VIC · Golden Plains Council
Smythes Creek, VIC, 3351
Current weather
9.9°CRain showers
96% humidity · 32.7 km/h wind · 12.7° / 7.9° today · 6.6 mm rain
Desirability score
Suburb snapshot
Smythes Creek is a small locality in the Golden Plains area, home to around 1,762 residents (2021 Census). Available data shows 307 offences in 2026 with relatively stable year-on-year trends (+3%), roughly 174.2 offences per 1,000 residents, 6 public transport stops within the suburb, and notable planning and development activity on record. Snapshot data also shows hospitals or GP clinics within the suburb.
Population
- Population
- 1,762
- Median age
- 38
- Median household income / week
- $2,132
- Dwelling vacancy
- 3.6%
- Unoccupied private dwellings
- 21 of 582
- Median monthly mortgage
- $1,647
- Employment rate
- 65.6%
- Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
- 31 / 0 / 0
Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)
Employment, household income and age diversity (2021 Census)
Data sources & freshness
- 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Period: 2021 · Updated on site · 2021 Census release
The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.
Crime & safety
- Total offences (2026)
- 307
- Against the person
- 58
- Against property
- 222
- Rate per 1,000 residents
- 174.2
- Person-crime prevalence
- About 1 in 30 residents
- State safety percentile
- 89th (lower crime is better)
- Increase (daily rate)
- +3%
Reported offences increased compared with the previous period.
Reported offences by period
Most common offence types
- A232 Non-Fv Common Assault21
- B21 Criminal Damage25
- B42 Steal From A Motor Vehicle21
- B43 Steal From A Retail Store89
- B49 Other Theft44
Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)
Crime rate and year-on-year trend
Data sources & freshness
- Recorded offences by suburb/town — Crime Statistics Agency (Victoria) · Period: 2025 · Updated on site · Year ending March release
Public transport
6 public transport stops in this suburb
- Bells Rd/Glenelg Hwy
- Bells Rd/Glenelg Hwy
- Bells Rd/Glenelg Hwy
- Bells Rd/Glenelg Hwy
- Delacombe Town Centre
Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)
Public transport stop coverage
Data sources & freshness
- GTFS public transport stops — State transport authority open-data feeds · Period: current · Updated on site · GTFS static feed
Planning & development
Development applications from PPARS statewide register (lodged 2020–2022). Free public PPARS MapServer — applications through ~2022 (service last updated Feb 2024).
38 planning-related records
2021· 15 proposals
September 2021
- use of the land (dwelling) under clause 35.03-1 (RLZ), construction of a building and associated with a section 2 use under clause 35.03-4 (RLZ) and construction of a building (dwelling) under clause 44.06-2 (BMO)924 GLENELG HIGHWAY SMYTHES CREEK 3351Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Construction of an outbuilding (shed) associated with a section 2 use, and to construct a building within specified setbacks under clause 35.08-4 (RLZ).36 KENNEDYS ROAD SMYTHES CREEK 3351Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Use of the land (dwelling) and associated buildings and works under clauses 35.03-1 and 35.03-4 (RLZ), construction of a building (dwelling) under clause 44.06-2 (BMO), earthworks (dam) under clause 35.03-4, construction of an outbuilding (shed) with dimensions greater than specified under clause 43.02-2 (DDO), and variation of restrictive covenant PS813902A to move the building envelope under clause 52.02 (Easements, restrictions and reserves)924 GLENELG HIGHWAY SMYTHES CREEK 3351Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Use of the land (dwelling) under clause 35.03-1 (RLZ) and buildings and works associated with a section 2 use under clause 35.03-4 (RLZ)924 GLENELG HIGHWAY SMYTHES CREEK 3351Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Use of the land (dwelling) under clause 32.03-1 (RLZ) construction of a building and works associated with section 2 use and within designated setbacks under clause 35.03-4 (RLZ)389 BELLS ROAD SMYTHES CREEK 3351Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
August 2021
- Permit to keep 5 dogs41 KARINGAL PARK DRIVE SMYTHES CREEK 3351Withdrawn
- The use and development of the land for the purposes of a dwelling pursuant to the provisions of the RLZ (Clauses 35.03-1 & 35.03-4) and BMO (Clause 44.06-2)234 POST OFFICE ROAD SMYTHES CREEK 3351Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Construction of a building (shed) within a specified setback under clause 35.03-4 (RLZ)74 WESTGATE ROAD SMYTHES CREEK 3351Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
July 2021
- Use and development of a dwelling and shed537 FINCHS ROAD SMYTHES CREEK 3351Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
- construction of an outbuilding (shed) associated with a section 2 use and with dimensions greater than specified and within a designated setback under clause 35.03-5 (RLZ) and construction of a building (shed) with dimensions greater than specified under clause 42.02-2 (DDO)124 FINCHS ROAD SMYTHES CREEK 3351Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
- extension to existing existing building (shed) over 100sqm under clause 32.05-4 (RLZ) and clause 43.10 (DDO7)216 HENDERSONS ROAD SMYTHES CREEK 3351Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
June 2021
