Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin Birrarung murron) Act 2017
Authorised by the Chief Parliamentary Counsel
Authorised Version
i
Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin Birrarung
murron) Act 2017
No. 49 of 2017
TABLE OF PROVISIONS
Section Page
Part 1—Preliminary 3
1 Purposes 3
2 Commencement 4
3 Definitions 4
4 Lead agency 9
5 Objects 10
6 Act binds the Crown 11
Part 2—Yarra protection principles 12
7 Part sets out Yarra protection principles 12
8 General principles 12
9 Environmental principles 12
10 Social principles 13
11 Recreational principles 13
12 Cultural principles 14
13 Management principles 14
Part 3—Yarra River land and other land 15
14 Governor in Council may declare area to be Yarra River land 15
15 Land to which Yarra Strategic Plan may apply 16
Part 4—Yarra Strategic Plan 18
Division 1—Purpose of Yarra Strategic Plan 18
16 Purpose 18
Division 2—Long-term community vision 18
17 Lead agency must develop long-term community vision
document 18
Division 3—Preparation of Yarra Strategic Plan 19
18 Lead agency must prepare Yarra Strategic Plan 19
19 Land to which the Yarra Strategic Plan applies 19
20 Contents of Yarra Strategic Plan 20
21 Contents of land use framework plan 21
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22 Planning Minister may issue guidelines 23
Division 4—Consultation for draft Yarra Strategic Plan 23
Subdivision 1—Public sector entity and Ministerial consultation 23
23 Lead agency must prepare draft Yarra Strategic Plan for
consultation 23
Subdivision 2—Public consultation 24
24 Public submissions on draft Yarra Strategic Plan 24
Subdivision 3—Panels and public hearings 25
25 Appointment of panel 25
26 Composition of panel 25
27 Costs and expenses of panel 25
28 Chairperson 25
29 Panels with more than one member 26
30 Panel may regulate its own proceedings 26
31 Lead agency to provide assistance 26
32 Conduct of hearings by panel 26
33 Offences 27
34 Immunity 28
Division 5—Revision and approval of Yarra Strategic Plan 28
35 Lead agency to prepare revised draft Yarra Strategic Plan 28
36 Lead agency to provide draft plan for endorsement and
Ministerial approval 29
Division 6—Approval of Yarra Strategic Plan 29
37 Minister to publish notice of approval in Government Gazette 29
38 When Yarra Strategic Plan comes into operation 29
39 Approved Yarra Strategic Plan and notice of approval to be laid
before Parliament 30
40 Public availability of approved Yarra Strategic Plan 30
Division 7—Amendment of current and preparation of new Yarra
Strategic Plan 30
41 Minor amendments to a Yarra Strategic Plan 30
42 Preparation of new Yarra Strategic Plan after 10 years 31
Division 8—Reporting 31
43 Responsible public entities to prepare implementation audit
report for lead agency 31
44 Lead agency to prepare annual report for Council 32
Division 9—Other 32
45 Specific legislation and a Yarra Strategic Plan 32
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Part 5—The Birrarung Council 36
46 Establishment of the Council 36
47 Independence of the Council 36
48 Functions and powers of the Council 36
49 Constitution and membership of the Council 37
50 Chairperson 38
51 Terms of appointment of members 38
52 Resignation and removal of members 39
53 Vacancies in membership 39
54 Presiding at Council meetings 39
55 Proceedings of the Council 40
56 Validity of decisions of the Council 40
57 Report of the Council 40
58 Review of the Council 41
Part 6—Greater Yarra Urban Parklands 42
59 Governor in Council may declare land as a state significant
urban natural entity 42
Part 7—General 44
60 Regulations 44
Part 8—Amendment of Planning and Environment Act 1987 45
61 Definitions 45
62 New section 4AA inserted 46
63 New Part 3AAA inserted 47
Part 9—Amendment of Commissioner for Environmental
Sustainability Act 2003 51
64 Purpose and outline of Act 51
65 Definitions 51
66 Functions of the Commissioner 51
67 New sections 17A and 17B inserted 52
68 Public availability 53
Part 10—Amendment of other Acts 54
Division 1—Amendment of Catchment and Land Protection
Act 1994 54
69 Definitions 54
70 New section 12A inserted 55
Division 2—Amendment of Conservation, Forests and Lands
Act 1987 56
71 Definitions 56
72 Joint preparation of management plans 56
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Division 3—Amendment of Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 56
73 Definitions 56
74 New section 18C inserted 57
75 New section 21AB inserted 58
Division 4—Amendment of Forests Act 1958 59
76 Definitions 59
77 New section 18B inserted 59
Division 5—Amendment of Heritage Rivers Act 1992 60
78 Contents of management plans 60
Division 6—Amendment of Local Government Act 1989 61
79 Definitions 61
80 New section 3G inserted 61
Division 7—Amendment of National Parks Act 1975 62
81 Definitions 62
82 New section 20A inserted 63
83 New section 27BA inserted 64
Division 8—Amendment of Parks Victoria Act 1998 64
84 Definitions 64
85 New section 8A inserted 65
Division 9—Amendment of Traditional Owner Settlement
Act 2010 66
86 Definition of land use activity 66
87 Definition of decision maker 66
Division 10—Amendment of Transport Integration Act 2010 66
88 Definitions 66
89 New section 89A inserted 67
90 New section 127 inserted 68
Division 11—Amendment of Victorian Planning Authority
Act 2017 69
91 Definitions 69
92 New section 10A inserted 69
Division 12—Amendment of Water Act 1989 70
93 Definitions 70
94 New section 124A inserted 71
95 New section 171I inserted 72
96 Preparation of regional waterway strategies 72
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Division 13—Amendment of Wildlife Act 1975 73
97 Definitions 73
98 New section 14A inserted 73
Part 11—Repeal of amending Parts 75
99 Repeal of amending Parts 75
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Endnotes 76
1 General information 76
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Authorised Version
1
Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin
Birrarung murron) Act 2017†
No. 49 of 2017
[Assented to 26 September 2017]
Preamble
The Yarra River is of great importance to
Melbourne and Victoria. It is the intention of the
Parliament that the Yarra River is kept alive and
healthy for the benefit of future generations.
This Act recognises the intrinsic connection of the
traditional owners to the Yarra River and its
Country and further recognises them as the
custodians of the land and waterway which they
call Birrarung.
In the Woi-wurrung language of the traditional
owners, Wilip-gin Birrarung murron means
"keep the Birrarung alive". The following
statement (in the Woi-wurrung language 1 and in
English) is from the Woi-wurrung—
Victoria
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Woiwurrungbaluk ba Birrarung wanganyinu
biikpil
Yarrayarrapil, manyi biik ba Birrarung, ganbu
marram-nganyinu
Manyi Birrarung murrondjak, durrung ba murrup
warrongguny, ngargunin twarnpil
Birrarungwa nhanbu wilamnganyinu
Nhanbu ngarn.ganhanganyinu manyi Birrarung
Bunjil munggany biik, wurru-wurru, warriny ba
yaluk, ba ngargunin twarn
Biiku kuliny munggany Bunjil
Waa marrnakith-nganyin
Balliyang, barnumbinyu Bundjilal, banyu bagurrk
munggany
Ngarn.gunganyinu nhanbu
nyilam biik, nyilam kuliny – balit biik, balit kuliny:
balitmanhanganyin manyi biik ba Birrarung.
Balitmanhanganyin durrungu ba murrupu,
ba nhanbu murrondjak!
We, the Woi-wurrung, the First People, and the
Birrarung, belong to this Country. This Country,
and the Birrarung are part of us.
The Birrarung is alive, has a heart, a spirit and is
part of our Dreaming. We have lived with and
known the Birrarung since the beginning. We will
always know the Birrarung.
Bunjil, the great Eagle, the creator spirit, made the
land, the sky, the sea, the rivers, flora and fauna,
the lore. He made Kulin from the earth. Bunjil
gave Waa, the crow, the responsibility of Protector.
Bunjil's brother, Palliyang, the Bat, created
Bagarook, women, from the water.
Since our beginning it has been known that we
have an obligation to keep the Birrarung alive and
healthy—for all generations to come.
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Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin Birrarung murron) Act 2017
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Part 1—Preliminary
3
The Parliament of Victoria therefore enacts:
Part 1—Preliminary
1 Purposes
The main purposes of this Act are—
(a) to provide for the declaration of the Yarra
River and certain public land in its vicinity
for the purpose of protecting it as one living
and integrated natural entity; and
(b) to provide for the development and
implementation of a Yarra Strategic Plan
as an overarching policy and planning
framework in relation to the Yarra River
and certain land in its vicinity; and
(c) to establish the Birrarung Council to
provide advice to the Minister in relation
to Yarra River land and other land, the
use or development of which may affect
Yarra River land, and other matters, and
to report annually to the Minister on the
implementation of a Yarra Strategic Plan
by responsible public entities; and
(d) to set out principles to which responsible
public entities must have regard when
performing functions or duties or exercising
powers in relation to Yarra River land or
other land mentioned in paragraph (c); and
(e) to provide for the declaration of an area of
land as a state significant urban natural entity
to be known as the Greater Yarra Urban
Parklands; and
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(f) to amend the Planning and Environment
Act 1987 to require ratification by
Parliament for amendments to planning
schemes in relation to land that is part of
the Greater Yarra Urban Parklands; and
(g) to amend the Commissioner for
Environmental Sustainability Act 2003 to
require the Commissioner for Environmental
Sustainability to report on the condition of
Yarra River land; and
(h) to make consequential amendments to other
Acts.
2 Commencement
(1) Subject to subsection (3), this Act
(except section 63) comes into operation
on a day or days to be proclaimed.
(2) Section 63 comes into operation on the day
on which the initial Yarra Strategic Plan comes
into operation.
