About the NWMA

Background

The original North Melbourne Association was formed in 1967 and developed an impressive record on issues around land-use, urban conservation, community and traffic planning. It became less active over time, for want of members able to devote time and energy.

In 1998 the North and West Melbourne Association Inc. was formed by the merger of the North Melbourne Association and the North and West Melbourne Action Group. The amalgamated Group aimed to address a range of local community matters, particularly in planning, and to provide a forum for those who live or work in the area to contribute to the social fabric and future directions of their community.

Current issues include: childcare, the redevelopment of the North Melbourne Station, the North Melbourne Recreation Reserve Redevelopment, and a range of planning applications.

The Statements of Purpose in our Constitution are as follows:-

  1. To initiate and, where necessary, implement action which will assist the retention, integration, development and advancement of the social, cultural and community infrastructure and the business activity of North and West Melbourne.
  2. To initiate and, where necessary, implement action which will assist in the protection and enhancement of the built and natural environment, where this environment has demonstrated and acknowledged value.
  3. To encourage such activities as are likely to help the people of North and West Melbourne to become constructively involved in matters affecting their life and work.
  4. To provide effective means of approaching Municipal, State and Federal governments and other public authorities and instrumentalities.
  5. To co-operate with others, both within and outside North and West Melbourne, who have similar interests and objectives.

What we do

The North and West Melbourne Association is involved in a range of activities:

Heritage and Conservation

North and West Melbourne buildings and streetscapes reflect their valued history of mixed residential and industrial development.
Protection and enhancement requires ongoing input through Council’s planning, heritage and other committees – at a statutory level by responding to planning permit applications and at a strategic level by providing input into the development of Council policy (for example the Urban Design Strategy, Statements of Significance for Heritage Precincts and the Policy for Advertising on Tram Shelters).

Traffic and parking

Is parking a problem in your street or area?
Council is undertaking consultation about improving parking for residents, businesses and visitors. A revamp of the Resident Priority Parking Permit Scheme is included.

Planning

Planning permit applications and strategic policies are an ongoing concern for the NWMA. Some examples:
Win: VCAT refusal of a 4-storey mixed use development, including medical rooms, child care, residential and a function hall at the former Armstrong Motors building at 243-251 Flemington Road
Lose: Lower height control over the land in the St. James Old Cathedral precinct; CBD 40m heights to apply. Council did not support the introduction of a mandatory 9m height control in specified residential zones (Res 3 Zone) but referred it back to the Minister for Planning for a potential panel hearing.

Annual report

The NWMA Annual Report 2006-07 was presented at the Annual General Meeting. Download a PDF of the NWMA Annual Report 2006-07.

The 2007-2008 Annual Report is available to download.  Downloadchairpersons-report

Minutes

General Monthly Meetings

AGM

Constitution

Disclaimer

The information contained in this website has been gathered in good faith to inform the North and West Melbourne community of current issues. It does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the North & West Melbourne Association Inc. or its members,  nor does the Association guarantee its accuracy.