New protections will be implemented across 17 waterways, including in Melbourne’s west.
The state government said the new protections will help conserve natural habitats, safeguard wildlife corridors, and protect the health of creeks and rivers across public and private land.
Under the new 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 long-term health of rivers and creeks.
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.
“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,” Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny said.
“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.”
The state government said over 1300 Victorians had their say during consultation on the changes, with strong support for better protection for the state’s waterways.
Details: https://tinyurl.com/382aa4s5