Note
See also section 38.
(3) If a provision of this Act (except section 63) does
not come into operation before 1 December 2017,
it comes into operation on that day.
3 Definitions
(1) In this Act—
amenity includes the features of the Yarra River
and its parklands that engage community
connection with nature, culture and heritage
and enhance community health and
wellbeing, whether through tangible or
intangible means;
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Central Plan Office means the Central Plan
Office established by section 4 of the
Survey Co-ordination Act 1958;
Council means the Birrarung Council established
under section 46;
Department means the Department of
Environment, Land, Water and Planning;
Department Head means the Department Head
(within the meaning of the Public
Administration Act 2004) of the
Department;
environment means the physical factors of the
surroundings of human beings including the
land, waters, atmosphere, climate, sound,
odours, tastes, the biological factors of
animals and plants and the social factor of
aesthetics;
excluded land means—
(a) the port of Melbourne within the
meaning of the Port Management
Act 1995; or
(b) any land within a special water supply
catchment area listed in Schedule 5 to
the Catchment and Land Protection
Act 1994;
Greater Yarra Urban Parklands means land to
which an order under section 59(1) or (3)
applies, but does not include land to which
an order under section 59(4) applies;
land use framework plan—see section 20(1)(b);
lead agency means a relevant plan entity to which
a direction under section 4 applies;
long-term community vision document means the
document referred to in section 17;
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municipal council means a Council within the
meaning of the Local Government
Act 1989;
Planning Minister means the Minister
administering the Planning and
Environment Act 1987;
public entity has the same meaning as in the
Public Administration Act 2004;
relevant plan entity means—
(a) the Department Head; or
(b) the Melbourne Water Corporation
established under section 85 of the
Water Act 1989; or
(c) Parks Victoria established under Part 2
of the Parks Victoria Act 1998; or
(d) the Victorian Planning Authority
established under Part 2 of the
Victorian Planning Authority
Act 2017; or
(e) the Port Phillip and Westernport
Catchment Management Authority
established under Part 2 of the
Catchment and Land Protection
Act 1994;
responsible public entity means—
(a) the Secretary; or
(b) the Melbourne Water Corporation
established under section 85 of the
Water Act 1989; or
(c) Parks Victoria established under Part 2
of the Parks Victoria Act 1998; or
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(d) the Victorian Planning Authority,
established under Part 2 of the
Victorian Planning Authority
Act 2017; or
(e) the Port Phillip and Westernport
Catchment Management Authority
established under Part 2 of the
Catchment and Land Protection
Act 1994; or
(f) the Roads Corporation continued
under section 80 of the Transport
Integration Act 2010; or
(g) Victorian Rail Track continued under
section 116 of the Transport
Integration Act 2010; or
(h) any committee of management or
trustees under the Crown Land
(Reserves) Act 1978 in relation
to any Yarra River land; or
(i) any of the following municipal
councils—
(i) Banyule City Council;
(ii) Boroondara City Council;
(iii) Manningham City Council;
(iv) Melbourne City Council;
(v) Nillumbik Shire Council;
(vi) Stonnington City Council;
(vii) Yarra City Council;
(viii) Yarra Ranges Shire Council; or
(j) any Traditional Owner Land
Management Board established
under Part 8A of the Conservation,
Forests and Lands Act 1987; or
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(k) any other public entity prescribed to be
a responsible public entity;
Secretary has the same meaning as in the
Conservation, Forests and Lands
Act 1987;
segment, in relation to the environment, means
any portion or portions of the environment
expressed in terms of—
(a) volume, space, area, quantity, quality,
or time; or
(b) any combination of the things
mentioned in paragraph (a);
urban growth boundary has the same meaning
as in the Planning and Environment
Act 1987;
Water Minister means the Minister administering
the Water Act 1989;
Yarra protection principles—see section 7;
Yarra River land means—
(a) the Yarra River, including its bed, soil
and banks; and
(b) an area of land to which an order
under section 14(1) or (2) applies,
but does not include land to which an
order under section 14(4) applies;
Yarra Strategic Plan means the plan developed
under Part 4;
Yarra Strategic Plan area—see section 19(1).
(2) In the definition of environment in subsection (1),
waters has the same meaning as in the
Environment Protection Act 1970.
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4 Lead agency
(1) The Minister, by written direction, may require a
relevant plan entity to be the lead agency for the
purposes of this Act.
(2) Before giving a direction under subsection (1), the
Minister must obtain the approval of whichever
two of the following Ministers are not the
Minister administering this Act—
(a) the Planning Minister;
(b) the Environment Minister;
(c) the Water Minister.
(3) The Minister must publish a notice of a direction
under subsection (1) in the Government Gazette.
(4) A notice under subsection (3) must state the name
of the relevant plan entity that the Minister has
directed to be the lead agency.
(5) On the giving of a direction under
subsection (1)—
(a) the relevant plan entity is taken to be the lead
agency for the purposes of this Act while
that direction remains in force; and
(b) any earlier direction under that subsection is
revoked by force of this subsection.
(6) Despite anything to the contrary in the Act under
which a relevant plan entity is established
or constituted, or appointed, or any other Act
under which the entity performs functions or
exercises powers, a relevant plan entity which is
the lead agency—
(a) has the function of being the lead agency
under this Act; and
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(b) has all powers necessary to perform the
functions of the lead agency during any
period that the entity undertakes that role.
(6) In this section—
Environment Minister means the Minister
administering the Commissioner for
Environmental Sustainability Act 2003.
5 Objects
The objects of this Act are—
(a) to recognise the importance of the Yarra
River, and its parklands and associated
public places, to the economic prosperity,
vitality and liveability of Melbourne and
the Yarra Valley, including—
(i) the ecological health, and the cultural,
social, environmental and amenity
values of the Yarra River and the
landscape in which the Yarra River is
situated; and
(ii) the environmental significance of the
biodiversity corridor along the Yarra
River; and
(b) to recognise that Crown land and freehold
land owned by the State, that is adjacent to
the Yarra River and which is used as public
open space or as a park, is part of the one
living and integrated natural entity, and to
protect that land; and
(c) to establish an overarching policy and
planning framework to coordinate
and harmonise planning for the use,
development and protection of the Yarra
River, its parklands and other land in its
vicinity; and
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(d) to establish the Birrarung Council to
advocate for protection and preservation
of the Yarra River.
6 Act binds the Crown
This Act binds the Crown in right of Victoria and,
so far as the legislative power of the Parliament
permits, the Crown in all its other capacities.
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Part 2—Yarra protection principles
7 Part sets out Yarra protection principles
The Yarra protection principles are set out in this
Part.
8 General principles
(1) Proposed development and decision-making
should be based on the effective integration of
environmental, social and cultural considerations
in order to improve public health and wellbeing
and environmental benefit.
(2) Decision-makers should take into account the
best practicably available information about the
potential impacts of climate change so as to avoid,
so far as possible, serious or irreversible damage
resulting from climate change.
(3) Decision-makers should take into account the
impact of any individual action or policy on
public health and wellbeing and seek to ensure
that public health and wellbeing is enhanced by
the action or policy.
(4) Each generation should ensure that the
environmental, social and cultural benefits that
have been acquired are maintained or enhanced
for the benefit of future generations.
(5) Protection of the environment and delivery of
sustainable development is a responsibility shared
by all levels of government, industry, business,
communities and the people of Victoria.
9 Environmental principles
(1) If there are threats of serious or irreversible
environmental damage, lack of full scientific
certainty should not be used as a reason for
postponing measures to prevent environmental
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degradation or for failing to assess the
risk-weighted consequences of the options.
(2) Environmental practices and procedures should
ensure that biodiversity and ecological integrity
is maintained or enhanced in ways that are
proportionate to the significance of the
environmental risks and consequences being
addressed.
(3) If approaches to managing environmental impacts
on one segment of the environment have potential
impacts on another segment, the best practicable
environmental outcome should be sought.
(4) There should be a net gain for the environment
in the area of Yarra River land arising out of
any individual action or policy that has an
environmental impact on Yarra River land.
10 Social principles
(1) The existing amenity of Yarra River land,
including its natural features, character and
appearance, should be protected and enhanced
for the benefit of the whole community.
(2) Community consultation and participation
should play an essential and effective role in
the protection, improvement and promotion
of Yarra River land.
11 Recreational principles
(1) Community access to, and use and enjoyment
of, Yarra River land should be protected and
enhanced through the design and management
of public open space for compatible multiple
uses that optimise community benefit.
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(2) Public open space should be used for recreational
and community purposes that are within the
capacity of that space, in order to sustain natural
processes and not diminish the potential of that
open space to meet the long-term aspirations of
the community.
12 Cultural principles
(1) Aboriginal cultural values, heritage and
knowledge of Yarra River land should be
acknowledged, reflected, protected and
promoted.
(2) The role of the traditional owners as custodians of
Yarra River land should be acknowledged through
partnership, representation and involvement in
policy planning and decision-making.
(3) The cultural diversity and heritage of
post-European settlement communities
should be recognised and protected as a
valued contribution to the identity, amenity
and use of Yarra River land.
13 Management principles
(1) There should be coordination between all levels
of government and government agencies when
designing policies and programs and making
decisions in relation to Yarra River land.
(2) When designing policies and programs, the best
practicable measures available at the time should
be used.
(3) Implementation of natural resource management
should aim for continuous improvement and
extend beyond compliance with relevant laws
and requirements.
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Part 3—Yarra River land and other land
14 Governor in Council may declare area to be Yarra
River land
(1) The Governor in Council, on the recommendation
of the Minister, by order published in the
Government Gazette, may declare an area of land
forming part of land specified in subsection (3) to
be Yarra River land.
