CASEY.VIC.GOV.

AU

Western Port Green

Wedge Management
Plan
16 April 2019
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Green wedges are the non-urban areas of metropolitan Melbourne that are
situated outside the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB). The Western Port Green
Wedge is one of the 12 green wedges that surround Melbourne.
Casey’s portion of the Western Port Green The Management Plan is structured around
Wedge is home to around 11,000 people, is theme-based and precinct-based strategic
approximately 130 square kilometres in area, directions. These directions consider issues
and encompasses the southern, mostly rural, such as:
part of the City between the southern extent of
Casey’s Urban Growth Boundary and Western » Aboriginal and post-contact Heritage
Port Bay. It includes a mix of land uses, such » The Green Wedge’s unique landscape,
as agriculture, horse and greyhound training, scenic quality, and environmental
cultural heritage sites, parks, biodiversity significance
conservation areas, townships, and rural
» Promoting tourism and recreational land uses
lifestyle lots.
» The versatility of soils in the Green Wedge
The key attributes and values of the Casey and the capability of the land for farming
Western Port Green Wedge include its
nationally significant indigenous biodiversity, » Integrated Water Management, groundwater,
its high value agricultural land, its rural septics, and sewage
townships and coastal settlements, and its » How to maintain a thriving agriculture and
great potential for tourism. horticulture industry
Being located at the edge of the urban area of » Preparing for the projected impacts of
Casey creates some inherent pressures for climate change
change in the Green Wedge. The significant » Parameters on urban development in the
environmental value of sites such as the Green Wedge and the review of the impacts,
internationally recognised Ramsar wetlands costs, and constraints on urban development
and important agricultural and horticultural
areas can be in tension against the ongoing » Providing a sustainable and permanent edge
demand for new urban development, rural to the urban-rural interface
lifestyle living, hobby farms, and other uses. » Accommodating major infrastructure within
The Casey Western Port Green Wedge the Green Wedge
Management Plan is a strategic land use plan The Management Plan will be delivered
that will guide the planning and management through an Implementation Plan that outlines
of the Green Wedge over the next 20 years. It specific actions and a timeline to complete
provides objectives and strategies based on them.
clear evidence and extensive community
consultation that will assist Council in setting
priorities and making decisions about the
future of the Green Wedge.
The City of Casey has engaged stakeholders
from across the community, business, and
government in an in-depth multi-year
consultation process to develop the vision,
objectives, and strategies contained in this
Management Plan.
Cover Image: Agriculture
Source: Krutop Images, 2014

2 I City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan

CONTENTS
Executive Summary 2 Tables
Table 1: Timeline
1 Acknowledgements 4 Casey Western Port Green Wedge
Management Plan 9
2 Purpose 4
Table 2: Community consultation
Key findings on the Western Port
3 Vision 5 Green Wedge Management Plan
Discussion Paper 22
4 Background 7
Table 3: Community consultation
5 Scope 12 Key findings on the draft Western Port
Green Wedge Management Plan
(December 2014) 25
6 Council Plan 2017-2021 13
Table 4: Community consultation
7 Land Use History 14 Key findings on the draft Casey
Western Port Green Wedge
8 Pressures for Change 19 Management Plan (June 2017) 30
Table 5: Land suitability for commodities
9 Attributes and Values of the with predicted climate change 46
Casey Western Port Table 6: Implementation Plan 71
Green Wedge 20
Maps
10 Community Consultation 22 Map 1: Melbourne’s Green Wedges 7

11 Strategic Directions 32 Map 2: Western Port Green Wedge 10

Map 3: Habitat Areas and Biodiversity 35
12 Precinct-Based Strategic
Map 4: Agricultural Biophysical Land
Directions 56 Versatility Regions 39

13 Implementation, Monitoring Map 5: Coastal Acid Sulphate Soils 41

and Review 70 Map 6: Settlements and Planning Zones
Coastal Acid Sulphate Soils 52
14 Administrative Updates 76 Map 7: Infrastructure and Extractive Industries

15 Review 76 Map 8: Casey Western Port Green Wedge

Precincts 55
Glossary 77
Map 9: Casey Horticulture and Food Production
Reference Documents 79 Precinct 57
Map 10: Casey Urban Growth Boundary
Appendix 1
Interface and Environment Precinct 59
State and local policy framework 82
Map 11: Casey Rural Living and Agricultural
Appendix 2 Production Precinct 61
Planning Scheme Zones, Map 12: Pearcedale Township Precinct 63
Overlays and Particular Provisions 85 Map 13: Coast Precinct 65

