It is standard practice in the early stages of preparing a township strategy to produce separate documents outlining the background and key issues. These documents are typically used to inform and engage the community and stakeholders, helping to shape the final strategy.

For the Draft Nar Nar Goon Township Strategy, this content has been consolidated into a single draft structured in three parts. The three parts brings together all the key information and ideas to guide the future of the town.

The three parts to the draft Nar Nar Goon Township Strategy are:

• Part A – Background and Planning Context
• Part B – Understanding Nar Nar Goon
• Part C – Strategic Framework

To fully understand the evidence, context, and community input that shaped the strategy, we recommend reading all three parts. However, if you're primarily interested in the vision and strategic direction for Nar Nar Goon, Part C - Strategic Framework provides a clear overview of the proposed future for the township.

Part A sets the strategic foundation for the Nar Nar Goon Township Strategy. It includes:

• Introduction – Scope, purpose, and how the strategy will be used.
• Township Boundary – No expansion into Green Wedge land or no rezoning within the township boundary.
• Community Engagement – Summary of past and current consultation activities.
• About Nar Nar Goon – Regional and local context, history, and heritage.
• Demographics – Population, housing, income, education, and employment data.
• Local Economy – Town centre, tourism, and industrial activity.
• Planning Context – Relevant state, regional, and local planning policies.
• Zones and Overlays – Existing planning controls affecting land use.

Key findings include:

• Any future growth will stay within the existing township boundary, with no expansion into Green Wedge land.
• Updated flood modelling by Melbourne Water (expected 2026–27) must be completed before any rezoning can be considered within the township of Nar Nar Goon.
• The draft Township Strategy builds on State and Council plans, community feedback, and studies since 2014.
• Nar Nar Goon township is a small rural town with around 500 residents, strong community ties, and a local economy based on trades, tourism, and small business.
• The township’s identity is shaped by its murals, which celebrate local heritage and contribute to its cultural character.
• There are high rates of home ownership, a predominance of separate houses, and a notable presence of older adults and smaller households, including lone-person and couple households.
• The township is experiencing a growing senior population and a decline in younger adults.
• The draft Township Strategy acknowledges the cultural heritage of the Bunurong peoples and commits to working in partnership with Traditional Owners.

Part A sets the foundation for future planning by outlining the township’s growth within existing boundaries, aligned with state and local policies. It includes analysis of demographics, economy, heritage, and planning context, and reflects community values such as rural character, environmental protection, and low-density living.

Download the Part A documents:

• The Executive Summary of Part A
• The Part A document in full

Part B provides a comprehensive overview of the township, including land use, infrastructure, environmental features, community assets, demographic profile, and the township’s character and identity. It includes:

• Land Use – Overview of land uses within and outside the township.
• Infrastructure & Services – Information on drainage, sewerage, water, and other essential services.
• Site Analysis – Assessment of topography, environment, biodiversity, bushfire risk, transport, and open space.
• Public Realm – Details on streetscapes, murals, parks, and trails.
• Housing – Overview of residential land and housing considerations.
• Development Potential – Estimate of capacity for future development.
• Township Character – Assessment of existing character and identity.
• Community Insights – Summary of community feedback and how it has informed the strategy.

Key findings include:

• Land use is predominantly residential and low-density rural residential with spacious lots.
• Vacant or underused commercial buildings in the town centre offer potential for revitalisation.
• The Nar Nar Goon Recreation Reserve exceeds benchmarks for active open space provision and is identified as a key site for both organised sport and informal recreation.
• Nar Nar Goon’s flat topography and historical drainage systems contributes to localised flooding and waterlogging, especially in the western low-density areas.
• Several properties rely on septic systems, many of which are over 20 years old and pose medium to high environmental risk.
• Murals are central to Nar Nar Goon’s identity as “The Mural Town”.
• There is limited pedestrian infrastructure and poor access to the railway station.
• The southern town centre lacks greenery, creating a stark and uninviting pedestrian environment.
• There are opportunities for sensitive redevelopment in residential and commercial zones, focusing on well-designed townhouses, adaptive reuse of underutilised buildings, and maintaining low-scale, rural character to support housing diversity and local economic growth.

Part B incorporates specialist assessments and community feedback to build a comprehensive understanding of Nar Nar Goon’s strengths, challenges, and opportunities. Community feedback has been central to shaping this section, ensuring future planning reflects local values and aspirations.

Download the Part B documents:

• The Executive Summary of Part B
• The Part B document in full

Part C translates the evidence and insights from Parts A and B into a clear, actionable framework for guiding future planning and development. It includes:

• Vision and Objectives – Sets the long-term vision and key planning goals.
• Six key themes - Housing, Township Identity, Local Economy, Climate Change and Sustainable Environments, Connectivity and Movement as well as Community and Culture.
• Five Preferred Character Precincts - Town Centre, Residential, Low Density Residential, Gateway and Community.
• Urban Design Guidelines - Precinct specific and township wide guidelines to ensure development aligns with community values and character.
• Draft initiatives – A range of initiatives drawn from existing Council strategies, respond directly to local context or community feedback. Final initiatives will be refined based on feedback, Council priorities, and available resources.

Part C outlines a clear and locally responsive roadmap for Nar Nar Goon’s future. It builds on earlier analysis and community feedback to present a vision supported by six key themes, urban design guidelines, and character precincts. It includes a suite of draft initiatives to guide future planning, which will be refined through further community engagement and aligned with Council priorities and resources to ensure practical, community-informed outcomes.

Download the Part C documents:

• The Executive Summary of Part C
• The Part C document in full

Townhouses offer a land-efficient development model, enabling a greater number of dwellings at smaller sizes and more accessible price points. This supports housing diversity in Nar Nar Goon, accommodating a range of people and family structures.

As outlined in the report presented to Council on the 15 September 2025 (page 107):

“Community feedback has expressed concern regarding two-storey and unit/townhouse developments. Whilst Council cannot prohibit these forms of development outright, Council can influence the design and location of such developments through the application of comprehensive Urban Design Guidelines to ensure new development:

• Respects the township’s rural character and low-scale built form.
• Minimises visual impact through appropriate building height, setbacks, and material selection.
• Is directed to locations such as near the railway station and town centre, where higher forms are more contextually appropriate.

For unit and townhouse development, these forms play an important role in supporting housing diversity and affordability. The strategy supports their inclusion in a way that:

• Maintains the township’s character through low-scale design and sensitive siting.
• Avoids repetitive built form by encouraging variation in materials, colours, and landscaping.
• Ensures each dwelling has a distinct identity and a welcoming entrance.
• Preserves a single-dwelling appearance at the street interface.
• Promotes development in strategic locations with access to transport and services.

These design principles will help manage growth while preserving Nar Nar Goon’s unique identity and ensuring new development contributes positively to the township’s character and liveability.”

The draft Township Strategy does not prescribe a rigid implementation plan at this stage of the development of the draft document. Instead, it offers a suite of initiatives that will evolve through further community engagement and Council priorities and ultimately lead to a final implementation plan. This approach allows for adaptive planning that responds to emerging needs, funding opportunities, and infrastructure capacity.

As outlined in the report presented to Council on the 15 September 2025 (page 108):

“The draft strategy presents a suite of initiatives intended to guide discussion and invite feedback during Phase 2 community engagement (October – November 2025).

Many of the initiatives have been directly extracted from existing Council-adopted strategies and policies, while others have been newly developed as part of this draft strategy to respond to local context and community feedback. For example, the initiate to ‘develop a masterplan for Nar Nar Goon Recreation Reserve to incorporate passive recreation opportunities without compromising its primary function as an active recreation space’ aligns with recommendations from the Open Space Strategy (Cardinia Shire Council 2023), which identified a shortfall in passive open space and advocated for the Reserve to serve both active and informal recreational needs.

