At the 19 August 2025 Council meeting, Council endorsed the proposal to realign the suburb boundaries between Epping/Lalor and Lalor/Thomastown in accordance with the Geographic Names Victoria (GNV) Naming Rules for Places in Victoria.

The City of Whittlesea is seeking community feedback on minor changes to suburb boundaries between Epping/Lalor and Lalor/Thomastown. These changes are needed to fix existing anomalies, comply with state naming rules, and better align with strategic planning.

Why is Council Proposing These Changes?

The current boundaries have issues caused by the Hume Freeway and recent development, which create confusion for property addressing, emergency services, and visitors.

Detailed Information

Read more detailed information on the Proposed Suburb Boundary Realignment in the boxes below.

Proposal:

Include the industrial properties at 481 and 485 Cooper Street (currently in Lalor) in the suburb of Epping.

Property Address

Current Suburb

Proposed Suburb

481 Cooper Street

Lalor

Epping

485 Cooper Street

Lalor

Epping


Reasons for Change:

  • Severed by Freeway: These properties are cut off from Lalor by the Hume Freeway.
  • Access: All current and future access is via Cooper Street in Epping.
  • Employment Precinct Alignment: The properties are part of the Epping Employment Precinct.
  • Place Identity: Current Lalor addresses misrepresent location, making it harder to attract tenants.
  • Compliance: Aligns with Geographic Names Victoria naming rules.
  • Owner Request: The property owners requested this realignment.

Proposal:

Include the reserves at 190 and 228 Barry Road (currently in Lalor) in Thomastown.

Property Address

Current Suburb

Proposed Suburb

190 Barry Road (Reserve)

Lalor

Thomastown

228 Barry Road (Reserve)

Lalor

Thomastown


Reasons for Change:

  • Severed by Freeway: These reserves are west of the Hume Freeway and disconnected from Lalor.
  • Access Issues: Vehicle access is via Hume City Council; pedestrian access is via a footbridge over the freeway.
  • Fixing Anomalies: Aligns these "orphaned" parcels with Thomastown and the Merri Creek Reserve.
  • Logical Boundaries: New boundaries reflect the way land is accessed and used.
  • Wayfinding: Easier for emergency services, deliveries, and visitors.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Complies with Naming Rules for Places in Victoria.
  • Support Investment: Supports strategic planning, including the Epping Employment Precinct.
  • Minimal Disruption: No impact on rates, services, electoral wards, or residents, as these are industrial and reserve properties.

The Hume Freeway (M31) physically separates the affected properties from Lalor, creating confusion:

  • 481 & 485 Cooper Street: Only accessible via Epping. Current Lalor address causes delays for emergency services and delivery companies.
  • 190 & 228 Barry Road: Reserves west of the freeway are disconnected from Lalor. Access via vehicle is complicated; pedestrians use a footbridge. Including them in Thomastown resolves this anomaly.

Council must follow Geographic Names Victoria’s Naming Rules for Places:

  • Public Safety: Names and boundaries must not create delays for emergency services.
  • Clear Locality Boundaries: Boundaries must be unique, logical, and unambiguous.
  • Planning Alignment: Aligning Cooper Street properties with Epping supports strategic planning and the employment precinct.

The Registrar of Geographic Names Victoria has given in-principle support, confirming the proposal meets state requirements for addressing and public safety.