Councillor update from Cr Kieran Simpson (Deputy Mayor)

The Victorian Government has released further detail on the proposed final plans for the Blackburn Activity Centre, which shows notable changes to building heights that reflect strong community feedback and sustained advocacy from Council. Among the most significant amendments is the reduction in building heights. South Parade will now see maximum heights lowered from 12 storeys to 8, while adjacent residential properties to the south have been scaled back from 8 storeys to 6. Similarly, the Solwood Lane area has been reduced from 12 storeys to 10, and the prominent site on the south-east corner of Whitehorse Road and Vine Street will drop from 10 to 8 storeys.

The north side of Laburnum Street has shifted from the Inner Catchment designation to the more restrictive Outer Catchment, reducing allowable heights to 3 storeys, or up to 4 on larger sites. The area south of Harold Street has also been moved into the Outer Catchment, further easing potential development intensity.

The Blackburn Hotel and adjoining land have been reduced from 16 to 12 storeys, aligning with community expectations, while the neighbouring Sikh Temple site remains unchanged at 12 storeys. Some uplift has been applied to parts of the western side of Chapel Street, where heights have increased from 12 to 16 storeys within the existing Commercial 1 Zone.

Importantly, the significant landscape overlays SLO1 and SLO2 will continue to be excluded from the activity centre boundaries, preserving valued environmental protections. Next meeting 20 April 2026 Search ‘Council meetings’ on Council’s website for agendas, minutes and more information. I understand there are diverse views in the community and not everyone will agree with every aspect of the plans.  That’s completely understandable. These are complex decisions that affect the future of our area. My door is always open to any resident who wants to discuss their concerns or ideas.

Recent community satisfaction survey results show continued improvement in Whitehorse, with scores again above the state average. Council has seen improved scores in customer service, communication and opportunities for feedback. Listening to the community is something I campaigned on, and these results tell me we as a Council are heading in the right direction. But there is always more work to do.