The strategy explains that the listed initiatives are not guaranteed for inclusion in the final implementation plan. Instead, they represent a set of potential actions that will be refined through Phase 2 community engagement (October–November 2025). The final implementation plan will also need to align with the Council Plan and consider Council’s broader responsibilities, competing priorities, and available resources.

This approach allows Council to prioritise initiatives based on community input and ensure that the final implementation plan is evidence-based, locally responsive, and realistically deliverable.”

The existing Council-adopted strategies and policies include the following:

• Active Cardinia Strategy (Cardinia Shire Council 2023)
• Cardinia Shire Investment Attraction Plan (Cardinia Shire Council 2024)
• Cardinia Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan (Cardinia Shire Council May 2017)
• Community Infrastructure Plan (Cardinia Shire Council 2024)
• Domestic Wastewater Management Plan (2020–25) (Cardinia Shire Council 2020)
• Open Space Strategy 2023–33 (Cardinia Shire Council 2023)
• Pedestrian and Bicycle Strategy (Cardinia Shire Council 2017)
• Play Space Strategy (Cardinia Shire Council 2014)

The appendices and background reports supporting the strategy provide the technical foundation and strategic context for the document.

Appendices include Council Reports, as well as a comprehensive assessment of planning policy and Council adopted policies and strategies.

Background reports include detailed assessments of township character, drainage, bushfire risk, economic viability, heritage, demographic information and community feedback.

The Appendices and Background Reports can be found in the ‘Documents’ tab.

While you don’t need to read the appendices or background reports to understand the draft Township Strategy, they are available should you wish to explore the evidence base or gain further insight into specific topics. Their purpose is to provide transparency and depth for those seeking more detailed information.

• Create a Long-Term Vision: Reflect the community’s aspirations for Nar Nar Goon.
• Identify and Enhance Key Features: Protect and enhance the unique characteristics that make Nar Nar Goon special.
• Support the Vision: Establish key objectives, strategies, and actions covering land use, township character, connectivity, the natural environment, and public spaces.
• Develop a Consistent Planning Framework: Address challenges and constraints affecting the town with a cohesive land use planning framework.
• Define Preferred Character Precincts: Outline suitable design guidance and built form outcomes for both public and private land.

Unlike Garfield and Bunyip, Nar Nar Goon currently does not have a township strategy. Some of the benefits of having a township strategy for Nar Nar Goon include:

• Coordinated Planning: Ensures that various planning elements such as movement networks, land use, infrastructure, the environment, housing, and public spaces are well-coordinated and integrated.
• Community Vision Alignment: Aligns development with the overall vision and aspirations of the community and it helps create a cohesive and sustainable community.
• Efficient Resource Allocation: Helps in the efficient allocation and use of resources by identifying priority areas and needs within the township.
• Improved Infrastructure: Facilitates the planning and development of essential infrastructure, ensuring that the township can support current and future needs.
• Environmental Management: Includes strategies for managing and protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development practices.
• Enhanced Public Spaces: Focuses on the development and maintenance of public spaces, enhancing the quality of life for residents.
• Economic Development: Facilitate economic growth and create job opportunities within the township.
• Community Engagement: Involves the community in the planning process, ensuring that the needs and desires of residents are considered and addressed.
• Advocacy for Broader Needs: Identifies broader community needs, such as public transport and infrastructure improvements, and advocates for these improvements.

The draft Township Strategy provides clear direction for planning, development, and investment in Nar Nar Goon. It sets expectations around future growth and helps guide decision-making across the community, Council, and other stakeholders.

By Cardinia Shire Council:

• Guides planning scheme amendments and permit decisions.
• Helps prioritise infrastructure and service delivery.
• Supports funding applications and advocacy with state and federal agencies. (e.g. Department of Transport and Planning, VicTrack).

