Lysterfield Valley from Glenfern Road
Environmental Campaigns
The FGGW has been involved in many campaigns to fight inappropriate development and to preserve our environment in the local area and the wider Green Wedge.
This page provides a brief outline of some current and past campaigns. It records outcomes where the campaign has concluded and most importantly, provides resources to help you participate in campaigns.
This page provides a brief outline of some current and past campaigns. It records outcomes where the campaign has concluded and most importantly, provides resources to help you participate in campaigns.
Lysterfield Valley Landfill (465 Lysterfield Rd) 2023-25
In September 2023, FGGW submitted an objection to Yarra Ranges Council over a proposal to dump 400,000 cubic meters of landfill (from an unknown source) over 15 hectares and up to almost 6 meters deep into the beautiful, National-Trust listed Lysterfield Valley (Green Wedge) on the property of the Don Bosco Retreat Centre (465 Lysterfield Rd). The president of the FGGW submitted on behalf of our group but there were many other objections, including from Melbourne Water.
The "Friends of Glenfern Green Wedge Statement of Grounds" (objection) submitted to VCAT is available here.
A Zoning Map of the area is available here.
The application was refused by Council, however the applicant (ESG) is taking this decision to VCAT to appeal the decision.
The VCAT hearing commenced with a practice session on 9 February, followed by a preliminary hearing on 27 March. At this hearing, some important questions of law were considered, which could set a dangerous precedent by making it easier and less restrictive for companies to dump fill in locations such as this. Apart from the massive destruction the dumped fill will cause to indigenous flora, there is also the loss of habitat and food sources for local fauna and the impact on Monbulk Creek (home to the last population of platypus in the Dandenong Catchment) that must be considered. Furthermore, there is a high risk of spread of pathogens such as Phytophthora. Another question relates to the interface between cultural heritage sensitive areas and the activity zone. Finally, the noise and dust from trucks and excavators running from 7.00am to 4.00pm will completely change the peaceful rural setting and destroy the views from Lysterfield Park, especially Granite Track.
We had some helpful advice from Environmental Justice Australia and engaged a lawyer, Barnaby McIlrath from PE Law, to present at the preliminary hearing. We also engaged an environmental scientist, Dr Graeme Lorimer from Biosphere Pty Ltd, to prepare a preliminary ecological report on the site. Their fees were $3280 and $1612 respectively. To pay these costs the FGGW launched a successful campaign for donations. We sincerely thank everyone who donated to our "Landfill case" fund.
May 2024 Update
At a compulsory conference on 17 May, VCAT released the order relating to the preliminary hearing held on 27 March. The member ruled that the applicant does indeed need a Council permit to dump the fill. This was a very good outcome because the applicant was arguing they didn't need a permit.
The main hearing will be held between 8 -19 July and we are intending to engage two expert witnesses (an ecologist and an agronomist) and will also continue getting legal advice as needed. We will represent ourselves to keep costs to a minimum. It is important for us to do this because, as far as we are aware, Yarra Ranges Council is not engaging any experts.
Our case is being run by a number of individual objectors and groups including Friends of the Glenfern Green Wedge, Friends of Glenfern Valley Bushlands, Save the Dandenongs League, the National Trust (local branch), the Green Wedges Coalition and the Knox Environment Society.
July 2024 Update
VCAT has delayed the case because of a lack of clarity over the permit application. The confusion arose because the applicant has submitted documents that they intend to rely upon but say these documents do not form part of their application. VCAT has directed them to resubmit a complete set of amended plans to clarify matters and ensure that objectors are not disadvantaged. They will then set new dates for the hearing.
September 2024 Update
The proposal to dump 400,000 cubic meters of fill, from unknown sources, on prime agricultural land in the Lysterfield Valley is proceeding in a very confusing manner. The case has been delayed due to the applicant’s lack of details in their original plans and attempts to rectify this. On 22 August they submitted an amended set of plans (one amendment involved the addition of a sediment pond). This amended application will be considered by VCAT at a practice-day hearing on 9 October.
