the process.
Boroondara Mayor Sophie Torney told an April parliamentary inquiry into the government’s planning amendments that local expertise and knowledge should drive housing growth.
‘That’s why we would welcome the opportunity to show the state government how we can deliver its housing expectations.’
She said councils could undertake and complete strategic work and community consultation. ‘There’s time to make these changes well and to deliver ... more housing while adding value across every dimension of life in a growing city.’
Have a say on changes coming to your neighbourhood
The Victorian Government has started work on the first group of locations for increased housing supply and density near train and tram lines. This includes the neighbourhoods around Hawthorn, Glenferrie and Auburn train stations and Kew Junction.
The government is now seeking your input on what you value about living, working or visiting these areas. Have your say by Sunday 15 June on the Engage Victoria website.
Confirmed changes in Camberwell Junction
In April the Victorian Government rolled out new planning controls for Camberwell Junction’s centre and surrounding residential streets.
In the residential streets around the centre, it has rezoned the land to its new ‘housing choice and transport zone’. This allows townhouses and mid-rise apartments of 3 to 6 storeys, depending on a property’s size and location. Council remains concerned about this new approach and how it will impact heritage overlays. You can check the planning controls affecting your property at the Victorian Government's VicPlan website.
In the central shopping and business area, some properties have been rezoned to commercial or a ‘residential growth’ zone and new height and setback controls have been implemented. These changes are generally consistent with Council’s Camberwell Junction Structure and Place Plan, adopted in 2024 prior to the reforms.
Find out more on our Victorian Government planning changes page.