Last year we asked how we might make North Melbourne neighbourhood the best it could be. From the North Melbourne contributions received, these North Melbourne draft neighbourhood priorities were developed.
For the Wurundjeri, Bunurong, Taungurung, Dja Dja Wurrung and Wadawurrung peoples of the Eastern Kulin, the place now known as Melbourne has always been an important meeting place and location for events of political, cultural, social and educational significance. We will ensure that the Traditional Owners’ culture, lore, knowledge, and heritage enrich the city’s growth and development.
What you told us
You’d like more recognition of Wurundjeri Traditional Owners and other First Nations’ relationships with the lands, waterways and storylines of this neighbourhood.
You suggest this process could begin with greater use of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurung language in place names and signage, partnering in decision-making, local storytelling, native planting, and plaques of acknowledgment of Aboriginal history in parks and community facilities.
“We should incorporate Indigenous naming and knowledge. Consult early and consistently and actually LISTEN to Aboriginal expertise: prioritise their knowledge.”
“Historical information about the pre-colonial era should be visible, and plaques about post-colonial buildings should not suggest that "nothing" was there before.
Council should keep improving on the great initiatives like the featuring of First Nations knowledge in Melbourne Knowledge Week and supporting festivals like YIRRAMBOI.”
“I would love to know more about the First Nations history of Melbourne - it's great seeing rising use of place names, would love to see more art, more signed places of interest, maybe even walking or heritage tours.”
What we’re doing
At this year’s narrm ngarrgu | Melbourne Knowledge Week we launched Mapping Aboriginal Melbourne a spatial mapping tool highlighting places and events of Aboriginal cultural significance within the city.
An interactive map is located in Town Hall Commons and available in desktop and mobile versions. This educational resource has been developed with the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation and the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation and supports Council in placemaking and signage.
Through this, we will continue to document places of Aboriginal cultural significance that can be searched by place, date or theme. This complements our Aboriginal Engagement Protocol and 2021 –23 (innovate) Reconciliation Action Plan.
The North Melbourne Meat Market is home to YIRRAMBOI festival’s planning and hosts many of the events over the ten-day festival. Other contemporary performances by first Nations artists are commissioned for public audiences at Arts House, in the old North Melbourne Town Hall.
Our Creative Spaces program is supporting a free pop-up tenancy at shop 54 Errol Street to Amber Days’ and Yarn Strong Sista. Other NAIDOC and National Reconciliation Week events are promoted to the broader community through our popular What’s On social media marketing channels.
What we’re doing next
The North Melbourne Heritage Review Planning Scheme Amendment (C403) will be presented for public exhibition early 2023, to better protect and celebrate the places and character which are unique to the neighbourhood.
Consultation with Traditional Owners has identified some places and themes of special Aboriginal significance.
Returning from 4–14 May 2023, YIRRAMBOI will again invite audiences to immerse themselves in Aboriginal stories and culture.
We will reduce economic and social inequality by ensuring universal access to housing, core services and information.
What you told us
You would like access to multi-purpose spaces, which are inclusive, simple to book, well managed, and prioritise local community use. You believe this would enable more group activities, performances and events.
You’d also like the North Melbourne Recreation and Aquatic Centre to increase its opening hours and explore opportunities to build an additional indoor pool for swimming lessons, hydrotherapy and women-only sessions.
“The pool could have women-only days for women who can't go swimming when men are there, water aerobics stuff for older residents, swimming lessons.”
“Creative black box space (affordable to hire and able to be reconfigured internally to suit purpose) - artists to practice and perform. Can be used for community hall facility to hire for functions of all sorts. BBQ space included. Outdoor sports area attached for kids and community to use with weather protection - tennis/table tennis/volleyball for example.”
“A cultural venue where you can find all the people represented and express culture, learn, see local artists.”
What we’re doing
The popular North Melbourne Library in Errol Street invites small community groups to book its Hotham Room for meetings and gatherings. The Jean McKendry Neighbourhood CentreNeighbourhood Centre on Melrose Street is a senior citizen’s hall with multipurpose activity rooms that are available for regular and casual bookings.
