The Andrews Labor Government has provided Victoria’s wildlife rehabilitators with a further $170,000 in funding to help them care for sick, injured and orphaned wildlife.
Minister for Environment Lily D’Ambrosio today announced the more than 100 successful applicants for the 2017/18 Wildlife Rehabilitator Grants, who each received up to $2,000.
The grants recognise the important work undertaken by rehabilitators and will help with the costs associated with caring for Victoria’s diverse wildlife.
The program supports wildlife rehabilitators to buy equipment and infrastructure to assist with the operation of their facilities and to attend appropriate training.
Now in its 10th year, the Wildlife Rehabilitator Grants Program has provided over $1.3 million since it began in 2008.
Applications for the 2018/19 round of the Wildlife Rehabilitator Grants Program will open on 1 July, 2018. To apply for a grant, visit wildlife.vic.gov.au/grants/wildlife-rehabilitator-grants.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“These grants are helping our rehabilitators respond to incidents like bushfires, floods and oil spills that can affect our wildlife.”
“This is about supporting those volunteers who house, feed and care for our wildlife when they need it most.”
The Andrews Labor Government has provided Victoria’s wildlife rehabilitators with a further $170,000 in funding to help them care for sick, injured and orphaned wildlife.
Minister for Environment Lily D’Ambrosio today announced the more than 100 successful applicants for the 2017/18 Wildlife Rehabilitator Grants, who each received up to $2,000.
The grants recognise the important work undertaken by rehabilitators and will help with the costs associated with caring for Victoria’s diverse wildlife.
The program supports wildlife rehabilitators to buy equipment and infrastructure to assist with the operation of their facilities and to attend appropriate training.
Now in its 10th year, the Wildlife Rehabilitator Grants Program has provided over $1.3 million since it began in 2008.
Applications for the 2018/19 round of the Wildlife Rehabilitator Grants Program will open on 1 July, 2018. To apply for a grant, visit wildlife.vic.gov.au/grants/wildlife-rehabilitator-grants.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“These grants are helping our rehabilitators respond to incidents like bushfires, floods and oil spills that can affect our wildlife.”
“This is about supporting those volunteers who house, feed and care for our wildlife when they need it most.”
Construction has begun on the Stockyard Hill Wind Farm, which will see Western Victoria become home to Australia’s biggest wind farm generating enough electricity to power more than 340,000 households.
Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Energy Lily D’Ambrosio today visited the massive wind farm project near Beaufort to mark the start of construction.
The wind farm is being developed by Goldwind and will see 149 turbines provide 530 MW of clean energy to power homes across Victoria and beyond.
It will also provide a major boost for the local economy, delivering 300 jobs during construction and injecting more than $5 million into the local economy each year.
Projects such as Stockyard Hill have been made possible thanks to the Andrews Labor Government winding back the former Liberal Government’s anti-wind farm planning rules that almost killed off the clean energy sector and all the jobs it is creating across regional Victoria.
The Labor Government changes have seen the wind farm industry power ahead with projects underway or proposed at Lal Lal, Moorabool, Murra Warra, Bulgana and Golden Plains – the latter set to dwarf even Stockyard Hill.
Eight wind farms, worth $1.07 billion, have been built since the Labor Government was elected, creating more than 2300 construction jobs. Another nine new wind farms are under construction worth $3.2 billion.
This is in stark contrast with the former Liberal Government who shut down the industry with projects such as Stockyard Hill stuck in planning limbo despite getting initial planning approval in October 2010.
The Labor Government’s Victorian Renewable Energy Target of 25 per cent by 2020 and 40 per cent by 2025, is giving the renewable energy sector the confidence it needs to invest in new projects to deliver the jobs and prosperity that our state deserves, while also helping to put downward pressure on electricity prices.
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“We’re backing Victoria’s booming renewables industry every step of the way. The Stockyard Hill project will not only deliver the clean energy we need but will help power new jobs in Western Victoria.”
“We’re putting Victoria at the forefront of renewable energy and supporting the thousands of jobs it’s creating.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“The Stockyard Hill Wind Farm is another fantastic project that will boost supply and support even more jobs in the booming clean energy sector – all jobs that would be put at risk if Matthew Guy and the Coalition had their way.”
Construction has begun on the Stockyard Hill Wind Farm, which will see Western Victoria become home to Australia’s biggest wind farm generating enough electricity to power more than 340,000 households.
Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Energy Lily D’Ambrosio today visited the massive wind farm project near Beaufort to mark the start of construction.
The wind farm is being developed by Goldwind and will see 149 turbines provide 530 MW of clean energy to power homes across Victoria and beyond.
It will also provide a major boost for the local economy, delivering 300 jobs during construction and injecting more than $5 million into the local economy each year.
Projects such as Stockyard Hill have been made possible thanks to the Andrews Labor Government winding back the former Liberal Government’s anti-wind farm planning rules that almost killed off the clean energy sector and all the jobs it is creating across regional Victoria.
The Labor Government changes have seen the wind farm industry power ahead with projects underway or proposed at Lal Lal, Moorabool, Murra Warra, Bulgana and Golden Plains – the latter set to dwarf even Stockyard Hill.
Eight wind farms, worth $1.07 billion, have been built since the Labor Government was elected, creating more than 2300 construction jobs. Another nine new wind farms are under construction worth $3.2 billion.
This is in stark contrast with the former Liberal Government who shut down the industry with projects such as Stockyard Hill stuck in planning limbo despite getting initial planning approval in October 2010.
The Labor Government’s Victorian Renewable Energy Target of 25 per cent by 2020 and 40 per cent by 2025, is giving the renewable energy sector the confidence it needs to invest in new projects to deliver the jobs and prosperity that our state deserves, while also helping to put downward pressure on electricity prices.
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“We’re backing Victoria’s booming renewables industry every step of the way. The Stockyard Hill project will not only deliver the clean energy we need but will help power new jobs in Western Victoria.”
“We’re putting Victoria at the forefront of renewable energy and supporting the thousands of jobs it’s creating.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“The Stockyard Hill Wind Farm is another fantastic project that will boost supply and support even more jobs in the booming clean energy sector – all jobs that would be put at risk if Matthew Guy and the Coalition had their way.”
The Andrews Labor Government is backing a new energy policy centre to help drive reform, and ensure Victoria’s energy system remains reliable, affordable and increasingly sustainable.
Minister for Energy Lily D’Ambrosio today launched the Victorian Energy Policy Centre (VEPC) – a collaboration with Victorian University, who will contribute $480,000 towards the Centre.
The Labor Government will provide $1.75 million to establish the VEPC, which will undertake research into the unique energy policy challenges Australia is facing.
The Centre will be independent of government but its research will be one of many inputs into decision-making.
Its focus will be broad, but it will concentrate on consumer protections, market trends and development of the energy industry. It will look towards building the energy systems of the future, not on propping up the failing policies of the past.
The VEPC will go beyond traditional academic approaches and will actively promote public discussion on energy issues.
Research is already underway and will be ongoing for the next two years.
Victoria continues to lead the way in developing new energy policy to reduce greenhouse gases, tackle climate change and deliver Victorian Renewable Energy Targets of 25 per cent by 2020 and 40 per cent by 2025.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“The energy debate is often dominated by vested interests – what we need is more independent, credible voices.”
“This Centre will combine rigorous research and analysis, with a clear focus on policies that put Victorian energy customers first.”
The Andrews Labor Government is backing a new energy policy centre to help drive reform, and ensure Victoria’s energy system remains reliable, affordable and increasingly sustainable.
Minister for Energy Lily D’Ambrosio today launched the Victorian Energy Policy Centre (VEPC) – a collaboration with Victorian University, who will contribute $480,000 towards the Centre.
The Labor Government will provide $1.75 million to establish the VEPC, which will undertake research into the unique energy policy challenges Australia is facing.
The Centre will be independent of government but its research will be one of many inputs into decision-making.
Its focus will be broad, but it will concentrate on consumer protections, market trends and development of the energy industry. It will look towards building the energy systems of the future, not on propping up the failing policies of the past.
The VEPC will go beyond traditional academic approaches and will actively promote public discussion on energy issues.
Research is already underway and will be ongoing for the next two years.
Victoria continues to lead the way in developing new energy policy to reduce greenhouse gases, tackle climate change and deliver Victorian Renewable Energy Targets of 25 per cent by 2020 and 40 per cent by 2025.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“The energy debate is often dominated by vested interests – what we need is more independent, credible voices.”
“This Centre will combine rigorous research and analysis, with a clear focus on policies that put Victorian energy customers first.”