City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan I 3

1. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 2. PURPOSE
The City of Casey respectfully acknowledges The Casey Western Port Green Wedge
that the land subject to this Green Wedge Management Plan is a strategic land use plan
Management Plan is a part of the traditional that will guide the planning of the southern
land of the Mayone buluk and Yallock balug primarily rural areas of the City of Casey over
clans of the Boon Wurrung people and the the next 20 years.
Wurundjeri Baluk and Bulug willam clans of the
Woi Wurrung people who form part of the Kulin The City of Casey’s area of the Western Port
Nation. Green Wedge is home to around 11,000
people. Over half live in the Green Wedge’s
The City of Casey acknowledges the work five townships; the remainder reside on rural
undertaken and the support provided by the properties used for purposes including
Cardinia Shire Council through the process agriculture and residential-rural lifestyle.
leading to the Western Port Green Wedge
Management Plan Issues and Discussion
Paper (October 2011) and the Draft Western
Port Green Wedge Management Plan
(December 2014).

4 I City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan

3. VISION
3.1 VISION FOR THE CASEY WESTERN The stakeholder consultation
and engagement on the
PORT GREEN WEDGE vision included:
The Casey Western Port Green Wedge will be a » Aboriginal traditional owners
permanent green and rural area and will remain an
» the Western Port Green
internationally significant biodiversity habitat. Its
Wedge’s community
agricultural industry will be strengthened, and it will
become a truly innovative and productive farming » Local, State and Federal
Government agencies
district for the long-term food security of Victoria.
» utility and service providers
The Green Wedge will provide for rural lifestyle opportunities
for residents and will be home to small, clearly defined » environmental groups
settlements that have a strong identity and provide jobs and » resident associations
services for the local community.
» Victorian Farmers Federation.
The local economy will be driven by its agriculture, and by an
emerging tourism and recreation industry based on cycling
and walking trails, food, education, and the Western Port
coast.
Best practice integrated water management will lead to
improved water quality and water use with improved
ecological conditions in Western Port Bay.
Local biodiversity will be protected, as will habitats for
threatened species.
The Western Port Green Wedge will be the permanent edge
to Melbourne’s South East and the urban interface will be
designed and managed to achieve this vision.
This Vision for the Western Port Green Wedge was developed
through extensive stakeholder consultation and engagement
undertaken as part of the development of the Western Port
Green Wedge Discussion Paper, the exhibition of the draft
Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan in 2015, the
exhibition of the Casey Western Port Green Wedge
Management Plan in 2018 and in ongoing dialogue with the
community.

Working farm / Source: Krutop Images, 2014

City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan I 5

3.2 GUIDING PRINCIPLES
The Western Port Green Wedge has a range of local, regional and internationally significant
assets that need to be protected and enhanced.
The Casey Western Port Green Wedge, with its abuttal to the south east edge of Melbourne, is
likely to continue to experience pressure for urban development and associated urban growth
interface issues. The Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan aims to balance the
competing interests of urban expansion with the need to preserve green areas.
Planning and management decisions which relate to land within the Green Wedge need to have
regard to the Casey Western Port Green Wedge vision, guiding principles, and relevant theme-
based strategic directions as set out in Section 11, and to the location specific Precinct-based
Strategic Directions set out in Section 12.

Guiding Principles for the Casey Western Port Green Wedge

1
Agriculture and horticulture will be encouraged and protected. Decisions on
proposals for other types of land use and development will have regard to the
primacy of agriculture and horticulture.

Local and State Infrastructure should respond to the key values of the Western

2 Port Green Wedge, and any potential impacts on the values of the Green Wedge
should be minimised and mitigated, while taking into account the needs of the
local community.

3 Land uses should be located as directed by the Precinct-based Strategic

Directions set out in Section 12.

Sites of environmental significance, including Ramsar wetlands and the habitat of

4 noted fauna such as the Southern Brown Bandicoot and the Growling Grass
Frog, will be protected and enhanced and their contribution to the biodiversity of
the Western Port Green Wedge will be recognised in decision-making.

5
Sites of cultural heritage will be identified and protected and their contribution to
the identity and history of the Western Port Green Wedge will be recognised in
decision-making.

6
The economic and social benefits of existing and planned tourism and
recreation assets will be protected and promoted through integrated
planning mechanisms.

