By JESSE GRAHAM
A YARRA Ranges councillor has criticised DELWP for its consultation on the Yarra River’s future, with a workshop to be held in Healesville on Thursday one day before submissions close.
O’Shannassy Ward Councillor Jim Child raised the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning’s Protecting the Yarra River (Birrarung) project at the council meeting’s Items Through the Chair on Tuesday, 26 July.
Cr Child said that, although the discussion paper was released for consultation on 1 July, a listening post was not held in Warburton until 30 July, with a workshop to be held in Healesville on 4 August – the day before submissions close.
He said that environmental groups had been made aware of the consultation, but that the wider community, including himself as the ward councillor, had not been notified.
“Environmental Justice Australia and Yarra Riverkeepers (Association) and environment groups appear to be all over this, but not the general community,” he said.
“If we’re looking at the whole length of the Yarra corridor, how many landholders is this going to affect?”
The Yarra River Protection Ministerial Advisory Committee (Yarra MAC) developed the discussion paper on behalf of the Victorian Government, and the consultation asks residents to comment on what parts of the Yarra River they would like to see protected or improved, to develop a vision for the river’s future.
The discussion paper also raises the prospect of a new management model for the river and its surrounding environment, as well as legislation to formally protect the river.
“The Yarra MAC will consider all feedback and prepare a summary report,” the discussion paper’s summary reads.
“A number of investigations have also been commissioned to inform the Yarra MAC’s deliberations.”
A DELWP spokesperson told the Mail that “all local councils involved in the Yarra River Protection Program Project Reference Group”, including Yarra Ranges Council, were informed of the launch and sent promotional material to disseminate to communities.
“The community workshops are part of this broader engagement program,” the spokesperson said.
“They offer a forum for people who prefer to share their views in person – in addition to these engagement opportunities, members of the community may also submit a written submission.”
When asked if the consultation period would be extended, the spokesperson said the Ministerial Advisory Council was “committed to delivering its final report by early September”.
“This is to allow appropriate legislation to be prepared within this term of government,” they said.
To read the discussion paper, or to make a submission, visit haveyoursay.delwp.vic.gov.au/protecting-the-yarra-river.
To register for the workshop at The Memo, 235 Maroondah Highway, Healesville, call 8392 5500 or email yarra.river@delwp.vic.gov.au. The workshop will run from 6-8pm on Thursday, 4 August.
