City of Melbourne embraces the most ambitious planning policy since ‘Melbourne 3000’

Melbourne becoming the most populated city by 2026, and the City of Melbourne is embracing the challenge through their bold new Municipal Planning Strategy.

An artist’s impression of the future Arden Urban Scene. Image credit: The Victorian Planning Authority.

Melbourne is set to become the most populated city by 2026, and the City of Melbourne is embracing the challenge through their bold new Municipal Planning Strategy.

The plan focuses on affordable housing, tackling climate change, creating jobs, and delivering sustainable, high-quality development and design.

Investment in new growth areas such as Docklands, Macauley, and Arden will cater to thousands of new residents set to call the City of Melbourne home. Fishermans Bend alone is expected to be redeveloped to house 80,000 residents with enough office space to accommodate 80,000 office workers.

Natural environments are also set for renewal, with plans to rejuvenate the lower reaches of the Moonee Ponds Creek to create a green corridor from the Yarra River to Royal Park.

Acting Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece said the Municipal Planning Strategy is one of the most forward-looking plans since ‘Postcode 3000’.

“Over the past 30 years, our city has changed at a rapid pace, bringing both amazing opportunities and tough challenges. If we want to retain our place as Australia’s most liveable city then we need to have a clear blueprint.”

There are six goals underpinning the Municipal Planning Strategy:

  1. Economy of the future: Creating more jobs and a stronger economy across a range of existing and new industries
  2. Unique identity and place: Protecting Melbourne’s distinctive places, buildings, people, and culture
  3. Climate emergency: Leaning into reducing emissions to net zero by 2030 and waste to net zero by 2040
  4. Access and affordability: Reducing economic and social inequality
  5. Safety and wellbeing: Improving safety for everyone who lives, visits, or works in the city
  6. Aboriginal Melbourne: Celebrating First Nation’s culture, lore, knowledge, and heritage

The strategy will be released for public exhibition and consultation later this year.