By Charlene Gatt
THE State Government has released guidelines for future development of the Maribyrnong River.
The Maribyrnong Valley River Guidelines includes a broad outline of residential, recreational and tourism opportunities for Victoria’s second biggest waterway.
It identifies priority actions, such as bicycle trail links between the Maribyrnong and Bay trails and small cafes and visitor facilities.
The plans identify the Footscray stretch as the “urban” section of the river, with plans to celebrate its working heritage by including advanced manufacturing and service industries, and cafes.
The riverbank along Brimbank, Avondale Heights and Steele Creek will be left largely untouched, with any building development set well back from the river.
The Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) prepared the guidelines with input from Parks Victoria, Melbourne Water and the Maribyrnong, Brimbank, Hume, Melbourne and Moonee Valley councils.
“The guidelines establish a common vision for development along the valley and the essential need to protect the natural environment,” State Planning Minister Justin Madden said.
“They provide for open space and recreational facilities, suitable development along the river, while recognising the distinctive traits of the seven defined lengths of the river valley.”
A committee will be established to work on strategic planning for the river valley.
The vision, which is funded through the Melbourne 2030 plan, has been in the works since 2006.
