State's Fast-Tracked Density Plans
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State's Fast-Tracked Density Plans
The State Government is pushing ahead with its "Activity Centres Program," aiming to significantly increase housing density around 60 train stations and tram hubs across Melbourne, including several right here in Stonnington.
While we all recognise the need for more housing, the speed and lack of detail in this state-led process is concerning. It risks overriding years of careful, evidence-based planning that Stonnington Council has undertaken with our community.
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The State Government has released draft plans for areas around Tooronga, Gardiner, Glen Iris, Darling, East Malvern, and Holmesglen stations (Tranche 1).
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Plans for South Yarra, Hawksburn, Toorak, Armadale, Malvern, Prahran, Windsor stations, and Toorak Village (Tranche 2) are expected soon.
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These plans propose significantly taller buildings (potentially 6-12+ storeys) in 'core' areas near stations and increased density (3-6 storeys) in wider 'catchment' areas extending up to 1km away.
Why the Concern?
Centres like South Yarra Station, Hawksburn Station, Toorak Station, and Toorak Village are directly in the State Government's sights. The current draft plans for other areas lack detail and don't seem to adequately consider:
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Local Character & Heritage: Our neighbourhoods have unique identities and valued heritage buildings that risk being overshadowed or lost.
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Infrastructure Needs: Adding thousands of new homes requires more than just transport links. We need investment in schools, parks, community facilities, drainage, and more – things the State plans don't guarantee.
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Good Design & Liveability: Rushing development risks poor design outcomes, overshadowing, wind tunnels, and loss of green space. Our planning needs to be human-centred, considering what makes a place truly liveable.
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Community Voice: This process is moving incredibly fast, potentially finalising major changes with limited opportunity for genuine community input, ignoring the extensive consultation Council has already done for its own strategies.
Council's Stance: Yes to Growth, No to Bad Planning
Stonnington Council is NOT against growth. Our own recently adopted plans (like the Neighbourhood Activity Centre Framework and Housing Strategy) actually provide capacity for more homes than the State's target for Stonnington (over 67,000 vs 50,000). But our approach is evidence-based, responds to local context, protects heritage, demands high-quality sustainable design, and was developed with our community.
Council has formally submitted its concerns and proposed a more refined, locally-responsive approach to the State Government regarding the Tranche 1 plans.
Your Voice Matters!
Decisions about the future of South Yarra Ward must include the people who live here. While I will continue to advocate for locals, The State Government needs to hear directly from you.
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You can:
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View Draft Plans: See the State's initial maps and proposals (note: Tranche 2 plans impacting our immediate area are still to come)
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Have Your Say: Make sure you are involved in the consultations and make a submission.
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Attend Info Sessions​
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Observe what is being proposed in other areas, so you can see what might be happening here.
Presented by Tamala Francis,
Founder & CEO at Francis & Co.
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In this webinar we will cover
