Maribyrnong residents are being asked to provide their input as part of a public consultation process to shape the future of local waterways.
According to the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP), a key way to look after the region’s waterways is to develop new planning protections to ensure they are properly cared for.
It is proposed that the new planning controls will be implemented across several waterways in Melbourne, including the Maribyrnong River, Stony Creek and Kororoit Creek.
The proposed planning protections will help protect the landscape across different areas, including private and public land.
New planning protections 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.
The department is encouraging locals to complete a survey to help develop these protections.
Through the consultation process, DTP wants to understand the importance of Maribyrnong’s waterways to the community, the level of support for increased waterway protections, and local issues and concerns related to waterway protection.
DTP will make a recommendation to the Planning minister to finalise the planning protections in June 2025.
Following a decision from the minister, the final protections will be approved and introduced into relevant planning schemes.
The survey is open until March 16.
Details: engage.vic.gov.au/planning-for-our-waterways
