New height limit planning controls for developments on the Yarra River

The Victorian Government has introduced permanet planning controls to limit height of new developments on the Yarra River.

The new controls will apply minimum setbacks along a 240 kilometre stretch of the river between Richmond and Warrandyte to prevent overshadowing. The controls replace interim measures—introduced three years ago to streamline planning and the patchwork of controls that differed between councils—to protect the Yarra River banks and water quality.

Minister for planning Richard Wynne said the controls align strongly with the draft Yarra Strategic Plan. Minister for energy, environment and climate change Lily D’Ambrosio said management in key areas has a flow-on effect to other parts of the river and protection of the natural beauty of the entire river corridor was critical

The government will finalise the controls in partnership with the relevant councils—Banyule, Boroondara, Manningham, Nillumbik, Stonnington and Yarra—as well as Melbourne Water.