The WA Planning Commission has voted to lift planning restrictions on land in Clarkson, despite the Department of Health opposing the move over its closeness to the Tamala Park landfill. Part of the 1810 square metre site sits within the tip's 500 metre buffer zone. Planning officers said contamination risks were manageable and acceptable, and that the buffer may no longer apply once homes are built, as the landfill is scheduled to close in 2029. The City of Wanneroo supported the rezoning with conditions, including that future buyers be told of the site's history and risks.
About 300 people rallied outside the Inner West Council meeting at Ashfield Town Hall on October 20, demanding more consultation time and information on the Fairer Future Plan 2. Lilyfield residents said they received notice of the plan only two weeks into the six-week consultation period. A motion to extend consultation to February was voted down 8-7 by the Labor majority. Mayor Darcy Byrne offered an extra week of consultation, but only for Lilyfield. Submissions close on October 28.
A major housing development south of Wagga has cleared its rezoning hurdle after more than four years. DevCore Property Group plans about 2200 homes across a 225-hectare site, which it estimates is worth $2.5 billion. The rezoning was finalised in September, allowing the project to move towards development applications. DevCore plans to lodge an initial application covering about 220 lots, with construction expected to begin in mid-2027. The NSW Government has committed about $70.8 million to Wagga Council for growth-related works, including road and sewer upgrades.
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Geelong council has submitted a planning amendment to the Victorian Planning Minister to oppose a proposed Coles supermarket on the Bellarine Peninsula. The amendment would rezone land at 2341-2349 Bellarine Highway, Point Lonsdale, to restrict its use to tourism. Coles bought the land in March 2024 and lodged a pre-application enquiry later that year, but the proposal has stalled. Council mayor Stretch Kontelj said residents want the site developed for low-scale tourism. Pending ministerial approval, a public exhibition process is likely.
The City of Greater Geelong has submitted a planning amendment to rezone 2341-2349 Bellarine Highway, Point Lonsdale, to support tourism uses. The amendment would stop the site being used for a supermarket and other standalone commercial purposes. Under the proposed zone, only tourism uses, such as low-scale tourism accommodation, would be allowed. The amendment has been sent to Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny for authorisation. If approved, a formal process including public exhibition would follow, with the Borough of Queenscliffe also involved.
The City of Greater Geelong has asked the state government to rezone a site at the entrance to Point Lonsdale so it can be used only for tourism. If approved, the site could not host a supermarket. Coles says the project is at a pre-application stage and no planning permit has been lodged. Community members opposed to the store cite concerns about nearby Ramsar-listed wetlands, the visual impact and effects on local traders. The Borough of Queenscliffe has joined the council in opposing the development. A community meeting on October 22 will discuss possible tourism uses for the site.
A 294-hectare employment precinct south of Marong has been rezoned as industrial land, a step City of Greater Bendigo chief executive Andrew Cooney said came at a critical time. The site, the Bendigo Regional Employment Precinct, was first identified as an industrial investigation precinct in September 2020. Once complete, it is expected to create about 3000 direct and 3000 indirect jobs. Regional Development Victoria has invested $6 million in studies on the site's development. The next steps include finalising trunk infrastructure requirements and developing an investment plan to attract businesses.
The NSW Government has approved the rezoning of 15.5 hectares of vacant government-owned land in East Tamworth, paving the way for more than 200 new homes. At least 70 will be social and affordable housing, with about two-thirds privately owned. The site sits 1.5 kilometres from the Tamworth CBD, and more than 600 households are on the local social housing waiting list. Homes NSW will fund infrastructure upgrades alongside Tamworth Regional Council. Construction timelines have not yet been announced.
Woollahra resident Julie Claridge opposes a NSW Government proposal to open Woollahra Station and rezone the precinct for 9,400 new dwellings. She argues the transport case is weak, as Edgecliff and Bondi Junction stations are only about 1.9 kilometres apart and already offer frequent CBD access. Claridge says Woollahra Council's analysis identifies capacity for up to 3,600 dwellings, and that the State proposal exceeds this by a little over 2.5 times. She warns the change could cause psychological distress for residents and calls for moderate uplift along Edgecliff Road and Ocean St instead.
Monash Council has restated its long-standing concerns about redeveloping the former Talbot Quarry and Landfill site in Oakleigh South. Mayor Stuart James said the council supports housing there if the land can be made safe and environmental issues are properly managed. He said the rezoning amendment has not settled long-term arrangements for contamination, landfill gas and ground conditions, and that these should be resolved before rezoning and before any development is approved. Council rejected claims that it had delayed the project, pointing to an earlier proposal an independent panel did not support.
Kingston Council has welcomed Rossdale Golf Club's decision to end its agreement with the developer that proposed redeveloping the site. The club's board made the decision after considering the rezoning process and its ongoing impact on the club. The club says it is still investigating future opportunities, and no decisions have been made about its longer-term direction. Mayor Georgina Oxley said the news would be welcomed by many people who value the club's place in the local community. Deputy Mayor Sarah O'Donnell encouraged residents to support the club by becoming members, booking rounds, dining or hosting functions there.
The Victorian government has proposed rezoning the former Footscray Hospital site for mixed-use development, including housing, retail, and commercial spaces. A draft amendment to the Maribyrnong Planning Scheme, open for public feedback until 30 October, also suggests rezoning adjacent land and applying development overlays. Local group Reimagining Old Footscray Hospital criticised the sudden announcement, claiming it contradicts recent assurances from Development Victoria. The group expressed concerns about the lack of studies on infrastructure needs and the absence of guaranteed public open space. The government has not yet responded to requests for comment.
The Jetty Foreshore rezoning proposal in Coffs Harbour has been approved, despite strong community opposition. Bruce Weir, a vocal opponent, criticised the lack of consultation and the early-morning announcement. The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure claims the project will deliver public benefits, including improved open space and affordable housing. However, critics argue the guidelines lack clarity and ignore public feedback.
