Offering award winning land development services throughout metropolitan and regional Victoria
Millar Merrigan was founded in 1966 and incorporated in its present name in 1973. The firm has evolved into an integrated multi-disciplinary organisation, and is a professional consulting group providing town planning, engineering, surveying and landscape architectural services for a wide range of development projects. We pride ourselves on providing sound and economical advice as well as on our a
bility to deliver innovative solutions. Whereas we specialise in professional services to the Land Development industry, we are
geared to service a broad client base, from everyday problems to planned communities. Millar Merrigan has a solid reputation throughout the development industry and in particular with various State and Local Government authorities, the various services authorities and with private corporations with which we have been associated.
What's important to you in a new community? In our designs for Copelands Estate, effort was put in to ensure we created spaces where residents could connect with nature. The stunning waterways and wetlands are a highlight, offering recreational opportunities and environmental benefits.
Learn more about Millar Merrigan's expertise in Landscape Architecture đ https://buff.ly/3GemTKY
We are excited to be part of a unique project with Habitat for Humanity Victoria, developing a village-style accommodation in Bayswater North. ď¸
This project offers a mix of ownership opportunities and long-term rentals, providing secure housing for families and individuals facing housing insecurity.
Find out more about this project on The Chalk đ https://buff.ly/3UOKzMy
Weâre passionate about creating places that live our purpose to âinspire better living.â This extends far beyond timber frames and bricks; itâs about building a better future for our communities.
Weâre excited to announce our involvement in the upcoming YMCA Vocational School đ This project focuses on the repurposing of this existing gym facility into an educational hub, catering to young people who do not fit into the traditional education system.
The YMCA is a global, community-driven not-for-profit organisation dedicated to empowering and supporting young people to reach their full potential. This new vocational school will complement their existing services, which work to support the welfare of young people.
This will be the first vocational school of its kind in Victoria, following successful models in Queensland and Western Australia. The evident community need for this alternative education has paved the way for future opportunities for more schools in Victoria - and weâre so honoured to play a pivotal role in this groundbreaking venture.
Itâs amazing that weâre already halfway through our 2024 Exploration Program! These employees were selected to help build their understanding of MMâs multi-disciplinary functions, discover what each department does, how it contributes to the overall land development process, and how it ultimately enables us to inspire better living.
The team has so far learnt all about our disciplines of
đ Business Support, People & Culture and Finance
đ§ Surveying
đť Engineering Design
đď¸ Town Planning
𧹠Building Design
With 6 sessions left for the year, we look forward to seeing the team continue their development đ¤Š
A special Glanmire Park update for International Day of Play! The estate has seen major progress over the last few months, and planting has just gone in for our playground.
The playground will be open to the public in just two weeks, having just passed its audit! This space will accommodate children and carers alike, to ensure thereâs a safe and enjoyable area to exercise the right to play đ
Today is the first-ever United Nations International Day of Play! Play isnât just for fun - children require time, space, and permission to play. Itâs not just a right, but a necessity for health and development. Physical health and development, mental health and learning, social development, and motor skills all benefit from play.
When designing a successful play space, itâs important to consider
đ A variety of equipment, like spinners, swings, climbers and slides, which all offer unique development purposes, from eye muscles, calming and regulation, spatial awareness, strength and imagination!
đż Carer accommodations, to make playtime comfortable for both children and adults. Seating with backrests, shade shelters, and nearby amenities are all important.
đ§â𦽠Accessibility of a playground, to help ensure everyone can enjoy the fun.
Weâre proud to take play seriously and design practical and visually pleasing playgrounds for our clients, like this one we completed for the Yarra Valley Grammar Junior Primary Playspace.
Today, make time to explore, imagine, and discover the joy of play - and try to make it a part of every day, whether youâre an adult or a child!
Our second newsletter for 2024 is coming out soon - and we donât want you to miss out! Covering all the inner-workings at MM from the last quarter, and providing an industry update, itâs a valuable insight to the land development industry.
Sign up today đ https://buff.ly/49Ayl0b
A recent 2-lot subdivision in Maroondah required a Public Open Space (POS) contribution. We took this to VCAT, advocated on behalf of our client, and got this contribution removed.
