New Birrarung Council Protecting the Yarra River

By Janet Spencer

Planning Minister Richard Wynne has announced that a new council called Birrarung Council will enforce the Yarra River Action Plan which applies to a 42 kilometre stretch of the Yarra River, running between Richmond and Warrandyte. This section of the river is under threat of over-development which can compromise not only the beauty of the Yarra but also it’s accessibility and health.  The Yarra River provides over 70% of Melbourne’s drinking water, has great historical significance.

Currently, each council has their own, inconsistent, guidelines and rules around development on the Yarra. The new council will ensure that there are blanket laws across all councils with uniform restrictions for all new development.  According to The Age, “a Design and Development Overlay will set mandatory height restrictions on new properties, minimum setbacks for buildings, and tighter controls designed to reduce overshadowing.” These overarching rules will give council stronger, enforceable, control and will make it more difficult for developers to get permits or argue their cases at VCAT.

These changes are in part due to Daniel Andrews making good on his election promise to protect the Yarra for future generations.

> Learn about how the Yarra river is being protected for the benefit and enjoyment of future generations

> Protecting the Yarra River community consultation

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