(2) The Governor in Council, on the recommendation
of the Minister, by order published in the
Government Gazette, may add land specified in
subsection (3) to Yarra River land.
(3) For the purposes of subsections (1) and (2), the
specified land is land—
(a) that is adjacent to the Yarra River, or any
part of which is within 500 metres of a bank
of the Yarra River; and
(b) that is one of the following types of land—
(i) land reserved under the Crown Land
(Reserves) Act 1978;
(ii) land under the Land Act 1958;
(iii) reserved forest within the meaning of
the Forests Act 1958;
(iv) land under the management and
control of the Secretary under the
Wildlife Act 1975;
(v) land that is a park within the meaning
of the National Parks Act 1975;
(vi) freehold land owned by a responsible
public entity; and
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(c) that is not one of the following types of
land—
(i) excluded land;
(ii) land that is privately owned;
(iii) land that is owned by a municipal
council.
(4) The Governor in Council, on the recommendation
of the Minister, by order published in the
Government Gazette, may remove land from
Yarra River land.
(5) The Minister must—
(a) if the Minister administering this Act is not
the Planning Minister, obtain the approval of
the Planning Minister before making a
recommendation under subsection (1), (2) or
(4); and
(b) consult with the Council before making a
recommendation under subsection (4).
(6) An order under this section must identify the land
to which it applies by reference to a numbered
plan lodged in the Central Plan Office.
15 Land to which Yarra Strategic Plan may apply
(1) The Planning Minister, by notice published in
the Government Gazette, may declare land
comprising any land specified in subsection (3),
or a part of land specified in that subsection, for
the purposes of section 19(2).
(2) Before publishing a notice under subsection (1),
the Planning Minister must obtain the approval of
the Minister administering this Act if the Planning
Minister is not the Minister administering this
Act.
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(3) For the purposes of subsection (1), the specified
land is land of any kind that is located more than
one kilometre from a bank of the Yarra River—
(a) that is wholly within the municipal districts
of any of the following municipal councils—
(i) Banyule City Council;
(ii) Boroondara City Council;
(iii) Manningham City Council;
(iv) Melbourne City Council;
(v) Nillumbik Shire Council;
(vi) Stonnington City Council;
(vii) Yarra City Council;
(viii) Yarra Ranges Shire Council; and
(b) that is not excluded land.
(4) A notice under subsection (1) must identify the
land to which the notice applies by reference to a
numbered plan lodged in the Central Plan Office.
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Part 4—Yarra Strategic Plan
Division 1—Purpose of Yarra Strategic Plan
16 Purpose
The purpose of a Yarra Strategic Plan is to—
(a) guide the future use and development of the
Yarra Strategic Plan area; and
(b) identify areas for protection within the Yarra
Strategic Plan area.
Division 2—Long-term community vision
17 Lead agency must develop long-term community
vision document
(1) Before preparing the initial Yarra Strategic Plan,
the lead agency must develop a long-term
community vision document for Yarra River land.
(2) The long-term community vision document must
set a vision for a period of at least 50 years that
identifies—
(a) the unique characteristics of Yarra River
land; and
(b) community values, priorities and preferences
in relation to that land or specific areas or
segments of that land, including preferences
for future land uses, protection and
development of that land.
(3) The process for developing the long-term
community vision document must include
active community participation and co-design.
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Division 3—Preparation of Yarra Strategic Plan
18 Lead agency must prepare Yarra Strategic Plan
(1) The lead agency must prepare a Yarra Strategic
Plan in accordance with this Part.
(2) The lead agency must develop a Yarra Strategic
Plan—
(a) through an open and collaborative process
involving responsible public entities, local
community reference forums and the
Council; and
(b) in accordance with any guidelines under
section 22; and
(c) having regard to the Yarra protection
principles; and
(d) in accordance with best practice regarding
public participation, by seeking to
collaborate with the community and ensure
that community concerns and aspirations are
understood and considered; and
(e) having regard to any relevant legislation,
current policies and plans of the Government
and responsible public entities relating to
land use, waterway health, biodiversity,
cultural heritage, transport or other social,
economic or environmental policies or plans
relevant to Yarra River land.
19 Land to which the Yarra Strategic Plan applies
(1) A Yarra Strategic Plan must specify the land to
which it applies (the Yarra Strategic Plan area).
That land must be—
(a) Yarra River land; and
(b) land of any kind (other than excluded land)
that is located within one kilometre of a bank
of the Yarra River; and
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(c) land that the lead agency has specified under
subsection (2).
(2) The lead agency may specify part or all of the
land declared by notice under section 15(1) as
land to which the Yarra Strategic Plan applies.
(3) A Yarra Strategic Plan must include a description
of the Yarra Strategic Plan area. The description
may be by reference to a map.
20 Contents of Yarra Strategic Plan
(1) A Yarra Strategic Plan must—
(a) give effect to the vision expressed in the
long-term community vision document; and
(b) include a plan for the Yarra Strategic Plan
area (a land use framework plan) that—
(i) creates the spatial structure for the
future use and development of that
area; and
(ii) identifies areas for protection within
that area.
(2) In addition, a Yarra Strategic Plan must—
(a) contain the long-term community vision
document developed for Yarra River land
under section 17; and
(b) set out the broad objectives of a Yarra
Strategic Plan and the values that it seeks to
recognise, protect and promote, including
environmental values, landscape values,
cultural heritage values and amenity values;
and
(c) contain performance objectives for waterway
health, river parklands amenity, landscape
amenity and environmental, cultural and
heritage values to be achieved over a
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specified period in relation to Yarra River
land; and
(d) identify regional infrastructure networks; and
(e) identify projects for the protection and
improvement of Yarra River land that should
be carried out at the earliest opportunity; and
(f) set out a narrative description of the river
corridor; and
(g) set out a decision-making framework against
which individual projects and proposals may
be assessed or evaluated; and
(h) state the parts of a Yarra Strategic Plan that
are intended to be binding on responsible
public entities and the parts that are in
the nature of recommendations to which
responsible public entities are only required
to have regard; and
(i) cover any other matter relating to waterway
health, river parklands amenity, landscape
amenity or environmental, cultural or
heritage values that the Minister, by written
direction given to the lead agency, directs is
to be dealt with by a Yarra Strategic Plan.
21 Contents of land use framework plan
A land use framework plan must—
(a) include spatial plans for the Yarra Strategic
Plan area; and
(b) indicate the broad direction for the future use
and development of the Yarra Strategic Plan
area; and
(c) identify areas for protection within the Yarra
Strategic Plan area; and
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(d) recognise and protect Aboriginal tangible
and intangible cultural values, and other
cultural and heritage values; and
(e) identify riparian zones and areas of high
environmental or landscape value that must
be protected from development; and
(f) identify areas for urban revitalisation or
renewal; and
(g) identify important views and viewsheds that
provide a sense of place and connection with
Yarra River land from and to surrounding
areas; and
(h) identify areas for the attraction of
commercial activities and services; and
(i) identify locations suitable for a wide range of
community activities and events; and
(j) nominate habitat corridors and ecological
values for improvement and the achievement
of more resilient biodiversity outcomes, in
terms of the following—
(i) localised habitat or features within
Yarra River land;
(ii) the role of Yarra River land in linking
or maintaining the health of key habitat
areas close to Yarra River land and
minimising disruptions of sensitive
flora and fauna; and
(k) define open space and urban forest networks
that will provide for the amenity and
recreation needs of local communities; and
(l) identify movement and access networks that
link people to the Yarra River landscape and
its parklands and as part of the larger
regional trails network; and
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(m) incorporate any agreed strategic transport
infrastructure including identified current or
future river crossings and principal bicycle
networks; and
(n) identify public authority infrastructure and
land management proposals that may affect
Yarra River land; and
(o) recognise projected climate change impacts,
flood risks and bushfire risks.
22 Planning Minister may issue guidelines
The Planning Minister may issue guidelines
to the lead agency in relation to river corridor
framework planning.
Division 4—Consultation for draft
Yarra Strategic Plan
Subdivision 1—Public sector entity
and Ministerial consultation
23 Lead agency must prepare draft Yarra Strategic
Plan for consultation
(1) The lead agency must prepare a draft Yarra
Strategic Plan and give a copy of that plan to the
responsible public entities for endorsement by
them and by the Ministers responsible for those
entities.
(2) A Minister responsible for a responsible public
entity may give a written direction to the entity
in relation to the endorsement of a draft Yarra
Strategic Plan.
(3) After a draft Yarra Strategic Plan has been
endorsed in accordance with subsection (1), the
lead agency must give a copy of the draft Yarra
Strategic Plan to the Minister for review and
approval for release for public consultation.
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(4) After the Minister has approved a draft Yarra
Strategic Plan for release for public consultation,
the lead agency must make a copy of the draft
Yarra Strategic Plan available for public
inspection, free of charge, at the agency's office.
Subdivision 2—Public consultation
24 Public submissions on draft Yarra Strategic Plan
(1) The lead agency must advertise, in any manner the
lead agency thinks fit—
(a) the availability of a draft Yarra Strategic
Plan for inspection; and
(b) the opportunity for public submissions to
be made to the lead agency on the draft
plan, indicating that all submissions will be
available for inspection by the public; and
(c) the time period for public submissions to be
made, being a period of at least 2 months.
(2) The lead agency must make a copy of all public
submissions on a draft Yarra Strategic Plan made
to the lead agency available for public inspection,
free of charge, at the agency's office.
(3) At the end of the public submission period, the
lead agency must—
(a) consider all submissions made to the lead
agency; and
(b) refer any submissions in relation to the land
use framework plan that the lead agency
does not fully adopt to a panel appointed
under section 25 to conduct a hearing.
