Media releases
The Minister for Planning has approved Amendment VC197 implementing new permanent planning controls, for areas along the Yarra River between Richmond and Warrandyte.
Permanently Protecting Our Iconic Yarra River – Media Release April 2021
Amendment documents
Amendment VC197 implements permanent planning protections for the Yarra River, based on interim planning controls introduced by Amendment GC48 in 2017.
Amendment VC197 implements policy neutral updates to the interim controls introduced by Amendment GC48. The following document provides a summary of changes to assist you in understanding how the interim controls have been changed.
VC197 Summary of Changes – Yarra River Planning Controls (PDF, 213.6 KB) or (DOCX, 314.3 KB)
Given Amendment VC197 implements only minor, policy-neutral and consequential changes to the interim planning controls which have been in effect for four years, new guidance material has not been developed. The guidance material and strategic studies which accompanied Amendment GC48 in 2017 remain relevant in explaining the strategic basis of the controls.
Amendment GC48 was informed by a range of strategic studies and accompanied by detailed guidance material to support implementation of the controls. The following documents may assist councils and proponents seeking to interpret, understand and apply the current controls. Information has not been updated subsequent to Amendment VC197, meaning some information may be superseded or out of date. Please contact your local council for the most up to date information.
Recommendation reports
Recommendation reports have been prepared for the ‘lower’ (Richmond to Fairfield) and ‘middle’ (Ivanhoe to Warrandyte) segments of the broader study area.
The Recommendation reports form part a suite of products that have informed the implementation of Amendment GC48. Collectively both reports provide a consistent approach managing development along the Yarra River by:
- Documenting the values and define a series of river interface character types and important views throughout both river segments;
- Providing an overarching analysis of gaps and opportunities through review of past studies and existing planning controls; and
- Presenting local area recommendations regarding potential height, setback, overshadowing and other issues that are then further analysed in detail within council level reports (municipal toolkits).
Municipal toolkits
Municipal toolkits have been prepared for each local council setting out proposed planning provisions to implement the findings and outcomes of the recommendation reports.
Detail in these reports has informed the application of strengthened planning controls implemented through Amendment GC48.
Each municipal toolkit contains the specific recommended changes to each planning scheme and provides strategic analysis outlining the required planning controls for implementation in each local area.
Implementing Amendment GC48 controls across six planning scheme amendments has:
- Strengthened State Planning Policy regarding the Yarra River (Amendment VC121);
- Reviewed all existing planning controls to identify gaps and inconsistencies that may exist; and
- Developed model planning controls which contain local level detail and guidance that is applied consistently throughout the Yarra River corridor.
Council | Municipal Toolkit Document |
---|---|
Banyule City Council | LYR – Banyule Municipal Toolkit (PDF, 7.6 MB) |
Boroondara City Council | LYR – Boroondara Municipal Toolkit (PDF, 17.3 MB) |
Manningham City Council | LYR – Manningham Municipal Toolkit (PDF, 8.2 MB) |
Shire of Nillumbik | LYR – Nillumbik Municipal Toolkit (PDF, 7.4 MB) |
City of Stonnington | LYR – Stonnington Municipal Toolkit (PDF, 7.3 MB) |
City of Yarra | LYR – Yarra Municipal Toolkit (PDF, 12.3 MB) |
Previous reports
Previous policies and plans published by the department.
Policy or plan | Description and supporting documents |
---|---|
Review of policies and controls for the Yarra River Corridor: Punt Road to Burke Road (June 2005) | This report outlines the landscape and environmental character of the Yarra River from Punt Road Richmond to Burke Road Ivanhoe. It provides a review of policies and planning controls as related to the Yarra River and recommendations for their improvement. Review of policies and controls for the Yarra River Corridor: Punt Road to Burke Road (PDF, 10.7 MB) |
Middle Yarra Concept Plan, Burke Road to Watsons Creek (1991/ 1993) | These documents outline how the Yarra River between Watsons Creek and Burke Road should be planned to utilise its values and potential, considering both development and use of public and private land. |
Middle Yarra Concept Plan: Dights Falls to Burke Road, State Government of Victoria (1990) | This concept plan provides recommendations regarding:
|
Statement of Planning Policy – No 4. River Yarra (1971) | This is a broad policy directive for the planning and development of the Yarra River and its immediate environs as an open space system for nature conservation and recreation. |
Page last updated: 19/04/21