6 I City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan

4. BACKGROUND
4.1 GREEN WEDGES 4.2 GREEN WEDGE
The non-urban areas of metropolitan MANAGEMENT PLANS
Melbourne that are situated outside of the In recognition of the substantial variation in the
Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) are known as land and conditions of each green wedge, a
green wedges. requirement for Councils to prepare Green
There are 12 designated green wedges that Wedge Management Plans was introduced by
collectively form a ring around Melbourne’s the State Government.
metropolitan area. A Green Wedge Management Plan (GWMP) is a
The Western Port Green Wedge is the Council-adopted strategy that identifies a vision,
southeastern-most of these green wedges. objectives and actions for the sustainable
Map 1 shows the Western Port Green Wedge development of each green wedge.
in its context with the other green wedges. The Plan identifies the values and features of
the green wedge, the preferred future land
use, environmental and natural resources that
should be protected, and the needs of the
local community.

Map 1: Melbourne’s Green Wedges Green Wedge Management Plans articulate

Source: State Government of Victoria, 2013 the type, scale and form of change in a green
wedge and how those changes will be
managed and facilitated.

City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan I 7

Working farm / Krutop, 2014

4.3 LAND USES IN GREEN WEDGES

Each green wedge is unique in terms of their About one third of the total Green Wedge area
characteristics, appearance and the uses is public land, including parks, reserves and
undertaken within them. The green wedges are water catchments, contributing significantly to
host to a mix of land uses that include: Melbourne’s open space network and
» agriculture, horse and greyhound training providing opportunities for tourism and
recreation.
» fisheries
Townships and rural lifestyle lots are also
» quarries
situated in the green wedges.
» cultural heritage sites
Green wedge landscapes range from coastal
» major infrastructure that support urban areas landscapes, to the flat open basalt plains of
such as airports and water treatment facilities the west and to the highly scenic landscapes
» biodiversity conservation areas in the Dandenong Ranges.
» water catchments that provide water quality
benefits for a growing population.
All of these land uses are vital to the
functioning of metropolitan Melbourne and
regional Victoria.

8 I City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan

Table 1: Timeline – Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan

The Victorian Government contributed funds to the City of Casey and the
2010 Cardinia Shire Council for the preparation of a joint Management Plan for
the Western Port Green Wedge.

November 2010 Council resolved to support the preparation of the Management Plan.

September 2011 Draft Discussion Paper noted by Council.

Preparation of draft Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan

October 2011
commences.

City of Casey and the Cardinia Shire Council place the project on hold
October 2012 pending the provision of greater clarity around Plan Melbourne and its
implementation.

Draft Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan (December 2014)

May 2015
placed on public exhibition.

July-August 2015 Community meetings.

October 2015 State Government and Agency workshops.

Pearcedale Township Neighbourhood Character Statement adopted by

December 2015
Council.

Cardinia Shire Council withdraws from its project partnership with the City
February 2016
of Casey due to a divergence with our respective strategic directions.

June 2016 Community meetings at Devon Meadows and Pearcedale.

Casey South Agriculture District Small Lot Excision Policy adopted by

September 2016
Council.

September 2017 Draft Plan amended, reported to Council and placed on public exhibition.

April 2019 Draft Plan further amended and reported back to Council for adoption.

2019 Commence implementation of the Management Plan.

City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan I 9

 4.5 THE WESTERN PORT
GREEN WEDGE
The Western Port Green Wedge has an area of
approximately 746 square kilometres, of which
around 130 square kilometres is situated within
approximately 746 square kilometres, of within the
City of Casey.
Within the City of Casey, the Western Port Green
Wedge includes the townships and localities of:
» Cranbourne South
» Devon Meadows
» Pearcedale
» Blind Bight
» Cannons Creek
» Warneet
» Tooradin.
While the City of Casey has prepared this
Management Plan to have a particular emphasis on
those parts of the Green Wedge that are within its
municipal area, areas of common interest with the
Cardinia Shire Council remain, including the purpose
of the Green Wedge, primary industry, biodiversity
protection and enhancement of the natural
environment such as the Ramsar wetlands.
The Management Plan will facilitate the relationship
required for the City of Casey and the Cardinia Shire
Council to work together in pursuit of these shared
interests.
Map 2: Western Port Green Wedge
Source: DELWP, 2014

10 I City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan

City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan I 11
 5. SCOPE
The Western Port Green
Wedge has an
internationally-recognised
environment, fertile soils,
established equestrian,
agriculture and horticulture
industries, ready access to
water and an extensive
transportation network
connecting farmers with
nearby local markets and to
ports for interstate or
overseas markets. These
attributes cumulatively create
the area’s enormous, largely
latent economic potential.
The Western Port Green
Wedge Management Plan
identifies strategies that aim
to realise that potential,
which will have positive
flow-on effects for the local
economy, employment and
the vibrancy of its
settlements.

