It is deeply concerning that this decision blatantly contradicts the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal’s (VCAT) own ruling on building heights and residential impacts, raising serious questions about the credibility of decisions being made through this fast-track process with no independent oversight. 

Throughout this process, we have been consistent in our advocacy for genuine community engagement in the future of this precinct. We are extremely disappointed that the Victorian Government has refused to establish an advisory committee. We know from experience that ongoing community involvement leads to better outcomes, as we have consistently seen in Council projects across our City. An advisory committee would have brought valuable insights from lived experience on critical matters, and, most importantly, given residents a fair opportunity to be heard. 

Like the community, we are frustrated that our repeated calls for meaningful design improvements have been ignored. We have strongly advocated for sensible controls on wall heights, reinstatement of communal terrace areas, and limits on rooftop access — none of which have been included in the approved plans.  

Other critical suggestions, including reducing excessive building heights, increasing setbacks (in line with both the previous VCAT decision and Council’s proposed Elsternwick Structure Plan), and reallocating parking spaces to support community gathering, have also been disregarded.  

The Victorian Government’s decision to permit truck haulage along Sinclair Street, despite Council’s explicit objections, will also cause unacceptable disruption for local residents. These are not minor issues; they are essential elements raised repeatedly by the community and Council to ensure a liveable, people-focused precinct. The failure to incorporate them represents a huge missed opportunity to deliver an outcome that truly benefits everyone. 

This decision comes on top of the Victorian Government’s unilateral move to include Elsternwick in its Activity Centres Program — an announcement made without warning while Council’s own Elsternwick Structure Plan was out for public consultation. We still have no clarity on how these major state planning decisions will reshape the future of our Elsternwick Activity Centre. 

We remain committed to advocating for Elsternwick and will continue to work constructively with the Victorian Government and all stakeholders to achieve better outcomes for our community.  

Mayor Cr Simone Zmood 
Glen Eira City Council