Lower Plenty River Concept Plan

This concept plan was initiated as part of Melbourne’s Waterways Program which was aimed at rejuvenating and improving Melbourne’s waterways. The study was co-ordinated by Melbourne Water in association with a steering committee comprising representatives from the then Department of Planning and Housing, the then Department of Conservation and Environment, Environment Protection Authority, City of Heidelberg, the Shires of Eltham and Diamond Valley, and the community. Public input was actively sought through the release in February 1991 of a draft Resource and Issues document which summarised the findings of several studies including a visual analysis, vegetation report and archaeological survey. A comprehensive survey of local residents was also conducted.

In July 1992 a draft concept plan was released for public exhibition. The plan outlined in detail the proposals for the management and protection of the Lower Plenty River area. Three associated Planning Scheme Amendments were also exhibited which proposed to introduce various rezonings to privately-owned land and Public Open Space Reservations to complement the aims and strategies of the concept plan; and two overlay controls over the majority of the study area to allow for the management of the Floodway Area and the protection of the Streamside Environment.

In July 1993 an independent panel heard submissions on the proposed amendments and submitted its report and recommendations one month later. The panel recommended that minor adjustments be made to the concept plan and amendments as suggested by Melbourne Parks and Waterways. The final draft was approved by the Board of Melbourne Water in September 1993.

THE CONCEPT PLAN VISION AND STRUCTURE
A concept plan describes broadly how an area is to be planned, developed and managed to meet recreation and landscape objectives, and to protect natural resources and cultural heritage. The vision developed in this concept plan is:

* To provide an enhanced linear parkland and nature corridor linkage between the Yarra Valley Park and proposed Plenty Gorge Parklands based on the need to:
– protect and enhance the valley’s natural and cultural assets;
– provide for increased community use and enjoyment;
– create improved pedestrian and cyclist movement through the corridor, and access to the river; and
– provide an enhanced flora and fauna corridor.

The concept plan consists of two separate documents:
* The Prescription Document, which details the directions and specific prescriptions for development and management, including the agencies responsible for undertaking works and approving subsequent actions.
* The Resource Document of five chapters, which outlines the background of the plan, identifying the important resource value of the area, issues and community perceptions.