MARIBYRNONG RIVER VALLEY DESIGN GUIDELINES

APRIL 2010 CONTENTS

Minister’s foreword 01 Executive summary 02 Acknowledgements 09 1 Introduction 11 1.1 Why these guidelines are needed 13 1.2 Policy context 13 1.3 Overview of the river 14 1.4 Study area 18 2 What we want to achieve 21 2.1 Vision 22 2.2 Preferred river character 23 3 Priorities for action 29 3.1 Enlarge the open space corridor 30 3.2 Improve site and precinct planning 38 3.3 Undertake important capital works 41 3.4 Improve overall governance 44 3.5 Refine planning controls 45 3.6 Enhance community engagement 51 4 Design guidelines 53 4.1 Additional open space 54 4.2 Open space management – landscape 59 4.3 Open space management – access 63 4.4 Landform 66 4.5 Urban development interface 68 4.6 Site layout and building visibility 70 4.7 Building design 76 4.8 Infrastructure design 79 5 Definitions and abbreviations 81 5.1 Definitions 81 5.2 Abbreviations 82 6 Bibliography 83 7 Appendices 84 Appendix A Relevant maps of the 84 Appendix B Consultation, views and values 91 Appendix C Broad objectives table 96 Appendix D Possible planning permit conditions 102 Appendix E Planning Schemes zoning map 104 Appendix F Maribyrnong River Valley settlement chronology 105 Appendix G Maribyrnong River – responsibilities of government agencies 108 MINISTER’S FOREWORD

Consistent and coordinated planning is essential for protecting the natural and built character of our treasured waterways. The Maribyrnong River is one of ’s most used and loved assets, with thousands of Melburnians relaxing along the river every day.

Home to the Wurundjeri people for thousands The Guidelines also contribute to the of years, the river valley has seen dramatic government’s wider vision of a more liveable, changes since the arrival of Europeans a little sustainable city, as outlined in Melbourne 2030: over 200 years ago. Over this time it has been a planning update – Melbourne @ 5 million, used for grazing, industrial development, where people have access to high quality housing and recreational use. transport, housing and open space. But as Melbourne grows, so do the pressures Many agencies have contributed to the from public and private development and development of these guidelines: Brimbank, these, if not carefully managed, could , Maribyrnong, Melbourne and Moonee undermine the valuable features people love Valley councils, the Department of Planning about the Maribyrnong. and Community Development, Parks , Melbourne Water and the Port of Melbourne Maribyrnong River Valley Design Guidelines Corporation. is an overarching planning framework – developed by all major agencies with This work is a great example of the renewed planning responsibility for the river – that will collaboration and cooperation that will achieve greater planning consistency along serve the river well for current and future the river valley. It was also informed by the generations. views of many passionate people in the local community. The Guidelines set out a broad vision for a healthy, vibrant river with quality open space, good walking and cycling trails and sensitive Justin Madden MLC development that protects the Maribyrnong’s Minister for Planning natural and urban features. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Maribyrnong River is one of Melbourne’s most treasured and well-used waterways. Thousands of Melburnians spend time on or near the river every day – from its source above the Organ Pipes National Park through Keilor, Essendon, Footscray and Yarraville to where it meets the Yarra River near the West Gate Bridge.

Coordinated planning is essential to protect WHAT WE WANT TO ACHIEVE and enhance the river valley’s natural and Maribyrnong River Valley Design Guidelines built environment for current and future is intended as an overarching planning generations. framework to protect open space and guide Maribyrnong River Valley Design Guidelines is development along the river, as well as expand the result of extensive collaboration between and link existing parkland, walking paths and Brimbank, Hume, Maribyrnong, Melbourne cycling trails. and Moonee Valley councils, the Victorian This report sets out a broad vision for the built Department of Planning and Community form and landscape of the river valley and Development, Parks Victoria, Melbourne Water presents a range of priority actions for further and the Port of Melbourne Corporation. work from the Organ Pipes National Park right Within these pages are detailed guidelines for through to the river mouth. This includes the river health, habitat protection, heritage, parks Hume and Brimbank Green Wedges which are and recreation, tourism and planning that outside the current Urban Growth Boundary. will provide greater certainty and clarity on Priority actions over the next five years include development and a consistent approach to the steps to enlarge the open space corridor, protection of the Maribyrnong River Valley. new capital works, further detailed planning, improved governance and greater community engagement.

