The strategic framework > Key directions > A greener city

A greener city

Improved environmental management is fundamental to Melbourne 2030. The Government is committed to reducing resource use and waste generation, and to creating an environmentally sustainable path for future growth and development in metropolitan Melbourne and the surrounding region. Its Statewide strategies demonstrate its determination to protect and preserve Victoria’s natural capital for present and future generations.

Melbourne 2030 supports and builds on such strategies while recognising the need to manage our urban systems in a way that minimises impacts on the environment. It will widen the focus from individual sites to ensure awareness of cumulative impacts on local, regional and global ecosystems, with action occurring across a number of interrelated areas.

The Strategy includes actions that will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote measures to improve air quality. Efforts to recycle waste water for non-potable uses will be encouraged, water harvesting areas protected from incompatible uses, and development and catchment areas will be planned and managed more comprehensively. Melbourne 2030 will also work to reduce the negative impact of stormwater on waterways and bays.

Biodiversity is a key issue. In urban and rural areas, native vegetation communities will be protected and improved and habitat restoration encouraged. The proposed urban growth boundary will help with protection of important flora and fauna habitat.

Waste production will be reduced and residual waste managed according to the hierarchy of ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ with the least preferred option being disposal to landfill.

Figure 23. Desired directions - click for more detail