The "Friends of Glenfern Green Wedge" 7 October VCAT submission is available here.
November 2024 Update
The VCAT hearing scheduled for 9 October was postponed until 30 October. At that hearing, despite many concerns being presented by objectors regarding the nature of the amended application and the development itself, the Tribunal found the amended application was suitable to present to a Merits Hearing to be held from 17-28 March 2025.
December 2024 Update
We are raising funds, once again, for legal advice and to engage an expert witness for the VCAT hearing from 17-28 March 2025. Hearings are open to the public. If you are able to contribute, it will help us mount the best defence we can.
Donations to the Landfill Case
If you are interested in making a donation to help cover our ongoing costs, you can donate through the account details below.
If you would like a receipt please write VCAT and your name in the reference section.
Account name: KNOX ENVIRONMENT SOCIETY INC.
BSB: 633000
Account number: 168862522
Thank you for your support in helping us save the beautiful Lysterfield Valley. Watch this space for further updates on the progress of this important case.
The "Friends of Glenfern Green Wedge Statement of Grounds" (objection) submitted to VCAT is available here.
A Zoning Map of the area is available here.
The application was refused by Council, however the applicant (ESG) is taking this decision to VCAT to appeal the decision.
The VCAT hearing commenced with a practice session on 9 February, followed by a preliminary hearing on 27 March. At this hearing, some important questions of law were considered, which could set a dangerous precedent by making it easier and less restrictive for companies to dump fill in locations such as this. Apart from the massive destruction the dumped fill will cause to indigenous flora, there is also the loss of habitat and food sources for local fauna and the impact on Monbulk Creek (home to the last population of platypus in the Dandenong Catchment) that must be considered. Furthermore, there is a high risk of spread of pathogens such as Phytophthora. Another question relates to the interface between cultural heritage sensitive areas and the activity zone. Finally, the noise and dust from trucks and excavators running from 7.00am to 4.00pm will completely change the peaceful rural setting and destroy the views from Lysterfield Park, especially Granite Track.
We had some helpful advice from Environmental Justice Australia and engaged a lawyer, Barnaby McIlrath from PE Law, to present at the preliminary hearing. We also engaged an environmental scientist, Dr Graeme Lorimer from Biosphere Pty Ltd, to prepare a preliminary ecological report on the site. Their fees were $3280 and $1612 respectively. To pay these costs the FGGW launched a successful campaign for donations. We sincerely thank everyone who donated to our "Landfill case" fund.
May 2024 Update
At a compulsory conference on 17 May, VCAT released the order relating to the preliminary hearing held on 27 March. The member ruled that the applicant does indeed need a Council permit to dump the fill. This was a very good outcome because the applicant was arguing they didn't need a permit.
The main hearing will be held between 8 -19 July and we are intending to engage two expert witnesses (an ecologist and an agronomist) and will also continue getting legal advice as needed. We will represent ourselves to keep costs to a minimum. It is important for us to do this because, as far as we are aware, Yarra Ranges Council is not engaging any experts.
Our case is being run by a number of individual objectors and groups including Friends of the Glenfern Green Wedge, Friends of Glenfern Valley Bushlands, Save the Dandenongs League, the National Trust (local branch), the Green Wedges Coalition and the Knox Environment Society.
July 2024 Update
VCAT has delayed the case because of a lack of clarity over the permit application. The confusion arose because the applicant has submitted documents that they intend to rely upon but say these documents do not form part of their application. VCAT has directed them to resubmit a complete set of amended plans to clarify matters and ensure that objectors are not disadvantaged. They will then set new dates for the hearing.
September 2024 Update
The proposal to dump 400,000 cubic meters of fill, from unknown sources, on prime agricultural land in the Lysterfield Valley is proceeding in a very confusing manner. The case has been delayed due to the applicant’s lack of details in their original plans and attempts to rectify this. On 22 August they submitted an amended set of plans (one amendment involved the addition of a sediment pond). This amended application will be considered by VCAT at a practice-day hearing on 9 October.