For a long time, an exemption on the POS contribution has existed for 2-lot subdivisions, on the proviso that: âthe council considers it unlikely that each lot will be further subdividedâ.
We argued at VCAT that further subdivision was possible - but unlikely due to several factors
đł The mature trees being kept on the property limited the available space for additional dwellings in the future
đ
Conditions on the permit for Lot 2, requiring a building envelope, limits future development possibilities
đď¸ The neighbourhood consisted of spacious lots with existing landscape, and subdividing further would likely not be accepted due to âneighbourhood characterâ concerns.
VCAT ultimately agreed with our arguments, exempting our client from the POS contribution. This case highlights the importance of considering specific site details, and ensuring a deep knowledge of planning schemes and requirements.
Last nightâs AILA VIC Australian Institute of Landscape Architects awards ceremony was a fantastic night out for members of our Landscape team đż Cory Sund, the Business Support member for the team, said one of the highlights of the night was the welcoming ceremony. âWe were formally welcomed by a Wurundjeri Elder through a beautiful smoking ceremony, which was to promote the wellbeing of Wurundjeri people and guests on Country.â
Cory also said the night allowed her to develop an even greater appreciation for the industry - both in âhow hard people work for beautiful project outcomes, and ensuring great functionalityâ.
A big congratulations to all of the award winners from last nightâs ceremony, and thanks to AILA for running such a rewarding evening!
This space within The Village creates a community space for the residents of 203 Bayswater Road đď¸ The project looks to provide affordable, safe and secure housing outcomes for local families.
Lisa Reynolds, Landscape Architect at MM, shares that "With part of the project being more transient than the permanent housing, it will be great to see the landscaping help to build a community and create a communal space. With landscaping elements like vegetable gardens, weâre creating homes in this space, not just houses!â
We canât wait to see it transform, too! Find out more about the project on our blog, The Chalk đ https://buff.ly/3UOKzMy
Weâre passionate about creating places that live our purpose to âinspire better living.â This extends far beyond timber frames and bricks; itâs about building a better future for our communities.
Want to subdivide your property, but donât know where to start? Our recent article highlights the challenges you may face so you know what youâre getting into!
Learn about feasibility studies, planning approvals, and crucial considerations for first-time developers.
Get started on the right foot by reading the full article đ https://buff.ly/3V6Debv
Subdividing land in Victoria involves navigating a complex landscape of regulations, site-specific factors and local council preferences and policies. With so many factors at play and a myriad of potential issues, itâs important to engage with professionals early in the process. This can help eval...
Back in 1966, two surveyors, Paul Millar and Peter Merrigan, decided to join forces and form Millar Merrigan. Fast forward 58 years later (just yesterday!) and we're proud to see all that MM has done. The photo above is of Peter Merrigan on-site at Dinner Plain Village, a project that started in the '80s!
Now with over 100 staff, of which six are licensed surveyors, we continue to live by Peterâs legacy despite his passing last year. This means living to achieve our purpose âinspire better livingâ, encouraging a strong work-life balance for employees, and building communities both in the workplace, and through our work in land development.
Hereâs to many more years of making a positive impact đ
We love seeing our clientsâ projects progress, like these images showcasing the carport structure of an architecturally-designed home.
Our Millar Merrigan Structural team has been involved in this project, completing the designs of footings, slabs, wall framing and timber connections! It will be great to see this project in its finished stage, similar to the final image render from Pleysier Perkins.
Our client wanted a beautiful, yet manageable garden - challenge accepted â
This design incorporates existing trees and a mix of indigenous and exotic plantings, creating a peaceful and low-maintenance space to enjoy.
With a variety of shrubs, trees, grasses, flowers and groundcover, the space will provide a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere all year round!
We canât wait to see it come to life, as planting goes underway! Get in touch with our landscape team to create the garden of your dreams đ§ Contact [email protected] for more details!
Weâre proud to be a part of creating change - and together with Habitat for Humanity, weâre helping make safe and supportive communities for locals in need.
