The Protection Principles should be considered early in project development and revisited throughout planning, design, assessment and decision-making. This helps identify opportunities to improve outcomes for Birrarung and supports a coordinated approach throughout the life of a project.

Where the Protection Principles apply, the level of assessment should be proportionate to the nature of the proposal, its location and its potential impacts on Birrarung.

Assessment effort should focus on proposals that:

  • present the greatest risk to Birrarung's environmental, cultural, social and recreational values
  • present the greatest opportunity to improve outcomes for Birrarung
  • may generate cumulative impacts over time.

When undertaking an assessment, consider:

  • The location of the proposal, including in relation to:
    • Yarra River land
    • the Yarra Strategic Plan area
    • waterways across the catchment.
  • The scope, size and intensity of the proposal.
  • The sensitivity of the affected environment.
  • The likely impacts, including their severity, cumulative impact, catchment-scale implications and off-site impacts.
  • The values, risks and opportunities identified by Traditional Owners.
  • The interests, knowledge and perspectives of stakeholders.
  • Relevant provisions of the Victoria Planning Provisions, including clause 12.03-1R.
  • The Burndap Birrarung burndap umarkoo and its relevant objectives, actions and land use directions.
  • Opportunities to improve environmental, cultural, social and recreational outcomes.

Documenting decisions 

Decision-makers should document how the Protection Principles informed the proposal or decision. This may include how potential impacts and opportunities were identified and considered and how the principles influenced the project's development, assessment or final decision.

Documenting these considerations supports transparent decision-making and where relevant, reporting requirements under the Birrarung Act.

Page last updated: 30/10/26