Who we are

BCG is a group of local residents from across Boroondara focusing upon housing and planning reforms.

BCG has an established community presence through FaceBook, Instagram, a website, email updates and delivery of 30,000+ flyers on foot.

BCG works closely with the local heritage group, Boroondara Heritage Group.

BCG is part of an extensive “network” of like-minded community groups across Melbourne.

BCG is not affiliated with any political party. It is a grassroots community group run around the kitchen table supported by our small army of volunteers.

BCG was established with a mission to:

• Raise awareness amongst the local community about housing and planning reforms, in particular the Activity Centre Program and ResCode reforms, recognising that within the community there is a range of views.
• Advocate on behalf of its members for better planning — planning for growth that is council-led, evidence-based and genuinely consultative, involving all relevant stakeholders, including heritage experts, while delivering housing that retains the qualities that make Boroondara a place people love to live.

BCG supports planning that is:

• Evidence-based and transparent
• Genuinely consultative and accountable
• Respectful of heritage and neighbourhood character
• Protective of tree canopy, gardens and climate resilience
• Focused on liveability and community wellbeing
• Committed to balanced and sustainable housing outcomes

Advocacy has included:

• Extensive liaison with Boroondara Council.
• Extensive liaison with all Victorian political parties including the cross bench.
• Initiating support for sponsorship of a Parliamentary Petition.
  Over 5,000 signatures were tabled in the Legislative Council triggering a debate calling upon the Government to cease and desist the Activity Centre program and recommence discussions with local councils and communities.
• Lobbying for a disallowance motion to be moved in the Legislative Council.
  This resulted in the Greens & Legalise Cannabis convening a Legislative Council Inquiry into the Activity Centre and ResCode reforms.
• Submission to the Legislative Council Inquiry into Activity Centres & ResCode reforms — here
• Appearance as a witness before that Inquiry alongside 3 other community groups.
• Submission to the Legislative Council Inquiry into Community Consultation Practices — here
• Interview for the ABC 7:30 Report – February 2025.
• Liaison with the Department of Transport and Planning on consultations.
• Presentations at local planning and housing forums.
• Collaboration with 35 community organisations across Melbourne with similar concerns.