Community Consultation Opens for Thornbury Activity Centres
Community consultation has formally opened for High Street and St Georges Road in Thornbury, following their inclusion in the next stage of the Victorian Government’s Activity Centres Program.
The program is part of a broader strategy to address housing pressures across Melbourne by planning for more homes in areas with strong access to public transport, local services, shops and jobs.
Under the program, High Street and St Georges Road will now undergo a coordinated planning process designed to guide future development in a way that is sustainable, locally informed and aligned with the character of the area.
State Member for Northcote, Kat Theophanous MP, said the consultation process was a critical opportunity for the community to help shape how these neighbourhoods evolve.
“Parts of Thornbury are already seeing development - but it’s ad hoc, and there’s no clear or coordinated vision guiding it,” Ms Theophanous said.
“This process is about giving the community a genuine voice in shaping that vision - so that growth happens in a way that’s fair, thoughtful and reflective of local needs..”
Through the consultation process, residents, businesses and community groups will have the opportunity to provide feedback on what matters most to them - including housing, heritage, infrastructure and public space.
Ms Theophanous confirmed she would be engaging closely with local residents and stakeholders throughout the consultation period.
“This is a chance to ensure planning in Thornbury supports good outcomes—for housing, for liveability, and for the community we love. I’ll be working to make sure local voices are heard at every stage.”
Key features of the Activity Centres Program include:
No changes to heritage or landscape overlays
Graduated building heights that step down from the core of each activity centre
A developer contributions framework to help fund local infrastructure such as parks and community facilities
A phased consultation process including in-person and online engagement, surveys, and the formation of a Community Reference Group
The first online information session will be held on Tuesday, 20 May from 6:30pm to 7:30pm, with further opportunities for input continuing across May and June 2025.
Residents are encouraged to learn more and participate via the Engage Victoria platform:
🔗 engage.vic.gov.au/activity-centres-program
