ACT NOW: DEFEND OUR CRITICAL WATERWAYS BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE!
Melbourne’s waterways are under threat. With the city’s population set to soar past 8 million by 2050, pressure on our rivers, creeks, and natural spaces is intensifying. If we don’t act now, we risk losing these vital but often already degraded ecosystems forever.
Healthy waterways are the lifeblood of our communities. They clean our air and water, provide crucial habitat for wildlife, and offer peaceful places for people to connect with nature. They will be instrumental in helping communities mitigate the impact of warming temperatures. But without strong protections, unchecked development could destroy these irreplaceable landscapes.
Right now, new planning protections are being proposed for 17 critical waterways. This is our chance to make sure these measures are supported and are as strong as they need to be for the following waterways:
- Cherry Creek
- Deep Creek
- Darebin Creek
- Edgars Creek
- Emu Creek
- Gardiners Creek
- Jacksons Creek
- Koonung Koonung Creek
- Kororoit Creek
- Maribyrnong River
- Merri Creek
- Moonee Ponds Creek
- Plenty River
- Skeleton Creek
- Steele Creek
- Stony Creek
- Werribee River
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
These new protections could finally put an end to unmanaged and inappropriate clearing along waterways, destructive and intrusive construction, and the slow degradation of our creeks and rivers. They would:
- Require permits for activities like land clearing, major earthworks, tall structures, and fencing near waterways.
- Recognize waterways as living entities with deep cultural and environmental significance.
- Ensure that development near waterways is properly managed to prevent long-term damage.
This is the result of years of research and expert recommendations—but it won’t happen without public pressure. Without extra planning protections developers along with other special interests often hold sway in planning matters resulting in further detrimental impacts on our precious waterways. These initiatives can bring the balance back.
THIS IS OUR CHANCE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
The government is asking for public input. If we don’t speak up, we risk getting weak protections that fail our waterways. We need as many people as possible to take the survey and demand strong, enforceable safeguards.
TAKE THE SURVEY NOW! https://engage.vic.gov.au/planning-for-our-waterways
Every submission counts. Every voice matters. This is our moment to stand up for our waterways—before it’s too late.
For more information, visit the Department of Transport and Planning website.
Submissions and the survey close on the 23rd of March 2025.
Update
Submissions are now closed and feedback from the Department of Transport and Planning team is they were overwhelmingly supportive of proposals to better protect these vital Melbourne waterways.
The CWA submission can be found here: