Yarra STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS STATEMENT SEPTEMBER 2018

Integrated Water Management Forums Acknowledgement of Victoria’s Aboriginal communities

The Victorian Government proudly acknowledges Victoria's Aboriginal communities and their rich culture and pays its respects to their Elders past and present. The government also recognises the intrinsic connection of Traditional Owners to Country and acknowledges their contribution to the management of land, water and resources.

We acknowledge Aboriginal people as Australia’s fi rst peoples and as the Traditional Owners and custodians of the land and water on which we rely. We recognise and value the ongoing contribution of Aboriginal people and communities to Victorian life and how this enriches us. We embrace the spirit of reconciliation, working towards the equality of outcomes and ensuring an equal voice.

© The State of Victoria Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning 2018 This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International licence. You are free to re-use the work under that licence, on the condition that you credit the State of Victoria as author. The licence does not apply to any images, photographs or branding, including the Victorian Coat of Arms, the Victorian Government logo and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) logo. To view a copy of this licence, visit creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Printed by Finsbury Green, Melbourne

ISSN 2209-8194 - Print format ISSN 2209-8208 - Online

Disclaimer This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without fl aw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication.

Accessibility If you would like to receive this publication in an alternative format, please telephone the DELWP Customer Service Centre on 136 186 or email [email protected] or via the National Relay Service on 133 677, www.relayservice.com.au.

This document is also available on the internet at www.delwp.vic.gov.au

Cover photograph Yarra River, Melbourne. Photographer: Taras Vyshnya Integrated Water Management is a collaborative approach to water planning and management that brings together organisations with an interest in all aspects of the water cycle. It has the potential to provide greater value to our communities by identifying and leveraging opportunities to optimise outcomes. Contents

Foreword 1 Acknowledgements 2

Chapter 1 The way forward 3 Introduction 4 Overview 4 What is a Strategic Directions Statement? 4 Enduring collaboration 5 How we’re working together 5 Recognising Aboriginal values in water planning and management 5 Guiding principles for collaboration 6

Chapter 2 IWM in the region 7 Regional context 8 Population 8 Climate change 10 Vision and strategic outcomes 12 Whole of River Vision 13 Strategic outcomes for IWM 14 The case for IWM in the Yarra catchment 16

Chapter 3 IWM opportunities 22 Priority Portfolio 23 Impact of IWM opportunities on the Forum’s strategic outcomes 25 IWM opportunities: An overview of projects and strategies 26 Priority Portfolio of IWM opportunities 28 Strategic enablers to put IWM into practice 34 Success stories 35 Continued success through collaboration 38

Appendix 40 Additional IWM opportunities in the Yarra catchment 40 Glossary of terms 44 Foreword

We are all connected by water. It is essential for our life and liveability and prosperity.

The Yarra River holds a special place Integrated water management is On behalf of the Forum, I am pleased amongst the people of Melbourne about protecting water, our most to present this Strategic Directions and the Yarra region. Its catchment vital resource, and enhancing our Statement that prepares us to work has sustained Aboriginal people for water system services so that life across the planning and water sectors thousands of generations before can continue, and be better, to collectively identify and progress European colonisation. Today, it is for our future generations. IWM opportunities of the highest value Melbourne’s main source of drinking and priority to our communities. The Yarra IWM Forum has taken water, supports productive agriculture, up this responsibility with a pledge I would like to thank the individuals including a world-famous wine to work collaboratively to improve and organisations who contributed industry and extensive horticultural our water system practices and their time and expertise during the enterprises. Its landscapes and open deliver bold 21st century solutions fi rst phase of our journey as the spaces are home to a great diversity for stormwater management, water Yarra IWM Forum. of plants and animals and attract sensitive blue and green infrastructure, millions of visits for recreation and Together we have built a strong and sustainable land use planning enjoyment of nature. foundation from which we will deliver that will ensure the communities on our vision for a world-leading But we are facing pressures posed across our catchment remain healthy, water sensitive catchment. by climate change, rapid population prosperous and among the world’s growth and urbanisation, and these most liveable. demand that we realign the way in As Chair of the Yarra IWM Forum, which we plan and design our cities I acknowledge our shared commitment and manage our natural resources. to protect the Yarra River, the one Chris Chesterfi eld living and integrated entity that has Chair of the Yarra IWM Forum fundamentally shaped this region for thousands of years, as well as Port Phillip Bay into which our catchment’s rivers and creeks fl ow.

Yarra Strategic Directions Statement 1 Acknowledgements

The inaugural Yarra Integrated Water Yarra Ranges down to Port Phillip Bay. The Yarra IWM Forum acknowledges Management Forum was convened The Yarra Forum Area will continue to these Traditional Owners as traditional in December 2017 with subsequent experience substantial population and custodians who have managed land Forums meeting throughout 2018 economic growth in the coming years. and water sustainably over thousands to discuss and prioritise integrated The preservation and management of of generations and maintain an active water planning and management the catchment’s landscapes will have connection to Country. in the Yarra Forum Area. a positive impact on the region’s world- The Yarra Integrated Water renowned liveability and the long term Management Strategic Directions The Forum Area encompasses health and security of its waterways. Victoria’s capital, Melbourne, Statement has been developed the economic and employment hub of The Forum covers the traditional by the Yarra Integrated Water the state. One third of Victorians reside lands of Kulin Nation, including the Management Forum. Members of in the Yarra catchment. It is home Wurundjeri people. The Forum Area this Forum include the Chief Executive to one of Australia’s most iconic and is abundant in Aboriginal cultural sites Offi cers and Managing Directors of culturally signifi cant waterways, the with a majority of these found near the following organisations: Yarra River, which fl ows from its near waterways and the coast. natural upper reaches in the forested

2 Yarra Strategic Directions Statement Chapter 1 The way forward

An unprecedented opportunity to progress water cycle planning and management in Victoria through collaboration.

Melbourne suburbs as seen from Greenvale Reservoir. Photographer: Chris Kapa. Courtesy Melbourne Water Yarra Strategic Directions Statement 3 Introduction

Overview The way in which land use and water planning occurs will be fundamental to Integrated Water The Yarra catchment is a richly diverse ensuring these aspirations are realised. Management geographic area encompassing some of Victoria’s most iconic landscapes The water cycle in the Yarra Integrated Water Management and waterways. Magnifi cent old catchment is overseen and managed is a collaborative approach growth woodlands, lush rainforests by several agencies. Enhanced to water planning and and protected riverine environments communication and collaboration management that brings meet fertile agricultural lands and is required to ensure plans and together organisations with populous cities throughout this vast investments are optimised to enable an interest in all aspects of the region. Victoria’s coastal capital, shared community outcomes. water cycle. It has the potential Melbourne, sits within the catchment This approach is Integrated Water to provide greater value to our and represents one of several Management (IWM). A central premise communities by identifying and Victorian cities undergoing rapid of IWM is the overall acceptance that leveraging opportunities to transformation. Considered alongside achieving liveability and resilience optimise outcomes. challenges posed by global climate is a shared responsibility. change, growth and development is The Integrated Water Management impacting on the health of waterways What is a Strategic Framework for Victoria 2017 is designed entering both the Yarra River and Port Directions Statement? to help local governments, water Phillip Bay. Balancing the needs and corporations, catchment management This Strategic Directions Statement function of Yarra’s water cycle with authorities, Traditional Owners and (SDS) articulates the regional future growth and development is a other organisations work together context, shared vision and strategic complex challenge requiring careful to ensure the water cycle effi ciently water-related outcomes for the management. contributes to the urban liveability Yarra catchment. The region’s water sector, local of the region, with communities It also includes a prioritised list governments and Traditional Owners at the centre of decision-making. of IWM opportunities developed are working collaboratively to plan To assist with this, IWM Forums have in collaboration by the Yarra IWM and deliver projects and strategies been established across the state Forum partners. that will enhance the resilience and to identify, prioritise and oversee Partners of the Yarra IWM Forum are liveability of the Yarra catchment the implementation of critical committing their best endeavours to: and deliver enduring environmental, collaborative water opportunities economic and social benefi ts to • Ensure priority opportunities are local communities. Through ongoing progressed in line with the shared engagement with their communities, vision and strategic outcomes these organisations have heard that of the Yarra catchment; and thriving waterways are inextricably • Support DELWP to progress priority linked to community identity, amenity, strategic enablers for IWM in Victoria. value and sustained economic benefi t for the Yarra catchment. It is envisaged that the SDS will be a living document which will be updated to refl ect the Yarra IWM Forum’s current priorities and opportunities.

4 Yarra Strategic Directions Statement Chapter 1

Enduring collaboration

How we’re working together Collaboration across IWM Forum Recognising Aboriginal partners will ensure balanced values in water planning The Yarra IWM Forum identifi es, consideration of the complex and management coordinates and prioritises areas that economic, environmental, cultural would most benefi t from collaborative and community benefi ts and impacts The Yarra IWM Forum is committed to and place-based water management associated with the range of proposed working in partnership with Aboriginal planning and projects. IWM opportunities. This collaborative Victorians across landscapes, process allows for integrated solutions communities and natural resources. The Forum brings together 28 that respond to individual business organisations with an interest in The Forum recognises that Traditional needs, as well as the needs of the water cycle management. These Owners throughout the metropolitan broader catchment. organisations include fi ve water Melbourne catchments, including corporations, 19 local governments, The Yarra IWM Forum partners will the Wurundjeri, Bunurong and the Port Phillip and Westernport continue to work together to build Wadawurrung people of the Kulin Catchment Management Authority, inter-organisational trust and develop Nation, are unique to Country and representatives of Traditional productive, enduring relationships to their involvement in IWM planning Owner interests, the Department realise the shared vision for integrated will be specifi c to each planning area. of Environment, Land, Water and water management and delivery in Organisations involved in IWM have Planning (DELWP) and the Victorian the Yarra catchment. Planning Authority. obligations to involve Traditional Further information on the IWM Owners and consider Aboriginal To ensure IWM is successful and Forum’s governance and planning values in their organisational activities. enduring across the region, the Yarra framework is outlined in the Integrated The Forum will continue to work with IWM Forum partners commit Water Management Framework for Traditional Owner groups to determine to promote a collaborative and Victoria 2017, available on the internet the appropriate approach and level shared values culture within their at www.delwp.vic.gov.au. of involvement in the broader IWM own organisations and through planning process for each Forum Area. their work with local communities and water cycle delivery partners

The Yarra IWM Forum is governed by an open and transparent IWM planning process.

This process assumes a holistic, whole- of-cycle approach to determine water cycle solutions, considering regulatory accountabilities and service delivery responsibilities.

Each organisation has an important role to play in the decision-making and management of the catchment’s water, resources and assets.

Victorian alpine region. Photographer: Ashley Dowle

Yarra Strategic Directions Statement 5 Guiding principles for collaboration

The purpose of the Yarra IWM Forum is to provide a collaborative platform IWM Forum for overseeing, supporting and, where necessary, facilitating water’s contribution to resilience and liveability in Victoria.

Applying an Integrated Water Management (IWM) approach, the Forum will: IWM Working Group

• Consider the collective community needs in the regional context and develop an overall strategic direction accordingly.

• Complement and feed into existing water and land planning processes, IWM Project IWM Project IWM Project collaborative networks, forums and Group Group Group associations.

• Commit best endeavours to facilitate IWM Forum governance structure multi-stakeholder initiatives, share Further information on IWM Forum collaboration and planning organisational expertise and can be found in Chapter 3 of this SDS. advance sectoral learnings.

