Better Stormwater Management To Protect Our Waterways
02 November 2018
Victorian Government:
The Andrews Labor Government is
improving
stormwater management to protect our rivers, reduce the burden
on our drinking
water supplies, and deal with the challenges of
climate change and a
future with less rainfall.
Minister for Water Lisa Neville and Minister for Planning Richard Wynne
announced changes to all Victorian planning schemes to extend the
stormwater planning requirements to commercial, industrial, public and
multi dwelling residential developments.
The changes will ensure most developments requiring planning permits
reduce pollution and other harmful effects of stormwater entering
waterways.
This will help protect the long-term health of urban waterbodies such as
the Yarra River and Port Phillip Bay – and where possible use stormwater
instead of drinking water for purposes such as watering parks and
gardens.
The changes were recommended by the Improving Stormwater Management
Advisory Committee in their final report – released today. The committee
was appointed in April 2018 to advise the Government on how to improve
stormwater management and strengthen the links between water and
land-use planning.
Expanding the stormwater management provisions will also deliver Action
19 of the Labor Government’s Yarra River Action Plan to protect the
Yarra under the Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin Birrarung murron) Act
2017.
The Labor Government is also seeking to restore a natural water inflow
regime to the environmental and culturally significant Bolin Bolin
Billabong – another key commitment from the Yarra Action Plan.
The Government will now investigate the potential to provide a water
licence to support environmental outcomes in the lower Yarra River
wetlands – including the Bolin Bolin Billabong – after 1,100 megalitres
became available following the sale of the Amcor Paper Mill, providing a
secure source for the lower Yarra wetlands.
The investigation will ensure there are no inadvertent environmental or
third-party impacts from using the water for these wetlands and look for
opportunities to maximise environmental and cultural benefits.
Melbourne Water has released the Progress Report for the Yarra Strategic
Plan, which provides an update of the work undertaken to date and the
next steps to deliver the community’s vision – visit
www.imaginetheyarra.com.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Water Lisa Neville
“Stormwater is the biggest threat to the health of urban waterways and
one of the biggest threats to the health of Port Phillip Bay. It’s our
responsibility to protect these vital assets for future generations.”
“The Bolin Bolin Billabong is a significant cultural asset and now we
have an opportunity to explore a permanent water source for these
wetlands.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Planning Richard Wynne
“Over the years many stakeholders have called for more consistent
stormwater planning controls and I’m proud that this Government has
listened and responded by introducing more equitable and effective
controls.”
--ENDS--
Source: Victorian Government - www.premier.vic.gov.au
Contact: N/A
External Links: Improving Stormwater Management Advisory Committee Final Report
Recent news by: Victorian Government