North Melbourne Community Centre also has indoor and outdoor group activity spaces which are available for hire.
Our new Active Melbourne Strategy has a strong focus on enhancing inclusion and access, as has our partnership with local organisations such as the North Melbourne Huddle and The Centre neighbourhood house.
In 2020, we commissioned a North Melbourne Social Infrastructure Study to consider the long-term community and recreation facility needs of our growing community.
What we’re doing next
We have budgeted $20m for the redevelopment of North Melbourne Community Centre, which will be designed in consultation with local community and other stakeholders.
What you told us
You believe the area could be better connected if there was an additional bus stop on the route 501 bus line near the Errol Street Precinct. You’ve called for more modern trams and stops, as well as consistent security patrolling on the number 57 tram route.
You also told us that car-parking provision and conditions need to better balance visitor convenience with resident’s needs.
“I have often felt unsafe on the 57 tram. My housemate and I have both been followed home off the tram before.”
“I would like parking in the area to be more fairly allocated—your right to park somewhere shouldn’t depend on what year your home was built or where you live. It’s so unfair for small business owners, visitors, and people who live in new apartments.”
“Better trams - we only get the old ones… Keep car parks close to curbs the floating carparks are ridiculous and dangerous for getting children and the elderly out of cars (with prams and mobility devices) as well as cyclists.”
What we’re doing
The Victorian government’s Department of Transport is responsible for the delivery of public transport and improvements to stops, services and security. We highlight community feedback and advocate for improvement to these bus and tram routes.
Our Macaulay Structure Plan commits to advocate for improvements to the Upfield line, upgrades to Macaulay and Flemington Bridge stations, and increasing the frequency of train, tram and bus services in the area.
What we’re doing next
We will commission a neighbourhood-wide Parking and Traffic Study in early 2023 to inform future urban planning.
Metro Tunnel’s Arden Station is due for completion in 2025 and will connect passengers on the Sunbury Line to the Central City with more trains more often. In 2029, North Melburnians will be able to jump on a train from Arden to Tullamarine Airport via Airport Rail in under 30 minutes.
What you told us
You’re concerned about the rising cost of living, particularly the affordability and availability of housing in the neighbourhood. You believe it’s important for equity and community diversity that people living on lower incomes can continue to call North Melbourne home.
You have called for greater government investment in social housing stock, financial assistance, as well as exploring creative ways to influence the private market to provide affording housing options.
“I'd like to see more affordable housing; social housing and low-cost rental.”
“The cost of living in North Melbourne will preclude many of the current renters from living here. Only solution is a quota on the amount of public and social housing that is required for development to continue.”
“I think the local government should work to stop increased prices forcing people out - especially residents... I think affordable housing and rent for small businesses is essential for the future of North Melbourne - so it doesn’t lose what makes it so special.”
What we’re doing
Our Homes Melbourne works with Government, the community sector and private industry to deliver on our Affordable Housing Strategy 2020-2030.
We are represented on the Community Consultative Commitee for the Abbotsford Street public housing redevelopment project and will continue to advocate for the community.
We have recently consulted with the local community regarding the potential repurposing of land at 44 - 60 Curzon Street, North Melbourne for affordable housing.
We are seeking authorisation from the Minister for Planning to publicly exhibit Amendment C417 to the Melbourne Planning Scheme, which would require all new buildings developments within the Macaulay urban renewal precinct to dedicate a mandatory 3.8% of all floor space for affordable housing. For land owned by City of Melbourne, that rate will be at least 25%. It is estimated that this will generate around 425 new affordable homes in Macaulay.
Redevelopment in the Arden urban renewal precinct over the next twenty to thirty years provides an exciting opportunity to deliver a lot of new and diverse housing opportunities close to jobs and a major transit hub.
We're working closely with the Victorian Government to ensure at least 10% of new housing delivered on State-owned land will be allocated as affordable housing. The proposed Amendment C407 to the Melbourne Planning Scheme would require all new private residential buildings to contribute toward affordable housing.
What you told us
You told us that residents, businesses and visitors are deeply invested in the future of North Melbourne and want to be involved in decisions that shape the neighbourhood’s environment and amenities. You’re also interested in playing a more active role in local leadership or contributing your skills, time and passion through volunteering.