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Subdivision 3—Panels and public hearings
25 Appointment of panel
The Minister must appoint a panel to consider
submissions to be referred to a panel by the lead
agency under section 24(3).
26 Composition of panel
A panel may consist of one or more persons.
27 Costs and expenses of panel
(1) Each member of a panel is entitled to receive
any fees and allowances fixed by the Minister
in respect of that member.
(2) The lead agency—
(a) must pay the fees or allowances unless the
Minister otherwise directs; and
(b) if any member of a panel is a person
employed by or on behalf of the Crown,
must pay to the Crown the amount fixed
by the Minister in respect of the costs of
remuneration and expenses of that person
for the period that the person is a member
of the panel.
(3) The lead agency must pay for, or reimburse, any
reasonable costs and expenses incurred for or by a
panel in carrying out its functions under this Part
unless the Minister otherwise directs.
28 Chairperson
If a panel consists of more than one member, the
Minister must appoint one of the members to be
chairperson.
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29 Panels with more than one member
The following provisions apply to panels with
more than one member—
(a) in the case of a panel of 2 members, the
chairperson constitutes a quorum;
(b) in the case of a panel of more than
2 members, a quorum is half the number
of members constituting the panel and,
if this would not be a whole number, the
next highest whole number;
(c) the members of a panel of more than
2 members may appoint a member to act
as chairperson at a meeting of the panel if
the chairperson is unable to attend;
(d) the chairperson has an additional or casting
vote if there is an equality of votes at a
meeting of the panel;
(e) if there is a quorum, the panel may act
despite a vacancy in its membership;
(f) the Minister may appoint another member to
a panel if there is a vacancy.
30 Panel may regulate its own proceedings
Subject to this Part, a panel may regulate its own
proceedings.
31 Lead agency to provide assistance
The lead agency must provide a panel with any
secretarial and other assistance that the panel
requires to carry out its functions under this Part.
32 Conduct of hearings by panel
(1) A panel must consider the submissions referred
to it and give any person who made a public
submission referred to it a reasonable opportunity
to be heard.
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(2) The panel must give a reasonable opportunity to
be heard to—
(a) any responsible public entity; and
(b) the lead agency; and
(c) any person that the lead agency or the
Minister directs the panel to hear.
(3) Subject to this Part and any necessary
modification, Division 2 of Part 8 of the
Planning and Environment Act 1987
(except sections 169 and 170 of that Act)
applies to the conduct of a hearing by a
panel under this Part as if—
(a) a reference in Part 8 to the relevant
planning authority were a reference to
the lead agency; and
(b) Part 8 did not refer to the preparation of a
planning scheme or an amendment of a
planning scheme.
(4) The panel must report its findings to the Minister,
including any recommendations that the panel
thinks fit.
(5) The lead agency must make a copy of the panel's
report under subsection (4) available for public
inspection, free of charge, at the agency's office.
33 Offences
(1) A person commits an offence if the person—
(a) obstructs a member of a panel while the
member is performing functions or
exercising powers as a member; or
(b) obstructs any person attending a hearing
before a panel; or
(c) repeatedly interrupts a hearing before a
panel; or
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(d) without lawful excuse disobeys a direction
of a panel.
(2) A person who commits an offence against
subsection (1) is liable to a level 10 fine
(10 penalty units maximum).
34 Immunity
(1) A member of a panel is not personally liable for
anything done or omitted to be done in good
faith—
(a) in the exercise of a power or the performance
of a duty under this Act or the regulations; or
(b) in the reasonable belief that the action or
omission was in the exercise of the power
or the performance of the duty under this
Act or the regulations.
(2) Any liability resulting from an act or omission
that would but for subsection (1) attach to a
member of a panel, attaches instead to the State.
Division 5—Revision and approval of
Yarra Strategic Plan
35 Lead agency to prepare revised draft Yarra
Strategic Plan
After the process under Subdivisions 2 and 3 of
Division 4 (the public submission process) is
completed, the lead agency must—
(a) consider a report of a panel under
section 32(4); and
(b) revise a draft Yarra Strategic Plan to take
account of—
(i) any amendments arising out of the
public submission process; and
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(ii) any recommendations in any report of a
panel with which the responsible public
entities agree.
36 Lead agency to provide draft plan for endorsement
and Ministerial approval
(1) The lead agency must give a copy of a revised
draft Yarra Strategic Plan to the responsible
public entities for endorsement by them and the
Ministers responsible for those entities.
(2) A Minister responsible for a responsible public
entity may give a written direction to the entity
in relation to the endorsement of a revised draft
Yarra Strategic Plan.
(3) After a revised draft Yarra Strategic Plan has been
endorsed in accordance with subsection (1), the
lead agency must give a copy of the revised draft
plan to the Minister for approval.
Division 6—Approval of Yarra Strategic Plan
37 Minister to publish notice of approval in
Government Gazette
(1) The Minister may approve an endorsed Yarra
Strategic Plan provided to the Minister by the
lead agency under section 36(3).
(2) The Minister must publish notice of an approval
under subsection (1) in the Government Gazette.
38 When Yarra Strategic Plan comes into operation
A Yarra Strategic Plan comes into operation on—
(a) the day on which notice of its approval is
published in the Government Gazette; or
(b) any later date specified in that notice as the
day the Yarra Strategic Plan comes into
operation.
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39 Approved Yarra Strategic Plan and notice of
approval to be laid before Parliament
On or before the 7th sitting day after notice of
the approval of a Yarra Strategic Plan has been
published in the Government Gazette under
section 37, a copy of the approved Yarra Strategic
Plan and that notice must be laid before each
House of the Parliament.
40 Public availability of approved Yarra Strategic Plan
While an approved Yarra Strategic Plan remains
in force, a copy of it must be made available—
(a) for public inspection, free of charge, at the
principal office of the lead agency, each
responsible public entity and the
Department; and
(b) on the Internet sites of the lead agency,
each responsible public entity and the
Department.
Division 7—Amendment of current and
preparation of new Yarra Strategic Plan
41 Minor amendments to a Yarra Strategic Plan
(1) With the prior approval of the Minister, the
lead agency may amend a Yarra Strategic Plan
if the agency is satisfied that the amendment is
of a minor nature so that compliance with this
Part (other than this section) in relation to the
amendment is not warranted.
(2) Before giving an approval under subsection (1),
the Minister must consult with—
(a) the Planning Minister, if the Minister
administering this Act is not the Planning
Minister; and
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(b) the Minister responsible for a responsible
public entity affected by the proposed
amendment.
42 Preparation of new Yarra Strategic Plan after
10 years
(1) The Minister must ensure that the following
are completed by the lead agency no later than
10 years after the commencement of a Yarra
Strategic Plan—
(a) a review of the long-term community vision
document developed under Division 2;
(b) a new Yarra Strategic Plan.
(2) Subject to any necessary modification, Divisions 1
and 3 to 6 apply to the preparation of a new Yarra
Strategic Plan as if a reference in those Divisions
to—
(a) the initial Yarra Strategic Plan were a
reference to the new Yarra Strategic Plan;
and
(b) a draft Yarra Strategic Plan were a reference
to the draft of the new Yarra Strategic Plan
being prepared.
(3) The lead agency may revise or restate the
long-term community vision document for the
purposes of preparing a new Yarra Strategic Plan.
Division 8—Reporting
43 Responsible public entities to prepare
implementation audit report for lead agency
(1) Each responsible public entity must—
(a) prepare a report on the implementation of a
Yarra Strategic Plan by the entity over the
reporting period; and
(b) provide that report to the lead agency.
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(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), the reporting
period is—
(a) intervals of 6 months; or
(b) any other period that the Minister specifies
in writing to the responsible public entity and
the lead agency.
(3) If the Minister specifies a period under subsection
(2)(b), the Minister must publish notice of that
specification in the Government Gazette.
44 Lead agency to prepare annual report for Council
The lead agency must prepare an annual report
from the information provided to the agency in
any report under section 43 and give the report to
the Council to assist it with its functions under
section 57(1).
Division 9—Other
45 Specific legislation and a Yarra Strategic Plan
(1) If a Yarra Strategic Plan applies to any land to
which a management plan under the Heritage
Rivers Act 1992 applies, a Yarra Strategic Plan
must not be inconsistent with—
(a) that Act; or
(b) any management plan under that Act unless
the Minister administering that Act, after
consultation with the Minister administering
the Act under which the relevant land is
managed (if any), gives a specific written
endorsement to the lead agency authorising
the inconsistency.
(2) If a Yarra Strategic Plan applies to any land in a
park under the National Parks Act 1975, a Yarra
Strategic Plan must not be inconsistent with—
(a) that Act; or
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(b) any management plan under that Act
unless the Secretary gives a specific
written endorsement to the lead agency
authorising the inconsistency.
(3) If a Yarra Strategic Plan applies to any land that
is reserved under the Crown Land (Reserves)
Act 1978, a Yarra Strategic Plan must not be
inconsistent with—
(a) that Act; or
(b) the purpose for which that land is reserved;
or
(c) any relevant recommendation of the Land
Conservation Council under section 5(1)
of the Land Conservation Act 1970
(as in force immediately before its repeal)
applying to the land, of which notice has
been given by the Governor in Council
under section 10(3) of that Act (as so in
force); or
(d) any Government response (or amended
Government response) under section 25
or 26G of the Victorian Environmental
Assessment Council Act 2001 to any report
under section 23 or 26E of that Act applying
to the land.
(4) If a Yarra Strategic Plan applies to any land that
is reserved under the Crown Land (Reserves)
Act 1978, and that land is subject to additional
management requirements as a State Wildlife
Reserve or a Nature Reserve under the Wildlife
Act 1975, a Yarra Strategic Plan must not be
inconsistent with—
(a) the Wildlife Act 1975; or
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(b) any plan of management under the Wildlife
Act 1975 unless the Secretary gives a
specific written endorsement to the lead
agency authorising the inconsistency.
