What’s at Risk
Under the State Government’s plan, we risk:
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The gradual loss of our neighbourhood character
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3 to 6 storey apartment blocks dominating residential streets
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Reduced housing diversity and choice over time
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Increased traffic congestion in suburban streets
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Strain on local infrastructure — parking and public transport
We’re fighting to protect what makes Armadale liveable and unique.
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What we are fighting
We’re fighting to protect what makes Armadale liveable and unique.
What the Government Is Proposing
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The State Government plans to create two new “activity centres” in Armadale:
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Around Armadale Station
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Around Toorak Station
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Properties up to a 1.8 km radius of each station would be rezoned into a new Housing Choice and Transport Zone (HCTZ).
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What This Means in Practice
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Within each activity centre, there will be three different areas:
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Core: 6–12 storeys (closest to the station)
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Inner catchment: 4–6 storeys (covering most of the activity centre)
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Outer catchment: 3–4 storeys (at the perimeter of the activity centre)
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Most of Armadale would be opened up to medium- and high-density development — including streets currently made up of low-rise homes.
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What It Could Look Like
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Heritage homes surrounded by multi-storey apartment blocks
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Quiet residential streets transformed by larger developments
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A very different streetscape from what exists today
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Proposed Activity Maps
Proposed Toorak Activity Centre Map
Proposed Armadale Activity Centre Map
The Government says heritage overlays will remain.
But in practice, protection is uncertain.
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Developers can retain part of a heritage building while building large developments behind or around it
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If your property is protected but neighbouring ones are not, you could still be surrounded by much taller buildings
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Even in heritage precincts, developers could appeal and favourable Council decisions could be overturned.
It only takes a small number of developments in a street to permanently change its character.
Will Heritage Protections Save Us?
Will you have a say?
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Can you object to a development?
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Can Council refuse a planning permit?
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Can you appeal to VCAT?
This is a fast-tracked planning process with limited community input.
NO!
This is a fast-tracked planning process with limited community input.
Where Things Stand Now
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HCTZ was gazetted in late 2024
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Initial consultation took place in 2025
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Draft maps were released on 22 February 2026
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Consultation closed on 22 March 2026
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Final maps are expected by June/July 2026