Brimbank Council has expressed conditional support for the State Government's proposed strengthening of protection for Melbourne's green wedges and peri-urban areas.
Council expressed in principle support, subject to conditions, in its submission on the 'Planning for Melbourne's Green Wedges and Agricultural Land Consultation Paper' released by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP).
Brimbank Mayor Cr Ranka Rasic said the feedback recognised the importance of protecting green wedges and agricultural land around metropolitan Melbourne for agriculture, recreation, environmental conservation and natural resource purposes.
"Green wedges and agricultural land have an important role to play in our municipality and Council would like to see enhanced planning protection and support for these areas.
"Council's submission also asks that a range of matters are taken into consideration when strengthening planning controls for these areas, to ensure Brimbank's needs are protected," Cr Rasic said.
In its submission, Council called for greater recognition of the constraints facing green wedge and agricultural land in Brimbank which impede development. Council also highlighted the importance of support for Brimbank landowners to pursue alternative viable uses of the land.
Council emphasised that the Brimbank Green Wedge, which forms a small part of the Sunbury Green Wedge, is unique because it provides safeguarding to Melbourne Airport, and the impact of this function, in addition to other constraints, minimises allowable use and development.
"This makes it very hard for land owners to find viable commercial uses for their land.
"The impact of Melbourne Airport safeguarding should be factored into any revised planning controls," Cr Rasic said.
The Sunbury Green Wedge, including the Brimbank part, is one of 12 green wedges across metropolitan Melbourne.
To read Council's submission on the Consultation Paper, visit www.brimbank.vic.gov.au