• Respect Traditional Owner rights in water management planning.

• Ensure multiple benefi ts can be delivered to the community and the economy.

• Optimise investment in water management projects and strategies to deliver multiple benefi ts and best community value solutions.

Mortimor Reserve, Gembrook, Victoria. Photographer: Christian Pearson. Courtesy Melbourne Water

6 Yarra Strategic Directions Statement Chapter 1

Chapter 2 IWM in the region

Understanding why an integrated approach to water planning and management is critical to achieve better economic, environmental, cultural and community outcomes for the Yarra catchment.

Riverdale on Plenty, Victoria. Photographer: David Hannah. Courtesy Melbourne Water Yarra Strategic Directions Statement 7 Regional context

The Yarra IWM Forum Area covers an extraordinarily diverse area encompassing an array of culturally, environmentally and economically signifi cant landscapes, as well as one of the world’s most liveable cities in the Victorian capital, Melbourne. The catchment spans approximately 4,076 km2, extending from Melbourne’s CBD in the south, north to the southern slopes of the Great Dividing Range. The eastern extent of the Forum Area follows through the foothills of the Victorian Alps to the surrounding Yarra Ranges National Park.

The Yarra catchment includes one of The catchment includes areas Expanding satellite cities at Parkville, Australia’s most iconic and culturally of signifi cant value where Aboriginal La Trobe and Monash will soon signifi cant waterways, the Yarra River, people have lived for thousands support more residents and provide which fl ows from its near natural upper of years. The Yarra River formed employment opportunities for tens reaches at Mt Baw Baw in the Yarra the lifeblood of many Aboriginal of thousands of people. Ranges throughout the catchment communities and continues to The densifi cation of inner Melbourne to Port Phillip Bay. hold signifi cant value for culture and middle ring suburbs, coupled and storytelling. The landscape of the Yarra catchment with rapid growth through outer varies greatly from ancient woodlands, catchment areas, including lush rainforests, grasslands and Population Craigieburn, Kalkallo, Wallan and fertile agricultural lands, to The Yarra IWM Forum Area is home to Lilydale, highlights the need for Melbourne’s densely populated and one third of Victoria’s population, or integrated catchment planning and developed urban areas extending approximately 1.8 million people. The management to maintain and improve from central Melbourne. catchment’s population is predicted to liveability for community wellbeing and economic prosperity. The region sustains a range of leisure reach 2.6 million by 2040. Substantial urban and greenfi eld growth will and recreational activities, including occur here in the next two decades. tourism, camping, cycling, hiking, boating and rowing. A strong service- based economy is characteristic of urban areas in the catchment whilst industry, construction, agriculture and viticulture are prevalent elsewhere.

Yarra Ranges National Park. Courtesy Creative Commons

8 Yarra Strategic Directions Statement Chapter 3

Maribyrnong

Yarra Werribee

Dandenong

Western Port

POPULATION GROWTH THE REGION 1,800,000 NOW (2018) 2,600,000 BY 2040 AGRICULTURE 4,076km2 44% & VITICULTURE 57% CATCHMENT AREA INCREASE NATURAL VEGETATION 21% URBAN AREAS 22%

TEMPERATURE VICTORIAN AN INCREASE OF 1 HERITAGE RIVER C SUB-CATCHMENTS TRIBUTARIES 1.3˚ (YARRA SYSTEM) BY 2040 324

THE YARRA RIVER ECONOMY

FEEDS SUPPLIES

9 70% 3 MAJOR OF MELBOURNE’S NATIONAL EMPLOYMENT RESERVOIRS DRINKING WATER AND INNOVATION CLUSTERS

Source: Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning Victoria in future 2016 Healthy Waterways Strategy 2013/14-2017/18, Melbourne Water History of the Yarra River 2017, Melbourne Water

Yarra Strategic Directions Statement 9 Climate Change

Together with the major population Whilst the region is predicted to see To meet the challenge of increases anticipated over the next more frequent and intense rainfall climate change and prepare two decades, climate change presents events that will increase the risk of Victoria’s water system for a critical challenge for the Yarra fl ooding, the Yarra catchment will a range of possible climate catchment. By 2040, temperatures experience a reduction in average futures, climate change across the region are expected to annual rainfall by 2040. This change mitigation and adaptation rise by an average of 1.3°C under a is consistent with conditions actions will be embedded medium climate change scenario. predicted across the state as in all IWM Forum decisions. The risk of fi re in forests and grasslands Victoria becomes warmer and drier. in upper areas of the Yarra catchment Less rainfall in the future, combined will remain high under these with increased development and A warming world will also impact conditions. The impact of the urban growing populations, will place the health and quality of waterways heat island eff ect will also increase, more pressure on water services in the Yarra catchment. Increased with greater density urban areas in the catchment. stormwater fl ows from intense rainfall experiencing higher heat vulnerability events, combined with excessive than more rural areas. At present, Projections for Victoria’s future climate sediments in rivers and creeks, indicate an increase in the frequency heat waves in Melbourne have a will impact natural ecosystems and intensity of wildfi res for rural greater negative eff ect on population and marine environments reliant on parts of the Yarra catchment and health than any other climate-related the Yarra catchment’s river system, issue. The ongoing availability of neighbouring regions in Australia’s including the Yarra River, as well as water in the environment will be vital southeast. The increased risk of Port Phillip Bay. Opportunities to to reduce the risk of heat stress and bushfi re poses a serious threat mitigate the eff ects of climate improve cooling in the most vulnerable to the catchment’s communities, change through the preservation areas of the catchment. infrastructure and high-value and management of Yarra’s native forests and ecosystems. waterways and landscapes will have a positive eff ect on environmental and human health and the catchment’s long term resiliency.

Dights Falls, Melbourne. Photographer: Christian Pearson. Courtesy Melbourne Water

10 Yarra Strategic Directions Statement The Yarra River fl ows through Melbourne. Photographer: Nils Versemann Vision and strategic outcomes

Working together, Yarra is a world-leading water sensitive catchment and our communities are healthy and thriving. We honour the land and the water of the Birrarung and its tributaries as the lifeblood of the catchment.

Collaboration to develop the These outcomes acknowledge The Yarra Strategic Plan (Wilip-gin shared vision and strategic the breadth of water plans, Birrarung murron), led by Melbourne outcome areas environmental strategies and Water, brings to life the 50-year land use plans developed by community vision for the Yarra River The IWM Forum demonstrates a each partner organisation. and will guide future planning of the robust and transparent process river corridor and each of its reaches. of collaboration amongst local The Yarra IWM Forum acknowledges governments and a range of the commitment of the Yarra River Further information on the stakeholders with an interest in water. Community Assembly to develop a community vision is available at 50-year community vision for the www.imaginetheyarra.com.au. Central within this process are the Yarra River. This vision informed the community values, local interests Yarra IWM Forum’s vision for integrated and place-based opportunities water management in the catchment. represented by each Forum Member organisation.

The IWM Forum recognises the valuable contribution of these many and diverse actors in supporting a transformative approach to the planning and management of our wider water cycle. Each of these organisations played a leading role in determining a shared vision for IWM unique to each of the fi ve metropolitan Melbourne catchments.

The seven primary strategic outcome areas to achieve this vision, as well as the secondary outcome areas nested beneath each primary area, were developed collaboratively by the IWM Forum partners.

Yarra River. Photographer: Chris Kapa. Courtesy Melbourne Water

12 Yarra Strategic Directions Statement Chapter 2

Whole of River Vision

Our Yarra River, Birrarung, is recognised around the world as an iconic example of a nurturing relationship between a river and its community.

Flowing from source to sea, it is the resilient lifeblood of past, present and future generations of Victorians. It connects and enriches our fl ourishing city, suburbs, regions and beyond.

Our Yarra River, Birrarung, its essential role in our lives and its rich history, are respected, understood and protected. It has cared for us for thousands of years and will for thousands to come.

The vital and continued role of Traditional Owners as custodians of the River, and its role in their culture, is recognised and celebrated.

Our Yarra River, Birrarung and its diverse surrounding landscapes provide a place of refuge, recreation, learning and livelihood. It brings communities together and supports sustainable local economies.

Its clean waters and connected network of thriving green spaces nurture biodiversity, and deepen the relationship between people and nature.

Our Yarra River, Birrarung is respected as a sacred natural living entity and everyone takes responsibility for its care. Its health and integrity are paramount and uncompromised.

What is good for the Yarra is good for all.

Warrandyte State Park. Photographer: Christian Pearson. Courtesy Melbourne Water

Yarra Strategic Directions Statement 13 Strategic outcomes for IWM

Outcomes

Safe, secure and aff ordable Eff ective and aff ordable Opportunities are optimised Healthy and valued waterways supplies in an uncertain future wastewater systems to manage existing and future and marine environments fl ood risks and impacts

A diverse range of water Protect public health and deliver Appropriate levels of fl ood Waterbodies across the supplies and resources for environmental outcomes and protection areas across the catchment are managed for human, urban, industrial and contribute to local amenity catchment, including climate long term ecological resilience, agricultural consumption and communities sensitivity modelling balancing the needs for regional fl ood mitigation, environment, Appropriate policy and Fit for purpose sewerage Community and property agriculture, industry and regulation to enable water systems service the community’s resilient to local fl ood risk and urbanisation quality to meet regulatory expectations informed of increased impacts standards and community under climate change Waterways across the expectations Maximise resource opportunities catchment are managed to to minimise waste and emissions Multi scale responses addressing maintain and improve coastal Timely collaborative planning diff erent levels of risk and marine ecosystems in Port and management of water Phillip Bay in its entirety Maximise multiple benefi ts when mitigating fl ood risk (i.e. Manage impacts of nutrients, Secure fi t for purpose water maximise adaptation measures) sediment, litter, and other supplies for underpinning pollutant discharges to both prosperity waterways and Port Phillip Bay

Water protects green assets Traditional Owner and that enhance our community Aboriginal values, knowledge spaces and practices are integrated and protected in waterway management and planning

14 Yarra Strategic Directions Statement Chapter 2

The Yarra catchment is seeking to achieve seven strategic outcomes through IWM. Each of these Low-emissionLow-emission sosolutionslutions will have a signifi cant role in shaping the liveability, IWMIWM opportunities that minimise the rereleaselease prosperity and resilience of Victoria’s cities and towns. ofof greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions will bebe considered by the Forum as solutions These outcome areas provide a guide to identify areare evaevaluatedluated for impimplementation.lementation. and prioritise the various IWM opportunities included in Chapter 3 of this SDS.

