Published on 12 September 2025

Statement from Glen Eira Mayor Cr Simone Zmood on Victorian Government’s inadequate consultation on major housing changes

Glen Eira City Council is calling on the Victorian Government to extend its consultation period on proposed housing changes around key activity centres, including Carnegie, Murrumbeena and Hughesdale. 

These changes represent one of the most significant planning shifts in decades. Yet the current consultation is being held over school holidays and Jewish holidays, with limited time and scope for community input. 

Residents have long invested in these neighbourhoods. They should be given a fair chance to understand what’s being proposed — and to have their say. 

Glen Eira is already feeling the pressure of rapid growth. Schools, public transport, parking and other vital services are under strain. Councils are being asked to accommodate more residents, but without clear commitments for infrastructure like libraries, open space, and maternal and child health services. 

The draft maps released by the Victorian Government show proposed housing heights but not how they will translate into planning controls and don’t explain where essential infrastructure — such as schools, parks and transport upgrades — will go. Without this detail, it’s hard for our community to provide informed feedback. 

We’ve worked closely with our community to develop Structure Plans that support sustainable growth while protecting the character of our suburbs. While we’re pleased our Carnegie Structure Plan heights will be used, we’re concerned the government hasn’t adopted all of the protections that our community has asked for. 

We urge the Victorian Government to provide a more comprehensive plan — one that includes not just housing, but the infrastructure and services needed to support it. 

We will be actively promoting this consultation and preparing a detailed submission to ensure our community’s voice is heard. 

This isn’t just about adding a few extra storeys. It’s about the future of our neighbourhoods. And that future deserves more than a snap consultation, a couple of maps and a handful of drop-in sessions. 

To learn more and have your say, visit: https://engage.vic.gov.au/activity-centres-program  

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27 February 2025

Statement from Glen Eira Mayor Simone Zmood on Activity Centres

Glen Eira Mayor Simone Zmood

Glen Eira City Council is very disappointed by the Victorian Government’s announcement today to take over major activity centre planning with little to no consultation of councils or local communities.