State Government Activity Centres consultation
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The Victorian Sate Government is planning for more homes in 60 activity centres across Melbourne, close to public transport, including train and tram lines, and services.
Two of the activity centres are in Merri-bek – Brunswick Station and Coburg Station, along the Upfield Train Line. The State Government is referring to these two Activity Centres and the corridor between them as the “Merri-bek Cluster.”
State Government community consultation
The first phase of community consultation commenced on Tuesday, 6 May 2025. Led by the State Government, this early-stage engagement aims to inform the community and gather feedback on where additional housing could be located. Information will be available on the State Government’s online engagement platform, and several drop-in sessions and online Q&A events will be held during May and June 2025.
Council understands a second phase of community consultation is planned for later this year. During this second stage, the State Government will share its proposed approach with the “Merri-bek Cluster” and seek further community input as plans are finalised.
Merri-bek cluster
Residents and businesses are drawn to Merri-bek for its vibrant and diverse community. With a bustling high street, lively hospitality scene and multicultural community, our City is both welcoming and inclusive.
The State Government has earmarked the “Merri-bek cluster” as places to plan for more housing in the future. This means the particular focus of the State Government’s work across all 60 activity centres is about planning controls that facilitate housing. The State is hoping to provide housing options for everyone; including young people, renters, essential workers, downsizers, and long-time locals who want to stay in the area.
Next steps
Council has previously conducted extensive consultation with the community on future development across Merri-bek. This includes recent work with an economic focus in Brunswick, and structure plans to guide growth. We also have developed the Central Coburg 2020 Structure Plan, which outlines Council’s long-term plan to guide decisions such as development and place activation in the Coburg Activity Centre. At this stage, Council has not formed a position on the State Government’s ambitions and is working to understand how these plans may impact our community.
We encourage Merri-bek residents and businesses to participate in the State Government’s survey, and attend drop-in sessions over the coming weeks and months, to share your thoughts on their plan.
Visit engage.vic.gov.au/activity-centres
For more information, please contact the team managing this consultation at the State Government: activity.centres@transport.vic.gov.au