Healthy and valued urban Community values are refl ected Jobs, economic growth and innovation and rural landscapes in place-based planning

Active and passive recreation supported Diverse urban landscapes that refl ect Jobs and economic growth and innovation by water local conditions and community values are supported by the water sector

Improved connectivity and access Empowered and engaged community Innovative planning and operation supports for active transport links, including involved in creating great places optimised investments along waterway corridors Local water related risks and issues Strong governance, collaboration and Retains water in the landscape understood and managed performance, including organisations for cooler, greener cities and towns that lead/infl uence planning processes An engaged, knowledgeable and Waterways and coastal environments water literate community in the Yarra Stronger collegiate engagement with accessible as valuable open space catchment acts to protect and promote Traditional Owners and Aboriginal waterway values Victorians to create employment and Aboriginal cultural values associated with economic opportunities that lead to landscapes and waterways protected Planning and regulatory frameworks align to stronger communities achieve community place based objectives Balancing competing objectives to Recognising the value of water achieve ecological and human health to leverage other investments outcomes through landscapes

Yarra Strategic Directions Statement 15 The case for IWM in the Yarra catchment

Over the coming years, unprecedented Safe, secure Eff ective and change and growth in the Yarra and aff ordable aff ordable catchment will put pressure on its water supplies in wastewater cycle and resources, impacting urban an uncertain systems and rural landscapes and communities, future areas of natural vegetation, marine environments and industries. Five water corporations oversee Much of the Yarra catchment’s urban Translating community objectives for water supply for the Yarra wastewater is treated at either the water management into practice will catchment: Melbourne Water, Western Treatment Plant, located in involve working across organisational City West Water, South East Water, Werribee, or the Eastern Treatment Southern Rural Water and Yarra Plant, located in Bangholme, boundaries to achieve the following Valley Water. The catchment a southeast suburb of Melbourne. strategic outcomes. These outcomes contains several reservoirs, including Both plants are operated by are aligned with those refl ected in the Upper Yarra, Yan Yean, Maroondah Melbourne Water. strategic plans and environmental and Sugarloaf, supplying the Some of the catchment’s wastewater strategies of the Forum's partner majority of metropolitan Melbourne water users. The Yarra River’s is treated locally at various regional organisations. near natural upper reaches in the sewage treatment plants, including mountain ash forests of the Yarra a number of Yarra Valley Water Ranges feed nine of Melbourne’s facilities. major reservoirs, supplying 70 per The provision and effi cacy of cent of the city’s drinking water. wastewater management services Changes to the water cycle vary across the catchment. More driven by anticipated population than 14,000 properties in Yarra’s growth and climate change outer northern and eastern suburbs means more water will be needed use on-site domestic wastewater across the catchment for urban, systems, or septic tank systems. agricultural and environmental Many of these are poor-performing fl ow purposes. The catchment’s and have the potential to pollute residential population is expected waterways, impacting public and to grow by 44 per cent by 2040, environmental health. emphasising the need to diversify In rural townships and less developed the water supply system and reduce areas of the catchment, existing dependency on reservoirs. There is sewer capacity is constrained, with an opportunity now to plan for the some areas managing wastewater provision of secure water supplies through on-site wastewater for existing communities, industries management systems. In new growth and developing precincts into areas, including the fi ve precincts the future. encompassing Fishermans Bend which will be home to an estimated 80,000 residents, planning for eff ective wastewater management will support a range of waste-to- resource opportunities for improved public health and environmental outcomes.

16 Yarra Strategic Directions Statement Chapter 2

OpportunitiesOpportunities are optimisedoptimised to mmanageanage existing and future fl ood ririskssks and iimpactsmpacts

Since the early settlement of In recent decades, fl ows through the There is a need to investigate Melbourne on the banks of the Yarra Yarra system have become highly improved fl oodwater harvesting River, the changing fl ows of the Yarra regulated due to the construction capabilities in the Yarra catchment, system have shaped how and where of major water storages that capture particularly in developing urban the city developed. Parts of the Yarra natural run-off and allow for the centres where impervious areas and catchment remain prone to riverine controlled removal of water for obstructions to fl ow paths, such as fl ooding during periods of heavy consumptive use. buildings, can alter the course of and prolonged rainfall. fl oodwaters and lead to increased Stormwater fl ooding is prevalent risk and costs of property and The Yarra catchment’s biggest in urban areas of the catchment. infrastructure damage. fl oodplain is 40 km long and stretches The ongoing development and from Yarra Junction to Yering Gorge. growth of suburbs in metropolitan Re-use of stormwater will also The fl oodplain gives the world- Melbourne contributes higher volumes support the maintenance of water- famous Yarra Valley wine region of stormwater during periods of heavy reliant facilities and amenities, its productive soils. rain, impacting the waterway health such as irrigating sporting fi elds of the Yarra River and its tributaries. and gardens, and reduce demand on drinking supplies.

Raingarden at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Photographer: Tony Proudfoot. Courtesy Melbourne Water

Yarra Strategic Directions Statement 17 Healthy and valued waterways and marine environments

The Yarra catchment contains an 2016-2017 and associated runoff endangered Leadbeater’s possum, array of signifi cant and biologically resulted in a slight decline in overall populations of platypus, a wide diverse waterways ranging from water quality in the Yarra catchment. variety of birds, native fi sh and expansive rivers with variable fl ows to diverse populations of frog species. small ephemeral creeks and streams. According to the 2016-2017 Macroinvertebrate populations are All major waterways in the catchment environmental report card for the generally high in the upper reaches eventually join the Yarra River, catchment’s waterways developed of the Yarra system due to better the largest river in Victoria. The Yarra by the Environment Protection water and vegetation quality. fl ows 242 km from its origins in the Authority Victoria, Melbourne forested Yarra Ranges National Park, Water and DELWP under the Yarra Urbanisation and climate change located in north-eastern Victoria and Bay Action Plan (2012-2017), present signifi cant challenges to on the southern slopes of the Great approximately 43 per cent of the health of the Yarra catchment’s Dividing Range. The river winds its waterways in the Yarra catchment waterways and marine environments. way through metropolitan Melbourne, are in very poor condition, with just Nearly all the Yarra River’s major fi nally meeting the Maribyrnong River over 3 per cent rated as near-natural tributaries have been dammed or at the northernmost entry to Port and high quality. Over one quarter altered for agriculture and urban Phillip Bay. of waterways in typically rural areas development. Water quality, salinity on the urban fringe of the catchment levels and reduced river fl ows during The Yarra River holds high cultural, are in good condition, meeting periods of drought have led to social, economic and environmental Victorian water quality standards. declining platypus populations in value. It is designated as a Victorian some parts of the catchment, as well Heritage River Area between IWM outcomes to achieve healthy as increased chance of algal blooms Warburton, in the catchment's and valued waterways and marine in others. There is an opportunity to central east area, and Warrandyte, environments in the Yarra catchment incorporate improved planning and 24 km northeast of Melbourne. Other complement Melbourne Water’s draft waterway protection controls as the notable waterways in the catchment Healthy Waterways Strategy 2018. catchment continues to urbanise. include the O’Shannessy River, Little The strategy focuses on protecting Yarra River, Woori Yallock Creek, and improving waterways in the Port A further area of opportunity involves Watts River, Plenty River, as well as Phillip and Westernport region on managing sediment and pollution the Merri Creek and Darebin Creek. behalf of the community. It identifi es from the Yarra River and its tributaries a range of priority areas and to the receiving waters of Port Phillip In general, the water quality in management actions for waterways, Bay. At present, the catchment the upper reaches of the Yarra and many of these align with the contributes approximately 32 catchment is good, however water strategic outcome areas and IWM per cent of the nitrogen inputs to quality for waterways located in opportunities identifi ed by the Yarra Port Phillip Bay, the largest of all urbanised and industrial areas IWM Forum Members and further contributing catchments, impacting within the mid and lower catchment detailed in Chapter 3. the health of the bay’s diverse declines signifi cantly. Stormwater marine ecosystems. is one of the major sources of The Yarra system holds signifi cant pollution to waterways in the recreation, nature conservation, region, transporting elevated levels scenic and cultural heritage of nitrogen and other nutrients, attributes, supporting a range of sediment and litter into Port Phillip iconic Australian animal species. Bay. Above average rainfall during These include the critically

18 Yarra Strategic Directions Statement Chapter 2

Healthy and valued urban and rural landscapes

The landscape of the Yarra catchment is The Yarra catchment continues to The high value associated with widely diverse, ranging from agricultural address challenges on the water cycle waterways, green wedges and areas, extensive natural woodlands, from increased pollution due to rapid woodlands in the Yarra catchment grasslands and cool temperate urbanisation and agricultural activities has led to many councils prioritising rainforests, to densely populated urban which impacts the health of its urban the protection of these areas and areas, including Melbourne’s central and rural landscapes. environmental assets. business district (CBD) and residential suburbs accounting for 22 per cent of the region.

The catchment covers an area of approximately 4,076 km2, and the majority of this, 57 per cent, is devoted to agriculture and viticulture. The Yarra Valley is one of the catchment’s most fruitful growing areas, producing nursery plants and cut fl owers, fruits and vegetables, dairy products and acclaimed cool climate wines. A further 21 per cent of the catchment has retained its natural vegetation and supports a diverse range of fl ora and fauna species. Spanning over 76,000 hectares across the upper reaches of the catchment, the Yarra Ranges National Park is home to a breadth of native plants, including Mountain Ash trees and verdant tree ferns. A diverse range of native animals and birds inhabit the area, including kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, echidnas, kookaburras, rosellas, lyrebirds and cockatoos.

The Yarra catchment encompasses part of Kinglake National Park, Mount Toolebewong State Forest, Kurth Kiln Regional Park, Plenty Gorge and Warrandyte State Park. In the mid and lower reaches of the catchment, extensive land clearing for rural and urban development has led to a decline in vegetation condition. Re-vegetation works aim to better connect habitats, stabilise animal populations and mitigate the heat island eff ect in developed areas.

Yarra Ranges National Park. Courtesy: Kevin Wells Photography

Yarra Strategic Directions Statement 19 Community values are refl ected in place-based planning

The Yarra catchment area holds a Local governments are working improving the Yarra River and its wide range of values for Victorians, alongside their communities to environs. Melbourne Water is working including agricultural, tourism, maintain and improve liveability and with representatives of Traditional cultural heritage and recreation prosperity of the Yarra catchment’s Owner groups, communities, on and near the water’s edge. communities and waterways stakeholders and the Victoria during periods of growth. Urban Government on the development The catchment encompasses the development, small lot densifi cation, of the Yarra Strategic Plan, a key traditional lands of the Kulin Nation, renewal areas and activity centre element of the Yarra River Protection including the Wurundjeri people. development will comprise 70 per (Wilip-gin Birrarung murron) Archaeological evidence shows cent of growth in the region. Along Act 2017. The Act strengthens the that Aboriginal people lived and with the densifi cation of Melbourne’s protection and management of prospered in the Yarra catchment inner and middle suburbs, the Yarra River and will help for at least the last 30,000 years. including the new residential and coordinate the responsible public More than 3,000 Aboriginal cultural employment clusters at Fishermans entities that operate near its banks. sites have been recorded in the Bend, areas of growth include the The forthcoming Yarra Strategic Plan Yarra catchment, with a majority Craigieburn-Mickleham and Wallan will provide a policy and planning of these found within 100 m of a regions and the middle ring suburbs framework to guide decision-making permanent watercourse, swamp of Kilsyth and Lilydale. and provide future direction for land or ephemeral creek. use and development in the river There is an opportunity to integrate corridor. Ultimately, the plan aims Known as Birrarung, a Wurundjeri water planning and management to maintain, protect and celebrate word meaning river of mists and with incoming infi ll and greenfi eld the Yarra River and its parklands as shadows, the Yarra River holds development through the Yarra highly valued natural assets that are signifi cant value as a key part of catchment. Examples include critical to the future liveability and Aboriginal culture and storytelling. stormwater harvesting to irrigate prosperity of Melbourne and the The river is the centrepiece of parklands and sporting fi elds, Yarra Valley. Wurundjeri Country and served as the provision of community a key site for conducting ceremony, amenities with water features Other collaborative initiatives that trading, fi shing and hunting. and the maintenance of open seek to elevate community priorities space and green wedges to and outcomes, as well as maintain Other places of signifi cance for support environmental health, a relationship with the Yarra IWM Aboriginal people include Yarra liveability, recreation and cooling Forum, include Melbourne Water’s Bend Park where the Merri Creek in the landscape. Healthy Waterways Strategy meets the Yarra River, Dights Review and the Metropolitan Falls just downstream from this The Yarra catchment supports Partnerships process. The Yarra confl uence, as well as the sacred numerous local advocacy initiatives catchment covers the Northern, domain of the Bolin Bolin Billabong driven by, or involving, communities Eastern and Inner Metropolitan in the City of Manningham. concerned with water cycle Partnerships, an initiative that brings outcomes. These groups are active together community and business in land and waterway protection, representatives with state and local riparian planting and land governments to identify priorities management, community education for jobs, services and infrastructure and advocacy for healthy and within the region. Among a range thriving waterways. of priorities, the Partnerships provide advice to ensure ongoing There is strong stakeholder and environmental benefi ts and community support for a new connections to the environment approach to protecting and within each region.

