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The Train and Tram Zone Activity Centres Program has delivered plans for 60 centres, applying new planning tools – the Built Form Overlay (BFO) and Housing Choice and Transport Zone (HCTZ) - to streamline planning processes and enable housing growth to these centres.
To find out more about the program, read the Program Explainer. It sets the policy context for the program, and includes the methodology, strategic approach, and how the policy framework has guided implementation.
Training video on the new planning tools (BFO & HCTZ)
To support councils in the application of the BFO and HCTZ, the Department of Transport and Planning organised a training session for council officers in June 2025.
You can view a recording of the training session below:
Infrastructure contributions reforms
The proposed new Infrastructure Contributions Plans (ICPs) for train and tram zone activity centres provide direct contributions for councils and the State Government to deliver the essential infrastructure each activity centre needs to thrive. These may include things such as better parks, community services, schools and transport infrastructure.
Under this new system, developers will pay a standardised contribution of $11,350 for each new home they deliver. They will also pay $114 per square metre for new commercial space or $57 per square metre for industrial space.
Councils will commence collection of contributions on planning applications lodged from January 2027 for the first 10 pilot activity centres, and July 2027 for the 49 train and tram zone activity centres in stages 1 and 2, and the Inner Melbourne (City of Yarra) Train and Tram Zone.
Note that an ICP will not apply to the Inner Melbourne (City of Melbourne) Train and Tram Zone. In this centre, a development contributions plan will apply to Macaulay to support infrastructure investment, known as the Macaulay Urban Renewal Precinct Development Contributions Plan.
For detailed information about ICPs, visit: Infrastructure contributions reform.
Interactive map
Visit the interactive map to find out if a particular property is located in a train and tram zone activity centre boundary.
Resource library
Search for documents relating to the program, including the final plans for each centre using our Resource library.
For general information about the program, visit: Train and Tram Zone Activity Centres Program.
Page last updated: 02/10/26