The Allan Labor Government is strengthening protections for Melbourne's rivers and creeks, preserving these vital waterways that make our suburbs great places to live for generations to come.
The new protections will apply across 17 waterways in metropolitan Melbourne and will also extend to parts of the Barwon, Leigh, Moorabool and Yarrowee rivers in regional Victoria. These protections will help conserve natural habitats, safeguard wildlife corridors, and protect the health of creeks and rivers across public and private land.
Under the rules, landowners will now require a planning permit for certain activities near protected waterways - including removing native vegetation, undertaking significant earthworks, or constructing high or solid fencing - to ensure works properly consider the surrounding landscape and the long-term health of our rivers and creeks.
The rivers and creeks covered by the changes are among Melbourne's most important natural assets - they provide habitat for wildlife, keep our suburbs cooler, manage flooding when heavy rain hits, and give communities places to enjoy the outdoors.
Waterways covered by the new protections include Cherry Creek, Darebin Creek, Deep Creek, Edgars Creek, Emu Creek, Gardiners Creek, Jacksons Creek, Koonung Creek, Kororoit Creek, the Maribyrnong River, Merri Creek, Moonee Ponds Creek, Plenty River, Skeleton Creek, Steele Creek, Stony Creek and the Werribee River.
Some waterways, including Moonee Ponds Creek and the Maribyrnong River, already have planning protections in place, which will now be expanded. Others, such as Merri Creek, Darebin Creek and the Plenty River, will be protected for the first time.
The changes also extend Significant Landscape Overlays along the Barwon, Leigh, Moorabool and Yarrowee rivers to support the long-term health of the broader Barwon River System.
More than 1,300 Victorians had their say during consultation, with strong support for better protection for our waterways. The Government is also working closely with Traditional Owners, recognising their deep connection to Country and the cultural values of these living landscapes.
To find out more visit: planning.vic.gov.au/guides-and-resources/strategies-and-initiatives/waterways-planning/planning-controls-for-waterways.
As stated by Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny
"From the Werribee River in the west to the Gardiners Creek in the east, our rivers and creeks make our communities greener, cooler and healthier."
"This is about protecting what makes our city such a great place to live today and ensuring future generations can enjoy these special places too."