20 Yarra Strategic Directions Statement Chapter 2

Jobs, economeconomicic ggrowthrowth aandnd iinnovationnnovation

A healthy and iconic river for all The Yarra catchment includes a of Victoria. Major roads and Victorians now and for the future major growth corridor in northeast public transport networks span Melbourne comprising several areas the catchment and keep Victoria The Yarra Strategic Plan is designated for signifi cant population on the move. The majority currently under development to and economic growth. Three National of Victoria’s internationally- ensure the long term protection Employment and Innovation Clusters renowned universities, sporting of the Yarra River (Birrarung). (NEIC) are located within the Yarra centres, cultural facilities and Forum Area. The Parkville NEIC museums are located here, The plan will give eff ect to currently employs more than 40,000 drawing millions of local and a long term community vision people through a range of education, international visitors each year. for the Yarra River and provide research, health, professional and The international and domestic the basis for future planning technical industries. The La Trobe freight and shipping at the Port of the river corridor and each Employment Cluster is anticipated to of Melbourne and the Yarra of its reaches. grow from 35,000 people and 25,700 Valley agricultural area are other To deliver the plan and protect jobs currently to 100,000 people and notable contributors to the the Yarra River for future 80,000 jobs in the future. Jobs and region’s economy. generations, the Yarra River economic growth will also continue Tourism is major economic driver Protection (Willip-gin Birrarung at the Monash NEIC, which has for the Yarra catchment. Direct Murron) Act 2017 identifi es Melbourne’s largest concentration tourism in Melbourne and its the Yarra River and the many of jobs outside the CBD. The Monash surrounds was worth $8.1 billion in hundreds of parcels of public NEIC currently supports 75,000 jobs 2015-16, sustaining 81,900 jobs for land it fl ows through as one and contributes $9.4 billion to the people employed directly by the living, integrated natural entity Victorian economy. The level and tourism industry. Including fl ow on for protection and improvement. pace of growth in these areas will place greater pressure on the eff ects on related industries, total Woi-wurrung language is Yarra catchment’s water systems tourism was worth $15.3 billion to used in the title of the Act in and the security of supply to homes the region’s economy. recognition of Traditional Owners’ and businesses. Agriculture and viticulture are custodianship of the river and other signifi cant drivers of connection to the lands through The second largest State Signifi cant economic prosperity for the Yarra which the river fl ows. Industrial Precinct (SSIP) is found in the Yarra catchment at the Northern catchment. The Yarra Valley’s SSIP. This major industrial area locally and internationally is dominated by manufacturing, recognised fi ne food and wholesaling and population services, wineries attract more than and will continue to attract new 4.5 million tourists each year. investment and jobs to the Yarra Secure water supplies and catchment in the coming years. innovative water management The Yarra catchment also contains infrastructure to support the state and nationally signifi cant Yarra catchment’s key industries infrastructure and commercial will be critical to its continued industries, including Melbourne’s CBD, economic growth and success. the economic and employment heart

Merri Creek. Photographer: Christian Pearson. Courtesy Melbourne Water

Yarra Strategic Directions Statement 21 Chapter 3 IWM opportunities

A portfolio of priority IWM projects and strategies that the Yarra catchment’s collaborative partners have committed their best endeavours to progress.

Yarra Valley. Courtesy FieldImage Chapter 3

Priority Portfolio

The following portfolio of priority projects and strategies represents a suite of IWM opportunities for which the Yarra IWM Forum's collaborative partners are committed to progress within the next 12 to 18 months.

The status of each IWM opportunity The IWM opportunities within The Forum acknowledges that this is included in the Priority Portfolio refl ects acknowledge a number of existing a dynamic list of IWM opportunities the phase of work to be undertaken metropolitan-wide strategies and and is subject to further assessment in this time period. plans, such as the Melbourne Water by the IWM Forum Members. The Systems Strategy and the draft organisations listed as collaborative Additional opportunities that require Healthy Waterways Strategy 2018, partners in the IWM Priority Portfolio further assessment are included as well as the clear and measurable have been identifi ed by the Forum in the Appendix of this SDS. targets identifi ed in the existing Members as important stakeholders In developing this portfolio, the strategies. Targets may include to progress the individual initiative. collaborative governance of the alternative water use and stormwater For initiatives in initial stages of Forum recognises the water cycle harvesting and infi ltration. Further, development, additional stakeholders complexities of the region and climate change mitigation goals, may be included as the project considers the balance of outcomes, including low emission IWM solutions progresses. and those that support urban cooling opportunities, roles and By co-delivering a range of water and greening, will be considered responsibilities for Forum Members planning and management initiatives, by the Forum during the evaluation and their communities. the Yarra IWM Forum seeks to build of projects and strategies. A Forum Area (or catchment-wide) on the strengths of the community, IWM Strategy is yet to be developed, The IWM Forum recognises that the the water sector and governments however the Yarra IWM Forum has contribution of this Priority Portfolio to achieve better value and long term agreed to initiate development of a to the seven strategic outcomes, shared benefi ts for the region. including the targets identifi ed in the strategy over the next 12-18 months. The Yarra IWM Forum presents existing metropolitan-wide strategies, an unparalleled opportunity for The projects and strategies listed has not yet been quantifi ed. It is the these organisations to build lasting within the Priority Portfolio have not intention of the Forum to consider partnerships across sectors and been guided by an existing IWM a targeted evaluation of these IWM geographical boundaries to enhance, Strategy, rather they were developed opportunities where the Forum agrees accelerate and generate greater based on the experience and this is necessary. This work will occur visibility for water cycle initiatives knowledge of the Forum Members, in tandem with the development that will improve Victoria’s resilience and in consideration of their potential of a catchment-wide strategy. to impact on the seven strategic and liveability. outcomes for IWM sought for the Yarra region. In addition, consideration was given to the urgency of taking such actions, particularly where opportunities could be lost if no action was taken, as well as the level of commitment demonstrated by partner organisations to progress IWM initiatives over the next 12-18 months.

Yarra Strategic Directions Statement 23 Yan Yean Reservoir. Photographer: Ric Wallis. Courtesy Melbourne 24 Yarra Strategic Directions Statement Chapter 3

Impact of IWM opportunities on the Forum's strategic outcomes

Biodiversity Connections for Carbon-Neutrality Catchment-scale IWM Strategy Chandler Park Wetlands Coburg Stormwater Harvesting Doncaster Hill Recycled Water Project Fishermans Bend IWM Greening the Greyfields Improving Sanitation through on-site Wastewater Management IWM Sub-Catchment Plans Maranoa Gardens WSUD Strategy Merri Creek Upper IWM Sub-Catchment Plan Pilot Modelling Effectiveness of Distributed Flood Storages and Pilot Project Raingarden and Stormwater Harvesting - Gordon Barnard Reserve Raingarden and Stormwater Harvesting - Macleay Park Retarding Basin Multi-use Outcomes Stormwater Harvesting - Monbulk Recreation Reserve Wallan Restorative Project Whittlesea Community Farm

0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1 Relative impact on strategic outcomes (highest total impact = 1)

Safe, secure and affordable supplies in an uncertain future Effective and affordable wastewater systems Opportunities are optimised to manage existing and future flood risks and impacts Healthy and valued waterways and marine environments Healthy and valued urban and rural landscapes Community values are reflected in place-based planning Jobs, economic growth and innovation

Safe, secure and aff ordable supplies in an uncertain future 1 0.9 0.8 0.7 Jobs, economic growth Eff ective and aff ordable and innovation 0.6 wastewater systems 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1 0

Community values refl ected Opportunities are optimised in place- based planning to manage existing and future fl ood risks and impacts

Healthy and valued urban Healthy and valued waterways and rural landscapes and marine environments

Yarra Strategic Directions Statement 25 IWM opportunities: An overview of projects and strategies

IWM opportunity Strategic outcomes Location Spatial scale

Biodiversity Connections Yarra Forum Area Forum area for Carbon-Neutrality

Catchment-scale IWM Strategy Yarra Forum Area Forum area

Chandler Park Wetlands Chandler Park, Sub-catchment Kew

Coburg Stormwater Harvesting Coburg Sub-catchment

Doncaster Hill Recycled Water Doncaster Hill Urban renewal Recycled Water

Fishermans Bend IWM Plan Fishermans Bend Sub-catchment

Greening the Greyfi elds Ringwood Urban renewal

Improving Sanitation through Park Orchards Sub-catchment on-site Wastewater Management

IWM Sub-Catchment Plans Metropolitan Sub-catchment Melbourne

Maranoa Gardens WSUD Strategy Balwyn Sub-catchment

Merri Creek Upper IWM Merri Creek Upper Sub-catchment Sub-Catchment Plan Pilot catchment

Modelling Eff ectiveness of Yarra catchment Sub-catchment Distributed Flood Storages and Pilot Project

Raingarden and Stormwater Balwyn North Sub-catchment Harvesting - Gordon Barnard Reserve

Raingarden and Stormwater Balwyn North Sub-catchment Harvesting - Macleay Park

Retarding Basin Multi-Use Various Sub-catchment Outcomes

Stormwater Harvesting - Monbulk Sub-catchment Monbulk Recreation Reserve

Wallan Restorative Project Wallan Urban renewal

Whittlesea Community Farm Whittlesea Lot scale

The status of each IWM opportunity included in the Priority Portfolio refl ects the phase of work to be undertaken in this time period.

Shade scale Level of shading refers to the degree of impact the IWM opportunity has on each strategic outcome area. Dark shading represents highest impact.

Low High

26 Yarra Strategic Directions Statement Chapter 3

Collaborative partners Status

Port Phillip and Westernport CMA (PPWCMA), Melbourne Water, Yarra Valley Water, Wurundjeri Land and Compensation Cultural Heritage Council (L&CCHC), Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation (LCAC)

Yarra IWM Forum member organisations

City of Boroondara, Melbourne Water, Wurundjeri L&CCHC

Moreland City Council, Melbourne Water, Yarra Valley Water, community groups

Yarra Valley Water, Whitehorse Council, Manningham Council, Wurundjeri L&CCHC

South East Water, City of Melbourne, Melbourne Water, City of Port Phillip, Fishermans Bend Task Force, Bunurong LCAC, Wurundjeri L&CCHC*

Maroondah City Council, Swinburne University, Yarra Valley Water, Wurundjeri L&CCHC, Bunurong LCAC

Yarra Valley Water, Councils, Environment Protection Authority (EPA), Wurundjeri L&CCHC

Yarra Valley Water, Melbourne Water, Councils, Essential Services Commission, Victorian Planning Authority (VPA), Wurundjeri L&CCHC, Bunurong LCAC, Urban Development Institute of Australia, Association of Land Development Engineers

City of Boroondara, Wurundjeri L&CCHC*, Bunurong LCAC

Yarra Valley Water, Melbourne Water, Wurundjeri L&CCHC, Hume City Council, Whittlesea City Council, Mitchell Shire Council

Melbourne Water, Yarra Valley Water, South East Water, Wurundjeri L&CCHC, Bunurong LCAC

City of Boroondara, Melbourne Water, Wurundjeri L&CCHC

City of Boroondara, Melbourne Water, Wurundjeri L&CCHC*

Melbourne Water, Councils, water corporations, Wurundjeri L&CCHC, Bunurong LCAC

Yarra Ranges Council, Melbourne Water, Yarra Valley Water, Wurundjeri L&CCHC

Yarra Valley Water, Melbourne Water, Mitchell Shire Council, Wurundjeri L&CCHC

Yarra Valley Water, City of Whittlesea, Wurundjeri L&CCHC, Whittlesea Community Connections

* The Wurundjeri Land and Compensation Cultural Heritage Council Aboriginal Corporation will remain informed of progress related to this IWM opportunity.

