The vision for the Macaulay area as a mixed-use, mid-rise precinct within North Melbourne and Kensington that is a thriving home and workplace for our growing community is set in the Macaulay Structure Plan 2021. One of the key ways to make this a reality is to update the planning rules for the area to make sure we get the developments and mix of uses we need.

Amendment C417 seeks to implement new land use and development controls, generally as recommended in the 2021 Macaulay Structure Plan, by making changes to the Melbourne Planning Scheme.

Consultation on Amendment C417 was open from 1 August to 10 September 2024. A report on the submissions received in relation to Amendment C417 was presented to Council’s Future Melbourne Committee (FMC) on Tuesday 2 December 2025.

New Advisory Committee announced for Macaulay Structure Plan Amendment

Instead of proceeding to a planning panel as per the Council resolution of the 2 December 2025 Future Melbourne Committee (FMC) meeting, the Minister for Planning has appointed an advisory committee to consider new planning controls for Macaulay, with the intention that this replace the Planning Panel process to resolve Amendment C417.

The Advisory Committee is expected to hold a hearing in April 2026, using the same dates as had been proposed for a Panel hearing to consider public submissions for Amendment C417.

Council officers will provide advice to FMC to make a decision on the Minister for Planning’s request that Amendment C417 be paused while the Advisory Committee proceeds.  

Further information can be found at:

• Inner Melbourne Train and Tram Zone
• Macaulay Structure Plan Advisory Committee