The Andrews Labor Government is trialling a more efficient approach for assessing potentially contaminated land in Victoria.
The 18-month Preliminary Risk Screen pilot will test and refine a faster and more cost-effective approach to assessing sites that have a low to medium potential for contamination.
Currently a complete environmental audit is required when land is to be used for residences, child care centres or schools. These audits can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
The new approach will be based on a desktop study and site inspection which may include sampling. A Preliminary Risk Screen will determine if a detailed audit is necessary.
City of Whittlesea and City of Greater Bendigo have agreed to take part in the pilot, which will also include state-owned public land.
Independent evaluation will take place throughout the pilot to determine whether its objectives have been met, and make recommendations for potential implementation of the Preliminary Risk Screen assessment.
The Preliminary Risk Screen pilot has been developed as part of the Labor Government’s response to the Independent Inquiry into the EPA.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“Throughout the Independent Inquiry into the EPA, stakeholders made it very clear that the environmental audit system needs to be more flexible and proportionate.”
“The aim of the Preliminary Risk Screen pilot is to make assessments in a more timely, consistent and cost-effective way.”
The Andrews Labor Government is trialling a more efficient approach for assessing potentially contaminated land in Victoria.
The 18-month Preliminary Risk Screen pilot will test and refine a faster and more cost-effective approach to assessing sites that have a low to medium potential for contamination.
Currently a complete environmental audit is required when land is to be used for residences, child care centres or schools. These audits can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
The new approach will be based on a desktop study and site inspection which may include sampling. A Preliminary Risk Screen will determine if a detailed audit is necessary.
City of Whittlesea and City of Greater Bendigo have agreed to take part in the pilot, which will also include state-owned public land.
Independent evaluation will take place throughout the pilot to determine whether its objectives have been met, and make recommendations for potential implementation of the Preliminary Risk Screen assessment.
The Preliminary Risk Screen pilot has been developed as part of the Labor Government’s response to the Independent Inquiry into the EPA.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“Throughout the Independent Inquiry into the EPA, stakeholders made it very clear that the environmental audit system needs to be more flexible and proportionate.”
“The aim of the Preliminary Risk Screen pilot is to make assessments in a more timely, consistent and cost-effective way.”
The Andrews Labor Government has released a long-term plan to protect the Alpine National Park from the threat of feral horses.
Minister for Environment Lily D’Ambrosio today launched the Protection of the Alpine National Park – Feral Horse Strategic Plan 2018-2021, which is backed by extensive scientific evidence and community consultation.
There are an estimated 2,500 feral horses in Victoria’s eastern alps, causing significant damage to threatened plant and wildlife species within the Alpine National Park.
The Victorian Alps is one of the state’s most distinctive landscapes, making its protection a priority.
As part of the Labor Government’s plan, the primary control technique will be to trap feral horses and rehome as many as possible. Those that cannot be rehomed will be humanely euthanised.
Following the release of the draft plan in 2017, Parks Victoria received around 1,000 submissions from stakeholders and the community.
More than 80 per cent of responses expressed support for managing the number of feral horses to protect the Alpine National Park and its vulnerable ecosystems.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“Feral horses cannot be allowed to run rampant in the Alpine National Park – their hard hooves damage the precious environment and destroy the habitats of threatened species.”
“We have developed a strong plan to protect this treasured part of the world and we call on the NSW and the Turnbull governments to support it.”
Quotes attributable to Parks Victoria Chief Conservation Scientist Dr Mark Norman
“Parks Victoria has an obligation to protect and conserve the delicate environment of our Alpine National Park – and feral horse management is an integral part of that.”
“We look forward to working with our stakeholders in developing the operational plan and commencing the program later in 2018.”
The Andrews Labor Government has released a long-term plan to protect the Alpine National Park from the threat of feral horses.
Minister for Environment Lily D’Ambrosio today launched the Protection of the Alpine National Park – Feral Horse Strategic Plan 2018-2021, which is backed by extensive scientific evidence and community consultation.
There are an estimated 2,500 feral horses in Victoria’s eastern alps, causing significant damage to threatened plant and wildlife species within the Alpine National Park.
The Victorian Alps is one of the state’s most distinctive landscapes, making its protection a priority.
As part of the Labor Government’s plan, the primary control technique will be to trap feral horses and rehome as many as possible. Those that cannot be rehomed will be humanely euthanised.