The "Friends of Glenfern Green Wedge" 7 October VCAT submission is available here.
November 2024 Update
The VCAT hearing scheduled for 9 October was postponed until 30 October. At that hearing, despite many concerns being presented by objectors regarding the nature of the amended application and the development itself, the Tribunal found the amended application was suitable to present to a Merits Hearing to be held from 17-28 March 2025.
December 2024 Update
We are raising funds, once again, for legal advice and to engage an expert witness for the VCAT hearing from 17-28 March 2025. Hearings are open to the public. If you are able to contribute, it will help us mount the best defence we can.
Donations to the Landfill Case
If you are interested in making a donation to help cover our ongoing costs, you can donate through the account details below.
If you would like a receipt please write VCAT and your name in the reference section.
Account name: KNOX ENVIRONMENT SOCIETY INC.
BSB: 633000
Account number: 168862522
Thank you for your support in helping us save the beautiful Lysterfield Valley. Watch this space for further updates on the progress of this important case.
Lake Knox 2021-24
In 2021 Development Victoria (an arm of the State Government) submitted an application to develop the Lake Knox site at 609–621 Burwood Highway, Knoxfield. The land on the corner of Scoresby Road and Burwood Highway is owned by DELWP and is the site of the old agricultural research station.
Development Victoria have proposed a massive overdevelopment of the site which also fails to include any social or affordable housing. They propose to fill in the lake to create sedimentation ponds to absorb polluted run-off.
The site is part of an area identified in Graeme Lorimer’s “Sites of Biological Significance" as Site 33 (the Blind Creek Corridor) and designated as being of at least local and state significance. It is subject to an Environmental Significance Overlay. Home to the nationally endangered, Blue-billed Duck and other rare and endangered species, the site contains three heathy, intact Endangered Ecological Vegetation Classes which would be destroyed by the development: EVC 918 (Submerged Aquatic Herbland), ECV 937 (Swampy Woodland), and EVC 653 (Aquatic Herbland).
The "Friends of the Glenfern Green Wedge Statement of Grounds" (objection) submitted to VCAT can be found here.
The VCAT case for Lake Knox started with the first directions hearing on 5 May 2023. The main case ran for 20 days between 28 August and 1 December 2023. The president of the FGGW submitted on behalf of our group.
Outcome
On the 18 March 2024 the VCAT members approved the permit for all parts of the development including the removal of Lake Knox. The VCAT decision noted that Knox Environment Society's proposal to modify the design of the development to retain the lake 'had merit'. However, it noted that:
"The role of this Tribunal is to take into account and give effect to the zoning and overlay provisions and policies applicable to issues before it and to ensure integrated decision making. This case is not about absolutes but a balancing of planning provisions and policy aspirations. No one planning policy overrides another. As policy applies to the subject land, it is clear there is a tension between housing and settlement polices and environmental policies and considerations but an assessment of the proposal requires integrated decision making."
VCAT did require the establishment of new wetlands before the decommissioning of the existing waterbody to give existing species like the Blue-billed Duck a chance of relocating.
The lack of housing diversity represents another abysmal failure of the development plan as there is no social or public housing included.
Development Victoria have proposed a massive overdevelopment of the site which also fails to include any social or affordable housing. They propose to fill in the lake to create sedimentation ponds to absorb polluted run-off.
The site is part of an area identified in Graeme Lorimer’s “Sites of Biological Significance" as Site 33 (the Blind Creek Corridor) and designated as being of at least local and state significance. It is subject to an Environmental Significance Overlay. Home to the nationally endangered, Blue-billed Duck and other rare and endangered species, the site contains three heathy, intact Endangered Ecological Vegetation Classes which would be destroyed by the development: EVC 918 (Submerged Aquatic Herbland), ECV 937 (Swampy Woodland), and EVC 653 (Aquatic Herbland).
