Blackburn Activity Centre

OVERVIEW

Blackburn Station has been identified as one of 60 activity centres across Melbourne to be included in the Government’s Activity Centre Program.

The program aims to provide for much-needed new homes close to public transport, jobs and services.

It is important to have a discussion about how we meet the need for new housing and how it best connects with our public transport system.

Formal consultation on the plan for the Blackburn Activity Centre is now underway

I encourage you to have your say and share any thoughts or ideas you may have here (link to https://engage.vic.gov.au/project/activity-centres-program-stage-two/page/blackburn-mitcham).

SLO1 & SLO2 update

The Bellbird area, protected under the SLO1 and SLO2 overlays, is a living testament to the community’s commitment to environmental stewardship over many years.

The Minister has confirmed to me that the SLO1 and SLO2 areas will not be amended or removed.

The boundaries of the catchment zones have not yet been determined, and draft maps of the catchment boundaries will be developed and circulated for comment based on feedback received during the current phase of consultation.

The maps which have been circulated to date are based on a nominal 800m walking catchment from the station and is merely represents the area from which the Department is seeking feedback on the activity centre program.

I appreciate that the current zones and overlays work in tandem to protect this area. Therefore, recently in Parliament I requested that the Minister “ensure that draft and final planning zones and boundaries for the Blackburn activity centre are consistent with the SLO1 and SLO2 significant landscape overlays”.

The full transcript of my request can be found here: https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/parliamentary-activity/hansard/hansard-details/HANSARD-2145855009-33064#1734

FAQ's - MYTHS BUSTED:

There has been a lot of misinformation being circulated in our community about the future of the Blackburn Activity Centre. Here are some quick answers to some common questions?

 Will the plan include 20 storey height limits? NO

20 storeys are not appropriate for the Blackburn Activity Centre. Building heights in the core of the Blackburn Activity Centre will be determined based on the consultation and vary from site to site. In most centres, building heights in the core vary from between three and 12 storeys.

 Will apartment blocks be automatically approved within the catchment zone? NO

Developments in the inner and outer catchments will still be required to go through the normal notice and objection process.

Will my land be compulsorily acquired? NO

Will I be subject to Windfall Gains Tax? NO