Project opportunity status

Concept & feasibility Business case Detailed design Implementation Commission Benefi t realisation

Strategy opportunity status

Concept Commitment Prepare draft Consult & fi nalise Implement Evaluate

Yarra Strategic Directions Statement 27 Priority Portfolio of IWM opportunities

All the IWM opportunities included IWM Forum, and from generating and future IWM initiatives; the ability in the Priority Portfolio demonstrate new, or enhancing existing, cross- to be a mechanism for further IWM value for the Yarra catchment. organisational collaboration. advocacy and policy innovation; and All projects and strategies will a contribution of substantial benefi ts be enhanced and accelerated Some projects and strategies in to the region as a whole, or specifi cally by collaboration and visibility the Priority Portfolio off er unique to its iconic natural assets, including through the IWM Forum process. additional values. These include: the Yarra River. the potential to generate important They will all benefi t from additional cross-organisational learnings and resources and support through the capacity-building benefi ts for current

ACTION 1

Biodiversity Connections for Carbon-Neutrality

Victoria’s water authorities are committed to becoming carbon neutral. Achieving Status this will require various actions to reduce carbon emissions. It will also likely require some off setting of carbon emissions. Collaborative Port Phillip and Partners Westernport CMA Work has been under way over the past two years between water authorities and (PPWCMA), Yarra Valley catchment management authorities to develop and trial arrangements that see carbon Water, Melbourne Water, Bunurong Land Council off sets being achieved through revegetation that can also provide other environmental Aboriginal Corporation and social benefi ts for local communities. (LCAC), Wurundjeri Land and Compensation A number of potential ‘nature links’ have been identifi ed in the Yarra catchment as priority Cultural Heritage Council sites for major revegetation due to their importance for connecting existing habitat (L&CCHC) and enabling movement of fauna across landscapes. These sites include areas of the Location Yarra Forum Area Merri Creek, along the middle Yarra River, sites from Kinglake to Warrandyte, and sites at Yellingbo. Revegetation in these areas could help boost population of threatened species and increase the resilience of landscapes to future climate threats. Spatial scale Forum area

This collaborative project will trial a process for revegetation in the priority areas. It will also assess the costs and benefi ts to enable improved decision-making regarding carbon off sets through revegetation works in the future.

ACTION 2

Catchment-scale IWM Strategy

A catchment-scale IWM Strategy will support the Yarra IWM Forum Members to eff ectively contribute to the achievement of the Forum’s vision and strategic outcomes. This project Status will defi ne a plan to deliver an IWM Strategy in collaboration with all Yarra IWM Forum Collaborative Yarra IWM Forum member Members and Working Group members. Partners organisations

A catchment-scale IWM Strategy should consider developing a framework to inform/guide Location Yarra Forum Area investment decisions regarding place-based IWM initiatives.

Spatial scale Forum area

28 Yarra Strategic Directions Statement Chapter 3

ACTION 3

Chandler Park Wetlands

This project aims to develop a constructed wetland to treat stormwater runoff from a Status 120-hectare urban catchment in Kew. The project proposes to divert stormwater from Collaborative City of Boroondara, the Melbourne Water Kew regional drain and treat it prior to discharge to the Yarra River. Partners Melbourne Water, Wurundjeri L&CCHC In addition to improving the health of the Yarra and Port Phillip Bay, the project will enhance wildlife habitats and create recreational and learning opportunities for site Location Chandler Park, Kew users and the wider community. The wetlands will also help minimise use of drinking

water for environmental purposes. Spatial scale Sub-catchment

The Chandler Park Wetlands was selected as one of Boroondara’s highest priority water sensitive urban design opportunities through a multi-criteria analysis. Its strategic position within the Yarra River corridor made it a priority site amongst more than 20 potential sites for stormwater harvesting and a fi t for purpose re-use asset. The removal of harmful pollutants from stormwater passing through the wetlands will ultimately support improved waterway health for the Yarra River and Port Phillip Bay.

ACTION 4

Coburg Stormwater Harvesting

The suburb of Coburg, 9 km north of Melbourne’s CBD, is a key activity centre within the Moreland City Council area. The suburb contains one of Council’s highest profi le Status recreation reserves, Coburg City Oval, as well as two other well-used open spaces at the Collaborative Moreland City Council, DeChene Reserve and McDonald Reserve. Together, these three reserves consume over Partners Melbourne Water, 30 ML of drinking water for irrigation each year. Located on or close to a major drainage Yarra Valley Water, pipeline, the Harding Street Main Drain, this project leverages an opportunity to develop Wurundjeri L&CCHC, community groups stormwater harvesting systems to supply stormwater for irrigation of the reserve areas. Location Coburg In addition to the potable water savings and stormwater improvement outcomes, this project also explores opportunities to activate underused spaces within the reserves, Spatial scale Sub-catchment using urban and landscape design to improve local amenity. Co-design approaches with project partners and community groups will ensure local values are incorporated with integrated water management objectives for long term community liveability and environmental benefi ts.

ACTION 5

Doncaster Hill Recycled Water Project

This project proposes to deliver Class A recycled water to one of Melbourne’s fast growing urban renewal precincts. Recycled water will replace the use of drinking water for uses Status including garden watering and toilet fl ushing. With 70 per cent of Melbourne’s future growth Collaborative Yarra Valley Water, to occur in infi ll areas, the Doncaster Hill Project is an important test case demonstrating Partners Whitehorse Council, the challenges of delivering water related liveability outcomes via an integrated approach Manningham Council, to water cycle management in an infi ll growth area. Partners will explore opportunities Wurundjeri L&CCHC for the initial project concept (centred around Doncaster Hill) to be broadened to realise Location Doncaster, Box Hill North benefi ts for a broader community of interest in the vicinity of Koonung Creek Linear Park, Koonung Creek Parklands, Eastern Freeway Linear Reserve and the proposed site of the Spatial scale Urban renewal North East Link road project. Opportunities include park amenity and drought-proofi ng community parks and sports grounds and exploring the integration of rainwater and recycled water management into apartments, and knowledge transfer across IWM Forums.

Yarra Strategic Directions Statement 29 ACTION 6

Fishermans Bend IWM Plan

Fishermans Bend is Australia's largest urban renewal project covering approximately 480 hectares in the heart of Melbourne. The area will be developed to accommodate Status more than 80,000 residents and thousands of jobs and services. An integrated water Collaborative South East Water, City management strategy is required for the region to ensure innovative IWM principles Partners of Melbourne, Melbourne can help make Fishermans Bend a world-class water-sensitive region. Water, City of Port Phillip, Fishermans Bend Task The plan includes a sewer mining plant to provide recycled water to all new buildings Force, Bunurong LCAC, for use in toilets, laundry facilities and to irrigate open space. The plan envisions the Wurundjeri L&CCHC* installation of building-scale rainwater tanks to collect water from building roofs, providing Location Fishermans Bend fl ood mitigation benefi ts, as well as an additional source of water for non-potable uses. The Fishermans Bend IWM Plan will align with the vision and strategic outcomes of the Spatial scale Sub-catchment Yarra IWM Forum.

ACTION 7

Greening the Greyfi elds

As populations and land values increase, many land owners are choosing to demolish Status their houses and subdivide their lots to accommodate more dwellings. The current trend Collaborative can result in poor urban design, loss of vegetation and overdevelopment of small lots with Maroondah City Council, Partners Swinburne University, Yarra limited liveability benefi ts. It can also bring an infl ux of new residents to an area where Valley Water, Wurundjeri local infrastructure and amenities, such as public transport, parking or open space areas, L&CCHC, Bunurong LCAC cannot keep pace with growth. Location Ringwood Greening the Greyfi elds is an Australian Government-funded project aimed at resolving challenges with infi ll development by promoting sustainable housing regeneration in the Spatial scale Urban renewal middle suburbs.

This project will take a holistic precinct-wide approach to re-development by working with landowners and local governments to design better housing outcomes for privately owned land.

By amalgamating lots and developing complementary designs at the precinct-scale, the project explores the potential to increase the quantity, quality and diversity of housing in the Yarra catchment. It also aims to better integrate IWM principles and water-sensitive infi ll development practices into existing neighbourhoods.

ACTION 8

Improving Sanitation through on-site Wastewater Management

This project seeks to address the environmental and health risks posed by inadequate Status onsite wastewater treatment (septic) systems. Collaborative Yarra Valley Water, The value of on-site wastewater treatment and re-use, including for gardens and Partners Councils, Environment park irrigation, has historically not been permitted. However, complete or partial use of Protection Authority (EPA), wastewater can reduce demand on potable drinking sources, and reduce costs associated Wurundjeri L&CCHC with sewage. Treated wastewater can also provide local communities and property owners Location Park Orchards with a highly valued resource. This project intends to give customers greater choice and involvement in decisions regarding on-site wastewater management. Spatial scale Sub-catchment

Yarra Valley Water (YVW) is currently trialling the installation, operation and maintenance of YVW-owned and operated on-site wastewater treatment systems in the Park Orchards Community Sewerage Area. Together with collaborative partners, YVW is developing an alternative to market available on-site treatment systems as a means to provide a reliable, low-operating cost, long life on-site treatment systems.

30 Yarra Strategic Directions Statement Chapter 3

ACTION 9

IWM Sub-Catchment Plans

This project will develop place-based IWM Sub-Catchment Plans to clearly convey Status planning requirements and the infrastructure investment sequencing information. Collaborative Yarra Valley Water, It will provide a coordinated, consistent and proactive approach from water authorities, Partners Melbourne Water, catchment managers and local governments in relation to water resources planning and Councils, Essential Services management for specifi ed areas across Metropolitan Melbourne. IWM Sub-Catchment Commission, Victorian Plans will integrate and extend the existing management and funding frameworks to Planning Authority (VPA), enable effi cient investment decisions and support multiple benefi ts. Each plan will show Wurundjeri L&CCHC, Bunurong LCAC, the planning and development requirements for each land parcel, including proposed Urban Development IWM assets, such as water supply, sewer networks, fl ood protection, drainage requirements, Institute of Australia, and alternative water source infrastructure, and any contribution rates required from Association of Land developers. Development Engineers Location Metropolitan Melbourne The Merri Creek Upper IWM Sub-Catchment Plan will be the pilot project for this strategy. Spatial scale Sub-catchment

ACTION 10

Maranoa Gardens WSUD Strategy

Maranoa Gardens is a prized historic botanical gardens 15-km east of Melbourne. Status This project investigates the development of a Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) Collaborative City of Boroondara, strategy to increase water use effi ciency at the gardens, one of the highest water Partners Wurundjeri L&CCHC*, usage sites in the City of Boroondara. Bunurong LCAC

A WSUD strategy for Maranoa Gardens will increase local water harvesting capabilities Location Balwyn for use in the irrigation and maintenance of unique native landscapes through the grounds. Stormwater capture and treatment will also reduce contaminated runoff Spatial scale Sub-catchment to local waterways and into Port Phillip Bay.