The latest project is â203 Bayswater Roadâ, providing village-style accommodation to support local families and individuals facing housing insecurity. A collaboration between StableOne, Emmaus Christian Community, Servants Community Housing and Habitat for Humanity, weâll be providing our expertise in development advisory, landscape design and planning to support this impactful project.
Find out more about this project đ https://buff.ly/3UOKzMy
Weâre passionate about creating places that live our purpose to âinspire better living.â This extends far beyond timber frames and bricks; itâs about building a better future for our communities.
As we head into the final week of May, we're finishing up some of our development and performance reviews at Millar Merrigan! Reviews are a valuable tool to encourage and support our workforce, and our cyclical process provides a platform to foster a culture of continual growth and development.
Over the past year, we've been dedicated to formulating department goals and driving towards our company's strategic vision. As part of this, we believe reviews should go beyond a single conversation. We conduct regular check-ins throughout the year to help employees stay on track with their goals and objectives. This collaborative approach ensures the process is a meaningful dialogue, not just a box-ticking exercise.
Ultimately, it allows us to invest in our people, and unlock their full potential by finding the best ways to support them đ
We believe in creating spaces that inspire better living for all. Thatâs why weâre working with Habitat for Humanity Australia's Victoria division to provide affordable, safe housing and empower families in need.
This project aims to provide long-term, secure and affordable housing solutions for local families. Located in an area with public transport, amenities, and a supportive community, the project provides a hand-up - not a hand-out.
Read all about our collaboration on The Chalk đ https://buff.ly/3UOKzMy
Weâre passionate about creating places that live our purpose to âinspire better living.â This extends far beyond timber frames and bricks; itâs about building a better future for our communities.
Nothing better than watching a dream turn into reality - and itâs great to watch it happen at Glanmire Park!
The flythrough showcases the latest playground, and a final view of the wetlands before planting goes in to make them gorgeous green spaces! In the last 12 months, the site has seen the development of 320 lots, with 100 more under construction and more than 150 homes in various stages of construction.
Flashback to 2004, âTheFacebookâ was the hot new thing, flip phones were all the rage, and âHey Ya!â by Outkast was blasting on the radio. But one thing hasnât changed: Lynâs dedication to Millar Merrigan!
20 years ago, Lyn joined Millar Merrigan, and sheâs been a driving force ever since. Today, not only is she Manager of Finance, but sheâs also a unitholder and an ever-welcoming, bright presence in the team.
Lyn - your expertise and leadership are invaluable to MM. Hereâs to many more years together!
Thinking about subdividing land? Thereâs more to consider than just location!
Our latest article dives into key factors for success, and some of the potential challenges you may face. From zoning to regulatory considerations, weâve got you covered.
Read the article đ https://buff.ly/3wFqznD to be informed before you buy.
Subdividing land in Victoria involves navigating a complex landscape of regulations, site-specific factors and local council preferences and policies. With so many factors at play and a myriad of potential issues, itâs important to engage with professionals early in the process. This can help eval...
Yesterday morningâs survey turned into a rescue mission for this little lamb!
This little lamb was standing along the fence line, shivering and alone in the cold, foggy morning. Luckily, he was spotted by Shaun, and wrapped in a spare jacket to keep him warm until the farmer was found.
Big thanks to Shaun for his quick thinking and for making a happy reunion for the farmer and the lamb!
Imagine waking up to serene waterways and lush wetlands just outside your window! This is the reality for some lucky residents at Copelands Estate in Warragul.
Millar Merrigan designed this estate with a focus on integrating nature into the community. These green spaces offer much more than stunning views; they provide
đď¸ Community connections with spaces for residents to connect with nature and each other.
đł Environmental benefits, with wetlands and waterways filtering stormwater runoff, promoting a healthy environment
đ Outdoor recreation, opportunities for residents to enjoy the outdoors right on their doorstep.
Find out more about Copelands Estate đ https://buff.ly/3yb6uGf where youâll find more space, less traffic, and cleaner air!
Our team made it to Yarrawonga recently for the Yarrawonga Power Boat Spectacular!
