Brunswick and Coburg Activity Centres
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The Victorian Sate Government is planning for more homes in 60 activity centres across Melbourne to deliver its Housing Statement and housing targets. Two of the activity centres are in Merri-bek – Brunswick and Coburg Train and Tram Station Activity Centres, centred along Sydney Road. Phase 2 consultation for these Activity Centres closes Sunday 19 October 2025. Council has until the 24 October.
Council acknowledges the need for more housing, jobs and open space around our major activity and transport hubs, however additional housing will generate significant population growth, and this must be matched with adequate investment from the State Government in infrastructure and services to support new and existing residents throughout these centres.
Our Phase 2 advocacy focuses on four key pillars:
- Supporting growth through better infrastructure and services,
- A fair and transparent process for our community,
- Getting heights and boundaries right, and
- Ensuring economic success and job growth.
While the State Government is primarily seeking feedback on proposed building heights and boundaries for the Activity Centres during this Phase of engagement, growth without investment in transport and infrastructure will undermine liveability. Housing growth must be supported by critical upgrades and accompanied by the release of all technical information, sufficient time for feedback, and a transparent process.
Clear commitments are needed to:
- Expand transport capacity, including duplication of the Upfield Train Line, accessible tram stop upgrades and bus improvements,
- Strengthen cycling and walking networks, and
- Provide timely investment in community facilities, schools, open space, drainage and utilities.
The Activity Centres Program will bring major change and must be guided by inclusive engagement. Council expects information to be accessible and easy to understand, with genuine opportunities for community input, clear communication and transparent decision-making. This engagement must value Council’s significant local knowledge and experience, ensuring building heights and boundaries are right for Brunswick and Coburg.
We encourage Merri-bek residents and businesses to participate in the State Government’s survey, and attend drop-in sessions over the coming weeks, to share your thoughts on their plan.
Council will form a position next week, at the Wednesday 8 October Council meeting.
Visit: https://engage.vic.gov.au/project/activity-centres-program/page/merri-bek