Nillumbik’s Response to the State Government’s Housing Strategy
Last year the State Government proposed a target of an extra 12,000 dwellings for Nillumbik by 2051. Fortunately this target was reduced to 6,500 in the final proposal. Nillumbik Council has suggested a figure of 5540 was more realistic.
If you are interested in finding out how this target is proposed to be achieved and would welcome the opportunity to ask questions about Nillumbik’s housing target generally, come to the Eltham Community Action Group’s Annual General Meeting on Sunday 15 June 2025 from 2:30pm to 5pm at the Seniors Citizens Hall. These targets and other local planning issues will be addressed in a presentation by Frank Vassilacos, Council’s Director Planning, Environment and Strategy.
New Initiative by Trust for Nature
Private landholders along the Birrarung Yarra River are being encouraged to help safeguard and enhance the health of the iconic waterway by permanently protecting nature on their land, with support from Trust for Nature. Over four months, Trust for Nature will identify and contact 50 landholders and visit 20 properties to assess opportunities for managing and protecting habitat, in partnership and agreement with the landholders. If you are interested, see https://trustfornature.org.au/birrarung-parcels/
Nillumbik Council Planning Scheme is under review
Nillumbik Council has undertaken a review of the its Planning Scheme, as required under the Planning and Environment Act 1987, and released the draft report.
The purpose was to evaluate how effectively the current scheme is functioning while aligning with State Government policy. It will help Council to respond to current and emerging trends and identify gaps, and makes recommendations for planning activities in Nillumbik for the next four years.
Council is seeking only general feedback at this stage, noting that the draft incorporates extensive consultation from previous years, community input through the Nillumbik 2040 Community Vision and current planning trends. The draft is available for comment from May-June 2025.
The Planning Scheme Review Report will be finalised after the Planning and consultation committee meeting in August, and adopted in late 2025. To read the review visit https://participate.nillumbik.vic.gov.au/projects/planning-scheme-review-2025.
At 68 pages it is a hefty read, but it is an important document for our future. For the time poor, just read the key findings and recommendations (3-5 pages).