(5) If a Yarra Strategic Plan applies to any land to
which a regional waterway strategy for the
Yarra River applies (prepared by Melbourne
Water Corporation under section 190 of the
Water Act 1989), a Yarra Strategic Plan must
not be inconsistent with—
(a) the Water Act 1989; or
(b) that strategy unless the Water Minister and
the environment Minister jointly give a
specific written endorsement to the lead
agency authorising the inconsistency.
(6) If a Yarra Strategic Plan applies to any land
that is Crown land which is the subject of a
joint management plan under Part 8A of the
Conservation, Forests and Lands Act 1987
in respect of appointed land under that Part
between the Secretary and a Traditional
Owner Land Management Board, a Yarra
Strategic Plan must not be inconsistent with—
(a) the Conservation, Forests and Lands
Act 1987; or
(b) that joint management plan for the appointed
land unless the Secretary and the Traditional
Owner Land Management Board jointly give
a specific written endorsement to the lead
agency authorising the inconsistency.
(7) Notice of any endorsement under this section must
be published in the Government Gazette by the
entity giving the endorsement to the lead agency.
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(8) In this section—
environment Minister has the same meaning
as in the Water Act 1989;
Land Conservation Council means the Land
Conservation Council established under
the Land Conservation Act 1970.
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Part 5—The Birrarung Council
46 Establishment of the Council
The Birrarung Council is established.
47 Independence of the Council
The Council is to act independently of responsible
public entities.
Note
See also section 49(3).
48 Functions and powers of the Council
(1) The main functions of the Council are—
(a) to provide advice to the Minister—
(i) generally in relation to the
administration of this Act; and
(ii) on particular matters on which its
advice is sought relating to the
protection and improvement of
Yarra River land; and
(iii) on the development of a Yarra Strategic
Plan, including the scope and adequacy
of public participation processes; and
(iv) on the implementation of a Yarra
Strategic Plan; and
(v) on the operation and effectiveness
of a Yarra Strategic Plan and its
contribution to the protection and
improvement of Yarra River land,
and the environmental, cultural and
heritage values of Yarra River land,
including the waterway health of the
Yarra River; and
(b) to advocate for protection and preservation
of the Yarra River.
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(2) The Council has any other function conferred on
the Council by or under this Act or any other Act.
(3) The Council has all powers necessary to carry out
its functions.
49 Constitution and membership of the Council
(1) The Council consists of not more than
12 members appointed by the Minister, of
whom—
(a) at least 2 members must be nominees of the
Wurundjeri Tribe Land and Compensation
Cultural Heritage Council Inc. A0005530A;
and
(b) at least one member must be a representative
of an environment group; and
(c) at least one member must be a representative
of an agriculture industry group; and
(d) at least 2 members must be skill-based
members as specified in subsection (2); and
(e) at least one member must be a representative
of a Yarra River land local community
group; and
(f) one member is the chairperson.
(2) A person is eligible to be appointed as a
skill-based member if the Minister is satisfied
that the person is skilled or has expertise in one
of the following—
(a) waterway health;
(b) aquatic ecology;
(c) urban design;
(d) landscape architecture;
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(e) urban parks and recreation;
(f) statutory planning;
(g) environmental planning;
(h) public participation processes;
(i) community health.
(3) A person is not eligible to be appointed as a
member of the Council if the person is a member
or an employee of a responsible public entity.
50 Chairperson
(1) The Minister must appoint a person to be the
chairperson of the Council.
(2) A person is eligible to be appointed as chairperson
of the Council if the Minister is satisfied that the
person has suitable skills for the role of
chairperson.
51 Terms of appointment of members
(1) A member of the Council—
(a) holds office for the period, not exceeding
4 years, specified in the instrument of
appointment and is eligible for
reappointment; and
(b) is appointed on the terms and conditions
determined by the Minister; and
(c) is entitled to the remuneration and
allowances determined by the Minister
from time to time.
(2) The Public Administration Act 2004 (other than
Part 3 of that Act) applies to a member in respect
of the office of member.
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52 Resignation and removal of members
(1) A member of the Council may resign from the
office of member by writing to the Minister.
(2) A member of the Council may be removed from
office by the Minister on any of the following
grounds—
(a) misconduct;
(b) neglect of duty;
(c) inability to perform the duties of the office;
(d) any other ground on which the Minister is
satisfied that the member is unfit to hold
office.
53 Vacancies in membership
(1) The office of member of the Council becomes
vacant if the member—
(a) resigns from office; or
(b) is removed from office under section 52(2).
(2) In accordance with this Act, the Minister may fill
a vacant office.
54 Presiding at Council meetings
(1) The person who is to preside at a meeting of the
Council is—
(a) the chairperson, if the chairperson is present;
or
(b) a member elected to preside by the members
of the Council present at the meeting, if the
chairperson is absent.
(2) The person who is presiding at a meeting has a
deliberative vote and, if voting is equal on any
question, a casting vote.
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55 Proceedings of the Council
(1) A majority of the members in office for the time
being constitutes a quorum of the Council.
(2) The Council is subject to any written direction
given to it by the Minister.
(3) Subject to any direction of the Minister, the
Council may regulate its own proceedings.
56 Validity of decisions of the Council
(1) An act or a decision of the Council is not invalid
merely because of—
(a) a defect or irregularity in, or in connection
with, the appointment of a member; or
(b) a vacancy in the membership of the Council,
including a vacancy arising from the failure
to appoint an original member.
(2) Anything done by or in relation to a person
purporting to act as chairperson is not invalid
merely because—
(a) the occasion for the appointment had not
arisen; or
(b) there was a defect or irregularity in relation
to the appointment; or
(c) the appointment had ceased to have effect.
57 Report of the Council
(1) The Council must report to the Minister on the
implementation of a Yarra Strategic Plan by
responsible public entities.
(2) A report under subsection (1) must be made on
or before 31 October each year after a Yarra
Strategic Plan has come into operation under
section 38.
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(3) The Minister must cause a report under
subsection (1) to be laid before each House
of the Parliament—
(a) within 7 sitting days after receiving the
report; and
(b) together with the report submitted to the
Council under section 44.
58 Review of the Council
(1) The Minister must ensure that a review of the role
and operation of the Council is completed before
the fifth anniversary of the commencement of
section 46.
(2) The Minister may nominate any person to conduct
a review under this section.
(3) The Minister must cause a report of a review
under this section to be laid before each House
of the Parliament within 10 sitting days after
completion of the review.
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Part 6—Greater Yarra Urban Parklands
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Part 6—Greater Yarra Urban Parklands
59 Governor in Council may declare land as a state
significant urban natural entity
(1) The Governor in Council, on the recommendation
of the Minister, by order published in the
Government Gazette, may declare an area of land
as a state significant urban natural entity to be
known as the Greater Yarra Urban Parklands.
(2) An order under subsection (1) may cover—
(a) any Yarra River land—
(i) that is used as public open space or as a
park; and
(ii) that is within the municipal district of a
municipal council that is a responsible
public entity and that is described in a
planning scheme that applies to that
municipal district as being within an
urban growth boundary; and
(b) any other land that the land owner agrees
may be covered by the order that is within
an urban growth boundary specified in a
planning scheme.
(3) The Governor in Council, on the recommendation
of the Minister, by order published in the
Government Gazette, may include any additional
area of land of a type referred to in subsection (2)
in the Greater Yarra Urban Parklands.
(4) The Governor in Council, on the recommendation
of the Minister, by order published in the
Government Gazette, may remove land from the
Greater Yarra Urban Parklands.
(5) The Minister must consult with the Council before
making a recommendation under subsection (4).
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(6) In this section—
planning scheme means a planning scheme under
the Planning and Environment Act 1987.
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Part 7—General
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Part 7—General
60 Regulations
(1) The Governor in Council may make regulations
for or with respect to any matter or thing required
or permitted by this Act to be prescribed or
necessary to be prescribed to give effect to this
Act.
(2) The regulations may—
(a) be of general or limited application;
(b) differ according to differences in time, place
or circumstances;
(c) confer a discretionary authority or impose a
duty on a specified person or body or class of
persons or bodies;
(d) provide in a specified case or class of cases
for the exemption of persons or things or a
class of persons or things from any of the
provisions of the regulations—
(i) whether unconditionally or on specified
conditions; and
(ii) either wholly or to any extent that is
specified.
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Part 8—Amendment of Planning and Environment Act 1987
Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin Birrarung murron) Act 2017
No. 49 of 2017
45
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Part 8—Amendment of Planning and
Environment Act 1987
61 Definitions
(1) In section 3(1) of the Planning and Environment
Act 1987, in the definition of Department, for
"Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure"
substitute "Environment, Land, Water and
Planning".
(2) In section 3(1) of the Planning and Environment
Act 1987, in the definition of works, for "topsoil."
substitute "topsoil;".
(3) In section 3(1) of the Planning and Environment
Act 1987 insert the following definitions—
"Department Head has the same meaning as in
the Public Administration Act 2004;
Greater Yarra Urban Parklands has the same
meaning as in the Yarra River Protection
(Wilip-gin Birrarung murron) Act 2017;
responsible public entity has the same meaning as
in the Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin
Birrarung murron) Act 2017;
Yarra protection principles has the same meaning
as in the Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin
Birrarung murron) Act 2017;
Yarra River land has the same meaning as in
the Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin
Birrarung murron) Act 2017;
Yarra Strategic Plan has the same meaning as
in the Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin
Birrarung murron) Act 2017;
Yarra Strategic Plan area has the same meaning
as in the Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin
Birrarung murron) Act 2017.".
