This place snapshot provides a summary of future development in the Whittlesea Township area for current and future residents, business owners, investors and community groups.
You can download the full Whittlesea Township place snapshot or explore areas of interest on this webpage by clicking the above links.
Download the full Whittlesea snapshot(PDF, 995KB)
For snapshots of development in other areas, see Place snapshots: a guide to development in your area.
Originally known as Upper Plenty, the area was renamed Whittlesea in 1864 after the town of Whittlesey in England.
Whittlesea Township, within the rural north of the municipality, covers an area of approximately 20 square kilometres and has a strong historical character, much of which remains intact.
Notable buildings include:
- Whittlesea Primary School
- Christ Church Anglican Church
- various shops in Church and Walnut Streets
- a number of original homesteads.
European settlement dates from 1837. In 1853 the first post office opened and in 1878 the first school opened, which is still home to Whittlesea Primary School. The railway to Whittlesea Township opened in 1889 and operated for 70 years until train services were stopped in 1959.
Whittlesea Township is surrounded by Eden Park, Yan Yean, Humevale and Kinglake West.
In 2021, it was estimated that 6,122 people lived in the Whittlesea Township. By 2036, the population is expected to grow to 7,220.
The median age in 2015 was 37 which has increased to 41 in 2021. The 70 to 84 age group is forecast to experience the greatest change between 2015 and 2036 (an increase of 76%).
In 2015, an estimated 65 children were born, on average one per week. By 2036, this figure is expected to increase to 88 births per year, on average 1.7 births per week.
The proportion of residents who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander in Whittlesea is the highest in the municipality.
The two most common languages spoken at home other than English are Italian and Macedonian.
The most common countries of birth other than Australia are the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Italy.
There were approximately 2,255 dwellings in 2021. This is expected to increase to 2,892 dwellings by 2036. The average household size in 2021 was 2.7 people and is expected to remain the same in 2036.
In 2021, the proportion of households consisting of couples with children was 46%. By 2036, this will have reduced to 31%.
The Whittlesea Township has the highest rate of residents in the municipality who volunteer - a slightly larger rate compared with Greater Melbourne (19% versus 16%).
More residents are employed as technicians and trade workers than any other occupation – a higher proportion compared with Greater Melbourne (23 per cent versus 13 per cent).
There are more residents working in the construction industry compared with any other industry, which is a higher proportion compared with Greater Melbourne (18 per cent versus 8 per cent).
In 2015, Whittlesea Township had a relatively large proportion of primary school aged children (11% compared to 9% across the rest of the municipality).
Residents are more likely to drive a car to work compared with the broader population of Greater Melbourne (73% versus 61%).
There are more households with access to two or more vehicles compared to Greater Melbourne (61% versus 51%).
Whittlesea Township is the major service centre for the surrounding rural/residential areas of Plenty and Kinglake Ranges.
We're currently preparing a plan to guide how the Whittlesea Township will change over the next 20 years, including:
- transport
- housing
- open space
- shopping
- employment.
Find out more about the Whittlesea Township Project 2036.
The Green Wedge Management Plan identifies a vision and recommends actions for the sustainable use of Whittlesea’s rural land.
Council is seeking funding support from the state and federal governments to expand the local walking and cycling pathway network along the disused railway line from Mernda to Whittlesea Township.
Read more about our current advocacy priorities
- Whittlesea Community Activity Centre
- Walker Reserve
- Whittlesea Community House
- Whittlesea Showgrounds and Recreation Reserve
- Whittlesea Swimming Centre
- Whittlesea Skate Park and BMX Dirt Track
- Whittlesea Secondary College
The state government has allocated $4.7 million to upgrade the secondary college facilities. On site there is the Whittlesea Recreation Centre, which includes 2 basketball/netball courts available for community sports use out of school hours.
- Church Street, Whittlesea
In 2015 Whittlesea Township’s main hub and popular shopping strip, Church Street, underwent a $3 million redevelopment with significant upgrades to drainage, footpaths and street furniture and the installation of road crossings for pedestrian safety.
- Whittlesea Courthouse Visitor Information Centre
Built in 1864, it features the single lock-up cell built in 1959. The restored Whittlesea Courthouse is one of the oldest remaining buildings in the area, providing local arts and crafts for sale and historical and visitor information at hand.