MaribyrnonG In addition to these priority actions are a set of design guidelines, which apply to the river’s urban length downstream of the Urban Growth

R Boundary to the river mouth. They do not cover iver the Hume and Brimbank Green Wedges which V alley Desi are predominantly rural in character. These design guidelines are intended to g n Gui influence the form of proposed buildings and works along the river and to inform prospective d elines developers, land managers, landowners and the wider community.

2 VISION “A healthy river flowing through a continuous network of open spaces and cultural landscapes that reflect its journey from a natural river to a working river. A river that provides a range of recreation experiences that value local landform and landscape character and preserve cultural heritage, including significant plantings. A river that supports indigenous vegetation and fauna.”

3 THE STUDY AREA 1. Brimbank length – a natural river The Maribyrnong River Valley offers a wide The remote character and natural features of variety of public open space for residents and this length of the river are its most valuable visitors – from natural bushland, secluded assets. In terms of future development, gorges and formal parks to historic wharves, there is a need to strike a balance between industrial heritage and spectacular views over protecting these natural values and providing the Port of Melbourne. facilities for residents and visitors. The river is part of the traditional lands of 2. Steele Creek length – a secluded river the Wurundjeri people and their ancestors Here the river flows through a steep valley with have frequented its banks for at least 40,000 significant vegetation along its banks including years. It has also played a significant role in prominent river red gums. It is important to Melbourne’s development as a city. preserve the remote character of this part In the second half of the 19th century much of the river by ensuring new development of Melbourne’s industry was located along is minimised or setback and appropriately the Maribyrnong River but since the closure landscaped. of many factories in the 1960s and 1970s Redevelopment of sites such as the Defence the waterway has fast become a place of Site Maribyrnong will allow the creation of recreation and leisure. significant areas of public open space. Today the river supports a range of native vegetation and animals. The upper river valley includes native grasslands, escarpment shrublands and woodlands and provides a habitat for a range of mammals and bird species. Maribyrnong River Valley Design Guidelines focuses on the characteristics of the river valley that need to be conserved, repaired or enhanced. To help guide future development, the river has been divided into seven ‘lengths’, each with a preferred character type.

4 CALDER FWY BRIDGE KEILOR PARK

BRIMBANK MAP 1 11 PARK THE SEVEN LENGTHS KEILOR EAST OF THE RIVER

ESSENDON

3 SUNSHINE NORTH 22 CORDITE AVONDALE BRIDGE HEIGHTS

ASCOT VALE MARIBYRNONG

MAIDSTONE 4 0 1 2km 4 FLEMINGTON RACECOURSE FLEMINGTON KENSINGTON

FOOTSCRAY 55 Map key

6 River length SEDDON 6 Primary study area 6 River channel Transition points between river lengths 7 WEST 7 MELBOURNE COODE ISLAND N YARRAVILLE

5 3. Maribyrnong length – a suburban river 5. Footscray length – an urban river This part of the river has a long history of Melbourne’s early industrial history is recreation and leisure. There are numerous prominent here. Old wharves and warehouses sporting facilities, formal open parks, picnic are clearly visible and there is a mix of areas and cafes in the area. Retaining an industrial uses and medium density active, people-friendly environment will be housing. With spectacular views of the Port a priority. of Melbourne, this is where is the working heritage of the river can be celebrated. 4. Racecourse length – river flats Here the river opens out into broad river flats. 6. Footscray Wharf length – an urban river Visible from the water’s edge is Flemington This area on the western bank of the river is Racecourse, the home of ’s most tied to Melbourne’s industrial and commercial famous horse race, as well as a range of fishing industries. However, its proximity to suburban housing. Future development needs major petrochemical facilities and the Port to remain relatively discrete to retain the sense of Melbourne means it is not suitable for of an open floodplain. residential development. Its future is likely to include some public access to the river and redevelopment as a commercial marina. 7. Port length – a working river Shipping and heavy industrial activities define and dominate this part of the river. There is potential for further industrial and commercial development that could include advanced manufacturing, maritime and service industries that have a strategic need to be near the Port of Melbourne.

