Get Involved.
Stay Informed.
Speak Up.

Get Involved.
Stay Informed.
Speak Up.


Get Involved.
Stay Informed. Speak Up.






Liveable Moonee Valley (LMV) is a volunteer-led group of local residents dedicated to protecting and enhancing the unique character, liveability, and sustainability of our neighbourhoods. Our members come from all walks of life, reflecting the vibrant fabric of our community and united by a shared commitment to responsible, transparent, and inclusive urban planning. We cherish Moonee Valley’s tree-lined streets, green spaces, thriving local hubs, and the strong community spirit that make it such a special place to live.
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While we support thoughtful urban development and recognise the need for more housing, we are deeply concerned about the Victorian Government’s 2024 Housing Plan, which will dramatically reshape our suburbs without genuine community input or the infrastructure needed to support it. We believe growth must be carefully planned and delivered in partnership with the community. It should be transparent, reflect genuine local needs, respect our heritage, and be backed by the essential infrastructure and services our area requires.
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We are pro-community - not anti-growth. Growth must not be rushed, imposed, or decided behind closed doors. While more housing is needed, it must be:
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Well planned
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Transparent
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Shaped by genuine community input
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Backed by the infrastructure and services our community needs
Our purpose is simple: to keep the community informed, amplify local voices, and influence outcomes in ways that reflect the genuine needs and values of Moonee Valley residents.
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Major planning changes approved despite community concerns
In 2025, the Allan Labor Government fast-tracked major planning reforms across Victoria citing housing affordability, that will significantly affect Moonee Valley. These changes:​
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Approved high-density developments across Moonee Valley, beginning in North Essendon, Niddrie and surrounding areas, with further expansion expected across the municipality
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Reduced community input and lowered planning standards through weakened ResCode provisions
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Expanded Ministerial powers, reducing accountability and overriding heritage protections and restrictive covenants
These reforms weaken neighbourhood protections by allowing developments that meet “deemed-to-comply” rules. This results in:
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No detailed planning assessments
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No community consultation or independent oversight
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No obligation to notify residents or allow objections
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Less green space, open space, and landscaping
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Excessive site coverage
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Increased overshadowing and overlooking of neighbouring properties
What this means for our community
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Housing growth is being fast-tracked, with households in Moonee Valley expected to double by 2051
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Residents may receive little or no notice about developments in their neighbourhood
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There is no State Government infrastructure plan support this growth
Without proper planning and oversight, these changes will place significant pressure on local services, schools, transport, and community infrastructure – ultimately reducing the liveability of our neighbourhoods.
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At LMV, we are committed to protecting the liveability of our neighbourhoods and ensuring growth is planned in partnership with the community.
Our objectives are to:​​
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Keep residents informed and engaged through community forums, digital platforms, social media, newsletters, and local events
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Advocate for fair and transparent planning by working with Council and State and Federal representatives
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Monitor planning legislation and policy changes affecting Moonee Valley
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Collaborate with community organisations across Victoria to share information and strengthen networks
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Hold decision-makers accountable for planning decisions that impact our neighbourhoods
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Amplify local voices so community concerns are clearly heard and represented
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Since launching in September 2024, LMV has been actively working to protect Moonee Valley’s liveability, achieving significant outcomes, including:
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Engaging the community – Reached residents through letter drops, fence signs, Rotary Club presentations, social media campaigns, and information sessions attended by over 600 residents
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Advocating for policy change – Presented evidence and submissions to the Parliamentary Inquiry on overdevelopment
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Raising public awareness – Featured on ABC 7.30, The Age, 3AW, and podcasts
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Strengthening community voice – Built credibility with Councillors, MPs, and other community groups
Community engagement remains our top priority. We continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure residents’ voices are heard and represented.
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A May 2025 Parliamentary Inquiry found little evidence that these planning changes will deliver more housing or improve affordability, undermining the State Government’s justification. [Read More]
We urge the State Government to prioritise:
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Genuine community consultation
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Evidence-based planning
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Growth aligned with infrastructure that enhances liveability
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Partnership with local councils
The impact on our community will be profound: smaller setbacks, higher site coverage, reduced open space, and fewer protections against overshadowing. Residents will have no right to challenge these developments.
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These reforms threaten to permanently alter the heritage and character of Moonee Valley, Victoria as a whole.
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Join Us – Get involved. Stay informed. Speak up.
There are many ways to support LMV and stay updated on local planning changes, community meetings and have your say.
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1. Follow & Connect
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Website: Join us and sign up for updates [click here]
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Facebook: Liveable Moonee Valley
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Instagram: liveablemooneevalley1
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TikTok: liveablemooneevalley1
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2. Volunteer
We are always looking for volunteers to get involved. Whether you have time, skills, ideas, or simply a passion for protecting our local area, there’s a place for you. Everyone brings something valuable, and every contribution helps strengthen our collective voice.
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Contact us at admin.liveable.mv@gmail.com to express your interest
3. Spread the Word
Share updates with your neighbours, friends, and local networks – community awareness is key to shaping better planning outcomes.
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4. Attend Moonee Valley Council Meetings
Work alongside LMV members by submitting questions for Public Question Time and attending meetings to highlight community concerns about local decisions and developments.
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When: 4th Thursday of the month
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Meeting Schedule [click here]
5. Talk to Your Local MP
Let your representatives know you want fair, transparent planning. Voice your concerns and share your ideas directly.
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Member for Essendon: Danny Pearson [click here]
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Member for Niddrie: Ben Carroll [click here]
Together, we can achieve better outcomes for Moonee Valley, safeguard its liveability, and create a thriving future for generations.
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