By the Community

• Explains how the township and its precincts may change over time.
• Helps community groups plan and seek funding for local projects.

By Business Owners

• Provides clarity on the future role and function of the Town Centre.
• Helps investors make informed decisions based on realistic expectations about population growth and development limits.
• Reinforces the long-term vision for Nar Nar Goon as a low-density, rural township.

By Developers

• Offers design guidance to ensure new development aligns with the township’s character.
• Confirms that future growth will be modest, focused on infill development.
• Reinforces that there will be no expansion beyond the current township boundary into Green Wedge zoned land.

By Government Agencies and Authorities

• Provides strategic direction for infrastructure planning and coordination (e.g. Melbourne Water, South East Water, Department of Transport and Planning).

The draft Township Strategy focuses on land within a defined boundary. Nar Nar Goon Township includes the commercial area, residential zones, community facilities (such as the public school, kindergarten, halls), and the Nar Nar Goon Recreation Reserve.

Land zoned as Green Wedge is outside the township boundary, for the purpose of the Nar Nar Goon Township Strategy. Maintaining a clear separation between the township and surrounding Green Wedge areas is consistent with State and Local planning policies, which aim to protect natural landscapes, agricultural land, and rural character.

We understand that many residents living outside the defined township boundary feel a strong connection to Nar Nar Goon and identify as part of the township community. This sense of belonging is deeply valued and acknowledged in the draft Township Strategy. However, from a Planning Scheme perspective, which is governed by State legislation and policy, these areas are not considered part of the township for the purposes of land use planning and development.

The defined township boundary shown in the draft Township Strategy reflects this legal and policy framework. It is used to guide decisions about future development, infrastructure investment, and service delivery. While this may feel at odds with how some residents experience and identify with Nar Nar Goon, the strategy aims to respect and support that community connection, while also ensuring planning decisions are consistent, transparent, and aligned with broader policy objectives.

The planning document that applies to land within the Green Wedge surrounding the Nar Nar Goon Township is the Cardinia Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan (Cardinia Shire Council May 2017).

The Victorian Property and Parcel information search provides you with quick and easy access to a summary of property information, go to Property and parcel search.

Yes, but only in a modest and carefully managed way, and strictly within the existing township boundary. The draft Township Strategy confirms there will be no expansion into surrounding Green Wedge zoned land and no rezoning is proposed within the Township boundary at this stage, due to pending flood modelling and infrastructure constraints.

The strategy supports modest infill development in appropriate locations, particularly near the railway station and town centre, where services and infrastructure already exist. It also encourages revitalisation of underutilised commercial sites in the town centre is also supported to strengthen its role as a local hub.

A high-level estimate suggests Nar Nar Goon could accommodate up to 200 additional dwellings, primarily through subdivision and redevelopment. For further detail about this assessment, refer to Part B – Understanding Nar Nar Goon (pages 36–38).

A key purpose of the Township Wide and Precinct Specific Urban Design Guidelines is to ensure that, if this level of growth occurs, it is managed in a way that respects and complements the township’s existing character through thoughtful and sensitive design.

It is envisaged that growth in Nar Nar Goon will be gradual, and its feasibility will be depend on infrastructure capacity, planning controls, and community feedback. The draft Township Strategy provides a framework to guide new development so that it aligns with the character of each area and supports the township’s unique identity as it evolves. This is visually represented in the Strategic Framework Plan, located in Part C – Strategic Framework (page 54).

Your feedback is essential to shaping the final Nar Nar Goon Township Strategy and ensuring it reflects the values, needs, and aspirations of the community.

While the online survey focuses on Part C – Strategic Framework, this is just one way to contribute. During the Phase 2 Engagement period, we encourage you to reflect on any part of the draft Township Strategy that matters to you. Whether you're a resident, business owner, landholder, or part of a community group, your lived experience and local knowledge are invaluable. Your insights help shape a strategy that truly reflects the needs and identity of Nar Nar Goon.

