Green Wedge Management Plan

The Green Wedge Management Plan identifies a vision and recommends actions for the sustainable use of Whittlesea’s rural land.

State Government Green Wedge and Agricultural Land Review

The Victorian Government is carrying out a Green Wedge and Agricultural Land review and has released a consultation paper outlining proposed changes to strengthen the protection of Green Wedges and agricultural land.

In February 2021, Whittlesea Council endorsed a formal submission to the review.

City of Whittlesea Green Wedge Management Plan Review

The current Green Wedge Management Plan 2011-2021 is due to end in 2021. Council is reviewing the document with the aim of developing a new plan to guide the future direction of Whittlesea’s Green Wedge.

We will soon be inviting the community to help us to better plan for the ongoing sustainability and prosperity of our Green Wedges. Details about the public engagement process will be announced in the first quarter of 2021 via a wide range of channels.

In the meantime, if you would like to register your interest to participate in our upcoming consultation activities, please contact us at Strategic.Planning@whittlesea.vic.gov.au

Overview

Whittlesea is a growing city with quickly expanding residential areas, but over half of the land is still rural in nature. The land beyond the urban growth boundary is called the Whittlesea Green Wedge (see image).

The green wedge is an active, living area that supports:

farming activities
scenic rural landscapes
parks – national, state and local
heritage places
recreation and tourism activities
plant and animal habitats
rivers, creeks and water catchments
settlements and rural living

We have developed the Whittlesea Green Wedge Management Plan, in partnership with the community, local businesses, government departments and other agencies. The Plan was adopted by Council on 19 July 2001.

The management plan provides a clear purpose and a 10-year action plan for the green wedge area. Success relies on Council, State Government, agencies, community groups and residents working together.

While the plan promotes and encourages a balance of land uses, it does not change existing green wedge zones to urban zones, or recommend changes to the Urban Growth Boundary.

Image showing the extent of the Whittlesea Green Wedge and the current urban growth boundary.

Five year review

We recently completed a five year review of the Green Wedge Management Plan on 28 June 2016. This review is a requirement from the State Government.

The objective of the review is to ensure that the Green Wedge Management Plan is on track to achieving its vision and objectives. It also provides the opportunity to "check in" on the progress of the plan and determine whether any changes or updates are required.

The review has found that the plan is tracking considerably well and that no major changes are required. Notwithstanding some minor updates are recommended to streamline the reporting and improve implementation of the Action Plan.