This place snapshot provides a summary of future development in the Whittlesea Township and surrounding suburbs, for current and future residents, business owners, investors and community groups.
Local history
Originally known as Upper Plenty, it was renamed Whittlesea in 1864 after the town of Whittlesey in England. Whittlesea Township within the rural north of the municipality covers an area of approximately 20 square kilometres.
Whittlesea Township has a strong historical character much of which remains intact. Notable buildings include Whittlesea Primary School, Christ Church Anglican Church, various shops in Church and Walnut Streets and a number of original homesteads.
European settlement dates from 1837. In 1853 the first post office opened and in 1878 the first school opened, which is still home to Whittlesea Primary School.
The railway to Whittlesea Township opened in 1889 and operated for 70 years until train services were stopped in 1959.
Whittlesea Township is surrounded by Eden Park, Yan Yean, Humevale and Kinglake West.
Planning and development
Whittlesea Township is the major service centre for the surrounding rural/residential areas of Plenty and Kinglake Ranges.
We are currently preparing a plan to guide how the Whittlesea Township will change over the next 20 years, including transport, housing, open space, shopping and employment. Find out more about the Whittlesea Township Project 2036.
Green Wedge Management Plan
The Green Wedge Management Plan identifies a vision and recommends actions for the sustainable use of Whittlesea’s rural land.
Population
In 2021, it is estimated 6,122 people live in the Whittlesea Township. By 2036, the population is expected to grow to 7,220.
The median age in 2015 was 37 which has increased to 41 in 2021.
The 70 to 84 age group is forecast to experience the greatest change between 2015 and 2036 (an increase of 76 per cent).
Births
In 2015, an estimated 65 children were born, on average one per week. By 2036, this figure is expected to increase to 88 births per year, on average 1.7 births per week.
Diversity
The proportion of residents who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander in Whittlesea is the highest in the municipality.
The two most common languages spoken at home other than English are Italian and Macedonian.
The most common countries of birth other than Australia are the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Italy.
Families and households
In 2021, there were approximately 2,255 dwellings. This is expected to increase to 2,892 dwellings by 2036.
In 2021 the average household size is 2.7 people and is expected to remain the same in 2036.
In 2021, the proportion of households consisting of couples with children is 46 per cent. By 2036, this will have reduced to 31 per cent.
The Whittlesea Township has the highest rate of residents in the municipality who volunteer a slightly larger rate compared with Greater Melbourne (19 per cent versus 16 per cent).
Employment
More residents are employed as technicians and trade workers than any other occupation – a higher proportion compared with Greater Melbourne (23 per cent versus 13 per cent).
There are more residents working in the construction industry compared with any other industry which is a higher proportion compared with Greater Melbourne (18 per cent versus 8 per cent).
Education
In 2015, Whittlesea Township has a relatively large proportion of primary school aged children (11 per cent compared to 9 per cent across the rest of the municipality).
Travelling in and out
Residents are more likely to drive a car to work compared with the broader population of Greater Melbourne (73 per cent versus 61 per cent).
There are more households with access to 2 or more vehicles compared to Greater Melbourne (61 per cent versus 51 per cent).
Advocacy priorities for Whittlesea Township and surrounds
Walking and cycling network
Council is seeking funding support from the state and federal governments to expand the local walking and cycling pathway network along the disused railway line from Mernda to Whittlesea Township.
Find out about other advocacy priorities for the whole City of Whittlesea.