12 I City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan

6. COUNCIL PLAN 2017-2021
The Council Plan 2017-2021 outlines Two relevant key directions (Strategic
Strategic Objectives that Council will Objectives) are identified in the Council
work to achieve across many areas Plan that aim to realise this vision. These
are:
including the environment,
infrastructure, the local economy, A city that sustainably plans and manages
services, and community wellbeing. growth while protecting its diverse
landscape.
Each year, Council prepares an Annual
Council Plan and progress on this plan is Casey’s ‘city living, country feel’ is important to
reported to the community every quarter. community members. As Casey rapidly grows
Following on from the success of the Council and changes it is important that its green and
Plan 2013-2017 and continuing the sentiments natural spaces are protected and enhanced,
outlined in the Casey C21 Long-Term Vision and that all environments, natural, urban,
originally set in 2002, Council is working industrial or commercial, are clean and
towards making the City of Casey Australia’s healthy.
most livable city.
A thriving economy with local jobs,
investment, and new industries.
The long-term vision for the
City of Casey, through Casey Council will facilitate and support job creation,
C21 is: particularly in new and emerging industries,
through partnerships and city planning. It is a
priority for the Council that the number of local
A city where everyone can work locally, jobs increases to reduce the high number of
travel conveniently, and access all the people who must leave the municipality for
services they need. work every day.
The Casey Western Port Green Wedge
A city with state-of-the-art facilities for Management Plan will contribute to the
the arts, education, sports and leisure. realisation of these Strategic Objectives by
implementing actions which aim to support the
A city where everyone belongs to a lifestyle and economic wellbeing of its local
community, protect its heritage and improve its
vibrant, safe and connected community,
biodiversity and environmental assets.
based on mutual respect and
understanding.

A city where the built and natural

environments are complimentary,
clean and enjoyable.

The Council Plan outlines the way

the City of Casey will work towards
achieving Council’s Vision for the
future during the period 2017-2021.

Blind Bight / Source: Krutop Images, 2014

City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan I 13

7. LAND USE HISTORY
The boundaries of the Western Port 7.1 INDIGENOUS CULTURAL
Green Wedge coincide with the HERITAGE
Western Port coastline and include the
The Western Port area is a part of the
low lying former Koo Wee Rup and
traditional country of the Mayone buluk and
Dalmore Swamps which once formed Yallock balug clans of the Boon Wurrung
the largest swamp in Victoria, as well as people and the Wurundjeri Baluk and Bulug
pockets of more elevated land to the willam clan of the Woi Wurrung people.1
north.
Over tens of thousands of years, the ancestors
The Koo Wee Rup Swamp (which was wholly of these groups experienced extremes of
situated within the Shire of Cardinia) consisted environmental fluctuation from volcanic
dominantly of permanently inundated reeds eruption, the ice age (during which sea levels
and rushes. The coastal Dalmore Swamp dropped and dry land extended to Tasmania
(which was located on land now shared creatingthe Bassian Plain; a vast grassland
between the City of Casey and the Shire of and hunting territory) and then climatic
Cardinia) featured dense scrub and Swamp warming (when the Bassian Plain was
Paperbark. inundated) leading to the creation of Bass
Strait and Western Port as they are presently
These swamps created a natural barrier seen.
between Melbourne and Western Gippsland.
The Boon Wurrung and the Woi Wurrung
people are part of the broader alliance of the
Kulin Nation, which also includes the Watha
Wurrung, the Djaja Wurrung and the Taung
Wurrung People.
The Boon Wurrung, with their hunter/gatherer
lifestyle followed traditional routes along the
coast, creeks and riversides. Some of these
routes were mapped by William Thomas, who
had been appointed Assistant Protector of the
Aborigines in 1837 by Baron Glenelg, the
British Secretary of State for the Colonies.
Upon his arrival in Victoria, the Chief Protector,
George Augustus Robinson, allocated William
Thomas the Port Phillip, Western Port and
Gippsland districts, which includes the entirety
of the Western Port Green Wedge. He
travelled extensively with the Aboriginal
Peoples of these districts including ‘the sea
coast from Western Port to Port Phillip’,
drawing a map in 1840 that showed some of
these journeys.