Following the release of the draft plan in 2017, Parks Victoria received around 1,000 submissions from stakeholders and the community.
More than 80 per cent of responses expressed support for managing the number of feral horses to protect the Alpine National Park and its vulnerable ecosystems.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“Feral horses cannot be allowed to run rampant in the Alpine National Park – their hard hooves damage the precious environment and destroy the habitats of threatened species.”
“We have developed a strong plan to protect this treasured part of the world and we call on the NSW and the Turnbull governments to support it.”
Quotes attributable to Parks Victoria Chief Conservation Scientist Dr Mark Norman
“Parks Victoria has an obligation to protect and conserve the delicate environment of our Alpine National Park – and feral horse management is an integral part of that.”
“We look forward to working with our stakeholders in developing the operational plan and commencing the program later in 2018.”
The Andrews Labor Government has today extended the mine licences of the Latrobe Valley’s major power plants to ensure at least 17 years of rehabilitation, giving certainty to local communities and mine workers.
Minister for Resources Tim Pallas announced today that the Labor Government will extend Energy Australia’s licence for the Yallourn mine to 2051, and the AGL licence for the Loy Yang mine to 2065.
This extension does not allow for the mining of coal beyond the 2032 and 2048 deadlines already in place by the respective companies.
Instead it allows extra time for responsible site rehabilitation and is consistent with the Labor Government’s target of net zero emissions by 2050.
The mine extension is in line with the approved work plans and expected closure dates for the mines, which together currently provide more than 70 per cent of Victoria’s power generation. It delivers energy security for Victorians and an orderly transition to low emission energy.
Under the extension, Energy Australia and AGL have committed to:
providing a minimum 5-year notification of the closure of their power stations, giving certainty for our energy security
continuing to invest in mine rehabilitation and their power stations to ensure safe and reliable power
delivering on the objectives of the Latrobe Valley Worker Transfer Scheme and supporting the workforce to transition to new opportunities prior to and following any closure of the power stations
The Labor Government appointed Emeritus Professor Rae Mackay as the first Latrobe Valley Mine Rehabilitation Commissioner, and provided $5 million in the Victorian Budget 2018/19 to support his vital work advising the government on the safe, stable and sustainable rehabilitation of mining sites in the Valley.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Resources Tim Pallas
“These extensions support our energy security and provide certainty for workers and communities across Victoria.”
“The 5-year notice period is longer than what the Commonwealth has sought through the Finkel Review and gives local workers and their families confidence to plan for the future.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“A 5-year notification period in advance of closing these coal fired generators is critical to the pipeline of new renewable power generation and an orderly transition to low emission energy.”
“A clear timeline for the end of brown coal generation in Victoria is essential in achieving our renewable energy targets of 40 per cent by 2025 and net-zero emissions by 2050.”
Quote attributable to the Latrobe Valley Mine Rehabilitation Commissioner Professor Rae Mackay
“Having adequate timeframes for mine rehabilitation, a minimum of 17 years for Loy Yang and Yallourn, will help planning and consultation with the local community regarding the future of these sites.”
The Andrews Labor Government has today extended the mine licences of the Latrobe Valley’s major power plants to ensure at least 17 years of rehabilitation, giving certainty to local communities and mine workers.
Minister for Resources Tim Pallas announced today that the Labor Government will extend Energy Australia’s licence for the Yallourn mine to 2051, and the AGL licence for the Loy Yang mine to 2065.
This extension does not allow for the mining of coal beyond the 2032 and 2048 deadlines already in place by the respective companies.
Instead it allows extra time for responsible site rehabilitation and is consistent with the Labor Government’s target of net zero emissions by 2050.
The mine extension is in line with the approved work plans and expected closure dates for the mines, which together currently provide more than 70 per cent of Victoria’s power generation. It delivers energy security for Victorians and an orderly transition to low emission energy.
Under the extension, Energy Australia and AGL have committed to:
providing a minimum 5-year notification of the closure of their power stations, giving certainty for our energy security
continuing to invest in mine rehabilitation and their power stations to ensure safe and reliable power
delivering on the objectives of the Latrobe Valley Worker Transfer Scheme and supporting the workforce to transition to new opportunities prior to and following any closure of the power stations
The Labor Government appointed Emeritus Professor Rae Mackay as the first Latrobe Valley Mine Rehabilitation Commissioner, and provided $5 million in the Victorian Budget 2018/19 to support his vital work advising the government on the safe, stable and sustainable rehabilitation of mining sites in the Valley.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Resources Tim Pallas
“These extensions support our energy security and provide certainty for workers and communities across Victoria.”
