Hi, I’m Kat Theophanous - the Labor Member of Parliament for Northcote in the Victorian Legislative Assembly.
Hi, I’m Kat Theophanous - the Labor Member of Parliament for Northcote in the Victorian Legislative Assembly.
We want to provide all Victorians with the choice of a well-designed home, at an affordable price, in a place where they can thrive. That’s why we’re planning for more homes in and around 60 train and tram zones across Melbourne, including in Thornbury along High Street and St George’s Road.
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.
The Activity Centres Program will explore modest, evidence-based planning updates to support more homes in areas like High Street and St Georges Road. It’s not about overdevelopment - it’s about making sure any change is coordinated, locally informed, and properly planned.
Heritage and landscape overlays will not change
New planning controls will introduce graduated height limits that step down from the centre
A developer contributions system will help fund local infrastructure like new parks and public space
There will be extensive community consultation, including drop-in sessions, online events, and a Community Reference Group
We know the inner north is a special place to live—but we’re also under pressure.
Too many people - especially younger residents and families - are struggling to find secure, affordable housing in the communities they know and love.
By focusing new housing in areas that already have good infrastructure, we can help ease this pressure - while protecting the things that make Thornbury unique.
This is your chance to have your say. The first phase of consultation will run throughout May and June 2025.
The first online information session will take place on:
Tuesday 20 May, 6:30pm–7:30pm
🔗 Learn more and register to take part at:
👉 engage.vic.gov.au/activity-centres-program
You can also express interest in joining the Community Reference Group, which will meet mid-year to help review community feedback and shape the next stage of planning. Express your interest in participating by contacting activity.centres@transport.vic.gov.au.