Daniel Abbott, Senior Draftsperson | Structural Engineering, was one of the attendees and shared that it was a blast đĽ âThe boats were impressive both in the water and on land after the races. It was a perfect chance to meet some of the long-time clients, contractors and other consultants that MM work with.â
While near Glanmire Park estate, the team was also able to visit the ongoing project. Daniel shares that âHaving worked on a few parts of the overall project, it was a great chance to see the process from preparing drawings right the way through to completion.â
This residential landscape design plan creates a garden oasis through thoughtful planning. Creating a beautiful and functional outdoor space, the design complements the modern home within the lot.
đĄ Creating a welcoming atmosphere, balancing aesthetics and use to create a practical and calming yard design
đł Existing trees were retained and integrated into the design, with new trees and plants placed strategically to further enhance the landscape
đ¸ Flowering trees and shrubs ensure an enjoyable garden throughout the year, adding bursts of colour no matter the month!
đĽ Access to the backyard from the alfresco, connected to the living room, increases entertaining space and offers function, privacy and flowering displays
đĽ Garden beds and trellis were placed strategically to add more functionality to the yard, placed in an area which maximises growing conditions!
Itâs important to connect with the area where you live - and a gorgeous design like this is just the way to do it!
35 years ago, the Nintendo Game Boy was released, "(I've had) The Time of My Lifeâ was the chart-topping song, Bob Hawke was prime minister of Australia, and - most importantly - Sean Ryan began working at Millar Merrigan!
Now, Sean is a unitholder at MM, and the sector manager of Survey, leading our asset recording and surveying (land) departments.
Congratulations Sean, and we look forward to celebrating many more years with you.
Our Croydon team recently enjoyed flexing their creative muscles in the Planning departmentâs âDoodle a Directorâ activity!
It was a great way for the team to connect and have their hand at a skill outside of their usual routines đ¨ Congrats to the winners of the nightâs awards:
đ¨âđź Luciano for Directorâs Pick
đźď¸ James for Most Realistic
đ§âđ¨ Marike for Most Creative
đ Nick for Best Use of Colour
đĽ Sean (of course!) for Most Offensive
Canât wait to see what our Morwell team is able to create later this week!
From trainee to award-winning project manager, Nathan McDonaldâs journey at Millar Merrigan has been an exciting one so far!
Nathan came to MM with a passion for land development (thanks to his Business Management, Sustainability & Development degree!), but wasn't sure where to start.
Our program lets trainees rotate through different departments, gaining a well-rounded understanding of MM's operations. After a year, Nathan found his perfect fit as an Assistant Project Manager.
The insights the program gave him make him a valuable asset. He won our 2023 End of Year Values award for âbuilding integrated communities through meaningful relationshipsâ for his great vision of the bigger picture of a program, delivering holistic and positive solutions to clients!
Nathan said the program teaches in a valuable, practical sense. âA month of working in this industry is more than a year in university. Putting concept into practice, and getting exposure to exactly how authorities operate and what theyâre looking for to ensure the best client outcome is something a classroom just canât teach you.â
If youâre interested in taking a path similar to Nathanâs and want to start a traineeship, email us at [email protected] or DM us for more information.
Every community deserves a well-considered and strategic layout - which you can see come to life at Glanmire Park Estate! These drone shots from 2020 and 2023 highlight how a simple plot of land can become a new community.
With our team actively engaged in multiple stages of this project, we can proudly achieve our value to âbuild integrated communities through meaningful relationships.' This commitment ensures a successful outcome and the creation of a well-planned new community đď¸
More greenery is coming soon to Glanmire Park! The landscaping around the entry lakes and green spine is taking shape as we move into the new season, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of this growing community.
With over 325 allotments developed in the past year, this estate is fostering a thriving community! Playgrounds, lakes, and walking tracks are just a few of the features that embody our value of âbuilding integrated communities through meaningful relationshipsâ. We design holistically to ensure a vibrant and practical space for residents to connect and enjoy.