6 WHAT IS BEING DONE > Investigating an Upper Maribyrnong Linear Park – work will be carried out to determine the Improving river governance boundaries of a proposed Upper Maribyrnong To achieve the vision outlined in the River Linear Park as part of the Green Wedge Maribyrnong River Valley Design Guidelines, Management Plans being prepared by Hume a coordinated governance structure for and Brimbank Councils. the river valley will be established as > Strategic planning in Sunshine North – to a two-year trial. establish preferred land uses and identify Membership of the new Maribyrnong River areas of open space and native vegetation Valley Coordinating Committee will include to be protected has been completed. Brimbank, Hume, Maribyrnong, Melbourne > Completing detailed planning for the Defence Site Maribyrnong and Moonee Valley councils, the Department – following handover of this site to the Victorian Government, an integrated of Planning and Community Development landscape and development strategy will and Parks Victoria. be prepared that ensures public open space Although individual projects will remain the is set aside along the entire length of the responsibility of each agency, the committee river corridor. will oversee the planning of all priority actions on public and private land along the Improving precinct planning river valley. The committee will also develop There are a number of critical locations along a comprehensive website and promotional the Maribyrnong River where more detailed, materials about the river’s attractions, integrated planning is required to improve environmental heritage and history. access and amenity. Actions include: Enlarging the open space corridor > Ensuring nodes of activity complement the river environment One of the major aims of these Guidelines is – small-scale cafes and visitor facilities will be encouraged where they to maximise the amount of public open space complement the local environment and create along the Maribyrnong River and provide a direct relationship with the river. a consistent framework for how it should be > Creating points of transition between river managed. Actions include: lengths – clear transitions between each river > Creating linked parkland along the river – length will be designed to create an abrupt but further residential development in the upper artful change of character, rather than having reaches of the river valley will be avoided and long sections where the character is unclear. funding sought to acquire suitable areas for > Improving parkland along the river – public open space. masterplans will be developed to improve > Enhancing public amenity at Footscray Wharf planting and facilities at several undeveloped and the Port of Melbourne – work is being areas of parkland along the river. carried out on a non-riverfront path linking the Maribyrnong Trail with the Bay Trail. Options for maximising views of the Port of Melbourne’s Swanson Dock are being explored.

7 Undertaking new capital works The future Works are required along the Maribyrnong As well as the priority actions outlined above, River to improve recreational use and Maribyrnong River Valley Design Guidelines enjoyment. Actions include: includes a set of detailed design guidelines > Improving trails and related infrastructure – for achieving future planning consistency for funding will be sought to complete works on both private and public land downstream both sides of the river to create a continuous of the Urban Growth Boundary. trail along the water’s edge, wherever possible These Guidelines will be introduced as a and practical. reference document into all relevant planning > Upgrading river-based infrastructure – schemes and reflected in council Municipal funding will be sought for new pedestrian Strategic Statements. and cycling crossings over the river and side trails to attractions such as Highpoint The main purpose of the Guidelines is to Shopping Centre and Victoria University. protect open space and guide development Other new infrastructure will also be installed along the river, as well as expand and such as signage, seats, shade, lighting, link existing parkland, walking paths and drinking fountains, toilets, bicycle parking cycling trails. and landing points for water craft. The Guidelines will be used to reinforce the Amending planning controls preferred character of the seven river lengths Giving effect to the Maribyrnong River Valley and provide direction on: Design Guidelines requires specifically drafted > Additional open space overlay provisions in local planning schemes. > Open space management – landscape The Environmental Significance Overlay (ESO) > Open space management – access is the most appropriate planning mechanism > Landform to use as it will ensure a broad range of > Urban development interface actions that may threaten the river valley are > Site layout and building visibility subject to permit approval. However, an ESO > Building design also allows for local circumstances to be > Infrastructure design. taken into account in all planning decisions.