The "Friends of the Glenfern Green Wedge Statement of Grounds" (objection) submitted to VCAT can be found here.
The VCAT case for Lake Knox started with the first directions hearing on 5 May 2023. The main case ran for 20 days between 28 August and 1 December 2023. The president of the FGGW submitted on behalf of our group.
Outcome
On the 18 March 2024 the VCAT members approved the permit for all parts of the development including the removal of Lake Knox. The VCAT decision noted that Knox Environment Society's proposal to modify the design of the development to retain the lake 'had merit'. However, it noted that:
"The role of this Tribunal is to take into account and give effect to the zoning and overlay provisions and policies applicable to issues before it and to ensure integrated decision making. This case is not about absolutes but a balancing of planning provisions and policy aspirations. No one planning policy overrides another. As policy applies to the subject land, it is clear there is a tension between housing and settlement polices and environmental policies and considerations but an assessment of the proposal requires integrated decision making."
VCAT did require the establishment of new wetlands before the decommissioning of the existing waterbody to give existing species like the Blue-billed Duck a chance of relocating.
The lack of housing diversity represents another abysmal failure of the development plan as there is no social or public housing included.
Hanson Quarry 2019-23
Hanson Quarry is an open-cut mine located at 1140 Wellington Rd, Rowville. It has been in operation for around 30 years and covers an area of approx. 162 hectares. It produces up to 1.4 million tonnes of extractives (granite and Hornfels) per annum. To the north and west of Hanson Quarry, high density residential housing is predominant. Churchill National Park lies on the southern border and Lysterfield Park to the east. To the northeast, the residential zone drops away to be replaced by Green Wedge zones. The quarry sits just outside the Urban Growth Boundary in the Southern Ranges Green Wedge and is subject to an Environmental Significance Overlay, Significant Landscape Overlay, Design and Development Overlay, and a Bushfire Management Overlay.
Hanson Quarry sought approval through a Work Plan Variation submitted in December 2019 to expand the mine into the south-west section of the site, thereby adding another 18.8 hectares to the extraction zone. This expansion area is currently high-quality, remnant bush containing many rare and endangered species of flora and fauna, which will be destroyed by the expansion. An area of Cultural Heritage Sensitivity applies to the area of the expansion.
A FGGW letter to DELWP concerning the Hanson Quarry is available here.
The Hanson Lysterfield Quarry extension was opposed by DELWP and went to VCAT.
Outcome
In late 2022 VCAT supported DELWP and at the present time the quarry expansion will not go ahead. To read the VCAT ruling go to the austlii.edu.au website and search for ‘Hanson Construction Materials Pty Ltd v Head, Department of Jobs Precincts and Regions [2023] VCAT 49 (17 January 2023)’
Hanson has asked for a review of the decision.
Hanson Quarry sought approval through a Work Plan Variation submitted in December 2019 to expand the mine into the south-west section of the site, thereby adding another 18.8 hectares to the extraction zone. This expansion area is currently high-quality, remnant bush containing many rare and endangered species of flora and fauna, which will be destroyed by the expansion. An area of Cultural Heritage Sensitivity applies to the area of the expansion.
A FGGW letter to DELWP concerning the Hanson Quarry is available here.
The Hanson Lysterfield Quarry extension was opposed by DELWP and went to VCAT.
Outcome
In late 2022 VCAT supported DELWP and at the present time the quarry expansion will not go ahead. To read the VCAT ruling go to the austlii.edu.au website and search for ‘Hanson Construction Materials Pty Ltd v Head, Department of Jobs Precincts and Regions [2023] VCAT 49 (17 January 2023)’
Hanson has asked for a review of the decision.
