- Published:
- Tuesday 18 March 2025
The Allan Labor Government’s city shaping Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) will deliver 70,000 more homes around six station precincts, with locals now invited to have their say on how these neighbourhoods grow over time.
Public consultation is now open to provide feedback on the SRL’s draft planning scheme amendments and draft structure plans that were revealed earlier this month.
The Suburban Rail Loop Authority has been engaging with communities and stakeholders for several years to clearly understand people’s priorities and visions for their neighbourhoods, with nearly 10,000 online submissions made.
Since the proposed Key Directions for the six SRL East neighbourhoods were released last year, community consultation has continued to shape the draft structure plans.
This feedback has helped refine proposed building height limits. In some of the more commercial areas where people told us they’d like to see more concentrated development, these limits have increased – while in some of the more residential areas, they have been reduced. It’s about striking the right balance.
Under the proposed planning scheme amendments, developments that meet specific criteria will be streamlined for approval – slashing wait times and red tape to allow for more homes to be built close to world class public transport. However, there will still be rules to protect sunlight over parks and open space.
Construction of SRL East from Cheltenham to Box Hill is powering head, with works underway at all six station sites and the train stabling facility. Tunnel boring machines start arriving on site later this year and tunnelling will kick off in 2026. Trains will be taking passengers in 2035.
The draft structure plans and draft planning scheme amendments are now open for public feedback until 11.59pm on Tuesday 22 April, with the structure planning process expected to be finalised next year.
To read the documents and make a submission, head to engage.vic.gov.au/srl-east-structure-planning.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Suburban Rail Loop Harriet Shing
“The Suburban Rail Loop is Australia’s largest housing project, delivering 70,000 quality homes for Victorians around six stations – and local feedback will be really important in building and shaping these growing neighbourhoods.”
“Construction of SRL East is powering ahead with works underway at every station site and tunnelling to start next year – and we’re doing the important work now to ensure more homes and housing choice is delivered on the doorstep of this world-class public transport.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny
“Suburban Rail Loop is building more homes where people want to live – next to world-class public transport, jobs and services.”