ACTION 11

Merri Creek Upper IWM Sub-catchment Plan Pilot

The Merri Creek Upper sub-catchment will be a pilot site for the implementation Status of IWM Sub-catchment Plans in a predominantly greenfi eld development setting. Collaborative Yarra Valley Water, The sub-catchment is undergoing signifi cant development as part of the North Partners Melbourne Water, Growth Corridor Plan to expand transport, housing, employment and lifestyle Wurundjeri L&CCHC, Hume City Council, opportunities in Melbourne’s northern growth areas. Whittlesea City Council, Mitchell Shire Council This plan represents a pilot project for the broader IWM Sub-catchment Plan strategy for Metropolitan Melbourne. Location Merri Creek Upper Catchment

Spatial scale Sub-catchment

Yarra Strategic Directions Statement 31 ACTION 12

Modelling Eff ectiveness of Distributed Flood Storages and Pilot Project

Research by DELWP and Melbourne Water has shown that distributed fl ood storages Status have potential to provide shared benefi ts. This project will build off this research, considering other key initiatives, to develop a smart tank implementation pilot, by Collaborative Melbourne Water, Yarra identifying a pilot catchment/catchments within the Yarra catchment that address Partners Valley Water, South East Water, Wurundjeri existing fl ood issues and the legacy of future development. L&CCHC, Bunurong LCAC

To do this, modelling and investigation of distributed storages will ascertain shared Location Yarra catchment benefi ts of water security, waterway health and fl ood protection considering growth and climate change. Developing the pilot will be done through engagement with Spatial scale Sub-catchment practitioners, planners, policy makers and community. Shared learnings from the pilot will be shared extensively with industry to enable broader adoption of the developed planning and implementation practices.

ACTION 13

Raingarden and Stormwater Harvesting - Gordon Barnard Reserve

The Gordon Barnard Reserve is a popular green open space and sporting reserve Status in Balwyn North. This project proposes a raingarden system at the reserve to meet more than 70 per cent of its annual irrigation demands, keeping fi elds green and Collaborative City of Boroondara, providing liveability and urban cooling benefi ts to the region. Partners Melbourne Water, Wurundjeri L&CCHC

2 The project includes the installation of a gross pollutant trap, as well as a 290m Location Balwyn North raingarden and tertiary treatment that will remove 133 kilograms/year of total nitrogen from stormwater entering local waterways, as well as supply 7.5 ML/year Spatial scale Sub-catchment of treated stormwater for reuse at the reserve.

ACTION 14

Raingarden and Stormwater Harvesting - Macleay Park

The Macleay Park raingarden system will treat stormwater from a 149 hectare urban Status catchment in Balwyn North. It includes a gross pollutant trap, a 450 m2 raingarden and tertiary treatment that will remove 114 kilograms/year of total nitrogen from urban Collaborative City of Boroondara, stormwater entering local waterways and eventually Port Phillip Bay. The raingarden Partners Melbourne Water, Wurundjeri L&CCHC will supply approximately 11.4 ML/year of treated stormwater for reuse at Macleay Park, about 70 per cent of its annual irrigation demand. Location Balwyn

Spatial scale Sub-catchment

32 Yarra Strategic Directions Statement Chapter 3

ACTION 15

Retarding Basin Multi-Use Outcomes

Melbourne Water is currently developing principles and a prioritisation tool to identify when and what type of community infrastructure is appropriate at diff erent fl ood Status retarding basin sites. There is an opportunity to partner with local governments and Collaborative Melbourne Water, Councils, other organisations to implement fi ndings from this work, and to explore recreation, Partners water corporations, open space, water harvesting and distribution outcomes. Wurundjeri L&CCHC, Bunurong LCAC This project will investigate opportunities for multiple and additional land uses of Location Various Melbourne Water-owned retarding basin land. Opportunities include stormwater harvesting and reuse, passive and active open space, stormwater treatment, biodiversity. Spatial scale Sub-catchment

The outcomes of this strategic study could facilitate on-ground works that will require collaborations with local government, retailers and community, as well as a dataset that captures a ranking and/or prioritisation of retarding basins based on multi-use benefi t opportunities, and agreed principles and a tool to guide and assess multiple land use of retarding basins for Melbourne Water.

ACTION 16

Stormwater Harvesting - Monbulk Recreation Reserve Status The project aims to maximise stormwater as a resource and use a distribution network to irrigate sports fi eld at Monbulk Recreation Reserve. Preliminary investigations have Collaborative Yarra Ranges Council, Partners Melbourne Water, indicated the 14-hectare urban catchment could supply 6.4 ML/ year of water to Yarra Valley Water, the irrigated oval with 80 per cent reliability, reducing dependence on potable supplies Wurundjeri L&CCHC to keep fi elds green. The project would also reduce stormwater fl ows to Sassafras and Emerald Creeks, improving the ecological values and water quality of these waterways. Location Monbulk

Spatial scale Sub-catchment

ACTION 17

Wallan Restorative Project

The Wallan Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) will be connected to the metropolitan sewer Status network by 2021. At this time, the STP will become a sewer mining plant and whilst the entire site will be required to maintain an odour buff er, there is an opportunity to repurpose the Collaborative Yarra Valley Water, existing irrigation land and winter storage lagoons for other benefi ts. With development set Partners Melbourne Water, Mitchell Shire Council, to occur on all sides of the treatment plant soon, this project will explore the opportunities Wurundjeri L&CCHC and constraints associated with the site, to develop a concept design of what could be possible. This could include: rehabilitation of the former Hernes Swamp, naturalisation of Location Wallan Taylors Creek, stormwater treatment wetlands and creek diversions for treatment and Spatial scale water quality improvement, stormwater detention and fl ood mitigation for the Upper Urban renewal Merri sub-catchment, biodiversity and habitat development, community access and eco-tourism, as well as Traditional Owner economic opportunities.

ACTION 18

Whittlesea Community Farm Status This project explores the development of a proposal for the Whittlesea Community Farm and Food Distribution Network to use recycled water and other local resources Collaborative Yarra Valley Water, City to grow and provide fresh fruit, vegetables and cooked food to people in need across Partners of Whittlesea, Wurundjeri L&CCHC, Whittlesea the City of Whittlesea. Community Connections

Location Whittlesea

Spatial scale Lot scale

Yarra Strategic Directions Statement 33 Strategic enablers to put IWM into practice

The IWM Forums were Alongside these opportunities, Barriers to IWM are reviewed, with the IWM Forum Members identifi ed local implications and potential established in Victoria a range of barriers that could state-wide resolutions, or strategic to identify, coordinate prevent eff ective implementation enablers, discussed. These discussions and prioritise place- of IWM across metropolitan will help DELWP determine potential based and catchment- Melbourne and regional Victoria. options for policy reform and associated areas of impact for wide opportunities that The DELWP Water and Catchments industry sectors and organisations. would most benefi t from Group is responsible for addressing these barriers to implementation Advisory groups provide advice collaborative water in a holistic manner alongside regarding areas where planning, cycle planning and relevant government organisations water, local government and other management. involved in land use planning arms of government need to work and land management. more collaboratively to maintain and enhance the liveability and resilience Advisory groups drawing on industry of Victoria’s cities and towns. and independent expertise support DELWP in the development and implementation of strategic initiatives to fi ll knowledge gaps and address issues identifi ed through the IWM Forum process.

Docklands Park wetlands. Photographer: Dani De Rose

34 Yarra Strategic Directions Statement Chapter 3

Success stories

Cleaner Creeks, Everyone's Business

The Merri Creek is prized by communities for its recreational, cultural and environmental value. But as urban and industrial development grows closer to the well-loved creek and its bushland surrounds, high levels of stormwater pollution carrying toxic solvents, heavy metals, fuels, oil and grease, have impacted the health and quality of this inner-city waterway.

To raise awareness of the impact of polluted stormwater on the Merri Creek and its receiving waters downstream, Hume City Council and Melbourne Water launched an on-site educational engagement program aimed at industrial estate businesses throughout the northern Melbourne suburbs of Campbellfi eld and Craigieburn.

Working off the success of a similar Drainage outfall at Merri Creek prior to the intervention. engagement initiative in the City of Courtesy Centre for Aquatic Pollution Identifi cation and Management Whittlesea, Cleaner Creeks project offi cers visited over 200 high pollution As the educational engagement Since the implementation of the risk businesses to encourage better program progressed, water quality Cleaner Creeks initiative, collaboration work site management and pollution sampling revealed a reduction in the has also increased between Hume prevention practices with the aim of concentrations of some pollutants City Council and other councils with improving the quality of stormwater entering the Merri Creek. The site visits large industrial estates, such as the run-off discharged to Merri Creek. also helped initiate conversations with City of Whittlesea and the City of Regular and informal site visits gave the industrial business community Greater Dandenong, who continue the industrial business community on the importance of environmental to share knowledge and engagement the opportunity to raise pollution protections in industrial areas, tactics to encourage better management concerns unique to their with broader amenity improvements industrial pollution and stormwater business and together with council arising from the removal of dumped management across the region. offi cers, collaboratively negotiate waste and vehicle wrecks in the practical solutions to mitigate vicinity of the Merri Creek. waterway pollution.

Yarra Strategic Directions Statement 35 IWM in the North Growth Bringing water, sewerage and drainage The outcomes of the study have led to Corridor services to these new areas presented the development and implementation an opportunity for Yarra Valley Water, of the third-pipe recycled water Greater Melbourne’s population is together with Melbourne Water, local scheme which, when delivered in full, anticipated to grow by almost 70 per and state governments and other will provide 6 GL/year of non-potable cent to around 8 million people by 2051. stakeholders, to proactively protect water to the North Growth Corridor To accommodate this growth, more key waterways in the growth zone and save costs by deferring signifi cant than one million new dwellings across while integrating best practice water water infrastructure and avoiding or the metropolitan area will be needed. management plans through the signifi cant and sewerage infrastructure. Most residential development will corridor. New residents and businesses will have take place in greenfi eld growth areas, access to recycled water for use in including over 160,000 new dwellings Following a study into alternative garden irrigation, fl ushing toilets and estimated for the North Growth Corridor IWM servicing options for the corridor, a range of other non-potable sources. (NGC), a new housing, employment and the collaborative project partners transport growth zone extending from found that the provision of recycled Future work in the growth corridor Craigieburn to Wallan. water for non-potable uses, combined will involve further development with stormwater harvesting through of stormwater management and the region, would provide maximum harvesting options to protect highly benefi t to new communities and valued waterways in the north, many of the environment. which eventually fl ow to Port Phillip Bay.

