Waterways across Melbourne’s west are now subject to extra environmental protection under new rules announced by the state government.
The Maribyrnong River, Werribee River, Stony Creek, Skeleton Creek, Cherry Creek and Kororoit Creek are among the 17 waterways across metropolitan Melbourne now covered by the new protections aimed at preserving their long-term health and protecting natural habitats and wildlife corridors.
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.
“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,” said Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny in announcing the protections.
“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.”
Along with the 17 metropolitan waterways, the new protections which will also extend to parts of the Barwon, Leigh, Moorabool and Yarrowee rivers in regional Victoria.
More than 1300 members of the public contributed to community consultation on the new protections, while Traditional Owners were also involved, something inner west environment group Maribyrnong Catchment Resilience Association Inc (MCRA) president Madeline Serle, welcomed.
“MCRA supports better protection of the Maribyrnong River (Mirrangbamurn) in collaboration with First Nations,” Ms Serle said.
MCRA was established following the 2022 Maribyrnong River floods and Ms Serle said the new rules would hopefully help prevent a repeat.
“We are still considering the detail of the new protections but we know our flood risk is connected to climate change, so protecting our river and riverine habitat will help tackle the impact of climate change,” she said said.
“MCRA’s work on mitigation solutions is committed to a proper balance of landscape use, long-term river health, flood safety and resilience. We love and respect the beautiful Mirrangbamurn – nothing will change that commitment.”
