Implementation plans > Green wedges > Actions > Action 4

Action 4
Develop an individual action plan for each green wedge

Lead agent: DOI in partnership with local government and key stakeholders
Collectively, green wedges have a broad range of purposes (see Appendix 2). However, each has unique features and values, as described in Melbourne 2030, meaning that an individual, tailored approach will be needed to establish
its clear role, purpose and objectives and related actions.

To ensure a metropolitan/regional approach to the planning and management of green wedges, DOI will form regional working groups of councils to develop an individual action plan for each green wedge (see also Action 2).
A suggested grouping of councils is outlined below.

A final determination of working groups, which may include contributions from other organisations such as catchment management and natural resource groups, will follow consultation with affected councils. Management arrangements will be refined during the consultation process.

Proposed regional groupings

The proposed approach to the planning and management of each green wedge involves close reference to Melbourne 2030, and is as follows:

Strategy review

• assess the policies that apply to green wedges (see above, ‘How does this plan relate to Melbourne 2030?’) including those related to biodiversity protection, protection of foreshore environments, support for agriculture and limitations on rural residential development
• review areas identified as possible futuredevelopment fronts
  
• analyse regional and local economic, social and environmental values
  
• identify smaller settlements where further growth should be either encouraged (through planning) or limited (see Action 5)
  
• ratify the boundaries of each green wedge.

Setting a vision, role, objectives and new zones

• develop a vision and role for each green wedge
  
• develop objectives to guide land use, development and management, and formulate local planning policies
  
• review existing zoning in rural areas (see Action 2)

Action plans

• develop plans for each green wedge that may include:
  
  
  • a range of management techniques, for example, land capability mapping, landscape assessments, land-use guidelines, siting and design guidelines, environmental rebates and other incentive programs
    
  • investment priorities to implement the agreed purpose and objectives, for example, revegetation and planting programs
  • identification of land for metropolitan parks or open space links (see Policy 5.7 within Melbourne 2030) and protection of coastal environments (see Policy 5.9)
    
  • identification of areas for potential supply of recycled water (see Policy 7.1)
    
  • protection of significant vegetation identified in regional vegetation plans
    
  • measures to facilitate continued agricultural production
    
  • engagement of local communities, special interest groups and other stakeholders in agreed management programs
    
  • community education programs on land management and other issues
    
  • land management plans, for example, weed management, pest and vermin control, waterway protection.

Monitoring and management

• develop indicators to ascertain adherence to the purpose and objectives for the green wedge or conservation area
• as appropriate, develop coordination and management mechanisms within each regional grouping to monitor progress of the action plan and of planning objectives – these should also involve agencies or special interest groups with responsibilities or interests in planning and land management.

An integrated approach

It is recognised that tools such as planning policies, regulation and environmental rebates will not be a complete solution for green wedges. As with urban areas, an integrated and holistic approach, with coordination of existing and future funding programs across a range of agencies, can achieve desirable short-term and long-term results by combining economic imperatives, environmental protection and good social outcomes. Public spaces such as road verges might be landscaped, or Landcare programs designed to encourage landholders to work together to solve land degradation problems.

Place management techniques, already useful in urban areas, can be adapted to rural areas with a wide range of potential benefits ranging from improved amenity to increased property values.