1 Canning S. & Thiele F., 2010, ‘Indigenous Cultural Heritage and History within the Metropolitan Melbourne Investigation Area,
Australian Cultural Heritage Management. Report to the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council 2010’

14 I City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan

One of these tracks passed around the eastern The land was well watered and was managed
side of the Western Port study area from to provide plentiful food resources and shelter
Gippsland, linking up with well-established for its numerous inhabitants for over 40
trails through the Berwick and Pakenham areas millennia. In common with the practice of
to Dandenong. Another track along the Aboriginal people throughout Australia, they
western side of the Bay passed near the skillfully used fire to clear forest areas into
Tooradin area before joining the track to patchwork patterns to foster new plant growth;
Dandenong. particularly grasses to attract game and to
promote the growth of herbs, tubers, native
The Boon Wurrung and the Woi Wurrung fruits and nuts to balance their diet and to
intermarried and traded, moving freely (in forestall bushfire conflagration.
accordance with mutually understood
protocols) across each other’s territories. Their The Kulin had a rich spiritual life that centred
contact was so frequent and so amicable, on connections with Bunjil, the spirit who
according to some observers, that boundaries created the land, their custodianship and
between them may not necessarily have been protection of the land and with the rhythms of
rigidly defined. the seasons. They created sites that contain
important evidence of a distant past and to
Their movements were seasonal. During which they attribute spiritual meaning.
summer months they travelled along major
streams, fishing for eels and hunting and Most of the Green Wedge has not been
snaring game such as kangaroos, wallabies, surveyed in any detail to establish the extent of
possums, wombats and emus. They gathered Aboriginal archaeological values remaining
plant foods such as murnong (also known as there. Further research is required to clearly
the yam daisy), ate swamp-dwelling plants like identify Aboriginal heritage values in the study
the roots of rushes, and collected wild honey. area and this will be an Action of the
In the cooler months the Boon Wurrung moved Management Plan.
inland seeking shelter. They gathered the pith
of tree ferns and fished Cardinia Creek.

Blind Bight / Source: Krutop Images, 2014

City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan I 15

Tooradin Fisherman’s Cottage / Source: Krutop Images, 2014

7.2 EUROPEAN SETTLEMENT

Permanent European settlement of the area Typical early uses included fishing, grazing
now known as the Western Port Green Wedge and farming. However, farming was hindered
occurred progressively from the 1830’s, by the dense vegetation, the threat of flooding
ending the traditional lifestyle of its Aboriginal and the extensive swamps.
peoples. They lost access to traditional lands
and waterways, hunting grounds were reduced Settlements such as Tooradin were established
and traditional food sources disappeared. to provide for the provision of essential
Hunger, conflict, and the introduction of new services and supplies. From its earliest days
diseases, to which the Aboriginal People had Tooradin has had a strong fishing and tourism
no immunity, led to a rapid decline of their focus and it once marketed itself as a
population and the loss of their lands. “sportsman’s paradise”.

The relationship between the natural In the 1870’s the Lands Department decided to
environment in the Western Port area and clear and to drain the Koo Wee Rup and
human activity changed from one of harmony Dalmore Swamps so that the district,
to one of seemingly constant struggle as containing rich peaty soils, could be farmed.
Europeans sought to change the land to fit These drainage schemes also affected land
their purposes by removing vegetation, located in what became the City of Casey,
draining it and opening it up for agricultural particularly in the Tooradin area.
production and passage through to eastern The Koo Wee Rup Drainage Committee was
Gippsland. formed to oversee the process. The main
channel connecting the Cardinia Creek and
several smaller drains was excavated from
1876 using shovels and wheelbarrows, but
these initial efforts proved unsuccessful and
major floods still occurred.

