February 12, 2025
The Victorian Government are asking the community to share what you think about the proposed new planning protections that are in development to protect Melbourne’s creeks and rivers for the future.
The importance of our waterways to the community cannot be understated and it’s important to ensure we take care of our waterways for future generations.
The Department of Transport and Planning are developing new planning protections to ensure they are properly cared for for future generations. These planning protections will cover different areas including private and public land. It will require landowners to get a permit before doing certain types of clearing or building work on their property, like removing native plants, significant earthworks, building tall structures, or putting up fences.
It is proposed that the new planning controls will be implemented across 17 waterways: Cherry Creek, Deep Creek, Darebin Creek, Edgars Creek, Emu Creek, Gardiners Creek, Jacksons Creek, Koonung Koonung Creek, Kororoit Creek, Maribyrnong River, Merri Creek, Moonee Ponds Creek, Plenty River, Skelton Creek, Steele Creek, Stony Creek, Werribee River.
To consult with the public, the Department of Transport and Planning are conducting an online survey via Engage Victoria.
When completing the survey, you will be asked to share which of the waterways are important to you, how you use them (ie. recreation, fishing) and what you value most about the waterway. You will then be asked questions relating to the planning protections that may be introduced to protect the waterway.
Public consultation closes on 16 March 2025.