8 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Project Steering Committee Key stakeholders Commonwealth Department of Defence Michael Mielczarek Department of Transport Kim Giaquinta Department of Victorian Communities (former) Environment Protection Authority Victoria Jules Griffith and Robin Dunstone Friends of the Maribyrnong Valley Heritage Victoria Strategic Planning Team Local and peak interest groups including friends groups, Environment Victoria, Green Simon Cotterill, Rebecca Jenkins Wedge Coalition, Bicycle Victoria and Karen Vassallo Local Members of Parliament Melbourne Water Major developers with an interest Peter Rankin in the study area Parks Victoria Melbourne Airport Paul Dartnell and Alexandra Lewis Port of Melbourne Corporation Department of Planning and Community Development and Westernport Catchment Rhonda Boyle Management Authority Department of Sustainability Recreational and boating clubs & Environment Tourism Victoria Sue Hadden VicRoads VicUrban This report is based on an earlier report, Maribyrnong River Valley Vision and Design Guidelines (Consultant report to the Maribyrnong River Valley Project Steering Committee), April 2006.

9

Introduction 1 I ntro 1.1 WHY THESE GUIDELINES ARE NEEDED dd uction The Maribyrnong River is one of Melbourne’s most treasured and well-used rivers. Thousands of Melburnians spend time exercising and relaxing along it every day – from its source above the Organ Pipes National Park through Keilor, Essendon, Footscray and Yarraville to where it meets the Yarra River near the West Gate Bridge.

Coordinated planning is essential to protect The Guidelines will be introduced as a and enhance the Maribyrnong River’s natural reference document into all relevant planning and built environment for current and future schemes and reflected in council Municipal generations. Strategic Statements. The Maribyrnong River Valley Design Guidelines Maribyrnong River Valley Design Guidelines are intended as an overarching framework is the result of extensive collaboration to achieve planning consistency along the river between all of the major agencies with valley. The main purpose of the Guidelines planning responsibility for the river, including is to protect open space and guide the Department of Planning and Community development along the river, as well as Development, Parks Victoria, Melbourne expand and link existing parkland, walking Water, the Port of Melbourne Corporation paths and cycling trails. and the five local councils through which the river runs (Brimbank, Hume, Maribyrnong, This report sets out a broad vision for the built Melbourne and Moonee Valley). form and landscape of the river valley and presents a range of priority actions for further Within its pages are design guidelines for river work from the Organ Pipes National Park right health, habitat protection, heritage, parks and through to the river mouth. This includes the recreation, tourism and planning. The overall Hume and Brimbank Green Wedges which are aim is to provide greater certainty and clarity outside the current Urban Growth Boundary. on development and a consistent approach Priority actions over the next five years include to the protection of the Maribyrnong River. capital works, planning scheme amendments, enlarging the open space corridor, further

MaribyrnonG detailed planning and community engagement. In addition to these priority actions, this report includes a detailed set of design R

iver guidelines, which apply only to the river’s urban length from the Urban Growth Boundary V alley Desi to the river mouth. They do not cover the Hume and Brimbank Green Wedges, which

g are predominantly rural in character. These n Gui design guidelines are intended to influence the d elines form of proposed buildings and works along the river and to inform prospective developers, land managers, landowners and the wider community. 12 1.2 POLICY CONTEXT This report sets out Maribyrnong River Valley Design Guidelines is informed by three major areas of a broad vision for Victorian planning policy: Melbourne 2030: Planning for Sustainable Growth, the the built form and State Planning Policy Framework and five Municipal Strategic Statements. landscape of the river valley and presents Melbourne 2030 a range of priority The Victorian Government’s long-term strategy for metropolitan Melbourne, actions for further Melbourne 2030, and the related planning update, Melbourne @ 5 million, are work from the Organ the overarching planning policies for all urban development in Melbourne. Pipes National Park These two planning documents outline how the Victorian Government will right through to the meet the housing needs of the city’s growing population – projected to river mouth. increase by 1.8 million people between 2006 and 2036 to 5.5 million – while still maintaining high quality services and preserving Melbourne’s extensive and prized open space network. One of Melbourne 2030’s major policies (5.7) is to “rectify gaps in the network of metropolitan open space by creating new parks and ensuring major open space corridors are protected and enhanced”. A number of initiatives are set out under this policy including creating four continuous open space links and trails in Melbourne, one of these along the Maribyrnong River. Melbourne 2030 also proposes reviewing the adequacy of planning controls related to the Yarra and Maribyrnong rivers to ensure long-term protection of open space and conservation values. Among other initiatives, it specifies adding to the recreational and tourism potential of the Yarra and Maribyrnong river corridors by: > identifying and completing high priority infrastructure, landscaping works and enhancement of pedestrian and bicycle trail links along the lower Maribyrnong River > completing links between the Maribyrnong Trail and Bay Trail at Williamstown.

