While the Camberwell resident has been a vocal opponent of the proposed multi-storey construction above his local railway station, he said the fight against inappropriate development was a Melbourne-wide concern.

"This is an issue that is going to affect the character of the city for generations to come," Rush said.

He was joined by protesters from the Royal Park Protection Group, Kew Cottages Coalition and Friends of Burnley Gardens.

They shared anger about local multi-storey developments, dwindling parkland and the State Government's plans to develop Melbourne's activity centres.

Brandishing posters with "Mitcham kids want bedtime stories not 14 storeys" and "Stevie -- your view of Melbourne 2030 is cockeyed", protesters came from as far afield as Broadmeadows, Seaford, St Albans, Carlton and Kew.

Earlier, as Rush chatted to local students at the railway station, he said Camberwell activists had been forced to broaden their horizons.

"Every major centre in Melbourne is going to have to confront whether they want the character of their city altered," he said.

"It is not as though we're trying to keep Melbourne as some living museum. We don't want it abused at the hands of people who are being revenue driven."

Melbourne 2030 has identified more than 100 precincts -- including Camberwell -- that are suitable for higher-density housing.

Camberwell Station Action Group spokeswoman Mary Drost said 2030 architects were out of touch with local communities.

"The battle for Camberwell station is symbolic of a new round of development anxiety being felt in many communities," she said.