As part of the Victorian Government’s housing plans, 10 activity centres are set to enjoy increased housing diversity and density as Victorian becomes the fastest growing state in Australia.

With the population to reach more than 10 million by 2050 and more than 8 million people poised to call Melbourne home, there are plans to cater for the population growth through the Activity Centre Program in Victoria’s Housing Statement

Property developer Obaid Naqebullah recognises the huge potential of housing plans designed 

to unlock 60,000 new homes by 2051 – all of them at the hub of shops, transport, schools, recreation and medical services.

“It is very encouraging that Victoria is pursuing a strategic living plan to give residents the advantages of properties near shopping, transit and schools. It is one of the mainstays of our development philosophy – to build where people want to live, work, and study, and take pleasure in the green spaces and beautiful beaches that have defined the timeless appeal of bayside and the south-eastern stretch towards the Mornington Peninsula.”

Activity centres are identified as key locations for increased housing supported by additional jobs, services and amenities – one of them is Moorabbin, which is just a 10min drive to Brighton Beach, an 18min drive to Monash University Clayton and a 23min drive to the CBD. 

Land is being rezoned to provide new catchment areas made of residential and commercial land uses surrounding the Moorabbin activity centre – all within 800m of the edge of the non-residential area of the activity hub. It’s the idea of a ‘walkable’ neighbourhood, with cities all over the world are now pursuing to reduce car use. 

“It’s about building in the right places to reduce car dependency, so that residents can walk and cycle to almost everything they might need to live a productive and healthy life. With so many shops, services and neighbours in your vicinity, strategic living ensures people are not alone as they age. It promotes social cohesion by keeping families together,” says developer Obaid Naqebullah. 

To combat the urban spawl, strategic living aims to put amenities within reach to displace the need to get in the car. If a local bar is within walking distance, why drive? If you can walk to dinner and back, not need to wait for an Uber. It’s about complete independence. And it’s about considering the rising cost of living. Property close to services means no parking costs. No fuel costs. No expensive car registration and insurance to stress you out every time the annual payment looms.

As the Victorian Government outlines in his strategic policy: “This strategic work for activity centres will complement the new plan for Victoria which is currently being developed to reimagine the future of our cities, suburbs, towns, and regions. This will support delivery of new homes in locations with great public transport access and closer to jobs and opportunities.”