The State Government has announced that a significant amendment to the Planning Controls for Waterways has been approved by the Minister for Planning and will take effect in late January, 2026.
The amendment introduces a series of Significant Landscape Overlays (SLOs) to 17 waterways across metro Melbourne, including KooyongKoot (Gardiners) Creek. Ours is the only south-easterly waterway to gain that protection, one that without the advocacy of the KKA, our Friends and Advisory groups in conjunction with the Gardiners Creek Regional Collaboration may not have been included. Sadly, our creek’s tributaries such as Scotchmans Creek were not included.
Planning Amendment VC278 protects 17 urban waterways’ unique landscape character, cultural values, amenity and ecological health through the introduction of the SLOs. The overlays apply to both public and private land within approximately 50 (or 200 metres in special cases such as cultural significance) from the top of each bank of the following waterways shown on the map below:
Amendment VC278’s Significant Landscape Overlays include planning permit requirements for a range of specified buildings and works, including development within 50 metres from the top of the bank of a waterway. Significantly, permit exemptions have been specified for “works carried out by or on behalf of a public land manager and within significant change areas such as priority precincts to balance the housing needs of our growing city with waterway protection” – ie Suburban Rail Loop precincts and Activity Centres. Overall, the new controls extend the concept of each waterway being a “living entity” – first used for the Yarra. It also strengthens the biolink “corridor” concept too.
The KKA and the Concerned Waterways Alliance (the KKA is a member) will be studying the new planning guidelines closely and continuing to engage with authorities to ensure the intent of the controls is fully realized on the ground where it matters.
Congratulations to everyone involved in this significant step. The permanent planning controls in VC278 demonstrate what’s possible when community passion, Traditional Owner knowledge, and government commitment come together for the environment. Our Alliance extends its thanks to the planners, DEECA and Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) staff, ministers, and advisors who listened to the community’s call and above all, to the many community groups, volunteers and advocates whose persistent campaigning have kept waterways on the agenda.
For further information: