Monday, 3 March 2025
The Allan Labor Government wants the community to have their say on proposed protections to Melbourne’s rivers and creeks to safeguard them for generations to come.
Victorians can have their say on proposed plans to protect the environment and landscape of 17 waterways across Melbourne including Cherry Creek and Kororoit Creek.
These changes aim to encourage responsible development around our waterways to help conserve natural habitats, safeguard wildlife corridors, and protect the health of waterways across both public and private land.
Proposed planning protections would require landowners to obtain a permit for activities that could impact rivers and creeks, including removing native plants and conducting significant earthworks.
The proposed changes are based on years of research and collaboration with experts as well as consultation with Traditional Owners who have a deep and enduring connection to country and its waterways.
Victoria’s waterways are home to more than 1,800 species of native plants and 600 species of native animals that keep the waterways and parks that surround them healthy and clean.
The Labor Government is also improving vegetation across these iconic urban rivers and creeks as part of the $10 million Green Links Grant Program. The program will deliver up to 300 hectares of revegetated land along our waterways for communities to enjoy and wildlife to thrive.
Consultation is open until 16 March and communities, landholders, and stakeholders are encouraged to have their say at engage.vic.gov.au/planning-for-our-waterways.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny
“As Melbourne grows, we need to ensure that we protect what makes our city such a great place to live – including our rivers, creeks, and green spaces.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Water Gayle Tierney
“These waterways are places of pride for locals. New protections and revegetation projects will ensure our rivers and creeks remain healthy and thriving into the future for locals and visitors to enjoy.”
Quote attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne
“We’re proposing stronger protections for our waterways to make sure they can be enjoyed for generations to come, and I encourage the local community to have their say.”
Ends.
Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au