“The 5-year notice period is longer than what the Commonwealth has sought through the Finkel Review and gives local workers and their families confidence to plan for the future.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“A 5-year notification period in advance of closing these coal fired generators is critical to the pipeline of new renewable power generation and an orderly transition to low emission energy.”
“A clear timeline for the end of brown coal generation in Victoria is essential in achieving our renewable energy targets of 40 per cent by 2025 and net-zero emissions by 2050.”
Quote attributable to the Latrobe Valley Mine Rehabilitation Commissioner Professor Rae Mackay
“Having adequate timeframes for mine rehabilitation, a minimum of 17 years for Loy Yang and Yallourn, will help planning and consultation with the local community regarding the future of these sites.”
A new 40 MW wind farm in Western Victoria that will power more than 25,000 households as part of the ongoing renewable energy jobs boom in Western Victoria has been given the crucial sign-off.
Minister for Planning Richard Wynne today announced the approval of a thirteen-turbine facility near Wonwondah North.
The wind farm will be developed by NewEn with the 235-metre high turbines producing enough energy to power around 25,000 householders every year.
This site has been chosen because it receives undisturbed wind flow with strong, consistent wind speeds near the existing electrical grid.
Thanks to the Andrews Labor Government’s Renewable Energy Target, Victoria is expected to see an estimated $9 billion of investment and around 11,000 jobs created over the life of the scheme.
This project is another step in helping Victoria achieve its renewable energy target of 25 per cent renewable energy production by 2020 and 40 per cent by 2025.
The Rifle Butts WEF Project is expected to create 120 jobs during construction. The project will also create up to four full time positions throughout operation of the facility.
Construction is anticipated to commence in early 2019.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Planning Richard Wynne
“This new wind farm is another important step forward in creating a more sustainable future for regional Victoria, powering 25,000 homes and creating 120 construction jobs along the way.”
“In stark contrast to the Coalition who tried to smash the wind industry, we’re supporting the renewables sector to create local jobs and deliver affordable clean energy for hard working families.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment & Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“This is another great project that will deliver a boost for renewable energy in Western Victoria, and support even more jobs in the booming clean energy sector – all jobs that would be put at risk if the Coalition had their way.”
Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford
“This is another win for Western Victoria, a win for local jobs and a win for the environment. Unlike the Coalition who tried to shut down the renewables industry, we’re supporting it to power our regional areas and create jobs.”
A new 40 MW wind farm in Western Victoria that will power more than 25,000 households as part of the ongoing renewable energy jobs boom in Western Victoria has been given the crucial sign-off.
Minister for Planning Richard Wynne today announced the approval of a thirteen-turbine facility near Wonwondah North.
The wind farm will be developed by NewEn with the 235-metre high turbines producing enough energy to power around 25,000 householders every year.
This site has been chosen because it receives undisturbed wind flow with strong, consistent wind speeds near the existing electrical grid.
Thanks to the Andrews Labor Government’s Renewable Energy Target, Victoria is expected to see an estimated $9 billion of investment and around 11,000 jobs created over the life of the scheme.
This project is another step in helping Victoria achieve its renewable energy target of 25 per cent renewable energy production by 2020 and 40 per cent by 2025.
The Rifle Butts WEF Project is expected to create 120 jobs during construction. The project will also create up to four full time positions throughout operation of the facility.
Construction is anticipated to commence in early 2019.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Planning Richard Wynne
“This new wind farm is another important step forward in creating a more sustainable future for regional Victoria, powering 25,000 homes and creating 120 construction jobs along the way.”
“In stark contrast to the Coalition who tried to smash the wind industry, we’re supporting the renewables sector to create local jobs and deliver affordable clean energy for hard working families.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment & Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“This is another great project that will deliver a boost for renewable energy in Western Victoria, and support even more jobs in the booming clean energy sector – all jobs that would be put at risk if the Coalition had their way.”
Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford
“This is another win for Western Victoria, a win for local jobs and a win for the environment. Unlike the Coalition who tried to shut down the renewables industry, we’re supporting it to power our regional areas and create jobs.”