Some people may choose to focus on one area they feel strongly about, while others may comment on multiple sections. There is no limit to what you can provide feedback on.

All feedback will be acknowledged, and a summary of matters raised will be presented to Council. However, as noted in the Council report dated 15 September 2025, feedback that seeks expansion of the Nar Nar Goon township boundary will be recorded but remains outside the scope of this strategy.

You are welcome to provide feedback on any or all parts of the Draft Nar Nar Goon Township Strategy.

You are welcome to provide feedback on any or all parts of the Draft Nar Nar Goon Township Strategy.

• Part A – Background and Planning Context
• Part B – Understanding Nar Nar Goon
• Part C – Strategic Framework

Below are some key areas and prompts to help guide your feedback. This list is not exhaustive list. You are encouraged to raise any matters that are important to you.

The Vision

(Part C – Strategic Framework, page 2)

• Does the long-term vision for Nar Nar Goon feel right to you?

The Themes

(Part C – Strategic Framework, pages 3 - 20)

1 Housing, 2 Township Identity, 3 Local Economy, 4 Climate and Sustainable Environments, 5 Connectivity and Movement, 6 Community and Culture.

• Do the six themes reflect what matters most to you?
• Do the objectives and strategies focus on the right issues
• What do you think about the initiatives listed under each theme?

Preferred Character Precincts and Urban Design Guidelines

(Part C – Strategic Framework, pages 21 - 52)

• Do you have feedback on the Existing Character Assessment or Preferred Character Precincts?
• The draft Township Strategy estimates Nar Nar Goon could accommodate around 200 additional dwellings without expanding the township boundary. Do you feel this is realistic and appropriate? Why or why not?
• Do you support modest infill development within the township boundary if it respects the rural character?
• Are the proposed locations for incremental change and townhouse-style development appropriate?
• Are there areas you believe are more or less suitable for future development?
• Is anything missing from the Strategic Framework Plan (Figure 11, page 54), such as movement network connections or other key elements?

Township Character

(Part B – Understanding Nar Nar Goon, pages 39 - 50)

• Do you have feedback on the Existing Character Assessment or the Preferred Character Precincts?

Existing development and development potential

(Part B – Understanding Nar Nar Goon, pages 35 – 38)

• The draft Township Strategy estimates Nar Nar Goon could accommodate around 200 additional dwellings without expanding the township boundary. Do you feel this is realistic and appropriate? Why or why not?

Strategic Framework Plan

(Part C – Strategic Framework, pages 47 to Figure 11 Strategic Framework Plan on page 54)

• Do you support modest infill development within the township boundary if it respects the rural character?
• Are the proposed locations for incremental change and townhouse-style development appropriate?
• Are there areas you believe are more or less suitable for future development?
• Is anything missing from the Strategic Framework Plan (Figure 11, page 54), such as movement network connections or other key elements?

Initiatives

(Part C – Strategic Framework, pages 55 -61)

• Which initiatives would you like to see prioritised or added? Why are they important to you?
• Are there specific housing initiatives that should be prioritised (e.g. planning controls, infrastructure upgrades)?
• How important is it to you that existing murals are protected and new ones encouraged?
• Which local economy initiatives would best support Nar Nar Goon’s future?
• Which connectivity and movement initiatives would make the biggest difference to your daily life?
• Which three initiatives do you think should be prioritised first?
• Are there any initiatives you feel are missing or need more attention?

Background and Planning Context

(Part A – Background and Planning Context)

• Section 3 highlights a growing senior population and smaller households. What types of housing do you think Nar Nar Goon needs to support these trends?
• Are there ways Traditional Owner stories, language, or cultural values could be better reflected in the township?
• What parts of Nar Nar Goon’s history are most meaningful to you? Is this reflected in the draft Township Strategy?
• Have we captured the right balance between protecting the town’s rural character and supporting local business growth?
• The draft Township Strategy suggests tourism and visitor spending are important to the local economy. Do you agree? What kinds of visitor experiences could be offered or improved?