The Australian dream may have once been considered owning your own home - but that now seems out of reach for many people. Recent research by RPM confirms this shift in affordability. Land costs are at a 43% ratio to existing house costs - higher than the equilibrium ratio of 35% - indicating the lack of affordability of land compared to existing housing.
Building may not be the clear winner it once seemed. Read our article on The Chalk đ https://buff.ly/3T27nJ6 for a deeper dive into the current market landscape.
Building a new home has traditionally been a pathway to achieving the Australian dream. However, this dream seems to be fading amidst escalating cost-of-living pressures, coupled with increasing costs of building. The recent CoreLogic Cost Construction Index report shows a daunting result; a 26.6% i...
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Nothing better than watching a dream turn into reality - and itâs great to watch it happen at Glanmire Park! The flythrough showcases the latest playground, and a final view of the wetlands before planting goes in to make them gorgeous green spaces! In the last 12 months, the site has seen the development of 320 lots, with 100 more under construction and more than 150 homes in various stages of construction. #millarmerrigan #landdevelopment #landdevelopmentconsultancy #yarrawonga #glanmirepark #glanmireestate #yortayortacountry
Nothing better than watching a dream turn into reality - and itâs great to watch it happen at Glanmire Park! The flythrough showcases the latest playground, and a final view of the wetlands before planting goes in and makes them gorgeous green spaces! In the last 12 months, the site has seen the development of 320 lots, with 100 more under construction and more than 150 homes in various stages of construction. #millarmerrigan #landdevelopment #landdevelopmentconsultancy #yarrawonga #glanmirepark #glanmireestate #yortayortacountry
Weâre so proud of the work our Landscape Architecture team did for Yarra Valley Grammarâs Junior Primary Playspace đ This video showcases the hard work our team dedicated to making this space accessible and enjoyable for students. Lisa Reynolds, a Landscape Architect at MM, says attending the grand opening âwas so rewarding, just seeing the final product come to life and the joy it brings. The excitement and engagement of the kids was great to see!â The variety of play experiences available engages children in different ways. This provides an opportunity for the development of their gross motor skills through equipment and materiality, and helps to foster creativity! Weâre looking forward to continuing our work with Yarra Valley Grammar, having already completed the landscape work for their Junior Primary Building, and look forward to completing their Performing and Media Arts Centre next đ #millarmerrigan #landdevelopment #landdevelopmentconsultancy #landscapearchitecture #playspace #yarravalleygrammar
Curious about what our laser scanning technology does? It can provide outcomes such as fly-throughs of buildings, like this one from a fly-through of our Croydon office space! These spaces provide a glimpse into the heart of your project, turning a static structure into a dynamic and immersive experience. These fly-throughs are not just marketing tools, but a gateway to visualisation, providing your audience with an immersive stroll through a project! Whether youâre showcasing a commercial space like our Croydon office, or presenting a residential project, these fly-throughs transcend traditional presentations, leaving a lasting impact on your clients and stakeholders. Find out more about these 3D Scanning services and find out how Millar Merrigan can improve your next project by visiting our website đ https://buff.ly/3ulEyNZ #millarmerrigan #landdevelopment #landdevelopmentconsultancy #3dscanning #flythrough
A fly-through of one of our current developments, Monash Views Estate. This estate based in Gippsland is set against the Yallourn Golf Club course, with the large block sizes and magnificent views of the rural, lake and mountain surrounds! This drone footage captures the development as of November 2022 of stages 1, 6 and 3. It also shows constructed wetlands and existing creek, which provide enjoyable views and help us to create integrated communities. To find out more about Millar Merrigan and what we do, be sure to visit our page or the link in our bio! #millarmerrigan #landdevelopment #landdevelopmentconsultancy
