Yarra Ranges Council is inviting the community to help shape the future of the region's Green Wedge, with consultation commencing on 28 October on a Discussion Paper in preparation for a new 15-year Green Wedge Management Plan .
Yarra Ranges' Green Wedge is a landscape of exceptional environmental, cultural and economic significance, spanning the iconic Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges to the Birrarung | Yarra River.
Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Richard Higgins said Yarra Ranges' Green Wedge plays an important role in the region's identity and future.
"Significant portions of Yarra Ranges fall within the Green Wedge. It's home to important stretches of forests, waterways and biodiversity, as well as productive agricultural land, rural communities, cultural heritage, tourism and essential infrastructure," he said.
"Council is seeking feedback from people who live, work, farm, operate businesses, visit and care for this valued area to help establish a refreshed vision, priorities and planning directions for its long-term sustainable management."
"Community members are encouraged to read Council's Discussion Paper and share what matters most to them during the consultation period, which runs from 28 October to 6 December 2026," said Cr Higgins.
A new plan for the next 15 years
Council's existing Green Wedge Management Plan was adopted in 2010 and has largely been implemented. A new plan is needed to refresh the long-term vision, objectives and actions that will guide the sustainable use and management of the Green Wedge through to 2042.
Green Wedges are the rural areas of metropolitan Melbourne located outside the Urban Growth Boundary. They accommodate a diverse range of land uses, including agriculture, rural living, biodiversity conservation, cultural heritage, tourism and major infrastructure.
With these uses and interests sometimes competing, Council wants to better understand the community's different perspectives, concerns and aspirations, and the priorities people believe should guide the Green Wedge's future.
Have your say on six key themes
The Discussion Paper invites community and industry feedback across six themes:
Environment and Biodiversity
Agricultural Viability
Land Use and Rural Living
Heritage and Community
Sustainable Tourism
Climate Resilience
Council's role is to work with government, industry and the community to implement, influence and advocate for desired outcomes through the new plan.