Recycled water for car washing. Courtesy Yarra Valley Water

36 Yarra Strategic Directions Statement Chapter 3

Bioretention swale. Courtesy Waterway Ecosystem Research Group, University of Melbourne

Catchment-scale stormwater the installation of a variety of 45-60 ML of stormwater into control restores Little stormwater control measures, such the ground, recharging natural Stringybark Creek as rainwater tanks and raingardens, groundwater and stream basefl ows. across private and public land in the Researchers found that both water The Little Stringybark Creek is a small suburb of Mount Evelyn, located in quality and the hydrological regime stream in the Dandenong Ranges, the upper part of the Little Stringybark of the Little Stringybark Creek had about 40 km east of Melbourne’s CBD. Creek catchment. improved, bringing the water cycle It fl ows into the Stringybark Creek, closer to its near natural state. which joins the Yarra River just south Through a targeted community of Yarra Glen township. Located near engagement and education program, Amid the success of the creek grazing land, suburban residential the collaborative partners provided restoration project, Little Stringybark communities and commercial information, fi nancial incentives and Creek Environmental Signifi cance industrial land, Little Stringybark Creek technical support to encourage Overlay (ESO) was developed to trial was known to be heavily degraded community members to eff ectively a new standard for land use planning and in poor ecological condition due capture, treat and use stormwater and stormwater management. in part to pollutants carried through on their property. Nearly one third The Little Stringybark Creek ESO volumes of urban stormwater fl owing of properties in the catchment took applied a planning control over through the catchment. part in the experiment, installing developments in the catchment, various stormwater control measures requiring stormwater control and Beginning in 2008, Melbourne to treat and use stormwater runoff runoff treatment measures of all Water embarked on a wide-ranging from their land. Council also installed works creating more than 10m2 stormwater control experiment with 88 stormwater treatment systems of impervious surfaces. the University of Melbourne aimed in the public realm, including 15 at restoring the hydrology, water large precinct raingardens and To date, Melbourne Water and the quality and ecological function 62 streetscape raingardens and Yarra Ranges Council are working of Little Stringybark Creek. underground infi ltration systems. to pursue the permanent adoption of the ESO requirements to continue Together with Yarra Valley Water, Together, the public and private to eff ectively control runoff in the Yarra Ranges Council and with stormwater control measures saved catchment and protect the Little support from the Victorian and Federal around 35-50 ML/year of potable Stringybark Creek. Governments, the experiment saw water and infi ltrated about

Yarra Strategic Directions Statement 37 Continued success through collaboration

IWM is an evolving IWM Forums collaborate and oversee It is anticipated that the IWM Forum ongoing IWM planning. The IWM collaborative partners will continue process that seeks to Forum cycle is summarised at right. use their best endeavours to advance coordinate and balance priority IWM initiatives through regular Phase One of the IWM Forum cycle has meetings and future Forums. many views and interests established an enabling environment in the water sector for Victoria’s water sector stakeholders Forum Members will also assess around common goals to develop shared IWM objectives the feasibility of additional IWM and agreed outcomes. and overcome sectoral, institutional opportunities identifi ed in Phase and geographic boundaries through One (refer to Appendix). collaboration. This phase was guided Phase Two will create an opportunity by the experience and knowledge to evaluate and share learnings from of the Forum Members. Phase One to benefi t stakeholders. Phase Two of the IWM Forum cycle It will also optimise resources and will assume a more strategic approach explore the development of innovative to successful IWM implementation and tools and approaches that plan for, planning for the Forum Area. This phase and respond to, water supply and will include the development demand in the future. of catchment-wide IWM strategy Phase Three prepares the Forum to inform IWM investments. to refresh the Strategic Directions Phase Two will also provide an Statement and review the progress opportunity for IWM Forum Members to of strategic enablers for IWM. update relevant organisational policies, plans and strategies to refl ect the outcomes of the IWM Forum.

Albert Park Lake. Photographer: Chris Kapa. Courtesy Melbourne Water

38 Yarra Strategic Directions Statement Chapter 3

Outcomes Participants Phase I

Establish Preliminary work on regional characterisation Local governments and collaborative governance Organisational leaders Catchment come together Agree vision, objectives and goals Management Authorities in collaborative IWM Forums and Agree criteria for selection and prioritisation Water corporations of IWM opportunities Working Groups to Traditional Owners discuss integrated IWM opportunities identifi ed and prioritised water management Department of challenges, Collaboratively develop and endorse Strategic Environment, Land, opportunities and Directions Statement for each region Water and Planning priorities for each Chair region Others as relevant

Phase II

Planning Co-design and agree on Terms of Reference, Collaborative partners governance structure, stakeholder engagement Cultivate a collaborative and/or community participatory planning guidance Community culture to progress IWM for IWM project/strategy representatives opportunities Others as relevant

Progress IWM Project Groups initiate work as per identifi ed Collaborative partners project/strategy status, including: feasibility Forum Members use assessment; technical and economic analysis; Individual organisations best endeavours who have committed to cost allocation; business case development Next 12-18 to progress IWM a project/strategy months opportunities to next Strategic enablers for IWM progressed by DELWP Community stage with support from Forum Members The feasibility representatives of IWM IWM Project Groups report progress to IWM Forums Relevant stakeholders opportunities will be Incorporate IWM Project Groups to take IWM commitments Individual organisations continually (projects and strategies) to their Board or Councils who have committed reviewed and Collaborative for investment endorsement to deliver a project/ assessed Partner organisations strategy in Phase II incorporate relevant IWM Project Groups incorporate elements into their to confi rm elements of IWM in their own organisational planning systems, e.g. Council the need for own plans, guidelines or and corporate plans, Construction Guidelines, etc. specifi c IWM frameworks projects/ Report back to IWM Forum strategies

Realise Application of practical IWM tools and innovative Collaborative partners approaches IWM benefi ts are Individual organisations realised following Additional community value added through who have committed to implementation of participatory planning a project/strategy project/strategy Monitoring and evaluation of key measures and outcomes Community representatives Economic savings through shared resources, costs, etc. Others as relevant Improved resilience and liveability of cities and towns

Phase III

Prepare Collaborative partners prepare for next round of IWM Collaborative partners Forums IWM Forums prepare to refresh the Strategic IWM Forums collaboratively review key learnings and Directions Statement outcomes from Phase I & II, including catchment-scale IWM Strategy and progress on strategic enablers

Next round of IWM opportunity identifi cation and prioritisation

Yarra Strategic Directions Statement 39 Appendix Additional IWM opportunities in the Yarra catchment

Action IWM opportunity

19 Albert Park Lake Stormwater Harvesting

20 Alternative Water Supply - Royal Botanic Gardens

21 Best Practice Stormwater Management from Public Realm

22 Coldstream Water Recycling Scheme

23 Consistency of Drainage Policy

24 Drinking Water Quality Improvements

25 Edwardes Lake Stormwater Quality Monitoring

26 Flood Protection Smart Technology

27 Gardiners Creek Revitalisation

28 Greater Broadmeadows IWM Plan

29 Hazelwynde Water Sensitive Community

30 Jones Park Wetland and Stormwater Harvesting

31 Lilydale Quarry Development - Kinley

32 Land Subject to Inundation Overlay Update

33 Maximising the Value of Reticulated Sewerage in Monbulk

40 Yarra Strategic Directions Statement Appendix

The following list of additional IWM Shade scale opportunities was identifi ed by the Yarra IWM Forum in the fi rst phase of the IWM Forum cycle. The list Low High captures potential future priorities for the Yarra IWM Forum. Level of shading refers to the degree of impact the IWM opportunity has on each strategic outcome area. Dark shading represents highest impact. Further assessment will be required by the collaborative partners to progress these opportunities through the IWM Forum.

Collaborative partners Strategic outcome areas

City of Melbourne, City of Port Phillip, South East Water, Wurundjeri L&CCHC*, Bunurong LCAC, Parks Victoria

City of Melbourne, Melbourne Water, City West Water, Royal Botanic Gardens, South East Water, Bunurong LCAC, Wurundjeri L&CCHC*

Moreland City Council, Melbourne Water, councils, Wurundjeri L&CCHC, Bunurong LCAC, Victorian Planning Authority (VPA), Environment Protection Authority (EPA)

Yarra Ranges Council, Melbourne Water, Yarra Valley Water, Wurundjeri L&CCHC, agricultural property owners

City of Whitehorse, Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV), Wurundjeri L&CCHC, Bunurong LCAC, councils

Melbourne Water, Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority (PPWCMA), Yarra Valley Water, Wurundjeri L&CCHC, agricultural landowners, Yarra Ranges Council

Darebin City Council, Merri Creek Management committee, Wurundjeri L&CCHC, Friends of Edgars Creek, Melbourne Water, Whittlesea City Council, Yarra Valley Water

Maroondah City Council, Melbourne Water, Wurundjeri L&CCHC, Bunurong LCAC

City of Monash, City of Whitehorse, Melbourne Water, City of Stonnington, Bunurong LCAC, Wurundjeri L&CCHC*

Yarra Valley Water, Hume City Council, Melbourne Water, Wurundjeri L&CCHC, VPA

Yarra Valley Water, Mitchell Shire Council, Melbourne Water, Wurundjeri L&CCHC, VPA, developers, community

Moreland City Council, Melbourne Water

Yarra Valley Water, Yarra Ranges Council, Melbourne Water, Wurundjeri L&CCHC, Bunurong LCAC, land owners and developers

Melbourne Water, City of Melbourne, Councils, Wurundjeri L&CCHC, Bunurong LCAC

Yarra Valley Water, Yarra Ranges Council, Wurundjeri L&CCHC, Bunurong LCAC, EPA

* The Wurundjeri Land and Compensation Cultural Heritage Council Aboriginal Corporation will remain informed of progress related to this IWM opportunity. Yarra Strategic Directions Statement 41 Additional IWM opportunities in the Yarra catchment (continued)

Action IWM opportunity

34 Merlyston Creek Naturalisation and Box Forest Road Retarding Basin Wetland and Stormwater Harvesting

35 Moomba Park Wetland and Stormwater Harvesting

36 Plan for Flood Protection from Sea Level Rise

37 Planning Controls Strengthened to Regulate Discharge from Sites

38 Reservoir Wetlands

39 Sewer Heat Recovery

40 Stormwater Harvesting for a Variety of Uses in the Northern Growth Corridor

41 Swift Parrot Landscape Protection

42 Update of STORM Tool

43 Urban Cooling Program

44 Warburton Hospital Development IWM Opportunities

45 Waste to Energy Project - Lilydale

46 WSUD Asset Management Process Mapping and Gap Analysis

47 Yarra Catchment Nature Links

42 Yarra Strategic Directions Statement Appendix

Shade scale

Low High

Level of shading refers to the degree of impact the IWM opportunity has on each strategic outcome area. Dark shading represents highest impact.

Collaborative partners Strategic outcome areas

Moreland City Council, Melbourne Water

Moreland City Council, Melbourne Water

City of Melbourne, Melbourne Water, City of Port Phillip, Bunurong LCAC, Wurundjeri L&CCHC, Fishermans Bend Task Force

Melbourne Water, councils, MAV, Bunurong LCAC, Wurundjeri L&CCHC, VPA

Darebin City Council, Melbourne Water, Yarra Valley Water, Wurundjeri L&CCHC, community groups

City West Water, Melbourne Water, Yarra Valley Water, Wurundjeri L&CCHC, Bunurong LCAC, private and public industry

Yarra Valley Water, Melbourne Water, Hume City Council, Mitchell Shire Council, Whittlesea City Council, Wurundjeri L&CCHC, VPA

PPWCMA, Wurundjeri L&CCHC, Landcare groups

Melbourne Water, DELWP, City of Port Phillip, councils, Wurundjeri L&CCHC, Bunurong LCAC

Melbourne Water, Wurundjeri L&CCHC, Bunurong LCAC, councils

Yarra Valley Water, Yarra Ranges Council, Melbourne Water, Wurundjeri L&CCHC, developers

Yarra Valley Water, Yarra Ranges Council, Wurundjeri L&CCHC

City of Boroondara, City of Casey, City of Monash, City of Whitehorse, Melbourne Water, Bunurong LCAC, Wurundjeri L&CCHC

PPWCMA, Melbourne Water, Councils, Landcare groups, Wurundjeri L&CCHC, Bunurong LCAC

* The Wurundjeri Land and Compensation Cultural Heritage Council Aboriginal Corporation will remain informed of progress related to this IWM opportunity.

