Structure Planning
Melbourne 2030 is encouraging safer, more vibrant and accessible communities across Melbourne, through its activity centre policy.
While the activity centres policy sets out the basic principles for the future development, there is no 'one size fits all' solution. Each area is unique and local governments are encouraged to work with their communities to determine exactly how their activity centre should grow taking into account regional population trends and economic growth.
The aim of structure planning for activity centres is to give effect to the policies and objectives set out for activity centres in Melbourne 2030: Planning for Sustainable Growth and its update and to provide effectively for changing community needs.
Structure plans will provide the foundation for activity centre change by defining the preferred direction of future growth and articulating how this change will be managed.
Structure plans will guide the major changes to land use, built form and public spaces that together can achieve economic, social and environmental objectives for the centre. To encourage development within centres, Melbourne 2030 encourages local governments to review the purpose and function of individual centres and to revise local planning policies through a program of structure planning for each of their Principal and Major Activity Centres and Central Activities Districts.
For further information in structure planning you can visit: Activity Centre Frequently Asked Questions.
Examples of Structure Plans and Statutory Implementation
Several Councils now have structure plans completed for their principal and major activity centres. Links to a selection of completed structure plans and their corresponding planning scheme amendments are included on this page to demonstrate what a structure plan should contain, its presentation and clear implementation mechanisms. Given the nature of structure planning and its complexity below are a set of best practice examples for different types of centres.
- Banyule City Council Greensborough Structure Plan and Amendment C51
- City of Brimbank Sunshine Principal Activity Centre Structure Plan
- City of Casey Fountain Gate - Narre Warren CBD Development Plan and Amendment C68.
- City of Port Phillip South Melbourne Central Structure Plan and Amendment C52
- Darebin City Council Preston Central Project and Amendment C67
- Shire of Nillumbik Diamond Creek twenty20 Activity Centre Structure Plan
The Status of Structure Plans report will be updated every quarter. This report lists the Central Activities Districts and Principal and Major Activity Centres in each municipality and the progress of each structure plan in these centres. Planning Scheme Amendment references and Exhibition and Gazettal dates are noted where relevant.
Status of Strucutre Plans as at 30 September 2009 (XLS - 46 KB)Any changes or additions to the status of structure plans should be referred to the Activity Centres Unit by phoning (03) 8684 8840.
Structure planning practice note
The practice note covers the rationale, policy context and possible outputs of the activity centre structure planning process. It is designed specifically for Central Activities Districts and Principal and Major Activity Centres but can be applied to all types of centres.
Structure Planning for Activity Centres (PDF - 143 KB)Other practice notes and advisory notes published by DPCD about activity centres can be found on the Practice and Advisory Notes web page.
Revised Activity Centre Structure Planning Practice Note
As a result of industry and stakeholder comments on the existing Practice Note, and the recommendations from Planning for All of Melbourne (PFAOM), the Department undertook a review of the Practice Note. Please refer to attachments below for more detail.
Attachment 1 - Comparison of Original and Revised Structure Planning Practice Note (DOC - 51 KB) Attachment 3 - Revised Structure Planning Practice Note (DOC - 102 KB)DPCD has consulted with local governments and key stakeholders to inform the development of a revised practice note, which was released for a 3 month period of consultation and comment earlier in the year. The consultation period has now closed.
The revised Planning Practice Note for Activity Centre Structure Planning is currently being finalised by the Department and is expected to be released in the middle of the year.
How can I get further information?
For further information on Structure Planning for Activity Centres:
Visit the: Activity Centres Frequently Asked Questions
Phone: 1300 366 356 (local call cost) or TTY +61 3 9603 8806 (8.30am-5pm Monday-Friday)
Email: activity.centres@dpcd.vic.gov.au
For further information on the Government's planning framework, the strategies and projects behind Melbourne 2030/Melbourne @ 5 million, and how they are being implemented, visit the Managing Melbourne's Growth web page.
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Please note: Document(s) on this page are presented in PDF format. If you do not have the Adobe Reader, you can download a copy free from the Adobe web site.