The Victorian Government has released a 10-year blueprint for Montague, one of Fishermans Bend's fastest-growing neighbourhoods. The plan covers streets, open space, transport, heritage, housing and flood mitigation. It splits Montague into a higher-density northern area and a southern area that keeps its industrial character. A proposed Montague Art and Cultural Hub would support creative industries. City of Port Phillip Mayor Alex Makin welcomed the plan but said delivery now needs to follow. Funding for major public transport projects remains subject to future government decisions.
Surf Coast Shire Council is asking residents to help shape a Structure Plan that will guide how Winchelsea grows and changes over the next 15 years. The plan will draw on the recently completed Winchelsea Place Plan, which sets out what residents value most and want to protect. Deputy Mayor Tony Phelps said the first phase of community engagement is open. People can complete a 10-minute survey online, mark issues or priorities on an interactive map, or attend drop-in sessions held on 25 October, 31 October and 1 November.
Heatwaves are Australia's deadliest natural hazard, and a Townsville botanist has redesigned his home to stay cool without air conditioning. Advocates want Queensland's planning rules to treat heat as a natural hazard, as cities become more densely built. The Planning Institute of Australia says heat is harder to map than floods or bushfires. The new draft State Planning Policy lists reducing urban heat islands as a priority. Architects argue that building codes need to allow more passive, power-free cooling designs.
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Willoughby City Council has launched a community-driven initiative to enhance safety and accessibility in Chatswood South CBD. Funded by a $1 million NSW Government grant, the Her Way: Chatswood South Precinct project will involve local women, girls and gender diverse individuals in consultations and co-design. Mayor Tanya Taylor emphasised the importance of community input in creating a more secure and welcoming environment. The broader Safer Cities: Her Way 2 program aims to improve safety perceptions in public spaces and transport hubs for these groups. Further details are available on the program's website.
A $22 million plan to convert a southbound lane on Botany Road in Waterloo into a bus lane during morning peak hours has sparked criticism. Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore and transport advocates argue the project prioritises cars over pedestrians and offers minimal public transport benefits. Data shows northbound buses experience greater delays than southbound services. Transport for NSW defends the proposal, stating it will improve bus reliability and support growing suburbs. Critics urge a rethink, citing conflicting transport policies and rapid population growth in the area.
