Cloverton Metropolitan Activity Centre

 

A historic Joint Council Meeting between Hume City Council, Mitchell Shire Council and the City of Whittlesea was first held on 3 October 2023, marking a significant milestone in establishing a shared approach to planning for the Cloverton Metropolitan Activity Centre (MAC). At that meeting, the three councils formally endorsed the Regional Partnership, a shared vision and guiding principles for the future development of the Cloverton MAC, and advocated for Victorian Government support to assist with its planning and delivery.

Building on this commitment, the three councils came together again at a Joint Council Meeting on Wednesday 8 October 2026, reaffirming their shared vision for the Cloverton MAC and endorsing the next phase of collaborative planning work.

The recent meeting highlighted the strategic importance of the precinct as a future employment and service hub for Melbourne's north and included a united call for Victorian Government partnership and investment to support the delivery of critical transport, health, education, employment and community infrastructure.

Together, the meetings have reinforced:

  • the strategic importance of the Cloverton MAC to Hume, Whittlesea and Mitchell communities
  • the ongoing commitment of the three councils through the Regional Partnership
  • the shared vision and guiding principles that underpin planning for the Cloverton MAC
  • the need for coordinated Victorian Government support and investment to help deliver essential infrastructure and services
  • the progression of planning and technical investigations to inform future infrastructure, transport, health, education, employment and community service needs across the region.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is this project important?

The scale of the Cloverton area and its strategic location in Melbourne’s rapidly developing northern growth corridor calls for a joint effort to deliver the required services and community infrastructure.

The designation of the city as a Metropolitan Activity Centre comes from the Victorian State Government, similar to that put in place for areas such as Dandenong, Ringwood, Broadmeadows, Epping, and Box Hill.

Why does this project involve Whittlesea and Mitchell councils?

Working on this project together is important given the huge scale of the catchment – up to 380,000 residents. There is a need for housing supply, diversity and jobs to be linked in this growing region.

There is already strong demand for services in the region, and a Metropolitan Activity Centre can provide a more cost-effective, well-located home for these.  

Having an integrated plan for this project will help avoid creating a series of disconnected communities growing in these areas.

How many jobs will this project deliver?

The Metropolitan Activity Centre itself could sustain an estimated 7,500 jobs and approximately 50,000 jobs more broadly through new business opportunities.

There is strong economic potential given the location – on the Hume freeway, close to Merrifield Business Park, Beveridge Intermodal Freight Terminal and the Beveridge South West Major Activity Centre.

The Beveridge Intermodal Freight Terminal could generate 7,500 jobs around the terminal and 20,000 in the surrounding area which will be accessible to Cloverton residents.  

What additional risks will need to be considered?

At 52 hectares the Metropolitan Activity Centre is a relatively small area – so there will need to be continued sharing and integration from all stakeholders to develop in an innovative and sustainable way.

This project will need to consider solutions that don’t generate further road congestion in the area. It will also need to consider environmental sustainability and how new buildings and cities can be more resilient to climate change. 

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