Proposed mixed-use development at 5 Olympic Way, Pakenham

Following today’s media coverage on the proposal, Council would like to provide further information and clarity regarding the proposed development.

In late August 2025 Council received a referral from the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) regarding a proposal for a mixed-use development at 5 Olympic Way, Pakenham.

The applicant for the proposal approached the Victorian Government directly to request that the Minister for Planning consider the application under the State Government's Development Facilitation Pathway (DFP). The Development Facilitation Program (DFP) provides expedited planning pathways for eligible projects that inject investment into the Victorian economy.

The landowner is seeking pre-application approval from the Minister to be considered for "fast-track" approval from the Minister for Planning's office. 

The Department of Transport and Planning requested preliminary comments from Council regarding the proposed mixed-use development site before assessing its suitability for consideration under Clause 53.23 (Significant Residential Development with Affordable Housing) of the Cardinia Planning Scheme. Council has provided its comments.

The proposal has not been formally lodged with Council for approval, as the Minister for Planning has been requested to consider the application directly. Council officers previously provided the applicant with feedback on an earlier iteration of this proposal when a request for written advice was submitted to Council's planning team in October 2024. The current submission under the DFP does not exhibit substantial differences from the original version cited by Council.

The proposed development currently before the Minister for consideration encompasses a mix of retail, residential, and First Nations social services, including 20 housing units, with potential tenants including Coles, Liquorland, and Harvey Norman.