Local Planning Policy Framework - Moreland City Council

Central Coburg 2020 Background Report [ PHASE 1: Research and Analysis ]
Melbourne 2030 identified activity centres as the focus of major change in
metropolitan Melbourne over the next 30 years. They are uniquely placed to provide
for much of the anticipated growth in households. They are often well-served by
public transport, and offer a wide range of services and facilities benefiting the whole
community. Melbourne 2030 seeks to increase the concentration of activities in
metropolitan Melbourne within a network of activity centres that differ in size and
function and are connected by public transport. Melbourne 2030 has identified
Coburg as a Principal Activity Centre, making it a location for priority government
investment and support.
Implications for Central Coburg 2020
The identification of Coburg as a Principal Activity Centre in Melbourne 2030
demonstrates that the development of the Plan is vital in strengthening the role of
central Coburg as an activity centre. This policy attributes a metropolitan significance
to central Coburg, and in doing so, provides justification and a strategic basis for the
actions to be achieved under Central Coburg 2020.
A Great Place to Be
Promote excellent neighbourhood design to create attractive, walkable and diverse
communities
Melbourne 2030 intends that neighbourhoods should be created as integrated and
interconnected communities. A set of Neighbourhood Principles have been
developed that apply to major redevelopment in existing areas. These principles
include creating compact walkable neighbourhoods, reducing car use, integrating
activities, and linking open spaces.
Implications for Central Coburg 2020
The Plan should emphasise creating links to better integrate existing services in
central Coburg. Projects to be initiated by the Plan should consider the
Neighbourhood Principles to assist in achieving the objectives of this policy.
A Greener City
Rectify gaps in the network of metropolitan open space by creating new parks and
ensure major open-space corridors are protected and enhanced
Melbourne 2030 gives priority to developing open space networks in growth areas
where existing open space is limited and demand is growing. An initiative to achieve
this includes creating six new metropolitan parks to redress the current imbalance and
provide for future growth areas. One of these parks is proposed to be the Merri Creek
Regional Park. Another initiative is to extend the ‘chain of parks’ concept by creating
four continuous open space links and trails. This will include the proposed Merri
Creek Parklands (extending to Craigieburn).
Implications for Central Coburg 2020
The proposed Merri Creek Regional Park and Merri Creek Parklands may help to
reinforce the open space links as proposed by the Plan. However, more information
about these proposed new parks is needed in order to determine the implications for
parkland immediately adjacent to central Coburg.
Better Transport Links
Plan urban development to make jobs and community services more accessible
Improvements to public transport, walking and cycling networks should be
coordinated with the ongoing development and redevelopment of the urban area. To
increase public transport usage, and to ensure people consider it as a realistic choice
for many everyday trips, residential development and activity centre development
should be located with access to established and proposed transport networks.
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