16 I City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan

The drainage system was extended from 1889 A Royal Commission was set up in 1936 to
with the construction of the Bunyip Main Drain produce an improved scheme with new levees,
to channel the Bunyip River through to the the removal of sediment, and a further
Western Port Coast. The first village settlement extension of the system. Only minor flooding
was then built but flooding occurred again in occurred after this time and the construction of
1893 prompting further widening and the Tarago Reservoir in 1969 also enabled
deepening of the main drain. better downstream flood control.
Drainage works were completed by 1897, but By the time of World War II potato growing in
later bushfires caused the underlying peat to the area had become less profitable due to
catch fire and burn beneath the surface for market fluctuations, and the area then became
several months. the prime supplier of Melbourne’s milk and
vegetables. Through the 1950s and 1960s this
The new drainage system and droughts then trend was accelerated by an influx of growers
led to the soil shrinking and compacting with who were forced out of Melbourne’s traditional
the land surface dropping. market gardens in Dingley and Oakleigh by
A major flood in 1900 caused damage to crops urban expansion. Potatoes again took over as
and livestock and a new round of widening the dominant land use replacing dairying,
and extension of the drainage system took which moved further out to Gippsland.
place as a result. Nevertheless, the area was New sources of water were needed to provide
proving to be fertile land for horticulture and in for this expansion and a permit system was
the early 1900s it was the potato growing introduced in the 1950s to regulate farmers’
capital of Victoria. capacity to pump water directly from the main
Around this time, there was extensive drain.
clearance of the hills to the north of the Koo Groundwater began being extracted from the
Wee Rup Swamp. sub- ground aquifers from 1922 for stock and
This in turn led to erosion of the drains domestic requirements. This process went
because of the increased runoff, and unchecked until water levels in the aquifers
sedimentation in the lower parts of the system. had dropped by 15m and in the 1967/68
drought, they fell below pumping levels,
In 1917 the Koo Wee Rup Flood Protection meaning no water could be extracted.
District, now administered by Southern Rural
Water, was proclaimed to oversee an improved The area was declared a Groundwater
drainage system for the whole area, which was Conservation Area in 1971, which meant that
affected by severe flooding again in 1911. The the rate and volume of ground water being
needs of World War I promoted vegetable extracted from it was controlled and that new
growing in the area and later led to land bores were prohibited in some areas.
subdivision for the creation of small holdings
for returned soldiers (“soldier settlements”).
Major floods in 1923 and 1924 and the gigantic
flood of 1934 caused significant damage and
the latter made over 1,000 people homeless.

City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan I 17

18 I City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan
8. PRESSURES FOR CHANGE
If the Western Port Green Wedge has a There is likely to be continued pressure to
history of struggle between the natural expand the UGB to accommodate new urban
environment and human activity, the development, along with pressure for it to
accommodate rural living, hobby farms and
future is also set to be a balancing act. other uses that may compromise the potential
The Western Port Green Wedge has many productivity of the land.
significant environmental values, the most
There is also likely to be pressure for the Green
prominent being the internationally recognised
Wedge to accommodate State infrastructure to
Ramsar wetlands, while also being a very
support metropolitan Melbourne.
important agricultural and horticultural area.
Current and forecast pressures on the Western
The natural environment will continue to pose
Port Green Wedge are described in more
challenges as the predicted impacts of climate
detail in Section 11.
change - such as more frequent inundation,
increased storm events, bushfires and
necessary changes to crop species - come to
the fore. These events will create pressure on
the environmental, horticultural and agricultural
values of the area.
Concurrently, as Melbourne’s population
continues to grow, there will be inevitable
urban pressures and demands on the Western
Port Green Wedge.

Western Port Mangroves / Source: Krutop Images, 2014

City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan I 19

9. ATTRIBUTES AND VALUES
OF THE CASEY WESTERN
PORT GREEN WEDGE

Southern Brown Bandicoot / Parks Victoria, 2017 Agriculture / Source: Krutop Images, 2014

9.1 FLORA & FAUNA 9.2 AGRICULTURE

The Green Wedge is home to nationally The majority of the Western Port Green Wedge
significant indigenous biodiversity such as the is used for agricultural purposes such as
threatened Southern Brown Bandicoot, Swamp market gardening, poultry and beef farming,
Skink, Common Long-necked Turtle and and horse and greyhound keeping, breeding
Growling Grass Frog. and training.
A large portion of the Western Port coast was It has some of the most productive soils in
designated a wetland of international Victoria and the region is considered an
importance under the Ramsar Convention in important supplier of vegetables, milk,
1982, meaning that its wetlands, remnant chickens and eggs for Victoria.
native vegetation, open rural landscapes and
other natural assets were protected. These A large proportion of Victoria’s asparagus,
areas play a significant role in making leafy greens, celery, leeks, herbs, silver beet,
Melbourne a livable City and therefore should radishes, and spring onions are grown within
be preserved and enhanced. the Western Port Green Wedge and are
supplied for local and global consumption.
The Green Wedge also accommodates other
rural land uses such as boarding catteries and
kennels, and hobby farms.