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Part 8—Amendment of Planning and Environment Act 1987
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62 New section 4AA inserted
After section 4 of the Planning and
Environment Act 1987 insert—
"4AA Obligations of Department Head in
relation to Yarra River land
(1) The Department Head of the Department—
(a) must not act inconsistently with any
part of a Yarra Strategic Plan that
is expressed to be binding on the
Department Head when performing
a function or duty or exercising a
power under this Act in relation to
Yarra River land; and
(b) must have regard to the Yarra
protection principles, and those parts
of a Yarra Strategic Plan not expressed
to be binding on the Department Head,
when performing a function or duty
or exercising a power under this Act in
relation to the Yarra Strategic Plan area
that may affect Yarra River land.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to the
performance of a function or the exercise
of a power by the Department Head of the
Department in relation to a declared project
within the meaning of the Major Transport
Projects Facilitation Act 2009.".
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Part 8—Amendment of Planning and Environment Act 1987
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63 New Part 3AAA inserted
After Part 3 of the Planning and Environment
Act 1987 insert—
"Part 3AAA—Yarra River
land protection
Division 1—Compliance with
Yarra Strategic Plan
46AAA Responsible public entities to comply with
Yarra Strategic Plan
A responsible public entity which is
a planning authority must not prepare
an amendment to a planning scheme
that relates to Yarra River land that is
inconsistent with anything in a Yarra
Strategic Plan expressed to be binding
on the responsible public entity.
Division 2—Ratification by Parliament
for amendments to planning schemes
46AAB To which amendments does this Division
apply?
(1) This Division applies to an amendment to a
planning scheme that—
(a) has been approved by the Minister
under section 35 in relation to the
use of land that is part of the Greater
Yarra Urban Parklands; and
(b) removes, changes or replaces a zone
under that planning scheme applying
to that land so that the land may be
used in a way that is inconsistent with
a Yarra Strategic Plan.
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(2) This Division does not apply to an
amendment to a planning scheme if the
amendment was approved by the Minister
before the commencement of this section.
46AAC Ratification by Parliament required for
amendments to which this Division applies
(1) An amendment to which this Division
applies does not take effect unless ratified by
each House of the Parliament in accordance
with this Division.
(2) Sections 36, 37 and 38 do not apply to an
amendment to which this Division applies.
46AAD Procedure for ratification
(1) The Minister must cause an amendment to
which this Division applies to be laid before
each House of the Parliament within 7 sitting
days of that House after it is approved.
(2) If a permit has been granted under
section 96I in respect of an amendment to
which this Division applies, the Minister
must cause a notice specifying that the
permit has been granted to be laid before
each House of the Parliament at the same
time that the amendment is laid before that
House under subsection (1).
(3) An amendment to which this Division
applies does not take effect unless it is
ratified by a resolution passed by each
House of the Parliament within 10 sitting
days after it is laid before that House.
46AAE Notice of ratification
The Minister must publish a notice of the
ratification under section 46AAD of an
amendment in the Government Gazette
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specifying the place or places at which
any person may inspect the amendment.
46AAF When does a ratified amendment
commence?
An amendment that has been ratified under
this Division comes into operation—
(a) when the notice of ratification of the
amendment is published in the
Government Gazette; or
(b) on any later day or days specified in
the notice.
46AAG When does an amendment lapse?
(1) An amendment to which this Division
applies that has not been ratified in
accordance with section 46AAD lapses
on the day immediately after the last day
on which it could have been so ratified.
(2) When an amendment has lapsed under
subsection (1), the Minister must publish
a notice in the Government Gazette setting
out the date on which the amendment lapsed.
(3) The publication of the notice under
subsection (2) is conclusive proof of the
date that the amendment lapsed.
46AAH Application of sections 40, 41 and 42
Sections 40, 41 and 42 do not apply to an
amendment to which this Division applies
unless and until the amendment is ratified
under this Division.
46AAI Application of Division 5 of Part 4
If a permit has been granted under Division 5
of Part 4 and the amendment to which the
permit applies is an amendment to which this
Division applies—
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(a) if the amendment lapses under
section 46AAG(1), the permit is taken
to be cancelled on that lapsing; and
(b) if the amendment is ratified under
this Division, the notice under
section 46AAE of ratification must
also specify the places at which any
person may inspect the permit.".
-- 55 of 81 --
Part 9—Amendment of Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability Act
2003
Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin Birrarung murron) Act 2017
No. 49 of 2017
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Part 9—Amendment of Commissioner for
Environmental Sustainability Act 2003
64 Purpose and outline of Act
In section 1(2) of the Commissioner for
Environmental Sustainability Act 2003, after
"Report on the State of the Environment of
Victoria" insert "and for the preparation of a
periodical report on the environmental condition
of Yarra River land".
65 Definitions
(1) In section 3 of the Commissioner for
Environmental Sustainability Act 2003, in
the definition of Report on the State of the
Environment of Victoria, for "section 17."
substitute "section 17;".
(2) In section 3 of the Commissioner for
Environmental Sustainability Act 2003
insert the following definitions—
"lead agency has the same meaning as in the
Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin
Birrarung murron) Act 2017;
Yarra River land has the same meaning as in
the Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin
Birrarung murron) Act 2017.".
66 Functions of the Commissioner
After section 8(a) of the Commissioner for
Environmental Sustainability Act 2003 insert—
"(ab) prepare a report on—
(i) the environmental condition of Yarra
River land; and
(ii) how the environmental condition of
Yarra River land has changed since
the last report on Yarra River land;".
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2003
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67 New sections 17A and 17B inserted
After section 17 of the Commissioner for
Environmental Sustainability Act 2003 insert—
"17A Reports on the environmental condition of
Yarra River land
(1) The Commissioner must prepare and submit
to the Minister a periodical report on the
environmental condition of Yarra River land.
(2) A report under subsection (1) may be
prepared—
(a) as part of a Report on the State of the
Environment of Victoria; or
(b) as a separate report.
(3) If the report is prepared as a separate report,
it must be prepared at intervals not
exceeding—
(a) 5 years; or
(b) if the framework for environmental
reporting specifies a shorter period,
the shorter period.
(4) The Minister must cause a copy of a report
prepared under subsection (1) as a separate
report to be laid before each House of the
Parliament within 10 sitting days of that
House after the report has been given to the
Minister.
(5) If a report prepared under subsection (1) as
a separate report includes recommendations
made by the Commissioner, the Minister
must, not later than the first sitting day after
the period of 12 months since the sitting day
on which the report was laid before each
House of the Parliament, cause a statement
of the response of the Government to be laid
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2003
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before each House specifying the action
(if any) proposed to be taken by the
Government with respect to the
recommendations.
(6) In this section—
framework for environmental reporting
means the framework approved under
section 17(2) for a Report on the State
of the Environment of Victoria.
17B Lead agency to provide assistance
The lead agency must give the
Commissioner whatever assistance the
Commissioner reasonably requires in
preparing a report under section 17A.".
68 Public availability
After section 21(1)(a)(iv) of the Commissioner
for Environmental Sustainability Act 2003
insert—
"(iva) a report prepared under section 17A, if
prepared as a separate report;".
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Part 10—Amendment of other Acts
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Part 10—Amendment of other Acts
Division 1—Amendment of Catchment
and Land Protection Act 1994
69 Definitions
(1) In section 3(1) of the Catchment and Land
Protection Act 1994, in the definition of
waterway, for "1989." substitute "1989;".
(2) In section 3(1) of the Catchment and Land
Protection Act 1994 insert the following
definitions—
"Yarra protection principles has the
same meaning as in the Yarra River
Protection (Wilip-gin Birrarung
murron) Act 2017;
Yarra River land has the same meaning
as in the Yarra River Protection
(Wilip-gin Birrarung murron)
Act 2017;
Yarra Strategic Plan has the same meaning
as in the Yarra River Protection
(Wilip-gin Birrarung murron)
Act 2017;
Yarra Strategic Plan area has the same
meaning as in the Yarra River
Protection (Wilip-gin Birrarung
murron) Act 2017.".
-- 59 of 81 --
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70 New section 12A inserted
After section 12 of the Catchment and Land
Protection Act 1994 insert—
"12A Obligations of the Port Phillip and
Westernport Catchment Management
Authority in relation to Yarra River land
(1) The Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment
Management Authority—
(a) must not act inconsistently with any
part of a Yarra Strategic Plan that
is expressed to be binding on the
Authority when performing a function
or duty or exercising a power under
this Act in relation to Yarra River land;
and
(b) must have regard to the Yarra
protection principles, and those parts
of a Yarra Strategic Plan not expressed
to be binding on the Authority,
when performing a function or duty
or exercising a power under this Act
in relation to the Yarra Strategic Plan
area that may affect Yarra River land.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to the
performance of a function or the
exercise of a power by the Port Phillip
and Westernport Catchment Management
Authority in relation to a declared project
within the meaning of the Major Transport
Projects Facilitation Act 2009.".
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Division 2—Amendment of Conservation,
Forests and Lands Act 1987
71 Definitions
(1) In section 82A of the Conservation, Forests and
Lands Act 1987, in the definition of traditional
owner land management agreement for "82P."
substitute "82P;".
(2) In section 82A of the Conservation, Forests and
Lands Act 1987 insert the following definition—
"Yarra Strategic Plan has the same meaning as
in the Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin
Birrarung murron) Act 2017.".
72 Joint preparation of management plans
After section 82PA(2) of the Conservation,
Forests and Lands Act 1987 insert—
"(3) The Traditional Owner Land Management
Board and the Secretary must have regard
to a Yarra Strategic Plan when preparing
a management plan in relation to any
appointed land to which a Yarra Strategic
Plan applies.".
Division 3—Amendment of Crown
Land (Reserves) Act 1978
73 Definitions
(1) In section 3 of the Crown Land (Reserves)
Act 1978, in the definition of Trust, for "1996."
substitute "1996;".