13 I ntro State Planning Policy Framework 1.3 OVERVIEW OF THE RIVER dd Also informing the development of these uction Major physical features guidelines is the State Planning Policy The Maribyrnong River Valley was formed over Framework, and in particular millions of years, with water eroding through Clause 14.02-2. the basalt plains west of Melbourne to create This clause states that environmentally a complex landscape of gorges and river flats. sensitive areas of Melbourne with significant Its topography can be simplified into three recreational value such as the Maribyrnong basic areas: River should “be protected from development > the flat basalt plain hinterland which would diminish their environmental, > the valley escarpment conservation or recreation values”. > the floodplain and valley flats. Municipal Strategic Statements The river has eroded gorges up to 55 metres All relevant local councils with planning deep in the basalt plain. Six thousand years responsibility for the Maribyrnong River also ago sea levels were substantially higher than recognise and acknowledge its importance in today and the whole of the present day river their Municipal Strategic Statements. flats was covered by water. The range of issues covered in the existing Flooding Municipal Strategic Statements of Brimbank, The Maribyrnong River is Melbourne’s second Hume, Maribyrnong, Melbourne and Moonee largest waterway. It has a catchment of some Valley councils include: 1,400 square kilometres, stretching from the > protecting public access to parkland Macedon Ranges to Port Phillip Bay. > developing new parks and open space The Maribyrnong River has a history of flooding > completing linear pathways dating back to the 1880s, with the largest flood > protecting vegetation and natural features recorded in 1906. The depth, duration and flow > conserving water resources and managing characteristics of flooding vary greatly along stormwater the river in any particular flood event. Flooding > facilitating specific uses in nominated from the river poses an ongoing safety and locations property damage hazard. > managing development in the floodplain There are currently about 250 residential and > managing the scale, siting and bulk of new about 55 industrial and commercial properties developments in the Maribyrnong River Valley within the Maribyrnong River floodplain. It is to protect significant features essential to continue to manage development > preparing and updating park masterplans. in the floodplain of the river. Melbourne Water is the floodplain management authority for the Melbourne metropolitan region. All developments referred to Melbourne Water are assessed to ensure MaribyrnonG that new development does not increase the risk to public safety, or increase the risk of damage to property resulting from a flood. R iver V alley Desi g n Gui d elines

14 The Maribyrnong River Open space Valley offers a wide The Maribyrnong River Valley offers a wide range of public open space and range of public open recreational opportunities to residents and visitors. space and recreational A number of important public parks are situated along the river including opportunities to and Horseshoe Bend Farm, situated approximately 15km residents and visitors. north-west of Melbourne in Keilor East. These parklands offer ideal settings for picnics, walking, fishing, canoeing and bird watching. Other important parks along the river include Canning Reserve, Fairbairn Park, Pipemakers Park, Footscray Park and Newells Paddock Wetlands. Formal open space areas and sporting grounds are found on the river flats at Aberfeldie Park and Maribyrnong Park. A range of commercial vessels and water taxis operate on the river as well as private and club-based recreational vessels. Several rowing and canoe clubs have facilities along the river’s edge and the river is increasingly popular for angling. There are also a number of private jetties along the river providing exclusive access to the water. Natural assets The Maribyrnong River Valley supports a variety of remnant vegetation, flora and fauna. The upper lengths of the river valley include remnant native grasslands, escarpment shrublands and riparian woodlands, which are home to threatened flora species such as the Slender Tick-trefoil (Desmodium varians) and the Tough Scurf-pea (Cullen tenax). The river valley also supports a range of migratory and resident bird species including Egrets, Herons and many species of ducks. There are also records of Galaxias, Australian Grayling, Common Long-necked Tortoise and Platypus in the river. Brushtail Possums, Echidnas, Gould’s Wattled Bats, Growling Grass Frogs and Striped Legless Lizards are just some of the mammals, frogs and reptiles that live in the valley.