20 I City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan

Tooradin / Source: Krutop Images, 2014 Western Port Mangroves / Source: Krutop Images, 2014

9.3 TOWNSHIPS 9.4 TOURISM

Within the City of Casey, the Western Port The Casey Western Port Green Wedge has a
Green Wedge contains the rural township of number of existing tourist attractions such as
Pearcedale, the coastal township of Tooradin the Pearcedale Moonlit Sanctuary, boating,
and the coastal settlements of Blind Blight, fishing, equestrian and walking trails and the
Warneet and Cannons Creek. Ramsar wetlands.
These Townships have an important role within There is significant potential for further tourism
the Western Port Green Wedge, providing opportunities in the Green Wedge, particularly
opportunities for City of Casey residents and increased food-based tourism and eco-
visitors to experience township living, and for tourism.
the provision of local services, schools,
employment and leisure.

City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan I 21

10. COMMUNITY CONSULTATION
10.1 WESTERN PORT GREEN WEDGE MANAGEMENT PLAN
DISCUSSION PAPER
Engagement activities undertaken in the preparation of the Western Port Green Wedge
Management Plan Discussion Paper (October 2011) were designed to examine the key
challenges and opportunities for the Green Wedge, to identify a vision for it and to explore
potential actions for the Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan.
Feedback collected during the exhibition of the Discussion Paper informed the content of the draft
Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan, December 2014.
A report summarising the feedback from the Discussion Paper’s community consultation is
available separately.

Table 2: Community consultation - key findings on the Western Port Green Wedge
Management Plan Discussion Paper

Heritage
» Support for Aboriginal heritage to be highlighted in the Green Wedge Management
Plan.
» Others felt that heritage generally should be stronger and that more effort could be
made to celebrate the history of the Koo Wee Rup swamp and its settlements.

Water Management
» Flooding seen as a major concern for the Green Wedge and many linked this to
runoff from new development and hard surfaces in the catchment areas.
» Water-sensitive urban design (WSUD) was advocated to reduce the severity of
flooding along with an integrated approach to water management. The impacts of
runoff on Western Port’s sea grass and saltmarsh ecosystems were a concern for
some respondents.
» The need to address rising sea levels was raised with suggestions to restrict
inappropriate development and to promote re-vegetation along the coast.

Landscape features and rural amenity

» Opportunities for a rural lifestyle in the area are valued - people have chosen to live
in the Green Wedge as they believe it is protected from urban expansion and they
want it maintained as a rural area.

Uncertainty
» Concerns raised around the future of the UGB and uncertainty about whether there
would be further changes and therefore if it can be regarded as the permanent
edge to Melbourne.
» Scepticism about how a Management Plan can be effective if the UGB continues
to change.

22 I City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan

Agriculture
» Agriculture was identified as a primary value and a key asset needing protection.
» Need for clear zoning based on land capability, soil and commodity studies
» Need for improved management of farms, including incentives for farmers to stay
on the land and to improve farming practices.
» Need for better management of interface between residential and farming areas
into the future.
» Key challenge is managing succession planning for ageing farmers. Potentially
need greater flexibility for farmers to subdivide or to undertake complementary
activities such as farm gate sales or food tourism.
» Key opportunity in improved marketing of the Bunyip Food Belt brand.

Recreation and Tourism

» Key opportunity for leisure and tourism that complements the Green Wedge to
improve the local economy (for example, educational tourism, agricultural schools,
tourism connected to local produce, and eco-tourism along the coast).
» Support for a walking track along the Western Port coast although some concern
about its impact on the Ramsar wetlands and its practicability.
» Support for rail trails and equestrian trails if they can be put in place without
threatening local habitats, and particular support was given to a bicycle trail along
the South Gippsland rail easement.

Biodiversity
» Biodiversity identified as a valuable asset, particularly the internationally-recognised
Ramsar wetlands and endangered species such as the Southern Brown Bandicoot.
» Potential strategies included building on the bio-links programs with incentives to
re- vegetate or help improve them.
» Suggestions included developing bio-links from Cranbourne Botanic Gardens south to
the coast as well as east to Bayles to help protect native fora and fauna.
» Specific comments regarding the alignment of some bio-links and also concerns
regarding how these had been identified and whether they would be effective.
» An integrated approach to ensure that agriculture and water management helps to
improve habitats for valued species was also supported.