“Consultation and listening instead of offering what you assume is needed. Communities know what they need.”
“A true and more consultative inclusive process across all planning.”
“Creating ways for people to participate, contribute and cultivate community. For example, it is really hard to volunteer to look after Royal Park.”
What we’re doing
Our Community Engagement Policy shows our commitment to involving those most impacted by Council decisions and activities to be involved in the planning and thinking.
Recent examples of public consultation projects in North Melbourne include, Making Errol Street Exceptional, Proposal to Sell Four Council Properties, Participate North Melbourne, and Gardiner Reserve Public Toilet.
We understand that some people in our community experience barriers to community and civic participation. Council’s Inclusive Melbourne Strategy 2022-23 aims to listen to more diverse voices and ensure more people are included in the local economy and have access to neighbourhood assets.
To help decision making become more inclusive and locally responsive, City of Melbourne holds Future Melbourne Committee Council meetings in neighbourhood venues. On 14 June 2022, the North Melbourne Meat Market hosted a meeting that featured local matters and public submissions.
Our volunteering program supports residents to give back to the community and meet new people. You can also get in touch with local organisations like North Melbourne Rotary, Hotham Mission, and North Melbourne Language and Learning to chat about how you can contribute your skills, passion and time.
We’re encouraging more grass-roots community leadership with the introduction of Connected Neighbourhoods Small Grants. Individuals and non-incorporated groups can now apply for up to $2000 throughout the year to support neighbourhood-strengthening initiatives.
We will prioritise our environment and take urgent action to reduce emissions and waste in order to protect public health, strengthen the economy and create a city that mitigates and adapts to climate change. The City of Melbourne declared a climate and biodiversity emergency in 2019.
What you told us
You said residents, especially those living in apartment buildings need collective solutions to help live more sustainably. You're interested in community gardens, shared composting sites, e-waste collection points, e-vehicle charging stations and neighbourhood solar batteries.
You also want the community to be empowered to share useful skills and resources, through toy/tool/kitchen libraries, maker spaces, men’s sheds, skills and goods exchanges or food cooperatives.
“I would make renewable energy technologies a priority, installing community batteries, electric vehicle charging stations and make solar mandatory. Ideally, North Melbourne might even eventually become its own micro grid.”
“A welcoming neighbourhood house which can be booked for little money especially for low-income earners for kids’ parties and family events. Would have toys, kitchen etc. access recycling, has a community food pantry and book library and recycling facilities…for example Finbar in Richmond.“
“Most of us can only afford living in apartments or small townhouses... I wish there was a way we can have access to community solar panels or battery. I also wish we could have communal glass recycle bins and compost bins.”
What we’re doing
Our bold climate action agenda wants us to be 100% powered by renewable energy by 2030. Our Power Melbourne shared solar battery scheme allows residents, including apartment dwellers to connect with a neighbourhood energy network.
We have recommended future off-street Electric Vehicle charging stations in the precincts of Arden and Macaulay through proposed amendments to the Melbourne Planning Scheme.
We’re keen to promote opportunities for North Melburnians to share skills and resources locally. Community Gardens are a fantastic way to grow fresh produce as well as connect with your neighbours.
Check out the Patch Community Garden located at the back of the Meat Market, and the Cultivating Community Garden on Buncle Street Reserve.
Neighbours in Erskine Street have followed our Street Garden Guidelines to create colourful raised veggie and flower boxes and communal composting on the wide median strip.
Other wonderful examples of our neighbourhood share economy in action, include the Toy Library on Melrose Street and public food pantry, out the front of Our Community House.
What we’re doing next
We will develop a set of Circular Economy Guidelines that can support Council, businesses and our community to minimise ‘environmental footprint’, by reducing consumption and waste, as well as reusing, recycling and repairing products within local systems.
What you told us
You said the spirit of care and neighbourly cooperation demonstrated during the COVID-19 hard-lockdown highlighted what can be achieved when communities come together. You want us to build on this and help the community to be better informed and prepared to respond collectively to emergencies; knowing where to go and how to help each other in times of crisis.