Lysterfield Valley Subdivision (220 & 230 Glenfern Rd and 465 Lysterfield Rd) 2018-20
On 13 March 2018 Yarra Ranges Council approved a subdivision of the Lysterfield Valley at 220 & 230 Glenfern Rd and 465 Lysterfield Rd. In response the FGGW launched a fight to stop the proposal at VCAT. A mediation conference at VCAT on 8 August 2019 failed to resolve the dispute and the case proceeded to VCAT, where it was heard on 24 – 26 September. We won this case and succeeded in stopping the subdivision. Our grounds for objections included both the planning aspects and the issue of protecting Monbulk Creek (home to the last population of platypus in the Dandenong catchment) as well as ensuring Melbourne Water would have access to the site in future.
A new proposal for subdivision followed. The seven lots were reduced to five and the two very large housing envelopes were removed. However, the revised planning application still failed to adequately protect the creek. We once again took the case to VCAT.
The "FGGW Planning Objection" is available here.
A Zoning Map of the area is available here.
Outcome
An agreement was negotiated prior to VCAT and settled on 23 June 2020. This resulted in a conservation zone along Monbulk Creek of 30-metres width for 88 metres length, plus 20 metres-width for approximately another 600 meters. The conservation zone is ‘locked in’ to the title via a 173 Agreement and Melbourne Water has guaranteed, unrestricted access.
Postscript (2024)
As part of the decision in the 2018 VCAT case, the member stated that it would be an ‘unacceptable outcome’ to build a house on the high point of the hillside near Lysterfield Park because of impact on landscape amenity, and given the property is subject to a Significant Landscape Overlay. Despite this determination and VCAT’s rejection of the subdivision proposal, in 2023, Yarra Ranges Council approved a permit to build a large house at the same location on the hillside. The application passed through Council unnoticed by anyone – Council did not inform any of the previous objectors. The permit was granted, despite the history of public objections and refusal by VCAT. The damage has now been done: massive earthworks have torn up the hillside, which can be easily seen as you drive along Lysterfield Rd just before you reach Wellington Rd, as well as from other vantage points in the area.
This is another huge disappointment for all the people who have spent years trying to protect the environmental values of the area. Clearly, even after winning environmental battles, the community must remain vigilant, particularly in monitoring the affairs of local councils who are often very sympathetic to developers.
A new proposal for subdivision followed. The seven lots were reduced to five and the two very large housing envelopes were removed. However, the revised planning application still failed to adequately protect the creek. We once again took the case to VCAT.
The "FGGW Planning Objection" is available here.
A Zoning Map of the area is available here.
Outcome
An agreement was negotiated prior to VCAT and settled on 23 June 2020. This resulted in a conservation zone along Monbulk Creek of 30-metres width for 88 metres length, plus 20 metres-width for approximately another 600 meters. The conservation zone is ‘locked in’ to the title via a 173 Agreement and Melbourne Water has guaranteed, unrestricted access.
Postscript (2024)
As part of the decision in the 2018 VCAT case, the member stated that it would be an ‘unacceptable outcome’ to build a house on the high point of the hillside near Lysterfield Park because of impact on landscape amenity, and given the property is subject to a Significant Landscape Overlay. Despite this determination and VCAT’s rejection of the subdivision proposal, in 2023, Yarra Ranges Council approved a permit to build a large house at the same location on the hillside. The application passed through Council unnoticed by anyone – Council did not inform any of the previous objectors. The permit was granted, despite the history of public objections and refusal by VCAT. The damage has now been done: massive earthworks have torn up the hillside, which can be easily seen as you drive along Lysterfield Rd just before you reach Wellington Rd, as well as from other vantage points in the area.
This is another huge disappointment for all the people who have spent years trying to protect the environmental values of the area. Clearly, even after winning environmental battles, the community must remain vigilant, particularly in monitoring the affairs of local councils who are often very sympathetic to developers.