Yarra Strategic Directions Statement 43 Glossary of terms

Aboriginal Victorians the habitats and ecosystems in which Coastal fl ooding they live and their connections with An Aboriginal Victorian is a person of other life forms. Inundation along the coastline Aboriginal descent who identifi es as mainly due to fl ooding from the an Aboriginal and is accepted as such sea associated with storm surge. Catchment by the Victorian Aboriginal community It may also include additional in which he or she lives. An area where water falling as rain is fl ooding caused by heavy rainfall. collected by the landscape, eventually Algal blooms fl owing to a body of water such as a Community creek, river, dam, lake or ocean; A rapid increase in the population of or into a groundwater system. Includes individuals, public and algae that can occur in waterways, private landholders, community often caused by excess nutrients groups and business owners. Catchment management (particularly phosphorus and nitrogen). authorities (CMAs) Connectivity Allocation The Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 established 10 catchment Connections between natural Water that is actually available to use and land protection regions, each with habitats, such as a river channel and or trade in any given year, including a catchment management authority adjacent wetland areas. Connectivity new allocations and carryover. responsible for the integrated planning is a measure or indicator of whether a and coordination of land, water and waterbody (river, wetland, fl oodplain) Assets biodiversity management. has water connections or fl ow connections to another body. Assets are resources that provide Central business district (CBD) benefi t. This includes, for example, Department of Environment, Land, infrastructure such as treatment Melbourne’s original ‘Hoddle Grid’ Water and Planning (DELWP) plants, pipes and pumps, water street layout bounded by the Yarra assets such as dams, bores and River, Spring Street, La Trobe Street Supports Victoria’s natural and built wetlands, and community assets such and Spencer Street, as well as the environment to ensure economic as sporting facilities, public gardens triangular area to the north bounded growth and liveable, sustainable and street trees. Natural assets are by Victoria, Peel and La Trobe streets. and inclusive communities. assets of the natural environment, for The Water and Catchments group of the Department assists the Minister example waterways and vegetation, Climate change also known as natural capital. for Water, develops and implements A long term change of the earth’s state policies and programs, and oversees the administration of Aquifer temperature and weather patterns, generally attributed directly or organisations including catchment An underground layer of rock or indirectly to human activities such management authorities. sediment that holds water and as fossil fuel combustion and allows water to fl ow through it. vegetation clearing and burning. Ecosystem

A dynamic complex of plant, Biodiversity Climate change mitigation animal, fungal and microorganism The numbers and variety of plants, Actions that prevent or reduce communities and the associated animals and other living beings, emissions of greenhouse gases non-living environment interacting including micro-organisms, across our that contribute to climate change. as an ecological unit. land, rivers and oceans. It includes the diversity of their genetic information,

44 Yarra Strategic Directions Statement Appendix

Entitlement (or water entitlement) Green-blue infrastructure Impervious area

Authorisation to take water issued Green infrastructure refers to A surface or area within a catchment in accordance with the Water Act key vegetation features such that signifi cantly restricts the 1989. It includes bulk entitlements, as street trees, parklands, grassed infi ltration of water. Impervious environmental entitlements, water sports fi elds and vegetated walls. surfaces can include concrete, shares, and surface water and Blue infrastructure refers to key road surfaces, roofs and saturated groundwater licences (also known waterways, wetlands, recreational ground such as a lake or pond. as take and use licences). lakes, stormwater retarding basins, or other water body features. Infi ll Environmental water Green-blue infrastructure brings these assets together through Development of unused or underutilised Water to support environmental integrated approaches to land in existing urban areas. values and ecological processes. deliver community benefi ts. Infrastructure Fit for purpose (water quality) Greenfi eld land Basic facilities and networks needed Water of a quality that is Undeveloped land identifi ed for for the functioning of a local appropriate for its intended use. residential or industrial/commercial community or broader society. development, generally on the Flash fl ooding fringe of metropolitan Melbourne. Integrated water management (IWM) Sudden and unexpected fl ooding Groundwater caused by sudden local heavy rainfall A collaborative approach to planning or rainfall in another area. Often All subsurface water, generally that brings together all elements of defi ned as fl ooding which occurs occupying the pores and the water cycle including sewage within six (6) hours of the rainfall event. crevices of rock and soil. management, water supply, stormwater management and water treatment, considering environmental, Floodplain Growth areas economic and social benefi ts. Low-lying land adjacent to a river Locations on the fringe of or stream with unique ecosystems metropolitan Melbourne designated Integrated Water dependent on inundation from in planning schemes for large-scale Management Forum fl ood events. transformation, over many years, from rural to urban use. A meeting of urban water management organisations to Flow identify, prioritise and commit Heritage River Area Movement of water – the rate of to the investigation of integrated water discharged from a source, Land in particular parts of rivers and water management opportunities. given in volume with respect to time. river catchment areas in Victoria which have signifi cant nature conservation, Integrated water Gigalitre recreation, scenic or cultural heritage management opportunity values. These areas are identifi ed One billion (1,000,000,000) litres. and protected under the Heritage A servicing need that has the One gigalitre is the equivalent Rivers Act 1992. There are 18 Heritage potential to leverage broader of approximately 400 Olympic River Areas in Victoria. benefi ts when undertaken size swimming pools. collaboratively, using an integrated water management approach.

Yarra Strategic Directions Statement 45 Irrigation district Project Regional Victoria

An area declared under the A planned set of interrelated tasks Includes all municipalities Water Act 1989 that is supplied or activities to be executed over outside metropolitan Melbourne with water by channels and pipelines a defi ned period and within certain (except part of Mitchell Shire within used mainly for irrigation purposes. cost and other considerations, the urban growth boundary). to achieve a goal. Liveability Reservoir Rainwater A measure of a city’s residents’ Natural or artifi cial dam or quality of life, used to benchmark Water that has fallen as rain or lake used for the storage cities around the world. It includes has been collected from rainfall. and regulation of water. socioeconomic, environmental, transport and recreational measures. Ramsar Convention Resilience

Megalitre (ML) Defi ned by section 4 of the The capacity of individuals, Commonwealth Water Act 2007 communities, institutions, businesses, One million (1,000,000) litres. as the Convention on Wetlands of systems and infrastructure to survive, International Importance especially adapt and grow, no matter what Metropolitan Melbourne as Waterfowl Habitat done at chronic stresses or shocks they Ramsar, Iran, on 2 February 1971. encounter. The 31 municipalities that make up metropolitan Melbourne, Ramsar wetlands plus part of Mitchell Shire within Riparian the urban growth boundary. Wetlands of international Refers to land or vegetation importance, designated under that adjoins a river, creek, National employment and the Ramsar Convention. estuary, lake or wetland. innovation clusters (NEIC) Recreational water or Riverine fl ooding Designated concentrations of recreational benefi ts employment distinguished by Inundation of normally dry land a strong core of nationally signifi cant The objectives and benefi ts that occurring when water overfl ows knowledge sector businesses and recreational users and community the natural or artifi cial banks of institutions that make a major members associate with the use a creek or river. Also called main contribution to the national of water, reservoirs and waterways channel fl ooding. economy and Melbourne’s for recreational activities. These positioning in the global economy. objectives and benefi ts include Runoff wellbeing and enjoyment, derived Open space from social interaction, physical The portion of rainfall which activity and relaxation associated actually ends up as streamfl ow, Includes land reserved for natural with activities including sporting also known as rainfall excess. landscape, parklands, recreation events, fi shing, water skiing and and active sports, as well as rowing, camping, walking and waterways and bays. Sewage gathering with friends and family. It also includes fl ow-on economic Wastewater produced from Potable benefi ts to local communities from households and industry. Water of suitable quality for drinking. visitors to regional areas to make the most of these opportunities. Sewerage Productivity Recycled water The pipes and plants that collect, remove, treat and The economic value produced dispose of liquid urban waste. for an hour of work or a dollar of Water derived from sewerage investment. Increasing productivity systems or industry processes is a key source of economic growth that is treated to a standard and competitiveness. appropriate for its intended use.

46 Yarra Strategic Directions Statement Appendix

State-signifi cant industrial Urban heat-island eff ect Water sector precincts (SSIP) When the built environment absorbs, Organisations involved in water Strategically located land available traps, and in some cases directly management, including water for major industrial development emits heat, causing urban areas corporations, local government and linked to the Principal Freight to be signifi cantly warmer than catchment management authorities. Network and transport gateways. surrounding non-urban areas. Water sensitive urban design Stormwater Urban renewal (WSUD)

Runoff from urban areas. The net The process of planning and Integrating the urban water cycle increase in runoff and decrease redeveloping underutilised into urban design to minimise in groundwater recharge resulting medium and large-scale urban environmental damage and improve from the introduction of impervious areas, precincts or sites for recreational and aesthetic outcomes. surfaces such as roofs and roads mixed land-use purposes. within urban development. Waterways Urban water cycle Stormwater fl ooding Rivers and streams, their The cycle of water through urban associated estuaries and fl oodplains Inundation by local runoff . Stormwater environments. Distinguished from (including fl oodplain wetlands) fl ooding can be caused by local runoff the natural urban water cycle by and non-riverine wetlands. exceeding the capacity of an urban the transfer of water through built stormwater drainage system or by infrastructure and the high runoff rates Waterway condition/ the backwater eff ects of mainstream generated by impervious surfaces. waterway health fl ooding causing the urban stormwater drainage system to overfl ow. Waterway condition (or waterway Use (water use) health) is an umbrella term for the Strategy The volume of water diverted overall state of key features and from a stream or groundwater processes that underpin functioning A high-level direction designed bore. It is not the same as ‘use’ waterway ecosystems (such as to achieve an outcome, or a set by the end consumer of the water. species and communities, habitat, of outcomes related to IWM, connectivity, water quality, riparian over a defi ned time period for vegetation, physical form, and Wastewater a defi ned geographic location. ecosystem processes such as nutrient Water that has had its quality cycling and carbon storage). Traditional Owners aff ected by human infl uence, deriving from industrial, domestic, agricultural People who, through membership of a Wetlands or commercial activities. descent group or clan, are responsible Areas, whether natural, modifi ed for caring for Country. Aboriginal or artifi cial, subject to permanent Water corporations people with knowledge about or temporary inundation, that hold traditions, observances, customs or Victorian Government organisations static or very slow-moving water beliefs associated with a particular charged with supplying water to urban and develop, or have the potential to area. A Traditional Owner is authorised and rural water users. They administer develop, biota adapted to inundation to speak for Country and its heritage. the diversion of water from waterways and the aquatic environment. and the extraction of groundwater. Wetlands may be fresh or saline. Urban greening Formerly known as water authorities.

Growing plants wherever possible in cities to contribute to urban Water infrastructure vegetation coverage, and Facilities, services and installations providing a connection to nature. needed for the functioning of a water system.

Yarra Strategic Directions Statement 47 Integrated Water delwp.vic.gov.au Management Forums