Government Urges Stronger Protection for Melbourne’s Iconic Rivers (Australia)

Minister for Planning Matthew Guy has implemented Stage 2 of the Victorian Coalition Government’s commitment to protect Melbourne’s iconic rivers.

“The Coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to protect Melbourne’s main waterways; the Yarra and Maribyrnong Rivers,” Mr Guy said.

Mr Guy said local planning controls along the Yarra River between Burke Road, Ivanhoe and Warrandyte will be introduced, in partnership with Banyule City Council, Manningham City Council and the Shire of Nillumbik to ensure that development does not adversely impact upon the Yarra River.

“For the first time in its history, the Yarra River from Camberwell to Warrandyte will be comprehensively reviewed and planning controls strengthened to further protect our iconic river,” Mr Guy said.

In addition, specific areas along the Maribyrnong River have been identified that will benefit from site specific height and set back controls. Importantly, this will strengthen existing planning controls and introduce new controls to protect the river banks from inappropriate development. This review will be undertaken in partnership with Melbourne Water.

“The Maribyrnong River is the greatest natural asset of Melbourne’s Western Suburbs,” Mr Guy said.

“The Coalition Government introduced the toughest environmental reforms in Victoria’s history to protect Melbourne’s two key inland waterways and this is another step towards securing Melbourne’s rivers for future generations.”

The protections add to the Coalition Government’s state recognition of the waterways through Amendment VC96 that recognises the environmental, landscape and cultural values of the Maribyrnong River, as well as its aesthetic, recreational and tourism importance.

“The Coalition Government is committed to preserving the environmental, cultural and recreational values of both the Yarra and Maribyrnong Rivers. We will continue to work with local councils and Melbourne Water to deliver consistent planning controls to protect both rivers,” Mr Guy said.

In addition, the Victorian Coalition Government has committed $1 billion worth of works over four years across the state’s waterways to improve the health of the Yarra River and Port Phillip Bay through the A Cleaner Yarra River and Port Phillip Bay plan, as well as funds to clean up the Maribyrnong River.

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Press Release, September 16, 2013