The Andrews Labor Government has released a 50-year community vision for the iconic Yarra River, Birrarung – the first of its kind for an urban waterway in Australia.
Minister for Water Lisa Neville, Minister for Planning Richard Wynne and Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio joined Member for Ivanhoe Anthony Carbines at the new Finns Reserve recreational facility today to launch YarraCommunity Vision.
The Vision outlines the long-term aspirations for the river corridor, and the values set out in it will be brought to life through the Yarra Strategic Plan being led by Melbourne Water.
It is a collaboration with the community, the Wurundjeri and partner organisations to provide strategic direction for land use for the Yarra, and is the result of more 12 months of consultation with Traditional Owners and the wider community – with more than 2,000 people outlining what was important to them about the Yarra.
Earlier this year, a community assembly of 24 passionate Victorians drawn from all parts of the Yarra’s 242 kilometre length also contributed to drafting the Vision. Its development is one of 30 actions in the Labor Government’s Yarra River Action Plan, released in 2017, to protect the Yarra River and its parklands.
The Vision is also a requirement of the landmark Yarra River Protection (Willip-gin Birrarung murron) Act 2017, which exemplifies modern river and land use management, and mandates structural inclusion for the Wurundjeri Traditional Owners.
The Wurundjeri Water Policy was also released today. We support the greater involvement of Aboriginal communities and Traditional Owners in the management of our water resources.
The Labor Government introduced legislation that requires all water management to have regard for Aboriginal uses and values of waterways or traditional ecological knowledge in managing these natural assets.
Quote attributable to Minister for Water Lisa Neville
“The Yarra River Action Plan is about taking meaningful steps so Birrarung – our iconic Yarra River – can continue to thrive and be enjoyed for generations to come.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Planning Richard Wynne
“The Community Vision for the river highlights the cultural, recreational, environmental and economic value of the Yarra and we will use it to guide our priorities for this important landmark.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio
“The Yarra River is a vital part of our state’s environment – we’re giving it the care it deserves.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Ivanhoe Anthony Carbines
“We all have a responsibility to secure a healthy future for the Yarra. Our community-led approach encourages everyone to be an advocate for Melbourne’s most significant waterway.”
The Andrews Labor Government has released a 50-year community vision for the iconic Yarra River, Birrarung – the first of its kind for an urban waterway in Australia.
Minister for Water Lisa Neville, Minister for Planning Richard Wynne and Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio joined Member for Ivanhoe Anthony Carbines at the new Finns Reserve recreational facility today to launch YarraCommunity Vision.
The Vision outlines the long-term aspirations for the river corridor, and the values set out in it will be brought to life through the Yarra Strategic Plan being led by Melbourne Water.
It is a collaboration with the community, the Wurundjeri and partner organisations to provide strategic direction for land use for the Yarra, and is the result of more 12 months of consultation with Traditional Owners and the wider community – with more than 2,000 people outlining what was important to them about the Yarra.
Earlier this year, a community assembly of 24 passionate Victorians drawn from all parts of the Yarra’s 242 kilometre length also contributed to drafting the Vision. Its development is one of 30 actions in the Labor Government’s Yarra River Action Plan, released in 2017, to protect the Yarra River and its parklands.
The Vision is also a requirement of the landmark Yarra River Protection (Willip-gin Birrarung murron) Act 2017, which exemplifies modern river and land use management, and mandates structural inclusion for the Wurundjeri Traditional Owners.
The Wurundjeri Water Policy was also released today. We support the greater involvement of Aboriginal communities and Traditional Owners in the management of our water resources.
The Labor Government introduced legislation that requires all water management to have regard for Aboriginal uses and values of waterways or traditional ecological knowledge in managing these natural assets.
Quote attributable to Minister for Water Lisa Neville
“The Yarra River Action Plan is about taking meaningful steps so Birrarung – our iconic Yarra River – can continue to thrive and be enjoyed for generations to come.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Planning Richard Wynne
“The Community Vision for the river highlights the cultural, recreational, environmental and economic value of the Yarra and we will use it to guide our priorities for this important landmark.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio
“The Yarra River is a vital part of our state’s environment – we’re giving it the care it deserves.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Ivanhoe Anthony Carbines
“We all have a responsibility to secure a healthy future for the Yarra. Our community-led approach encourages everyone to be an advocate for Melbourne’s most significant waterway.”