“Coming from rural Victoria, community venues are spaces that are easily identified when people need to come together whether it is an emergency, a tragic event or a place of celebration. It’s hard to know where that would be in North Melbourne.”
“Having plenty of pre-identified safe houses in the neighbourhood that citizens can take shelter in case of emergency.”
“Launch a community action program, where everyone has a role and community are empowered to organise and support ourselves, and especially people who need help.”
What we’re doing
The Arts House’s Refuge project invites artists and emergency service personnel to explore creative responses to climate emergencies; including heatwave, pandemic and mass displacement. In 2022-23, we're collaborating with community on the development of a North Melbourne Flood Response Plan, which can become a model for other neighbourhoods across the municipality.
Our Council Plan invests in Community Disaster Resilience with programs to help you be better prepared. We’re keen to understand what types of events, activities and support would be valuable to you and your local community as we tackle climate change and disasters together.
We will focus on driving economic recovery and creating the conditions for a strong, adaptive, sustainable and thriving future city economy supported by a diverse mix of industries and jobs that provide dignity and opportunity.
What you told us
You told us that it’s fundamental to your sense of connection and wellbeing, and to your ability to remain in the area to have greater access to local jobs, especially for those who experience barriers to employment.
“Jobs are fundamental for people to feel good and to afford to live here. Localised jobs and community life intersect.”
“… more focus on helping African youth get jobs and services.”
“Assistance for local people who need work to become ingrained in the suburb. Assistance for cafe training, market work etcetera.“
What we’re doing
We understand that some of you experience barriers to economic participation. Council’s Inclusive Melbourne Strategy 2022-23 aims to have a more diverse representation in the local workforce.
This strategy requires us to have recruitment targets for key providers. We piloted this recently with a municipality-wide Recreation Facilities management agreement with the YMCA.
Game Changers is an employment readiness program facilitated by North Melbourne Football Club’s community arm, The Huddle. It offers practical support to young people aged 15 –25 years old.
Other community-led initiatives include, Ubuntu Project’s African Australian Career Expo at Meat Market in March 2022. Venue hire for this event was subsidised by City of Melbourne.
What you told us
You said that the range of eateries, retail and services available in our local activity centres aren’t keeping pace with changing trends, and the precincts are looking a bit tired. You suggested that coordinated planning of these areas could build on the unique North Melbourne character.
This could include extending the iconic ‘heritage look’ around Errol Street, trialling car-free times, as well as having more to do and enjoy after dark, such as a cinema.
“I would love to see the stretch of Errol Street from Victoria to Queensberry closed to traffic [other than trams]. This would allow restaurants and cafes to provide pleasant outdoor dining. Parking should be moved away from the main street.”
“Outdoor sports events from the council would be amazing. Night market and cinema nights in summer would be amazing.”
“Make it beautiful and interesting and ever changing. Make it a reason to come to Errol Street. Have a community day, roving artists, open the businesses, bring life back into the old girl. COVID-19 has been terribly unkind to her.”
What we’re doing
Through our Business Precinct Program 2021-25, we encourage local businesses to join the North and West Melbourne Precinct Association to benefit from local activation support and marketing campaigns.
We provide a range of support for businesses including: grants, mentoring, workshops, extended outdoor dining initiatives, regular newsletters, research and data sharing.
We continue to strengthen North Melbourne's economic recovery through precinct and shopfront activation, and delivery of an enhanced business concierge service.
We recently worked with the local business precinct association to trial pop-up tree planter boxes and bench seating in Errol Street and part of Queensberry Street. We are currently looking at community feedback to see if there is support for more permanent street improvements for the area.
Nobody likes to see vacant shopfronts. Our Creative Spaces program is supporting a series of free pop-up social enterprise tenancies at the council-owned, shop 54 Errol Street.
We will celebrate and protect the places, people and cultures that make Melbourne a unique, vibrant and creative city with world-leading liveability.
What you told us
You really value parks and smaller green pockets for their shade, beauty, ecology, and social function. You’d like to see continued Council investment in greening to ensure that as our population grows and the climate changes, our neighbourhood remains liveable.