15 I ntro dd uction

Heritage Urban development The Maribyrnong River has played a major role Historically, rivers were not desirable locations in the occupation and development of western for residential development and much of Victoria. The river is part of the traditional the land along the Maribyrnong River was lands of the Wurundjeri people and their originally given over to industrial uses and ancestors have frequented its banks for at quarrying. least 40,000 years. Most notable were large areas of Originally known by Europeans as Saltwater Commonwealth land associated with the River, the first party of Europeans to explore munitions industry and industrial and abattoir the Maribyrnong was led by Charles Grimes, uses in Footscray and Kensington. Much Deputy Surveyor-General of New South Wales, of this land has since been developed for in February 1803. However, Europeans did residential use (Waterford Green, Edgewater not to start to settle along the river until after Estate), or is expected to be developed in the Melbourne was established in 1835. near future (Defence Site Maribyrnong). In the more intensively developed parts of Footscray During the second half of the 19th century and Melbourne, industrial uses have given much of Melbourne’s industry was located MaribyrnonG way to office and residential development. along the Maribyrnong River and the river became severely degraded. But with the There are a number of current proposals for closure of many industries since the 1960s new development or redevelopment within the R

iver and 1970s, large areas of river-front land river valley. were opened up to form parkland and V alley Desi residential estates. There are also many important maritime, g n Gui industrial and farming archaeological sites

d along the river. Some of these have been elines recognised and conserved but more work is needed particularly in the upper reaches of the river.

16 17 I ntro Nodes of activity 1.4 STUDY AREA dd Several places of interest or nodes of uction These Guidelines cover the entire activity are found along the Maribyrnong urban section of the Maribyrnong River River. Most of these are small in scale downstream of the Urban Growth Boundary. such as cafes, pubs, retail outlets and To help guide development, the river has recreation and visitor facilities, which draw been divided into seven river lengths, each people to the riverside. The main nodes of with a basic character type. These are: activity include: Brimbank length – a natural river > Brimbank Park Visitors Centre > Poyntons Nursery Steele Creek length – a secluded river > Clubs and cafés in Maribyrnong Park Maribyrnong length – a suburban river and nearby Incinerator Arts Centre > Anglers Tavern Racecourse length – river flats > Clubs in Fairbairn Park Footscray length – an urban river > Melbourne’s Living Museum of the West in Pipemakers Park Footscray Wharf length – an urban river > Café and boating facilities at Edgewater Port length – a working river Estate (under construction) > Footscray Boat Club and Function Centre These basic character types were developed > Footscray Wharf and Arts Precinct. following extensive community consultation. Trail network See Appendix B for more information about There is generally good trail access along the consultation phase. the Maribyrnong River Valley but there are The basic character of each river length a number of gaps where new paths are provides the context for a more coordinated needed to create a continuous trail on both approach to planning along the river. sides of the river. There are five pedestrian Preferred characteristics for each river river crossings but opportunities exist for length will be discussed in more detail new river crossings to create loop trails in section 2.2. and improve public access. There is also a need to improve public access in Footscray on both sides of the river. However, vital Port of Melbourne operations prevent any significant increase in access to the river in the Port length. See Appendix A for detailed maps showing the above features of the Maribyrnong River. MaribyrnonG R iver V alley Desi g n Gui d elines

18 Map 2: The study area

THE ORGAN HUME PIPES

MORELAND 1

BRIMBANK MOONEE PARK VALLEY BRIMBANK

3 2 AVONDALE CORDITE BRIDGE

4

MARIBYRNONG 5 COODE ISLAND MELBOURNE 6 7

WYNDHAM HOBSONS BAY PORT PHILLIP

PORT PHILLIP BAY

Area covered by priority actions River channel/ocean River valley lengths: Area covered by design guidelines Melbourne Central Business District 1 Brimbank