(2) In section 3 of the Crown Land (Reserves)
Act 1978 insert the following definitions—
"Yarra protection principles has the same
meaning as in the Yarra River Protection
(Wilip-gin Birrarung murron) Act 2017;
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Yarra River land has the same meaning as in
the Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin
Birrarung murron) Act 2017;
Yarra Strategic Plan has the same meaning as
in the Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin
Birrarung murron) Act 2017;
Yarra Strategic Plan area has the same meaning
as in the Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin
Birrarung murron) Act 2017.".
74 New section 18C inserted
After section 18B of the Crown Land (Reserves)
Act 1978 insert—
"18C Obligations of Secretary in relation to
Yarra River land
(1) The Secretary—
(a) must not act inconsistently with any
part of a Yarra Strategic Plan that
is expressed to be binding on the
Secretary when performing a function
or exercising a power under this Act
in relation to Yarra River land; and
(b) must have regard to the Yarra
protection principles, and those parts
of a Yarra Strategic Plan not expressed
to be binding on the Secretary, when
performing a function or exercising a
power under this Act in relation to the
Yarra Strategic Plan area that may
affect Yarra River land.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to
the performance of a function or the
exercise of a power by the Secretary
in relation to a declared project within
the meaning of the Major Transport
Projects Facilitation Act 2009.".
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75 New section 21AB inserted
After section 21AA of the Crown Land
(Reserves) Act 1978 insert—
"21AB Obligations of committees of management
and trustees in relation to Yarra River
land
(1) A committee of management or trustees
in relation to land that forms part of Yarra
River land—
(a) must not act inconsistently with
any part of a Yarra Strategic Plan
that is expressed to be binding on
the committee or trustees when
performing a function or duty or
exercising a power under this Act
in relation to Yarra River land; and
(b) must have regard to the Yarra
protection principles, and those
parts of a Yarra Strategic Plan
not expressed to be binding on the
committee of management or trustees,
when performing a function or duty
or exercising a power under this Act
in relation to the Yarra Strategic Plan
area that may affect Yarra River land.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to the
performance of a function or the
exercise of a power by a committee of
management or trustees in relation to a
declared project within the meaning of the
Major Transport Projects Facilitation
Act 2009.".
-- 63 of 81 --
Part 10—Amendment of other Acts
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Division 4—Amendment of Forests Act 1958
76 Definitions
(1) In section 3(1) of the Forests Act 1958, in the
definition of working plan, for "therefrom."
substitute "therefrom;".
(2) In section 3(1) of the Forests Act 1958 insert the
following definitions—
"Yarra protection principles has the same
meaning as in the Yarra River Protection
(Wilip-gin Birrarung murron) Act 2017;
Yarra River land has the same meaning as in
the Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin
Birrarung murron) Act 2017;
Yarra Strategic Plan has the same meaning as
in the Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin
Birrarung murron) Act 2017;
Yarra Strategic Plan area has the same meaning
as in the Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin
Birrarung murron) Act 2017.".
77 New section 18B inserted
After section 18A of the Forests Act 1958
insert—
"18B Obligations of Secretary in relation to
Yarra River land
(1) The Secretary—
(a) must not act inconsistently with any
part of a Yarra Strategic Plan that
is expressed to be binding on the
Secretary when performing a function
or duty or exercising a power under
this Act in relation to Yarra River land;
and
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(b) must have regard to the Yarra
protection principles, and those
parts of a Yarra Strategic Plan not
expressed to be binding on the
Secretary, when performing a function
or duty or exercising a power under
this Act in relation to the Yarra
Strategic Plan area that may affect
Yarra River land.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to the
performance of a function or the exercise
of a power by the Secretary in relation to
a declared project within the meaning of
the Major Transport Projects Facilitation
Act 2009.".
Division 5—Amendment of Heritage
Rivers Act 1992
78 Contents of management plans
At the end of section 9 of the Heritage Rivers
Act 1992 insert—
"(2) If the Minister requests a managing
authority or a Catchment Management
Authority to prepare a management plan
in relation to land that forms part of the
Yarra River Heritage Area, the managing
authority or Catchment Management
Authority must have regard to a Yarra
Strategic Plan as it applies to that land.
(3) In this section—
Yarra Strategic Plan has the same meaning
as in the Yarra River Protection
(Wilip-gin Birrarung murron)
Act 2017.".
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Division 6—Amendment of Local
Government Act 1989
79 Definitions
(1) In section 3(1) of the Local Government
Act 1989, in the definition of ward, for "riding."
substitute "riding;".
(2) In section 3(1) of the Local Government
Act 1989 insert the following definitions—
"Yarra protection principles has the same
meaning as in the Yarra River Protection
(Wilip-gin Birrarung murron) Act 2017;
Yarra River land has the same meaning as in
the Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin
Birrarung murron) Act 2017;
Yarra Strategic Plan has the same meaning as
in the Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin
Birrarung murron) Act 2017;
Yarra Strategic Plan area has the same meaning
as in the Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin
Birrarung murron) Act 2017.".
80 New section 3G inserted
After section 3F of the Local Government
Act 1989 insert—
"3G Obligations of Council in relation to
Yarra River land
(1) A Council that is a responsible public entity
within the meaning of the Yarra River
Protection (Wilip-gin Birrarung murron)
Act 2017—
(a) must not act inconsistently with any
part of a Yarra Strategic Plan that is
expressed to be binding on the Council
when performing a function or duty or
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exercising a power under this Act in
relation to Yarra River land; and
(b) must have regard to the Yarra
protection principles, and those
parts of a Yarra Strategic Plan not
expressed to be binding on the Council,
when performing a function or duty or
exercising a power under this Act in
relation to the Yarra Strategic Plan
area that may affect Yarra River land.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to the
performance of a function or the exercise
of a power by a Council in relation to a
declared project within the meaning of the
Major Transport Projects Facilitation
Act 2009.".
Division 7—Amendment of National
Parks Act 1975
81 Definitions
(1) In section 3(1) of the National Parks Act 1975,
in the definition of wilderness zone, for "Act."
substitute "Act;".
(2) In section 3(1) of the National Parks Act 1975
insert the following definitions—
"Yarra protection principles has the same
meaning as in the Yarra River Protection
(Wilip-gin Birrarung murron) Act 2017;
Yarra River land has the same meaning as in
the Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin
Birrarung murron) Act 2017;
Yarra Strategic Plan has the same meaning as
in the Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin
Birrarung murron) Act 2017;
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Yarra Strategic Plan area has the same meaning
as in the Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin
Birrarung murron) Act 2017.".
82 New section 20A inserted
After section 20 of the National Parks Act 1975
insert—
"20A Obligations of Secretary in relation to
Yarra River land
(1) The Secretary—
(a) must not act inconsistently with any
part of a Yarra Strategic Plan that
is expressed to be binding on the
Secretary when performing a function
or duty or exercising a power under
this Act in relation to Yarra River land;
and
(b) must have regard to the Yarra
protection principles, and those parts
of a Yarra Strategic Plan not expressed
to be binding on the Secretary, when
performing a function or duty or
exercising a power under this Act in
relation to the Yarra Strategic Plan
area that may affect Yarra River land.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to the
performance of a function or the exercise
of a power by the Secretary in relation to
a declared project within the meaning of
the Major Transport Projects Facilitation
Act 2009.".
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83 New section 27BA inserted
After section 27B of the National Parks
Act 1975 insert—
"27BA Secretary must have regard to Yarra
Strategic Plan if preparing a management
plan in relation to a park
The Secretary must have regard to a Yarra
Strategic Plan if preparing a management
plan in relation to a park that forms part of
Yarra River land.".
Division 8—Amendment of Parks
Victoria Act 1998
84 Definitions
(1) In section 3 of the Parks Victoria Act 1998, in
the definition of Parks Victoria, for "Part 2."
substitute "Part 2;".
(2) In section 3 of the Parks Victoria Act 1998
insert the following definitions—
"Yarra protection principles has the same
meaning as in the Yarra River Protection
(Wilip-gin Birrarung murron) Act 2017;
Yarra River land has the same meaning as in
the Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin
Birrarung murron) Act 2017;
Yarra Strategic Plan has the same meaning as
in the Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin
Birrarung murron) Act 2017;
Yarra Strategic Plan area has the same meaning
as in the Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin
Birrarung murron) Act 2017.".
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85 New section 8A inserted
After section 8 of the Parks Victoria Act 1998
insert—
"8A Obligations of Parks Victoria in relation
to Yarra River land
(1) To the extent that Parks Victoria provides
services under any agreement in relation to
Yarra River land, Parks Victoria—
(a) must not act inconsistently with any
part of a Yarra Strategic Plan that is
expressed to be binding on Parks
Victoria when performing a function or
duty or exercising a power under this
Act or any other Act or the agreement
in relation to Yarra River land; and
(b) must have regard to the Yarra
protection principles, and those parts of
a Yarra Strategic Plan not expressed to
be binding on Parks Victoria, when
performing a function or duty or
exercising a power under this Act or
any other Act or the agreement in
relation to the Yarra Strategic Plan
area that may affect Yarra River land.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to the
performance of a function or the exercise
of a power by Parks Victoria in relation to
a declared project within the meaning of
the Major Transport Projects Facilitation
Act 2009.".
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Division 9—Amendment of Traditional
Owner Settlement Act 2010
86 Definition of land use activity
(1) In section 28(u) of the Traditional Owner
Settlement Act 2010, for "section." substitute
"section;".
(2) After section 28(u) of the Traditional Owner
Settlement Act 2010 insert—
"(v) the preparation of a Yarra Strategic Plan
under Part 4 of the Yarra River Protection
(Wilip-gin Birrarung murron) Act 2017.".
