BREAKING: Whittlesea Council has just announced a pivotal move to enhance environmental protections across its northern green wedge. During a crucial council meeting on September 23, councillors resolved to seek authorization from the planning minister to prepare and exhibit an amendment aimed at implementing new planning controls that will safeguard biodiversity and provide greater clarity for local landowners.
This urgent proposal is grounded in extensive research, including findings from the biodiversity asset mapping report and the habitat connectivity study. These studies have identified several areas of high environmental value, revealing unrecorded threatened species, including the brush-tailed phascogale, common dunnart, and the powerful owl.
Whittlesea Mayor Cr Martin Taylor emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, “The City of Whittlesea’s green wedge provides critical habitat for a diverse range of flora and fauna, including a number of threatened species such as the powerful owl. The proposed amendment to the Whittlesea planning scheme, in the form of an environment significance overlay, is crucial to ensuring we protect biodiversity and the natural environment within the green wedge.”
Importantly, the proposed protections will not affect agricultural land. Routine farming activities, such as fencing, will be exempt from permit requirements as long as they minimize environmental impacts. However, landowners will be required to obtain permits for significant activities, like removing native vegetation or constructing large structures, although these new rules will only apply to future developments.
Residents are encouraged to participate in the community consultation process to voice their opinions on this critical amendment. More information is available at engage.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/C288wsea.
As this story develops, the focus will be on the response from the community and the planning minister’s decision regarding the amendment. The implications of these protections could resonate widely, affecting local ecosystems and land management practices. Stay tuned for updates on this urgent environmental initiative.
