6. Birrarung’s Planning Protection Framework

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6. Birrarung’s Planning Protection Framework

The protection of Birrarung is supported by an integrated framework of legislation, strategic plans, planning policy and land-use controls.

Overview of Birrarung’s Planning Protection Framework

Diagram showing Birrarung’s planning protection framework. On the first level, legislation includes the Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin Birrarung murron) Act 2017 and the Planning and Environment Act 1987. On the second level, plans and strategies include Plan for Victoria 2025–2050, Burndap Birrarung burndap umarkoo (the Yarra Strategic Plan) 2022–2032, and the Birrarung Bolin Framework Plan 2023. On the third level, planning controls include state policy at Clause 12.03-1S, regional policy at Clauses 12.03-1R and 11.03-6R, local policy, and the particular provision at Clause 51.06. Overlays include the Significant Landscape Overlay, Design and Development Overlay, and Public Acquisition Overlay. The fourth level identifies further information, including an interactive map, planning practice notes 97 and 98, a Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung policy and technical reports.

Key components of Birrarung's Planning Protection Framework

Component	Role
Yarra River Protection (Wilip‑gin Birrarung murron) Act 2017	Establishes the legislative framework for protecting Birrarung as a living entity. The Act sets out Protection Principles, identifies protected land and provides for an integrated whole-of river strategic plan.
Protection Principles (Part 2 of the Yarra River Protection (Wilip‑gin Birrarung murron) Act 2017	Guide planning and decision-making to protect and enhance the environmental, cultural, social and recreational values of Birrarung.
Burndap Birrarung burndap umarkoo (Yarra Strategic Plan) 2022-32	Provides a coordinated vision and strategic actions for the river corridor, including whole-of-river, reach-based and place-based directions to guide planning and decision-making.
Planning and Environment Act 1987	Establishes Victoria’s statutory planning framework, including specific requirements for planning decisions affecting Birrarung.
Planning schemes	Implement the framework through state, regional and local planning policy and controls that apply to land within and around the river corridor.

Page last updated: 30/10/26

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