Residents in the leafy Melbourne suburb of Armadale are staring down a dramatic change to their neighbourhood. Plans have been lodged to demolish five single-storey units on Mercer Road to make way for a six-storey apartment block with 29 apartments and two levels of underground parking over 900 metres from the train station.
Local resident Dave Corrigan, who lives across the street, described the plan as "ridiculous" and said it is enough to make him consider moving. Under the state Labor government's new "deemed to comply" rules, his objections carry limited weight. The rules took effect in April, allowing developments that meet specific government standards to bypass the usual avenues for public objection or appeal.
State Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny defended the policy, arguing the existing planning system locked Victorians out of areas where they want to live. "The status quo is no longer an option," she told 7.30.
The policy has drawn fierce opposition from local councils who argue they have been stripped of meaningful influence. Stonnington Mayor Melina Sehr said residents have no right to object and very limited ability to have changes made. "They either sell or just put up with it," she said.
With the state election approaching, the opposition Coalition has seized on the issue. Leader Jess Wilson said a Coalition government would scrap the activity centres policy, restore third-party appeal rights, and return planning powers to councils. "We believe that local communities should have a say in how their community grows," Ms Wilson said, adding that the Coalition would focus high-rise development on the CBD and inner city.
East of the city, the suburb of Box Hill offers a glimpse of what these policies can deliver. Danny Todica lives in a 30-storey apartment tower and enjoys the convenience of being within walking distance of shops, transport, and the highway. "People still need to live somewhere," he said. Phil Ward, who has lived in Box Hill for 47 years, once campaigned against high-rise development before buying an apartment in the 36-storey Sky One tower. He values the convenience but warns traffic congestion and pressure on green space are significant costs. A 2025 government report found several major roads in the suburb were nearing capacity. "It only takes a little glitch and all of a sudden gridlock," Mr Ward said.
Urban planning expert Dr Stephen Glackin from Swinburne University backed the logic of building around existing train lines and infrastructure, arguing that expanding the urban fringe leads to "travel poverty" for residents.
Labor contends the Victorian government needs an estimated 2.24 million additional homes by 2051, with at least 70 per cent in established areas. The federal government has targeted 1.2 million new homes nationally by 2030. Minister Kilkenny said new developments in activity centres would attract infrastructure contributions to help fund parks, schools, road upgrades and community facilities as populations grow.