Melbourne's Yarra River 'safeguarded' against overdevelopment

[Vanguard One]

The entire 240-kilometre stretch of the Yarra River will be permanently protected from overdevelopment and projects that could "compromise the beauty of our iconic river", the Victorian government has announced.

Planning Minister Richard Wynne has approved tough controls along the riverbank, which stretches from Richmond to Warrandyte, to impose mandatory height limits and minimum setback requirements for developments.

City of Melbourne councillor Nicholas Reece has welcomed the Yarra River planning overhaul.CREDIT:LUIS ASCUI

The planning controls follow an interim measure the Andrews government introduced in 2017 to replace "inconsistent" overlays for the Yarra River in various municipalities, then a 2019 report by Victoria's Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability that recommended the government combat "inappropriate development" along the riverbank.

It had also recommended the interim protection zone be extended from Warrandyte to the boundary of the Yarra Ranges National Park, but the government said that would not happen under the measures announced on Monday.


Mr Wynne said the changes to the planning scheme would better protect the river's "natural landscape, environment and character".

Planning Minister Richard Wynne (left) with Premier Daniel Andrews and Environment Minister Lily D'Ambrosio at the announcement of interim planning measures for the Yarra in 2017. CREDITENNY STEPHENS

"The Yarra River has an important place in the hearts of Victorians and that's why it's important these controls remain in place permanently to safeguard its future," Mr Wynne said.

"These controls will ensure future developments don't compromise the beauty of our iconic river."

Figures for the minimum setback and maximum height limits are not part of the controls, with local amenities and conditions to be considered when imposing those requirements.


City of Melbourne councillor Nicholas Reece, who has been campaigning to amend planning schemes to mandate sunshine in public places, welcomed the move to prevent overshadowing of the Yarra River.

"For decades, Melbourne turned its back on its greatest natural asset, the Yarra River, and only in more recent years has realised the value of the river," Cr Reece said.

"Unfortunately, protections had not been in place in the past to protect the river, so this is a move all Melburnians should embrace."

The new permanent planning controls align with the draft Yarra Strategic Plan, the government said in a statement. Community consultation and recommendations from an independent panel will inform the final plan, to be released at the end of the year.

Environment Minister Lily D'Ambrosio said: "Our iconic Yarra River is a vital part of Melbourne's natural environment and these controls will mean its natural landscape gets the care and protection it deserves."

https://www.theage.com.au/politics/...-against-overdevelopment-20200621-p554qu.html

 

[Bawag]

The entire 240-kilometre stretch of the Yarra River will be permanently protected from overdevelopment and projects that could "compromise the beauty of our iconic river", the Victorian government has announced.

Planning Minister Richard Wynne has approved tough controls along the riverbank, which stretches from Richmond to Warrandyte, to impose mandatory height limits and minimum setback requirements for developments.

City of Melbourne councillor Nicholas Reece has welcomed the Yarra River planning overhaul.CREDIT:LUIS ASCUI

The planning controls follow an interim measure the Andrews government introduced in 2017 to replace "inconsistent" overlays for the Yarra River in various municipalities, then a 2019 report by Victoria's Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability that recommended the government combat "inappropriate development" along the riverbank.

It had also recommended the interim protection zone be extended from Warrandyte to the boundary of the Yarra Ranges National Park, but the government said that would not happen under the measures announced on Monday.


Mr Wynne said the changes to the planning scheme would better protect the river's "natural landscape, environment and character".

Planning Minister Richard Wynne (left) with Premier Daniel Andrews and Environment Minister Lily D'Ambrosio at the announcement of interim planning measures for the Yarra in 2017. CREDITENNY STEPHENS

"The Yarra River has an important place in the hearts of Victorians and that's why it's important these controls remain in place permanently to safeguard its future," Mr Wynne said.

"These controls will ensure future developments don't compromise the beauty of our iconic river."

Figures for the minimum setback and maximum height limits are not part of the controls, with local amenities and conditions to be considered when imposing those requirements.


City of Melbourne councillor Nicholas Reece, who has been campaigning to amend planning schemes to mandate sunshine in public places, welcomed the move to prevent overshadowing of the Yarra River.

"For decades, Melbourne turned its back on its greatest natural asset, the Yarra River, and only in more recent years has realised the value of the river," Cr Reece said.

"Unfortunately, protections had not been in place in the past to protect the river, so this is a move all Melburnians should embrace."

The new permanent planning controls align with the draft Yarra Strategic Plan, the government said in a statement. Community consultation and recommendations from an independent panel will inform the final plan, to be released at the end of the year.

Environment Minister Lily D'Ambrosio said: "Our iconic Yarra River is a vital part of Melbourne's natural environment and these controls will mean its natural landscape gets the care and protection it deserves."

https://www.theage.com.au/politics/...-against-overdevelopment-20200621-p554qu.html

They also need to focus on making the water clean! An Aussie friend of mine, who visited Germany, when came back to Melbourne told me that the water in the rivers of Germany is literally drinkable.