Local Government Area boundary T1 Transition points between river lengths 2 Steele Creek

Freeway/Major road Bridge – freeway/rail 3 Maribyrnong

Primary study area (the river valley) – Bridge – car/bike/walking existing 4 Racecourse design and development guidelines Bridge – bike/walking existing 5 Footscray River lengths New bike/walking trail/bridge 6 Footscray Wharf Existing nodes of activity opportunities 7 Port Urban growth boundary

19

What we want 2 to achieve WH

AT 2.1 VISION W E W

ANT “A healthy river flowing through a continuous network

T of open spaces and cultural landscapes that reflect its O

A C

H journey from a natural river to a working river. A river IEVE that provides a range of recreation experiences that value local landform and landscape character, and preserve cultural heritage, including significant plantings. A river that supports indigenous vegetation and fauna.”

This vision was informed by a review of past Valley development strategies and current government policy Ensure river structures and new development relating to the Maribyrnong River, an analysis is sympathetic to the river valley, protect and of the river valley and extensive consultation enhance the character of each river length. (see Appendix B). It is supported by a set of River access broad objectives under the following themes: Optimise public access to the river for people River health of all abilities (where possible), provide Improve aquatic habitat and water quality, continuous public open space along both reduce pollution, establish appropriate flows, sides of the river (where practical), create maintain flood storage capacity and reduce an integrated trail network with appropriate the risk of contaminated sites. support facilities. Valley and river use Valley heritage Continue to provide diverse recreational Identify and maintain records of heritage opportunities, protect significant areas, assets, conserve sites with Aboriginal heritage consolidate intensive recreational or value and sites of significant industrial and tourism use in activity nodes, support post-contact heritage value. MaribyrnonG sustainable water-based activities, and Valley governance ensure the river can support future growth Improve existing cooperation between relevant in Port of Melbourne activity downstream planning agencies, involve the community in

R of Footscray Road.

iver river valley management, ensure planning Valley landscape provisions reflect agreed policy, objectives and V alley Desi Protect indigenous vegetation and biodiversity, guidelines. control weeds, protect and enhance the For more information about the principles and g landscape character of the river valley, n Gui strategies that underpin these objectives see conserve plantings with heritage significance. d Appendix C. elines

22 2.2 PREFERRED RIVER CHARACTER Brimbank length: a natural river The Maribyrnong River Valley changes Existing condition dramatically in character as it flows from The river flows between complex rolling slopes the Organ Pipes National Park to its and rural parkland. Bounded at the valley rim meeting with the Yarra River. by urban settlement, the Calder Freeway to These Guidelines focus on what characteristics the north and the railway trestle bridge to the of the river should be reinforced or conserved, south, there is an absence of urban settlement what aspects should be repaired, and in the river valley. what new characteristics should be created Preferred character or enhanced. Determining the preferred The naturalistic and remote character of character of the Maribyrnong River is based this length of the river is its most valued on community values and planning objectives. characteristic. Extensive pest control and To help manage its character, the river has revegetation has restored much of the natural been divided into seven river ‘lengths’. These feel of this length of the river valley. lengths provide a starting point for identifying Brimbank Park is a major attraction in the the preferred character of the river and area. The park caters for a vast array of developing design guidelines around river users and plays an important role in the health, landscape, development, access, use recreation opportunities for the people of and heritage. Melbourne’s west and north-west. There is a need to continue to strike a balance between recreation and conservation/revegetation outcomes. There is also a need to control urban intrusions in order to maintain the uninhabited and remote feel of this length.