Lysterfield Valley Subdivision (260 Glenfern Rd) 2020-21
On the day the subdivision of 220 Glenfern Rd was resolved, FGGW learned of a new ‘subdivision’ proposal on the neighbouring property at 260 Glenfern Rd. Yarra Ranges Council’s planning report recommended approving the subdivision without addressing any of the concerns raised by 27 objectors. Council failed to require a 30-metre conservation zone or attempt to implement any protective measures via a 173 Agreement, to ensure the owners compliance.
Consequently, the battle for Monbulk Creek and the Lysterfield Valley returned to VCAT via a mediation on 15 July 2021.
Outcome
The decision culminated in another section of the creek (where it exits from Birdsland) now subject to a 30-metre buffer zone on both sides of the creek, connecting it to the properties downstream (which we fought for previously). As a result, we now have an area of approximately one kilometre of private land fenced off from cattle, revegetated and preserved as a permanent creek buffer, with Melbourne Water assured access through the permit conditions.
During the case we discovered that a large slice of severely degraded land along the creek which had always been treated as private land, is actually zoned as a Public Conservation and Recreation Zone. This area has now been confirmed (through the threat of VCAT) as public land and will be fenced off and maintained/revegetated by Melbourne Water.
For the first time, and after many previous discussions with Yarra Ranges Council, Council publicly acknowledged during a Council meeting that the 30-metre buffer along creeks, which is an objective of the planning scheme, does in fact apply and should be implemented. This set an important precedent.
Consequently, the battle for Monbulk Creek and the Lysterfield Valley returned to VCAT via a mediation on 15 July 2021.
Outcome
The decision culminated in another section of the creek (where it exits from Birdsland) now subject to a 30-metre buffer zone on both sides of the creek, connecting it to the properties downstream (which we fought for previously). As a result, we now have an area of approximately one kilometre of private land fenced off from cattle, revegetated and preserved as a permanent creek buffer, with Melbourne Water assured access through the permit conditions.
During the case we discovered that a large slice of severely degraded land along the creek which had always been treated as private land, is actually zoned as a Public Conservation and Recreation Zone. This area has now been confirmed (through the threat of VCAT) as public land and will be fenced off and maintained/revegetated by Melbourne Water.
For the first time, and after many previous discussions with Yarra Ranges Council, Council publicly acknowledged during a Council meeting that the 30-metre buffer along creeks, which is an objective of the planning scheme, does in fact apply and should be implemented. This set an important precedent.
157 - 173 Glenfern Rd: the origin of the Ferny Creek Reserve 2010-13
In 2010, the owners of the GGW property (157-173 Glenfern Rd) applied for a permit to subdivide into seven housing lots, which included a plan for on-site waste management (as the property is not connected to town sewerage or water). A petition of 1090 signatures against the development was submitted to Knox Council and 47 separate objections were lodged, including from the National Trust, the Yarra Ranges Council, and the Friends of Glenfern Valley Bushlands.
On 25 January 2011, the council voted unanimously to refuse the application, stating that “it does not achieve the objectives of state and local planning policies” and that the property “is a community asset of incalculable value to the people of Greater Melbourne and should be retained for future generations as our generation’s commitment to a sustainable city in a sustainable world”.
The owners referred the application for subdivision to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. This application was refused on 16 November 2011 (VCAT reference P433/2011).
Looking over Gilmour Park Retarding Basin , property in background
On 25 January 2011, the council voted unanimously to refuse the application, stating that “it does not achieve the objectives of state and local planning policies” and that the property “is a community asset of incalculable value to the people of Greater Melbourne and should be retained for future generations as our generation’s commitment to a sustainable city in a sustainable world”.
The owners referred the application for subdivision to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. This application was refused on 16 November 2011 (VCAT reference P433/2011).
Looking over Gilmour Park Retarding Basin , property in background
The "Friends of the Glenfern Green Wedge Statement of Grounds" (objection) submitted to VCAT can be found here.
