Council has captured the priorities and values of people living in the City of Whittlesea’s established, growth and rural areas based on almost 5,800 pieces of feedback from people across the municipality. Council also considered relevant health and demographic data about our community and other feedback received through broader engagement. Priorities differ across areas and precincts and reflect the wide‑ranging community aspirations addressed in this Community Plan 2021‑2025.
Bundoora
Owing to its two universities, Bundoora has a high number of people aged in their 20s who are renting alone or living in group households. Students share the suburb with older families and couples, many of whom have called Bundoora home for several decades. During consultation Bundoora residents told us they would like to see better waste management, more well- maintained green spaces and improved public transport options close to home.
Donnybrook
Propelled by a recent surge in greenfield housing development, Donnybrook is transforming from a small rural town into a community that will grow to a population of more than 25,000 people by 2031. Young families living in Donnybrook value social and community connections, with access to groups and activities for young children. As part of our engagement, Donnybrook residents told us they expect safe roads and essential infrastructure to be delivered at the right time to meet the community’s needs.
Doreen
With 28,000 residents now calling Doreen home, families in this community during consultation advocated for access to recreational facilities including leisure centres and swimming pools. The community values public open spaces and residents are avid supporters of maintaining our local natural environment.
Epping
This vibrant precinct plays a critical role in the City of Whittlesea’s economy and will continue to attract investment into the future. During consultation, people who live in Epping told us they value the natural environment and outdoor spaces. These residents are seeking well maintained spaces to meet and exercise along with better footpaths and natural shade.
Epping North
Epping North is the largest precinct in the City of Whittlesea with a population of around 38,000 people and 15,000 more people expected in the next two decades. The young, and culturally diverse residents of Epping North told us they support local businesses to strengthen the economy and create more employment opportunities and value places to play and be active.
Lalor
This well-located precinct has a growing community of residents aged in their 70s and 80s but is also popular with young couples and families, many of whom were born overseas from countries including India, Iran and Iraq. Through our engagement residents of Lalor told us they value local shopping and being connected to neighbours. These residents seek more local events such as festivals and markets to build relationships and experience other cultures.
Mernda
Having experienced rapid population growth in the last decade, Mernda continues to attract young couples and families to the area with a further 6000 people forecast to call Mernda home before 2030. Mernda residents advised they seek improved road and transport networks to connect them to employment, schools and services, and understand the importance of supporting local businesses.
Mill Park
This community is characterised by mature families and empty nester couples aged in their 50s and 60s. This established area has limited opportunity for new housing growth. The community told us they value its local vibrant businesses and seek safer and better-connected roads and bike paths. Residents also seek access to green spaces where they can play, exercise and meet with friends and family.
Rural north (including Beveridge, Eden Park, Humevale, Kinglake West, Woodstock and Yan Yean)
The City of Whittlesea’s rural north, containing a mix of natural biodiversity, agricultural businesses and rural residential properties, is home to older families and retirees. Through the consultation process, the community advised they are passionate about growing the local economy by encouraging small business ventures, supporting agribusiness and providing opportunities for new social enterprises.
South Morang
This community is largely made up of families who have lived in the area for more than 10 years, with children who are at, or approaching, secondary school age. During consultation South Morang residents told us they are seeking more parks and upgrades and better maintenance of existing open spaces. The community would also like to see a diverse range of festivals and events to experience culture and connect with their neighbours.
Thomastown
Our most culturally diverse community, more than half of Thomastown’s residents were born overseas. One in five residents are aged over 65 years, making it an ageing community. Through consultation we were advised that feeling safe and secure in their neighbourhoods is important to people in Thomastown. Better waste management practices, recycling and access to more public transport also rank highly.
Whittlesea Township
This township in the City’s north has a population of 5,500, which is largely made up of maturing families with teenage children, empty nester couples and retirees. The community advised they value improved access to services such as health, disability services and employment support. Whittlesea Township residents support small businesses and seek meaningful work opportunities close to home.
Wollert
A booming population located in the west of the municipality, Wollert is set to welcome 5,500 households in the next 10 years. The diverse community of first home buyers and young families let us know that they value community spaces where they can meet and host events, as well as parks and playgrounds. The community likes to make new social connections and seeks better quality roads to support its growing population.