Northcote Residents Challenge Darebin Council's Development and Traffic Plans

Darebin City Council rejected a 24-hour McDonald's application on High Street Northcote in November 2025 after determining the proposal did not align with the community's character. This decision followed input from local residents who raised issues about the impact on the area's existing feel and daily life.

Northcote Plaza Redevelopment

The council is assessing a $500 million mixed-use redevelopment proposal for Northcote Plaza, also referred to as Northcote Green. Public notification is expected in December with a final decision anticipated in early 2021. Residents near the site have expressed views on how such a large project could alter local access and neighbourhood scale.

Traffic Safety Treatments

The council has completed the first stage of traffic safety treatments drawn from the Northcote Local Area Traffic Management study. Works include new traffic islands, pedestrian refuges and a raised crossing near Fairfield Station. Community members affected by these changes have noted the measures address longstanding safety points along local routes.

Northcote Golf Course Plans

Council has approved design and due diligence works for the Northcote Golf Course plans. These are supported by a $200,000 Sport and Recreation Victoria grant, with a report scheduled for the November meeting. Neighbouring residents have contributed feedback on how upgrades might affect surrounding open space use.

These updates reflect ongoing council consideration of resident perspectives across multiple sites. The Wandsworth Grant Fund application window closes November 7 for eligible community groups, though that program relates to a different Northcote location.

Next steps involve continued assessment of the listed proposals, with further opportunities for community input through standard council channels as reports and notifications proceed.