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.

Minister for Planning announces Macaulay Structure Plan Advisory Committee

The Minister for Planning has appointed the Macaulay Structure Plan Advisory Committee to consider new planning controls for Macaulay. This will replace the independent planning panel review process which was the next step for Amendment C417.

The Future Melbourne Committee (FMC) has now resolved to pause Amendment C417. This was in response to the Minister for Planning’s request to do so while the advisory committee proceeds.

You can find out more about the Minister for Planning’s announcement on the Department of Transport and Planning’s website:

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

The advisory committee is holding a directions hearing on Monday 16 February 2026 and public hearings from Tuesday 7 to Friday 24 April 2026.

Anyone wishing to participate in the advisory committee should contact Planning Panels Victoria as soon as possible on 03 5381 9457 or office@planningpanels.vic.gov.au