Darebin calls for release of Preston Market report

Published on 17 March 2023

Darebin City Council is calling on The Victorian Planning Minister to release a report impacting the future of the Preston Market.

Darebin has written to The Hon. Sonya Kilkenny MP urging her to release a report from the Victorian Planning Authority Projects Standing Advisory Committee (SAC), which makes recommendations about the future use and development of the Preston Market Precinct (proposed Planning Scheme Amendment C182dare).

The report considers redevelopment of the Preston Market and was written after the conclusion of the SAC hearing into Planning Scheme Amendment C182dare, back on November 10, 2022.

According to the Minister’s own Terms of Reference, the VPA was obliged to release the report by 2 January, 2023. It is now two months past this date and no indication has been provided on when the report will be released.

Darebin Mayor, Cr Julie Williams said that Preston Market has been the heart of our community for over half a century and that Council strongly supports retention of the current market.

“Over the past five years, Council has advocated and campaigned to protect what our community loves about the market and has worked collaboratively to ensure local voices are heard,” Mayor Williams said.

“The Preston Market holds immense value for both the Darebin community and the residents of northern Melbourne, thanks to its rich history, cultural importance, and strong social significance.

“The Market is a thriving and lively meeting place for diverse social groups and older residents. It not only provides employment opportunities for traders and staff, but also offers fresh and affordable food to the entire community.”

The community’s support to protect the market is evidenced by Council’s Protect Preston Market petition which has attracted over 15,000 signatures to date.

For these reasons, there is a high degree of interest in the timely release of the Standing Advisory Committee report to provide the community – including traders – transparency in the State Government’s process and greater certainty regarding the Market’s future.