- Construction of an outbuilding (shed) associated with a section 2 use and with dimensions great than specified under clause 35.03-4 (RLZ), with dimensions greater than specified under clause 43.02-2 (DDO) and 44.06-2 (BMO)209 Kennedys RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Staged Multi Lot Subdivision88 CHERRY FLAT ROAD SMYTHES CREEK 3351Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
May 2021
- Construction of an outbuilding (shed) associated with a section 2 use, greater than 100sqm and within a setback specified in the zone under clause 35.03-4 (RLZ) construction of an outbuilding (shed) with dimensions greater than specified in the schedule under clause 43.02-2 (DDO7) and construction of a building (shed) under clause 44.06-2 (BMO)165 Jollys Hill RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
April 2021
- Use of the land (dwelling) under clause 35.03-1 (RLZ), buildings and works associated with a section 2 use under clause 35.03-4 (RLZ), construction of a building (shed) with dimensions greater than specified and within a specified setback under clause 35.03-4 (RLZ) and construction of an outbuilding (shed) under clause 43.02-2 (DDO7).47 BELLS ROAD SMYTHES CREEK 3351Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
2020· 23 proposals
December 2020
- Construction and carrying out works to a dwelling greater than 100sqm and within a setback under clause 35.03-4 (RLZ) and extension to existing building (outbuilding) under clause 44.06-2 (BMO) in accordance with endorsed plans29 ALLAN COURT SMYTHES CREEK 3351In progress
November 2020
- Development of a farm shed4 Kingston CourtPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
- The development of the land for the purposes of a shed pursuant to the provisions of the RLZ & DDO727 Kirks RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Use of the land for a dwelling under clause 35.03-1 and to construct a building and works associated with a section 2 use under clause 35.03-4126 Hendersons RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
October 2020
- The construction of a building (shed) and carrying out works under clauses 35.03-4, 44.06-2 and 43.02-2 in accordance with endorsed plans126 Tudors RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Alterations and additions to existing dwelling greater than 100sqm and within 100m of a waterway pursuant to clause 35.03-4 (RLZ) and extension to an existing dwelling pursuant to clause 44.06-2 (BMO) in accordance with endorsed plans61 Kirkwood DrivePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
September 2020
- Construction of a building (replacement dwelling) pursuant to clause 35.03-4 (RLZ) in accordance with endorsed plans22 Jollys Hill RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
- The use and development of the land for a dwelling in accordance with endorsed plans32 Kennedys RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
- The use of the land for the purposes of a home based business (joinery) pursuant to Clause 52.11-2 of the planning scheme18 KIRKWOOD DRIVE SMYTHES CREEK 3351NOD issued by the Resp. Authority
- Alterations and additions to existing shopping centre, display of signage and a reduction of car parking requirements315 Glenelg HighwayPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
August 2020
- The development of the land for a shed129 Kirks RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Use of land for domestic animal boarding580 Bells RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
July 2020
- the development of the land for a dwelling and the development of the land for a shedLOT 6 Stuart CourtWithdrawn
- The use and development of the land for a contractors depot pursuant to the provisions of the RLZ (Clauses 35.03-1 & 35.03-4)87 FINCHS ROAD SMYTHES CREEK 3351Withdrawn
June 2020
- The development of the land for a shed20 DOBLE ROADPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
April 2020
- Installation of Business Identification Signage315 Glenelg HighwayPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
March 2020
- Development of horse stables164 Bells RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Two lot subdivision331 Glenelg HighwayPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Use of the premises for the sale and consumption of liquorTenancy 17-19/315 Glenelg HighwayPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
- The development of the land for a dwelling141 JOLLYS HILL ROADPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
- The use and development of the land for dwelling11 KOALA COURTPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
February 2020
- Staged multi lot subdivision and associated works including Creation of access to a Road Zone, Category1, removal of native vegetation, and creation of a restrictionLot D Glenelg HighwayPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
January 2020
- Use and development of a dwelling, outbuildling and associated works469 Glenelg HighwayPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
Contributes to desirability score · Future Growth (7%)
Development and planning activity
Data sources & freshness
- PPARS planning permit activity (statewide) — Department of Transport and Planning (Victoria) · Period: 2020–2022 · Updated on site · Public MapServer last updated Feb 2024 — applications through FY 2022–23 only; newer PPARS data requires council/API access
Amenities
No OpenStreetMap amenities mapped for this suburb yet.
Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)
Food, shopping, recreation and sport (OpenStreetMap)
Data sources & freshness
- OpenStreetMap amenities — OpenStreetMap contributors · Period: current · Updated on site · Weekly refresh
Health access
- Hospitals & GP clinics
- 2
- Emergency department
- Not in suburb
- Delacombe Medical CentreDrummond Street Northdoctor
- Discount Chemistpharmacy
Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)
Hospitals and GP clinics
Data sources & freshness
- Hospitals & clinics — OpenStreetMap + state health datasets · Period: current · Updated on site
Socio-economic (SEIFA)
- IRSAD decile (2021)
- 7/10
- IRSD decile (2021)
- 8/10
SEIFA indexes from ABS 2021. Decile 10 = most advantaged / least disadvantaged in Australia.
Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)
Socio-economic advantage (IRSAD decile)
Data sources & freshness
- SEIFA 2021 (IRSAD / IRSD) — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Period: 2021 · Updated on site · 2021 SEIFA release
Childcare
1 childcare service from OpenStreetMap
- Brady Bunch Early Learning Centrekindergarten
Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)
Childcare centre count
Data sources & freshness
- Childcare services — OpenStreetMap · Period: current · Updated on site
Hazards
- Bushfire planning zone
- No overlay at centroid
Bushfire overlay checked at suburb centroid via Victorian Bushfire Management Overlay mapping.
Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)
Bushfire hazard overlays
Data sources & freshness
- Hazard planning overlays — State government hazard layers · Period: current · Updated on site
Green cover
- Parks & woodland (OSM)
- 1
- Parks (OSM)
- 1
OpenStreetMap parks and natural woodland features mapped within the suburb boundary.
Contributes to desirability score · Environment (10%)
Parks and green cover (OpenStreetMap)
Data sources & freshness
- OpenStreetMap green cover features — OpenStreetMap contributors · Period: current · Updated on site · Weekly refresh
Desirability index
- Desirability score
- 37.9/100
- National rank
- 3558th in Australia
- State rank
- 705th in VIC
- Peer rank
- #149 among Country & regional · Established suburbs
- Cohort rank
- #276 among Country & regional suburbs
- Data confidence
- 81%
Data sources & freshness
- Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived score) · Period: current · Updated on site · Derived from source metrics
Recent changes
- A232 Non-Fv Common Assaultcrime21
- B21 Criminal Damagecrime25
- B42 Steal From A Motor Vehiclecrime21
- B43 Steal From A Retail Storecrime89
- B49 Other Theftcrime44
- Brady Bunch Early Learning Centrechildcarekindergarten
- Delacombe Medical CentrehealthDrummond Street Northdoctor
- Discount Chemisthealthpharmacy
- Alterations and additions to existing dwelling greater than 100sqm and within 100m of a waterway pursuant to clause 35.03-4 (RLZ) and extension to an existing dwelling pursuant to clause 44.06-2 (BMO) in accordance with endorsed plansplanning61 Kirkwood DriveLodged 14 Oct 2020 · Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Alterations and additions to existing shopping centre, display of signage and a reduction of car parking requirementsplanning315 Glenelg HighwayLodged 08 Sep 2020 · Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
Data sources & freshness
- Childcare services — OpenStreetMap · Updated on site
- Recorded offences by suburb/town — Crime Statistics Agency (Victoria) · Updated on site · Year ending March release
- Hospitals & clinics — OpenStreetMap + state health datasets · Updated on site
- PPARS planning permit activity (statewide) — Department of Transport and Planning (Victoria) · Updated on site · Public MapServer last updated Feb 2024 — applications through FY 2022–23 only; newer PPARS data requires council/API access
Similar suburbs
Suburbs with a similar population, SEIFA decile and location.