Historical information

The Eltham Gateway Group (EGG) was established about 1987 by some Eltham residents concerned for the development of the Eltham Gateway, defined as that historically and environmentally sensitive region of land along Main Road, Eltham extending from the roundabout at Fitzsimons Lane to Dudley Street, Eltham. The gateway was a unique urban area with a strong sense of character that provided a distinctive entrance to the Eltham Town Centre.

The intention of this group was to support development that preserved both the natural and historic features of the gateway region. It encouraged development sympathetic to Eltham’s traditional association with the arts and natural environment.

The group was initiated in response to a planning application in December 1986 to redevelop the then Mobil service station site at 729 Main Road, Eltham on the corner of Brougham Street. This group worked with and encouraged the Eltham Shire Council to consider rezoning to protect the gateway area. A detailed Eltham Gateway Study undertaken by Tract Consultants assisted with the establishment of the Eltham Gateway Zone, the Eltham Gateway Policy and the Eltham Gateway Design and Siting Guidelines. The State Government subsequently agreed to a planning amendment to rezone the land from a Residential Zone C to an Eltham Gateway Zone under the Eltham Planning Scheme.

While zoning changes over the years have altered the mix of permitted uses within this area the Eltham Gateway still looks and feels like a predominately residential style precinct, even where non-residential type uses operate.

EGG was followed by the establishment of the Eltham Protection Society in about 1989 to respond to community planning issues beyond the area of the Eltham Gateway and in effect took over the role from the EGG.

Jim Connor
President
Eltham District Historical Society
4 July 2022
During 1986/87 I was a community member on the Shire of Eltham’s Community Consultative Committee involved with the Eltham Gateway Study, which led to the establishment of the original Eltham Gateway Zone, under the then Eltham Planning Scheme

The Eltham Gateway Group was the pioneer community action group dedicated to protecting the character of the Eltham Gateway. It was succeeded by the Eltham Protection Society. When the Shire of Eltham Offices were demolished by the unelected Commissioners of Nillumbik Shire Council in July/August 1996, significant community upset and protest led to the establishement of the Eltham Gateway Action Group (EGAG) which in present day form has evolved into the Eltham Community Action Group (ECAG) focussing on issues throughout Eltham and not just the Eltham Gateway

Physical description

50 mm folder of photocopies, printouts, newsclippings, brochures, etc