You’d also love to see North Melbourne’s laneways, residential streets and median strips brought to life with creative installations, park furniture, street gardens and the ability to host Street Parties.
“Diversify how we attract people into the neighbourhood. Our Laneways are quite wonderful! I'd like to revitalise and use them more. This could be done by reorganising garbage collection, so these spaces are not rubbish storage spots; encouraging good graffiti and street art (not tagging); changing local laws to make it easier for traders and property owners to do more activities in them; having arts and light installations, for example, bring elements of White Night here.”
“I see people picnicking on median strips, so I would want to create a family-oriented green space with places for people to hang out.”
“I also think all our trees and plants should be natives to restore biodiversity to our median strips and parks - like near the Castle Hotel, those are awesome. Even more opportunities to grow food, like a community garden next to the Castle Hotel on that huge vacant block would be fantastic.”
What we’re doing
We have been strategically greening streets and increasing the amount of open space parklands throughout North Melbourne.
In 2019, we celebrated the Gardiner Reserve Park Expansion, which saw the Reserve’s footprint grow by 47% and 87 new trees planted. Early 2022, saw major works to enhance the small residential streets of Provost, Little Provost and Little Baillie. Arden Street’s median strip has recently received a biodiverse facelift, with plantings that support healthier habitats for wildlife, pets and people.
This work has been guided by our municipal Urban Forest Strategy and the North and West Melbourne Urban Forest Precinct Plan that sits beneath it. Our Nature in the City Strategy outlines how we will protect and enhance ecosystem health and biodiversity. Local investment by the Urban Forest Fund supports gardens, tree planting, biodiversity projects, green roofs and vertical greening, including projects within Haines Street and Curzon Street.
The Moonee Ponds Creek Strategic Opportunities Plan looks to revitalise the creek with a chain of park and wetlands. While the City does not control the creek corridor, we are advocating for improvements to the North Melbourne section of the creek, which runs along the eastern bank from Racecource Road to Dynon Road. These include pedestrian bridges, an arts trail that celebrate Aboriginal and other local heritage, separated walking and cycling tracks, native revegetation, as well as water storage and flood management solutions.
What you told us
You told us you love learning about the people and stories threaded through the fabric and history of our neighbourhood.
You’ve noticed that very few of the local monuments, reserves and streets highlight the role of women in shaping North Melbourne, and you hope we can work towards a better gender-balance of place-naming, educational displays, and public art.
“These are crucial to root North and West Melbourne in time and in history, and to ensure that it develops with that history in mind. I also believe that engaging history and creating significance in that way can attract people and tourists to want to experience and learn more about Melbourne.”
“When you look at the 1891 ‘Monster Petition’ for women’s suffrage, which is sitting in the Public Records Office in Shiel St, a huge proportion of those signatories were women living in North Melbourne. Most of them were ordinary working-class women, who were organising and agitating and influenced the course of Victorian democracy.”
“All of the streets, the historical buildings, and reserves in North Melbourne have been named after men. When are we going to acknowledge the role of the many amazing and fascinating women?!”
What we’re doing
Our 2021-23 Women's Safety and Empowerment Action Plan seeks to promote women and gender diverse people in public places and spaces.
We will commemorate and acknowledge influential women’s achievements through street naming, monuments, plaques, arts, awards, and events. There will be a particular focus on Aboriginal women and immigrant and refugee women. See: Put Her Name On it Campaign, Zelda D’Aprano monument.
In 2009, two laneways off Buncle Street were formally named after suffragette and sexual health activist Brettena Smyth and prominent member of the Australian Womens Union, Ruth Crow. The Lady Huntingfield Early Learning and Family Services Centre on Haines Street, has proudly borne the name of its social advocate namesake since the 1940s.
Arts House commissioned photographer Jody Haines in 2019 for I Am Woman, a large format photographic exhibition of female portraits focused on local identities, gazing from windows along Queensbury and Errol Streets. Valuing story-exchange and bringing local histories to life, local female Elder, Lorna Hannan OA has been engaged to host Ruth Crow Walks and Ruth Crow Corner as part of a Refuge project.
What you told us
You said you are not opposed to medium-density residential buildings, if they’re designed well and in appropriate locations. However, you do not believe dense high-rise buildings fit the character of North Melbourne and that they negatively impact residents’ liveability.
You’ve suggested that any new housing development must provide facilities for the community, such as childcare centres.
“There is definitely scope for more housing and apartments but plans so far for the Arden precinct out of scale for the area. The character of the area should be maintained...Additional housing should be accompanied by additional facilities, such as childcare, schools - not just relying on "market led" enterprise, but publicly funded facilities - including high schools”.
“Don't go super high-rise. We need smart denser housing clustered around the train stations, that's well designed [not all glass for example, like the development near Vic Market]. Not thoughtless 'easy' architecture”.
“If it is necessary to have new buildings at least make them architecturally interesting with courtyards for green spaces and outdoor leisure and eating areas within these new buildings”.
What we’re doing
We’ve launched a Development Activity Model to better inform you of future buildings and construction in your area. Council is also currently pursuing Amendment C376 to the Melbourne Planning Scheme, which proposes to regulate Sustainable Building Design requirements across the municipality.
We are working alongside the Victorian Government, community and industry stakeholders, to ensure new buildings; accommodate a genuine mix of homes and workplaces, meet high standards of design and sustainability, and will realise our vision for the renewal precincts of Arden and Macaulay.
We recognise the importance of supporting the liveability of North Melbourne as it develops over the next twenty to thirty years. The proposed Amendments C407 and C417 to the Melbourne Planning Scheme would ensure new building projects also co-fund new public green spaces, community facilities, and a new primary school.
We continue to rigorously advocate to the Victorian Government for building density in Arden that strikes the right balance between integrating with the surrounding neighbourhoods and providing a hub of high-quality jobs and transport around the new metro station.
We’ve listened closely to locals through the planning for Macaulay, ensuring new building applications would need to demonstrate they are considering the unique character of the area, will maintain adequate sunlight to streets and parks, and will contribute to a neighborhood that feels good to be in.
We will plan and design for the safety and wellbeing of those who live, visit, work and do business in Melbourne, regardless of their background.
What you told us
You told us that there’s a lack of good and affordable childcare in the neighbourhood, making it harder for some parents to participate in activities such as education classes and important appointments.
We've heard that local families want fun stuff to do with their kids, and young people are looking for safe and inviting places to hang-out after school and at weekends.
“Open high quality affordable childcare.”
“I have the means to go and sit in cafes. But, especially with so many kids in North Melbourne moving into their teenage years, I think having solid, safe, accessible [that is free] spaces for them to hang out will be important.”
“More family oriented. Venues where you can go with your kids to learn something and be entertained. Its currently not that fun for kids.”
What we’re doing
We deliver childcare and integrated kindergarten services at the Lady Huntingfield Early Learning and Family Services Centre as well as the North Melbourne Childrens’ Centre. Our dedicated playgroup space at North Melbourne Community Centre encourages connection, play and friendship between infants, toddlers and parents.
North Melbourne Library has an accessible child-friendly space hosting free Monday and Wednesday ‘songbirds’ sessions and Thursday ‘stompers’ story times.
School aged children 5 –15 years old can head over to the nearby Kensington Adventure Playground, where funded partners, The Venny host an afternoon drop-in Tuesday – Saturday.
The Drum provides specialised support to young people aged between 12 – 25 years, by providing group programs and one-on-one support at the North Melbourne Community Centre.
What you told us
You’ve shared that you don’t always feel safe in public spaces of North Melbourne. You believe that increased public lighting, more frequent bin collection, better managed graffiti, as well as working with police and support services could help discourage anti-social behaviour.
“At night, street lighting is important. Seeing others walking dogs makes me feel comfortable when I'm moving around the neighbourhood.”
“Antisocial behaviour makes the neighbourhood feel less safe. When there's graffiti around it projects a lack of pride and respect. And seeing rough sleeping people in public areas makes me uncomfortable.”
“Some kind of welfare centre, away from public thoroughfares, that ensures homeless, and drug affected people have access to resources to help with reliance upon drugs, alcohol and begging in order to survive. Welfare professionals and community members need to come together to discuss this.”
What we’re doing
We’ve called together a diverse group of community members to help identify North Melbourne road and street improvements to create a more pedestrian-friendly neighbourhood.
Our Clean City team conduct street sweeping, pressure hosing, and graffiti removal from public areas, and can assist with graffiti on private business properties upon request. Our Rapid Response team recently conducted a two week proactive litter and tagging removal blitz in North Melbourne. You can report a location for street cleaning, repair or maintenance online anytime, or call us on 8658 8658.
We recently upgraded Citipower’s street lighting to LED globes and regularly investigate public recommendations to improve lighting in our neighbourhoods.
We work with Victoria Police and other community support agencies to enhance public safety. We are represented on the Police Community Consultative Committee, which meets monthly at the North Melbourne Police station, and connect through the newly launched Neighbourhood Policing model. We also maintain collaborative relationships with North Melbourne crisis accommodation providers, Salvation Army and Vincent Care.
What we’re doing next
City of Melbourne will review its street bin services and design.
What you told us
You told us that you love the community relationships and neighbourhood pride in North Melbourne. You want to keep feeling happy and socially connected by initiating more local activities such as meet-ups, cultural events, history tours, and block parties.
“We are all fond and proud of this wonderful area where I made lots of friends and connections with the multicultural community.”
“It was the community spirit [that first attracted me to the area] but for me, that is no longer there.”
“…neighbourhood or street BBQ/parties where everybody can come and meet.”
What we’re doing
We have introduced a Neighbourhood Partner model to encourage local collaborations that foster neighbourly relationships, local pride and place-based insight.
We’re encouraging more neighbourhood level initiatives with the introduction of Connected Neighbourhoods Small Grants. Individuals and non-incorporated groups can now apply for up to $2000 throughout the year to support grass-roots community-building.
We also fund community events through our Events Partnership Program and Connected Communities grants.
Local Facebook member group North Melbourne Good Karma Network has over 6000 members. It’s an engaging community-led platform mobilising positive action in our neighbourhood.
What you told us
You believe pets are important members of the community and that dogs need more dedicated green spaces to run around off-leash. You’d like to see these spaces fenced and well maintained, for the safety of dogs as well as other park users.
You’d also like to see pet ownership education offered year-round, and more indoor venues to welcome your furry friends.
“Provide education sessions on responsible pet ownership throughout the year to help inform residents on how they can better care for their pets for better community and animal welfare outcomes.”
“It would be great to have double gates at Clayton Reserve as most other dog off-leash enclosed areas have... It is a very high traffic area so there should be more protection for dogs. It would also be good if there were more council patrols at this park as some people allow their dogs to get quite aggressive at this park (which isn't very big).”
“Fence off Eades Place Park, so greyhound owners can let their dogs off for a run. There is a large population of greyhounds in the community.”
What we’re doing
We manage Clayton Reserve, a large fenced-off dog park on Macaulay Road, as well as North Melbourne Recreation Reserve off-leash area, which surrounds Arden Oval. The large off-leash area in Royal Park south is another local spot popular with dog walkers.
As part of our Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017–21 we are reviewing available off-leash areas across the municipality, making sure dogs and their owners are considered in planning for future public open space.
In late 2021, we asked park users about proposals for new off-leash spaces and timed access in certain areas. In June 2022, the outcomes of this consultation, which proposed some new locations and arrangements for dog off-leash areas were forwarded for Victorian Government gazettal. Once authorised, we will communicate these changes, which will then come into effect.
Our Animal Management Officers, Park Rangers and Local Laws Officers patrol public areas and parks to ensure compliance with laws such as leashing, picking up after dogs and animal registration. These teams work closely with North Melbourne’s Lost Dogs Home and Lort Smith Animal Hospital.
What we’re doing next
City of Melbourne will update our online map of dog walking areas.
Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners
The City of Melbourne respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land we govern, the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong / Boon Wurrung peoples of the Kulin and pays respect to their Elders past and present. We acknowledge and honour the unbroken spiritual, cultural and political connection they have maintained to this unique place for more than 2000 generations.
We accept the invitation in the Uluru Statement from the Heart and are committed to walking together to build a better future.