Welcome to the Shannon Waters Estate located in Bairnsdale. This 750 lot project started back in 2011, with Stage 5 now under construction. Up next, we're going to break ground on a major catchment sewer pump station and over 2 kms of outfall rising main. This is a full service project for Millar Merrigan, providing Project Management, Engineering, Survey, Landscape and more. Want to know more about our projects? Let us know what you want to see in the comments below. #bairnsdale #regionaldevelopment #landdevelopment #landdevelopmentconsultants #engineering #civilworks #surveying #landscape
âThe time saved in travelling is a big thing and, especially now with the high cost of petrol, if I was to drive every day to the office from Pakenham and back â thatâs close to 1 hour of driving each way, which is very expensive.â Justin Hermann, Town Planners Millar Merrigan, shares how COVID 19 changed him and what challenges and lessons he chalked up. For the full story, visit: https://www.millarmerrigan.com.au/thechalk/how-we-rose-to-the-challenge-of-covid-19/ #millarmerrigan #people #workingwithus #covidresponse #virtualoffice #TheChalk
âBeing at home, I can get up at a reasonable hour, feed the animals, then have breakfast, have a cup of coffee, make the long commute of 30 seconds or less to my little office and start the day!â Debra OâBrien, Civil Engineers Millar Merrigan, shares how COVID 19 changed her and what challenges and lessons she chalked up. For the full story, visit: https://www.millarmerrigan.com.au/thechalk/how-we-rose-to-the-challenge-of-covid-19/ #millarmerrigan #people #workingwithus #covidresponse #virtualoffice #TheChalk
âI would say I almost feel more connected with Millar Merrigan people than my own family! Itâs probably a credit to how much they pushed for that connectivity.â Aaron Smith, Civil Engineers Millar Merrigan, shares how COVID 19 changed him and what challenges and lessons he chalked up. For the full story, visit: https://www.millarmerrigan.com.au/thechalk/how-we-rose-to-the-challenge-of-covid-19/ #millarmerrigan #people #workingwithus #covidresponse #virtualoffice #TheChalk
âOur priority was the health risk COVID presented. Specifically, ensuring every employee felt secure and had the means to be working remotely in a safe environment, so we could continue to deliver exceptional service for our clients, nurturing our internal and external communities we exist to serve.â Simon Merrigan, Managing Director Millar Merrigan, shares his thoughts on the unexpected disruptions Millar Merrigan had to adapt to during COVID 19. For the full story, visit: https://www.millarmerrigan.com.au/thechalk/how-we-rose-to-the-challenge-of-covid-19/ #millarmerrigan #people #workingwithus #covidresponse #virtualoffice #TheChalk
Millar Merrigan wishes everyone happy holidays! â¨â¨ We hope you spend quality time with your families, have some fun in the sun, and enjoy many summer BBQs! P.s. our office will be closed from 23rd December - 10th January 2022, see you all in the new year. #millarmerrigan #happyholidays #officeclose #summer
An exciting new project at Millar Merrigan, The North Quarter is a 310 lots project within the Lake Narracan PSP, which is an integrated reserve network accommodating walking trails and Water Sensitive Urban Design. Starting from $195k, visit North Quarter | Lake Views for more info https://north-quarter.com.au/ #millarmerrigan #projects #landdevelopmentexpert
"We have the opportunity to lead the way." Millar Merrigan leaders Duncan and Mick provide insight into Millar Merrigan's future. #TheChalk #Future #Opportunity
"The future is really bright for us..." David Frazzetto and Scott McJannet on the future Millar Merrigan and the sector.
"There's big demand in regional areas in infill development and greenfield development..." Simon Merrigan shares his thoughts on where the focus for Millar Merrigan will be for the coming years. #TheChalk #Development #Insight
"Mike rocks up to the site looking like a cowboy, big cowboy belt, Akubra on his head and laid down the law" - Xavier Calgaro. Those closest to Mike Jordon, share their classic 'Mike moments' while raising a glass to the Millar Merrigan great.
Peter recalls the tougher times in his career, being short on work and contemplating wearing a sandwich board. #thechalk
There is a growing demand for 'tree change' to properties within regional areas. Simon and Peter provide insight into why. #thechalk
"The good times far outweigh the bad times.â Simon and Peter reflect on Millar Merriganâs history, from the tough times to the Friday night beers and share a laugh over practical jokes. #thechalk
A fond farewell: Industry legends, Mike Jordon and Jamie Kenyon offer advice to new Millar Merrigan leaders Scott McJannet and Christopher Constantine.
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