Outcome
Having had their application refused by both Knox Council and at VCAT, the owners submitted new plans for a five lot subdivision and creation of a public reserve running down New Rd and along the Ferny Creek floodplain (permission to build upon the floodplain had been denied). The owners were legally required to donate 5% of the land as public reserve, they included an extra 4.75 acres in addition to the 5% included in the previous plans. The current subdivision plans are shown below.
Each of the five lots was required to have a 'vegetation offset', which VCAT directed was to be planted out with indigenous plants and fenced off from livestock. Currently these offset areas are used by a mob of kangaroos that appear to have made their permanent home there.
View from Ferndale Rd, property in background
Outcome
Having had their application refused by both Knox Council and at VCAT, the owners submitted new plans for a five lot subdivision and creation of a public reserve running down New Rd and along the Ferny Creek floodplain (permission to build upon the floodplain had been denied). The owners were legally required to donate 5% of the land as public reserve, they included an extra 4.75 acres in addition to the 5% included in the previous plans. The current subdivision plans are shown below.
Each of the five lots was required to have a 'vegetation offset', which VCAT directed was to be planted out with indigenous plants and fenced off from livestock. Currently these offset areas are used by a mob of kangaroos that appear to have made their permanent home there.
View from Ferndale Rd, property in background
Review of Melbourne's Green Wedge and Agricultural Land 2010-24
Since 2010, the State Government has been undertaking a review of Melbourne's Green Wedges and Agricultural Land. A 'Response Paper' and 'Action Plan' were released on 15 March 2024. Our group, along with the Green Wedges Coalition (GWC) and many other groups and individuals, made submissions to the planning panel (879 public submissions were received). Since then, the GWC has been consistently lobbying the planning minister to heed the strong calls for greater environmental protections.
Unfortunately, the 'Action Plan' fails to limit urban uses like schools, places of worship and secondary dwellings in green wedges. In addition, flexibility for farmgate sales will potentially allow corner stores at farm gates. Such development continues to chip away at the green wedge, as does government facilitation of green wedge land for industrial uses such as the rail stabling and maintenance yard for the Suburban Rail Loop, on sandbelt parkland in Heatherton, as well as the Big Battery, on striped legless lizard habitat in Melton. Perhaps the biggest disappointment in the government's response is that the 'Action Plan' does not even mention 'biodiversity'. It's omission will facilitate the ongoing erosion of the green wedge.
It seems that green wedge protection will still be left to residents, community groups (and occasionally councils) fighting in VCAT against well resourced developers with extensive legal representation and expensive expert witnesses.
The two main documents are attached here:
planning-for-melbournes-green-wedges-and-agricultural-land-response-to-options-report-2024-4__003_.pdf
planning-for-melbournes-green-wedges-and-agricultural-land-action-plan_20240308-3.pdf
For more information, see the following link:
https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/guides-and-resources/guides/all-guides/green-wedges
Unfortunately, the 'Action Plan' fails to limit urban uses like schools, places of worship and secondary dwellings in green wedges. In addition, flexibility for farmgate sales will potentially allow corner stores at farm gates. Such development continues to chip away at the green wedge, as does government facilitation of green wedge land for industrial uses such as the rail stabling and maintenance yard for the Suburban Rail Loop, on sandbelt parkland in Heatherton, as well as the Big Battery, on striped legless lizard habitat in Melton. Perhaps the biggest disappointment in the government's response is that the 'Action Plan' does not even mention 'biodiversity'. It's omission will facilitate the ongoing erosion of the green wedge.
It seems that green wedge protection will still be left to residents, community groups (and occasionally councils) fighting in VCAT against well resourced developers with extensive legal representation and expensive expert witnesses.
The two main documents are attached here:
planning-for-melbournes-green-wedges-and-agricultural-land-response-to-options-report-2024-4__003_.pdf
planning-for-melbournes-green-wedges-and-agricultural-land-action-plan_20240308-3.pdf
For more information, see the following link:
https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/guides-and-resources/guides/all-guides/green-wedges