87 Definition of decision maker
(1) In section 29(q) of the Traditional Owner
Settlement Act 2010, for "section." substitute
"section;".
(2) After section 29(q) of the Traditional Owner
Settlement Act 2010 insert—
"(r) in relation to the preparation of a Yarra
Strategic Plan under Part 4 of the Yarra
River Protection (Wilip-gin Birrarung
murron) Act 2017, the lead agency
responsible for the preparation of the plan.".
Division 10—Amendment of Transport
Integration Act 2010
88 Definitions
(1) In section 3 of the Transport Integration
Act 2010, in the definition of V/Line
Corporation, for "section 128." substitute
"section 128;".
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(2) In section 3 of the Transport Integration
Act 2010 insert the following definitions—
"Yarra protection principles has the same
meaning as in the Yarra River Protection
(Wilip-gin Birrarung murron) Act 2017;
Yarra River land has the same meaning as in
the Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin
Birrarung murron) Act 2017;
Yarra Strategic Plan has the same meaning as
in the Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin
Birrarung murron) Act 2017;
Yarra Strategic Plan area has the same meaning
as in the Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin
Birrarung murron) Act 2017.".
89 New section 89A inserted
After section 89 of the Transport Integration
Act 2010 insert—
"89A Obligations of Roads Corporation in
relation to Yarra River land
(1) The Roads Corporation—
(a) must not act inconsistently with any
part of a Yarra Strategic Plan that is
expressed to be binding on the Roads
Corporation when performing a
function or duty or exercising a power
under this Act or any other Act in
relation to Yarra River land; and
(b) must have regard to the Yarra
protection principles, and those parts of
a Yarra Strategic Plan not expressed to
be binding on the Roads Corporation,
when performing a function or duty or
exercising a power under this Act or
any other Act in relation to the Yarra
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Strategic Plan area that may affect
Yarra River land.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to the
performance of a function or the exercise
of a power by the Roads Corporation in
relation to a declared project within the
meaning of the Major Transport Projects
Facilitation Act 2009.".
90 New section 127 inserted
After section 126 of the Transport Integration
Act 2010 insert—
"127 Obligations of Victorian Rail Track in
relation to Yarra River land
(1) Victorian Rail Track—
(a) must not act inconsistently with any
part of a Yarra Strategic Plan that is
expressed to be binding on Victorian
Rail Track when performing a function
or duty or exercising a power under
this Act or any other Act in relation to
Yarra River land; and
(b) must have regard to the Yarra
protection principles, and those parts
of a Yarra Strategic Plan not expressed
to be binding on Victorian Rail Track,
when performing a function or duty or
exercising a power under this Act or
any other Act in relation to the Yarra
Strategic Plan area that may affect
Yarra River land.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to the performance
of a function or the exercise of a power by
Victorian Rail Track in relation to a declared
project within the meaning of the Major
Transport Projects Facilitation Act 2009.".
-- 73 of 81 --
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Division 11—Amendment of Victorian
Planning Authority Act 2017
91 Definitions
(1) In section 3(1) of the Victorian Planning
Authority Act 2017, in the definition of
superseded Authority, for "operation."
substitute "operation;".
(2) In section 3(1) of the Victorian Planning
Authority Act 2017 insert the following
definitions—
"Yarra protection principles has the same
meaning as in the Yarra River Protection
(Wilip-gin Birrarung murron) Act 2017;
Yarra River land has the same meaning as in
the Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin
Birrarung murron) Act 2017;
Yarra Strategic Plan has the same meaning as
in the Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin
Birrarung murron) Act 2017;
Yarra Strategic Plan area has the same meaning
as in the Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin
Birrarung murron) Act 2017.".
92 New section 10A inserted
After section 10 of the Victorian Planning
Authority Act 2017 insert—
"10A Obligations of Authority in relation to
Yarra River land
(1) The Authority—
(a) must not act inconsistently with any
part of a Yarra Strategic Plan that
is expressed to be binding on the
Authority when performing a function
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Authorised by the Chief Parliamentary Counsel
or duty or exercising a power under this
Act in relation to Yarra River land; and
(b) must have regard to the Yarra
protection principles, and those parts
of a Yarra Strategic Plan not expressed
to be binding on the Authority, when
performing a function or duty or
exercising a power under this Act in
relation to the Yarra Strategic Plan
area that may affect Yarra River land.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to the
performance of a function or the exercise
of a power by the Authority in relation to a
declared project within the meaning of the
Major Transport Projects Facilitation
Act 2009.".
Division 12—Amendment of Water Act 1989
93 Definitions
In section 3(1) of the Water Act 1989 insert the
following definitions—
"Yarra protection principles has the same
meaning as in the Yarra River Protection
(Wilip-gin Birrarung murron) Act 2017;
Yarra River land has the same meaning as in
the Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin
Birrarung murron) Act 2017;
Yarra Strategic Plan has the same meaning as
in the Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin
Birrarung murron) Act 2017;
Yarra Strategic Plan area has the same meaning
as in the Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin
Birrarung murron) Act 2017.".
-- 75 of 81 --
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94 New section 124A inserted
After section 124 of the Water Act 1989 insert—
"124A Obligations of Port Phillip and
Westernport Catchment Management
Authority in relation to Yarra River land
(1) The Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment
Management Authority—
(a) must not act inconsistently with any
part of a Yarra Strategic Plan that
is expressed to be binding on the
Authority when performing a function
or duty or exercising a power under
this Act or any other Act in relation to
Yarra River land; and
(b) must have regard to the Yarra
protection principles, and those parts
of a Yarra Strategic Plan not expressed
to be binding on the Authority, when
performing a function or duty or
exercising a power under this Act or
any other Act in relation to the Yarra
Strategic Plan area that may affect
Yarra River land.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to the
performance of a function or the exercise
of a power by the Port Phillip and
Westernport Catchment Management
Authority in relation to a declared project
within the meaning of the Major Transport
Projects Facilitation Act 2009.".
-- 76 of 81 --
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95 New section 171I inserted
After section 171H of the Water Act 1989
insert—
"171I Obligations of Melbourne Water
Corporation in relation to Yarra River
land
(1) Melbourne Water Corporation—
(a) must not act inconsistently with any
part of a Yarra Strategic Plan that is
expressed to be binding on Melbourne
Water Corporation when performing a
function or duty or exercising a power
under this Act or any other Act in
relation to Yarra River land; and
(b) must have regard to the Yarra
protection principles, and those parts
of a Yarra Strategic Plan not expressed
to be binding on Melbourne Water
Corporation, when performing a
function or duty or exercising a power
under this Act or any other Act in
relation to the Yarra Strategic Plan
area that may affect Yarra River land.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to the
performance of a function or the exercise
of a power by Melbourne Water Corporation
in relation to a declared project within the
meaning of the Major Transport Projects
Facilitation Act 2009.".
96 Preparation of regional waterway strategies
After section 190(3) of the Water Act 1989
insert—
"(3A) In preparing a regional waterway strategy
that relates to the Yarra River, Melbourne
Water Corporation must have regard to a
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Yarra Strategic Plan as it applies to the
Yarra River.".
Division 13—Amendment of Wildlife Act 1975
97 Definitions
(1) In section 3(1) of the Wildlife Act 1975, in the
definition of wildlife licence, for "section 22."
substitute "section 22;".
(2) In section 3(1) of the Wildlife Act 1975 insert the
following definitions—
"Yarra protection principles has the same
meaning as in the Yarra River Protection
(Wilip-gin Birrarung murron) Act 2017;
Yarra River land has the same meaning as in
the Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin
Birrarung murron) Act 2017;
Yarra Strategic Plan has the same meaning as
in the Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin
Birrarung murron) Act 2017;
Yarra Strategic Plan area has the same meaning
as in the Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin
Birrarung murron) Act 2017.".
98 New section 14A inserted
After section 14 of the Wildlife Act 1975
insert—
"14A Obligations of Secretary in relation to
Yarra River land
(1) The Secretary—
(a) must not act inconsistently with any
part of a Yarra Strategic Plan that
is expressed to be binding on the
Secretary when performing a function
or duty or exercising a power under this
Act in relation to Yarra River land; and
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(b) must have regard to the Yarra
protection principles, and those parts
of a Yarra Strategic Plan not expressed
to be binding on the Secretary, when
performing a function or duty or
exercising a power under this Act in
relation to the Yarra Strategic Plan
area that may affect Yarra River land.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to the
performance of a function or the exercise
of a power by the Secretary in relation to a
declared project within the meaning of the
Major Transport Projects Facilitation
Act 2009.".
-- 79 of 81 --
Part 11—Repeal of amending Parts
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Part 11—Repeal of amending Parts
99 Repeal of amending Parts
(1) Part 8 (except section 63) and Parts 9, 10 and this
Part are repealed on 1 December 2018.
(2) Section 63 is repealed on the first anniversary of
the day on which it comes into operation.
Note
The repeal of Parts 8, 9, 10 and this Part of this Act does not affect
the continuing operation of the amendments made by those Parts
(see section 15(1) of the Interpretation of Legislation Act 1984).
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Endnotes
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Endnotes
1 General information
See www.legislation.vic.gov.au for Victorian Bills, Acts and current
authorised versions of legislation and up-to-date legislative information.
† Minister's second reading speech—
Legislative Assembly: 22 June 2017
Legislative Council: 22 August 2017
The long title for the Bill for this Act was "A Bill for an Act to
provide for the establishment of an overarching policy and planning
framework for the Yarra River, to establish the Birrarung Council, to
provide for the declaration of the Greater Yarra Urban Parklands, to
amend various Acts in relation to the management of the Yarra River and
other Yarra River land and to make other consequential amendments and
for other purposes."
1 The Woi-wurrung text does not exactly match the English words because it
is a different language culture.
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