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Werribee Plains:
a vision for sustainable growth
The Government’s vision for Werribee Plains is a practical
demonstration at regional level of the sustainability principles
that are fundamental to Melbourne 2030.
The Government sees Werribee as a region
with:
- an international reputation for its commitment to sustainable
development
- a positive economic future built on embracing sustainability
as a distinctive competitive advantage
- a culture that reinforces sustainability through involving
and developing the community.
It is proposed to transform the western plains
of Melbourne into a major ‘green region’ that highlights
sustainable agricultural, industrial and urban development.
The sustainable management of natural resources such as energy,
water and ecosystems – and associated infrastructure
– is vital. This will accord with the relevant directions
and policies of Melbourne 2030.
The vision is being developed through a mix
of private and public actions based on the sustainable development
of strategic resources in the region. These include the Western
Treatment Plant, the Werribee Technology precinct and the
Point Cook precinct, Avalon airport, the agricultural land
around Werribee, the urban growth areas and coastal wetlands,
and the Werribee tourism precinct.
Recycled water from the Western Treatment
Plant will be the starting point for action. Potential environmentally
sustainable projects driven by recycled water include:
- infrastructure to treat, transport and distribute recycled
water to markets
- high value export-based irrigated agriculture, such as
vines, stone fruits, cut flowers, forestry and horticulture
- downstream food-processing clusters
- eco-industrial parks and water-intensive manufacturing
- urban developments in designated growth areas that are
designed and marketed on sustainability principles
- tourism facilities based on the region's internationally
significant wetlands and on opportunities for leisure facilities,
such as golf
- landscaping of new developments and existing open space
- energy generation from biomass associated with recycled
water production.
Melbourne 2030 will directly support recycling
of water by protecting the green wedges in the region, and
its valuable agricultural land. The adoption of Neighbourhood
Principles in new developments within the urban growth boundary
will mean recycled water can be a viable alternative to potable
water for outdoor uses.
In new urban development, transit-oriented
development and smart growth principles will reinforce the
focus on sustainability by promoting walking, cycling and
public transport instead of cars, and by reducing the amount
of land and resources required for buildings.
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