Thousands of Victorians are helping to shape the neighbourhoods around the Allan Labor Government's six Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) East stations, with their feedback now incorporated into 'Visions' for the future of their communities.
With Melbourne expected to be a city of nine million by the 2050s, more homes are needed closer to more public transport connections and SRL will deliver both.
The first stage of SRL will build 70,000 homes around the project's six stations, providing more opportunities for young people, families and downsizers, to find an affordable place to buy or rent, close to jobs, services, world-class public transport and close to where they grew up.
After several years of listening to communities, the new visions set out the ambitions for each area - which was backed by extensive feedback by locals.
In Box Hill, people said they want better connections, and the vision for Box Hill now includes more links between Surrey Park, Box Hill Central, Box Hill Gardens and the hospital, which will improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
In Burwood, the community told us they would like more recreation and open space, and the vision for Burwood now gives greater emphasis to the Gardiners Creek corridor.
Across Glen Waverley, there was a desire for greater housing choice and affordability, and in response the vision for Glen Waverley now identifies even more areas for diverse housing options.
In Monash, people want the new town centre around the SRL station to be a hub for night-time activities, and the vision for Monash now reflects the importance of a mix of uses in this area.
Across Clayton, we heard there is a need for more social and affordable housing, and student accommodation, and the vision for Clayton now prioritises more areas for housing growth.
While in Cheltenham, people overwhelmingly support the need to retain and enhance open space, and the vision for Cheltenham emphasises the need to upgrade Sir William Fry Reserve.
Draft structure plans, which will include detail on land use and building heights, will go on public exhibition for community input early next year and are expected to be finalised in 2026.
To learn more about the updated visions for each SRL East neighbourhood, visit suburbanrailloop.vic.gov.au/final-visions.
As stated by Minister for Suburban Rail Loop Danny Pearson
"More homes mean more opportunity and Suburban Rail Loop East will deliver 70,000 of them exactly where they're needed - close to jobs, services, transport and close to where people grew up."
"We are continuing the conversation with local communities who will be part of the planning process every step of the way."
