A draft strategy to preserve Nar Nar Goon's unique character

The draft strategy focuses on preserving the unique character of Nar Nar Goon while reflecting the community’s aspirations to enhance the township. It also recognises Nar Nar Goon’s status as 'The Mural Town' and recognising the murals as a defining feature of its cultural identity.   

Between May and June 2025, Council engaged with Nar Nar Goon residents and the broader community to gather insights on how they envision the future of Nar Nar Goon. Community feedback clearly expressed a strong desire to protect Nar Nar Goon’s rural character and village feel. In response, the draft Township Strategy focuses on preserving what people love about the town.  

The draft Nar Nar Goon Township Strategy does not propose any rezoning, instead, the strategy supports modest infill development in appropriate locations, particularly near the railway station and town centre where services and infrastructure already exist. To ensure new development fits seamlessly into the existing character and streetscape, the draft strategy introduces Urban Design Guidelines within Preferred Character Precincts. These tools set clear expectations around building height, setbacks, landscaping, and architectural style, helping to maintain the unique identity of Nar Nar Goon as it grows. 

The draft Nar Nar Goon Township Strategy reinforces that the township boundary cannot be expanded. The township is entirely surrounded by Green Wedge land, which is protected under strict state and local planning controls. These policies are in place to preserve the area’s environmental, agricultural, and landscape values, and they prevent any outward growth of the township. 

The draft Nar Nar Goon Township Strategy aims to create a sustainable and cohesive environment that respects the existing neighbourhood qualities. It focuses on improving public spaces, revitalising commercial areas, enhancing connectivity, and strengthening the natural environment, all while safeguarding the unique identity that Nar Nar Goon offers its residents.  

Council is now asking the community to come together again to help refine the draft Nar Nar Goon Township Strategy. Community voices have been instrumental in shaping this draft strategy, and the Council is now seeking feedback on the draft Vision, Design Guidelines (within particular Preferred Character Precincts) and a range of objectives and strategies across six themes: housing, township identity, local economy, climate and sustainable environments, connectivity and movement, and community and culture. Council is seeking to understand preferences regarding the types of initiatives and actions to include in the final strategy and implementation plan. This will ensure that the final implementation plan is evidence-based, locally responsive, and community-focused. 

All residents and community members are encouraged to participate in the next round of consultation, as feedback is vital to ensure the final Township Strategy reflects the values, needs, and aspirations of the Nar Nar community and help create a shared vision that benefits everyone.  

Share your feedback and help preserve what makes Nar Nar Goon a special place to live. Council will host a range of engagement activities to gain further feedback including community drop-in sessions. A short, recorded presentation will be posted on the project page to explain how the draft strategy was developed and explain the structure and content of the documents. Community members can share their feedback via a survey on the Creating Cardina website, or by submitting a written response. Community consultation will remain open until 12 December 2025.  

Community members are invited to attend drop in session to discuss the draft Nar Nar Goon Township Strategy and share feedback on the following dates:  

Face-to Face Community Drop-In Session 1 

• Location: Nar Nar Goon Memorial Hall, Spencer Street 
• Date: Thursday 13 November 2025 
• Time: 2:30pm to 4:30pm 

Face-to Face Community Drop-In Session 2 

• Location: Nar Nar Goon Memorial Hall, Spencer Street 
• Date: Monday 24 November 2025 
• Time: 6:00pm to 8:00pm 

These informal sessions are a great chance to chat with Council officers about the Draft Nar Nar Goon Township Strategy. There’s no formal presentation or agenda, just drop in when it suits you, ask questions, and share your thoughts. 
 
Printed copies of the Draft Nar Nar Goon Township Strategy are available for viewing only at the following locations: 

• Cardinia Shire Council Office 
• Pakenham Library 
• Mobile Library 
• Nar Nar Goon Post Office 
• Cardinia Shire Council Office 
• Pakenham Library 
• Mobile Library 
• Nar Nar Goon Post Office 

To learn more about the draft Nar Nar Goon Township Strategy and participate in the consultation, please visit cardinia.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay.