This year the Victorian State Government have told us about their intentions to build an enormous number of new homes around 10 Activity Centres – Preston High Street being one of them. Our area is destined to have up to 15,300 new homes/dwellings in and around High Street.

A number of our STPM team were able to take part in the Community Reference Group. We were appalled at the lack of genuine community consultation….and it wasn’t just us! We have been contacted by other community reference groups from other activity centres who were equally appalled at the lack of transparency and information.

The State Gov is also aiming to remove options for residents to appeal residential building permits. That means no objections to be raised at VCAT or appeals to Standing Advisory Committee (SAC). REMEMBER that it was at the SAC hearings in 2022 when the STPM members attended 2 weeks of hearings, resulting in the heritage and cultural overlay for Preston Market.

BIG opportunities moving forward:

The number of new dwellings for the Preston Activity Centre means that the developers will have to pay a developer levy for every new home.

This will bring a fresh injection of funds that Darebin Council determine where that money can be allocated. STPM wants to direct some of that money to go to the public acquisition of Preston Market which means a board of management would be set up with community representation. This is our chance.

We need community minded councilors who can look beyond politics and profits and who have a vision for the future of Preston Market.

Imagine a vibrant market, thriving stores, community spaces, more greenery and our greatest community asset being safe for generations to come.

That is why it is important to vote to save Preston Market in the 2024 Darebin council elections! Check the scorecard for your area to see how to vote.