Council has hosted three community pop-up sessions in October 2025. Following these, the Council has submitted a report to the State Government outlining the key issues and priorities that matter most to Whitehorse residents. These includes: 

• A strong concern about tree canopy loss and environmental impacts, particularly in Blackburn and Mitcham.
• The need to preserve local character, heritage streetscapes, and the “village” feel of areas like Blackburn.
• Concerns about the intensity and form of new development, particularly building height, overshadowing, and overlooking.
• Concerns about Infrastructure capacity and environmental constraints.
• Parking and congestion concerns, particularly near train stations and local streets in Blackburn.
• Frustration with the planning process and governance, including the reduced role of Council, loss of resident objection rights, and the perception that “streamlined” approvals favour developers.
• On housing, residents opposed high-rise towers and large site amalgamations, preferring lower-scale development and the retention of detached housing.
• Public transport and accessibility issues.
• Climate and sustainability as a priority, with calls for stronger ESD standards, tree canopy protection, and better management of flooding and urban heat.