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 2025. We expect a report on the submissions received in relation to Amendment C417 to be presented to Council’s Future Melbourne Committee (FMC) in late 2025. If the FMC resolves to request the appointment of an independent Panel to consider submissions, Planning Panels Victoria has advised that it can accommodate the following revised dates for a hearing:
- Directions hearing: Week beginning 16 February 2026
- Panel hearing: Commencing week beginning Tuesday 7 April 2026
Amendment overview
Learn more about the development and land use controls proposed to implement the recommendations in the Macaulay Structure Plan 2021.
News
Follow this page to receive email updates.
Timeline
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Timeline item 1 - complete
Future Melbourne Committee meeting
Amendment C417 presented to the Future Melbourne Committee, who resolved to request authorisation from the Minister for Planning to prepare and exhibit the amendment.
14 June 2022
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Timeline item 2 - complete
City of Melbourne request for authorisation
August 2022
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Timeline item 3 - complete
Authorisation by the Minister for Planning
Under delegation from the minister for Planning, conditional authorisation was granted on 30 May 2024.
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Timeline item 4 - complete
Exhibition of Amendment C417
Proposed changes to the Melbourne Planning Scheme for public comment.
1 August to 10 September 2024
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Timeline item 5 - active
Submissions to the Future Melbourne Committee
Report on public submissions to the Future Melbourne Committee. If submissions cannot be resolved, Council requests Minister to appoint independent panel to review and hear submissions.
Late 2025 - follow this page to stay updated
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Timeline item 6 - incomplete
Directions hearing
At the Directions Hearing, the Panel will:
- give directions about exchanging information before the Hearing and the conduct of the Hearing
- consider Hearing times and venue and site inspections
- answer questions people have about the Panel process including the Hearing.
February 2026 (current pre-set date, subject to change) -
Timeline item 7 - incomplete
Panel hearing
The independent panel will consider all written submissions lodged during the statutory consultation period. There will also be an opportunity to make a verbal submission and to hear from the Planning Authority.
April-May 2026 (current pre-set date, subject to change).
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Timeline item 8 - incomplete
Council consideration
Council will consider the panel report and any changes to the Planning Scheme Amendment and whether to submit a final amendment to the Minister for approval.
Late 2026
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Timeline item 9 - incomplete
Approval and Gazettal by the Minister for Planning of the final planning scheme amendment
2026
