By Laura Wakely
BRIMBANK City Council has proposed changes to their planning scheme, which would result in greater protection for the Maribyrnong River.
The amendment, which was approved at last week’s planning meeting, would create an environmental overlay to protect native flora and fauna, provide open space, maintain views and minimise the visual impact of buildings and development to the waterway.
Manager of City Strategy Stuart Menzies said the council wanted to protect the river, which was an “icon of the West”.
Administrator Meredith Sussex said, if adopted, the amendment would mean landowners would need to seek planning permission for removing native vegetation and using specific materials.
“Most of Melbourne doesn’t understand how important Maribyrnong River is,” Ms Sussex said.
“It’s headwaters are in Brimbank (and) we have a responsibility (to look after its health), a responsibility we take very seriously”
The council will seek public approval before adopting the amendment.
The council also introduced amendments that included a Natural Heritage Policy to protect sites, flora and fauna of significance.
The green moves come as the council last month announced it had signed a landmark deal with the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Brimbank and the EPA will mean annual reviews for specific projects, a higher exchange of information between the two organisations and joint inspections and compliance activity.
The MOU will be in place for a two year trial period and will involve quarterly meetings to review the partnership.
Administrator Meredith Sussex noted at last week’s planning meeting that the council had received four new applications for the use and development of land for materials recycling, which have come about as a result of the council cracking down on planning permit compliance.
The most recent figures from the Planning Compliance Unit show council staff received 69 requests, resolved 59 of those and issued four penalty notices and official warnings.
