Bayside remains concerned about the lack of transparency and accountability around the Victorian Government’s planning reforms following an announcement on the Suburban Rail Loop last Friday.
Precinct plans for the SRL East (Cheltenham) Station were finalised last Friday, with Council only made aware of the decision through a government media release.
Planning controls around the Cheltenham station precinct have been altered, however Council is still awaiting details on the increased building heights, impact on open space and infrastructure needs.
Council submitted to the Suburban Rail Loop Authority and made representation to the independent Standing Advisory Committee from July – December 2025. Council has consistently raised concerns about the proposed density and the impact on the amenity of existing communities, the lack of consideration of impacts on existing drainage and transport infrastructure, and the lack of provision of additional open space to service the new communities.
Despite the considerable investment of time and resources to submit to the Standing Advisory Committee by Council and the community, the Committee’s findings have not been made available from the Minister for Planning.
The SRL announcement follows on from Council’s legal proceedings against the Victorian Government regarding the Activity Centres Program. Council is seeking access to view key documents which lead to the government’s decision to overturn planning controls in Bayside suburbs.
Bayside is already planning for growth and meeting its housing targets. Every part of Melbourne has a role to play in housing growth, but it needs to be done responsibly. In established areas like Bayside, that means careful planning and transparency, not decisions imposed without explanation.
“The manner in which Council was informed of this important decision regarding the Suburban Rail Loop reinforces our concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability around planning reforms,” said Cr Taylor-Haynes.
“Council and our community continue to be presented with decisions of considerable scale and impact, without clear visibility of the evidence, modelling or consultation that underpins them.
“We are calling on the Victorian Government to commit to a more transparent and accountable process, one that properly involves Council and provides communities with confidence that decisions are evidence-based, balanced and in the long-term public interest.”
Council is calling on the Victorian Government to release detailed information underpinning its decisions and to commit to meaningful engagement before further announcements are made.
Bayside will continue to advocate strongly for a planning approach that reflects community needs and ensures decisions are made openly and responsibly.
Council will analyse information around the finalised plans for SRL East (Cheltenham) when it is made available.