23 WH AT W E W ANT

T O

A C H IEVE

Steele Creek length: a secluded river With the proposed redevelopment of the Defence Site Maribyrnong and development Existing condition in and around the Highpoint Activity Centre, The river flows through a generally steep and there are opportunities to enhance the relatively straight valley, with a few narrow urban river setting, including conservation river flats. There are areas of significant measures, secluded riverbank settings and vegetation along the river banks including river significant areas of public open space. red gums and grasses. Significant residential development has been approved and is under Maribyrnong length: a suburban river construction. Existing condition The river flows around a large horseshoe bend There is a long history of recreation and at the confluence of Steele Creek, creating leisure on this part of the river including a natural amphitheatre with the Defence Site competitive rowing, a popular pub, cafés, Maribyrnong at its centre. promenades, boulevards, picnic areas, Landscape values predominate. Building children’s playgrounds and sports fields. development is generally set back from the Preferred character river to create a secluded landscape corridor. All public open space is in the form of urban Buildings are mostly contained to the top of parkland with minor ‘natural bush’ areas. the escarpment. There are numerous sporting and tourist Preferred character MaribyrnonG facilities. Riverside boulevards and formal There is potential to preserve the character shared paths along both banks have a of this part of the river by ensuring new promenade function in the areas with more development is landscaped to preserve its pedestrian activity. R iver relatively ‘natural’ condition. There is also V alley Desi a need to limit urban development to maintain the uninhabited, remote feel of this length. g n Gui d elines

24 Racecourse length: river flats Footscray length: an urban river Existing condition Existing condition Here the river opens out to a large, open Melbourne’s early industrial history is floodplain, with sparse urban parkland, prominent. The old wharves of the working sports fields, a golf course and mixed urban river are visible and there is a mix of land uses settlement at the valley edges. In addition, adjoining the river ranging from heavy industry it contains some major facilities including on the eastern bank through to warehousing, Flemington Racecourse and Victoria University. medium density housing and the Footscray These valley escarpments include conventional Community Arts Centre on the western bank. suburban housing from a range of eras and There is an active river edge in some parts more recent medium-high density housing. of this length, including an access road, Preferred character goods rail line, wharves and jetties. There A broad, open landscape with settlement are numerous bridge crossings including generally some distance back from the river a freight rail line and a pedestrian bridge and discrete nodes of settlement on the over an historic stock crossing. river. Development is clearly visible but mostly The working heritage of the river dominates appears at a distance and is screened by here. The river is a place for activity and urban trees at the interface with public spaces. life. One of the most impressive features of this part of the river is a spectacular view of Swanson Dock in the Port of Melbourne – day and night. Preferred character There is potential for mixed use or commercial development in some sections. Industrial and commercial uses could include new advanced manufacturing and service industries, with opportunities for riverside recreational facilities such as cafés and other facilities.

25 WH AT W E W ANT

T O

A C H IEVE

Footscray Wharf length: an urban river Port length: a working river Existing condition Existing condition The history of this small area on the western As the river nears the bay, container ports bank of the river has been strongly tied to and commercial and industrial settlement the Port of Melbourne, industry, rail transport, cover most of the valley. Here is a full working recreational boating and a working fishery. river with its dedicated wharves, commercial Recent development has focused on office shipping and goods rail line. Public access and light industrial uses with construction to the river is limited for operational and of new buildings in the Riverside Industrial safety reasons. Park and reuse of existing heritage buildings. Preferred character The area also plays a key role in providing Shipping and heavy industrial activities define MaribyrnonG access to trail networks. and dominate the river corridor. There is Preferred character potential for further industrial and commercial Due its proximity to Coode Island and the development that could include new advanced R iver Port of Melbourne, residential development manufacturing, maritime and service

V is not supported in this area. Some level of industries that have a strategic need to be alley Desi public access to the river will be maintained near the Port of Melbourne. and a high level of amenity for pedestrians g

n Gui and cyclists will be provided. The old wharf has the potential to be redeveloped as a d elines commercial marina.

26 Beyond the Urban Growth Boundary Upstream of the Urban Growth Boundary to the Organ Pipes National Park, the Maribyrnong River is within the Hume and Brimbank Green Wedges. As the Hume and Brimbank Green Wedges are predominantly rural, this section of the river is not covered by the design guidelines component of this report. Land uses in this area include grazing of modified pastures, irrigated seasonal horticulture, quarrying and rural residential development. Indigenous heritage sites have been identified in this stretch of the river, along with significant native plant species. Pest and weed management and soil erosion are some of the issues affecting this part of the river. This length of the river also abuts Melbourne Airport. These issues, together with the broad vision and the priorities for action in this report, are being considered as part of the Green Wedge Management Plans, which are currently being prepared by Hume and Brimbank City Councils.

27