Mill Park Residents Oppose New Apartment Complex on Redgum Drive

Mill Park residents submitted a 1,200-signature petition on July 3 opposing a 12-storey mixed-use building planned for Redgum Drive near the intersection with Childs Road.

The proposal, lodged with the local council on May 12, comes as the suburb records its fastest population growth in a decade and faces pressure to add dwellings close to transport links. Property values have climbed steadily, with the median house price hitting $785,000 in June 2026, according to recent sales data from the Mill Park real estate market.

Opponents argue the tower would overshadow single-storey homes along nearby streets and increase traffic on Childs Road, already handling peak-hour volumes from the Mill Park Community Hub. The hub runs weekly programs for 450 families and hosts the Mill Park Farmers Market each Saturday. Developers counter that the project includes 180 apartments and ground-floor retail, creating an estimated 220 construction jobs and permanent retail positions.

Resident concerns and local impacts

Groups meeting at the Mill Park Community Hub say the building would strain existing infrastructure. They point to limited parking at the nearby Plenty Valley Shopping Centre, where weekend occupancy already exceeds 85 percent during peak times. One submission to council estimated an extra 400 daily vehicle movements on Redgum Drive once the apartments are occupied.

Residents also question whether the development aligns with the suburb’s character, noting that most buildings along Childs Road stand at two or three storeys. The petition calls for height limits to remain at four storeys in the immediate area.

Developer position and project details

The applicant, a local firm, maintains the site is zoned for higher density under the 2024 planning scheme update. It has offered to contribute $1.2 million toward upgrades at the Mill Park Community Hub, including expanded parking and new play equipment. The firm states the retail component will reduce the need for residents to drive to Plenty Valley Shopping Centre for daily needs.

Council planning officers are scheduled to review the application at a public meeting on August 4. Submissions close on July 22, after which a formal recommendation will be prepared for councillors.

This article is general information only and is not personal financial or investment advice. Consider your own circumstances and seek licensed professional advice before making financial decisions.