The term "Green Wedge" refers to the non-urban land that surrounds Melbourne's metropolitan urban areas. This land is separated from urban areas by the Urban Growth Boundary, established by the Victorian Government in 2002.

Across Melbourne, there are 12 Green Wedges located within 17 local government areas. In Cardinia Shire, land falls into three of Melbourne's Green Wedges: (1) Western Port, (2) Southern Ranges, and (3) Yarra Valley and Yarra and Dandenong Ranges. Nar Nar Goon is situated within the Western Port Green Wedge.

Cardinia Shire Council’s Green Wedges web page explains the purpose of green wedge areas and outlines the planning controls that apply to different zones. It also highlights recent decisions made by VCAT regarding applications for dwellings and non-agricultural uses in these areas, showing a consistent approach to protecting agricultural land and ensuring proposals align with planning policy. The page provides guidance for landowners and prospective buyers on how to understand zoning and engage with Council before lodging applications.

Cardinia Shire Council’s Green Wedge Management Plans web page outlines the strategic approach to managing non-urban land within the municipality’s three green wedge areas: Western Port, Southern Ranges, and Northern Ranges. These green wedges are part of Melbourne’s broader planning framework to protect rural and environmental values outside the Urban Growth Boundary.

The development of the Cardinia Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan involved a multi-stage process of consultation, collaboration, and strategic review between 2010 and 2017. View the summary timeline of the evolution of the Cardinia Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan.

The Cardinia Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan (2017) provides a strategic framework to guide the sustainable development and conservation of the Green Wedge area over the next 20 years. Some of the key purposes of the plan are:

• Environmental Protection: It aims to preserve and enhance the natural landscapes, biodiversity, and ecological values of the Green Wedge.
• Agricultural Support: The plan supports the agricultural industry by protecting high-quality soils and promoting sustainable farming practices.
• Urban Growth Management: It helps control urban sprawl by maintaining clear boundaries between urban and rural areas, ensuring that development is concentrated in appropriate locations.

Go to the 'Documents' tab to view the Cardinia Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan (2017), the fact sheet information and the Cardinia Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan Timeline Summary.

Your feedback is important.

The development of the Draft Nar Nar Goon Township Strategy includes two phases of community engagement:

Phase 1 – Informing the draft Township Strategy (May – June 2025)

During Phase 1, the community was invited to share what makes Nar Nar Goon special and what they value most about the township. Feedback was collected through an online survey, which closed on 16 June 2025.

Council received 135 survey responses which is a strong level of engagement.

This feedback directly informed the vision, objectives, and strategic themes in the draft Township Strategy. It helped shape the direction of the strategy by highlighting community priorities such as protecting rural character, improving infrastructure, supporting local business, and recognising cultural heritage.

The outcomes of the survey can be found under the ‘Phase 1 Survey’ tab.

Council acknowledged four submissions from landowners outside the township boundary seeking to include adjacent Green Wedge land, but this fell outside the scope of the Nar Nar Goon Township Strategy.

Phase 2 – Shaping the Final Strategy (November – December 2025)

During this phase, the Draft Nar Nar Goon Township Strategy will be publicly exhibited, and a range of engagement opportunities will be available. Details of these opportunities can be found under the ‘About’ tab and in the ‘Timeline’.

Phase 2 is your opportunity to review the draft Township Strategy and provide feedback on any or all of its three parts:

• Part A – Background and Planning Context
• Part B – Understanding Nar Nar Goon
• Part C – Strategic Framework

All feedback received during Phase 2 will be carefully assessed and considered by Council before finalising the strategy. Your input will help refine the content, prioritise initiatives, and ensure the final Nar Nar Goon Township Strategy reflects the values and aspirations of the Nar Nar Goon community.