Urban Development Pressure

» Widespread opposition to further subdivision in the Green Wedge.
» Seventy-two submissions explicitly opposed subdivision and advocated for the
UGB to be the permanent edge to Melbourne, and there were also two petitions
with 70 signatures opposing subdivision.
» Some submissions suggested that infll development could be encouraged in small
settlements to make them more viable and others felt that a buffer zone between
agricultural and residential areas could minimise conflict and that rural living could
act as this buffer.
» Future growth at the Port of Hastings was highlighted along with the impact this will
have on freight movement and travel patterns across the area.

City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan I 23

10.2 DRAFT WESTERN PORT GREEN WEDGE MANAGEMENT PLAN
(DECEMBER 2014)
In 2015, the City of Casey received over 160 Submissions opposing more intense
community submissions in response to the subdivision were received from property
exhibition of the Draft Western Port Green owners in Cranbourne South, Devon Meadows
Wedge Management Plan (December 2014). and Pearcedale. These submissions were
made on grounds that the current balance of
Community consultation meetings were held agriculture and rural living should be
within the Green Wedge at community halls maintained, the eco- system should be
located in Pearcedale, Tooradin, Devon protected and that there is no strategic case to
Meadows and Blind Bight. subdivide, only an economic one.
The content of the submissions confirmed Submissions were also received from: the
much of the Discussion Paper’s findings. State Government through the Office of
However an important variation related to land Aboriginal Affairs and the Department of
subdivision. Environment, Land, Water and Planning; Bass
This particularly affected the rural residential Coast Shire; South Gippsland Shire;
areas of Cranbourne South, Devon Meadows Mornington Peninsula Shire; Frankston City
and Pearcedale where strong lobbying Council; Melbourne Water; Southern Rural
occurred in favour of the subdivision of land Water; Port Phillip & Western Port Catchment
into lots varying in size between 0.2 hectares Management Authority; Natural Resources
and two hectares, which is smaller than is Conservation League of Victoria; Western Port
presently permitted by the Casey Planning Biosphere Reserve and the Royal Botanic
Scheme. A number of submissions were also Gardens Victoria, Cranbourne.
received from the owners of Green Wedge The submissions are summarised in Table 3.
zoned land around the Pearcedale Township
advocating that the Township be expanded to
include their land.

Pearcedale public consultation session – 2 July 2015 / Source: City of Casey, 2015

24 I City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan

Table 3: Community consultation - key findings on the draft Western Port Green Wedge
Management Plan (December 2014)

Subdivision
Proposal: subdivide land into lots varying in area between
0.2 hectares and 2 hectares
Pro-subdivision Anti-subdivision Victorian Government,

98 27
Department of Environment,
Land, Water and Planning
submissions and four submissions The Department advised that
petitions it has no plans to support any
Submissions received
planning scheme amendment
Submissions received primarily from the Cranbourne
proposals that seek to expand
primarily from the Cranbourne South, Devon Meadows and
the UGB, increase the
South, Devon Meadows and Pearcedale South areas.
subdivision potential of green
Pearcedale South areas.
Reasons provided: wedge land or lead to the
Reasons provided: development of small
» No strategic case to inappropriate lots in the green
» Farming is not sustainable subdivide, only economic. wedges.
on the existing lots which
» The current balance of The Government is therefore
have an area of 10 hectares
agriculture and rural living unlikely to support proposals
and under.
should be maintained. to allow the further subdivision
» Ease property maintenance of green wedge land or to
» The eco-system should be
(commonly because of the expand township boundaries.
protected.
age of owners).
» Subdivision would provide Subsequently, in February
owners with fnancial 2019, the State Government
stability. again advised the City of
Casey that it has no plans to
» The area is close to the increase the subdivision
UGB and to reticulated potential of the Green Wedge
services. for smaller lots.
» Subdivision would create a
buffer between urban
development and the Green
Wedge.
» Small lots would ease
maintenance of vegetation.

City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan I 25

 Table 3: Community consultation - key findings on the draft Western Port Green Wedge
Management Plan (December 2014)

Expansion of Pearcedale Township

Proposal: Pearcedale Township should be enlarged to include green
wedge zoned land that abuts its current boundary by rezoning it to the
General Residential Zone to enable its subdivision into urban
densities.
Pro Anti Victorian Government,

6 7
Department of Environment,
Land, Water and Planning
submissions submissions The Department of
Environment, Land, Water and
Justification provided: Justification provided:
Planning advised that it is
» A logical township boundary » Flora and fauna should be unlikely to support proposals
would be established. protected. to allow the further subdivision
of green wedge land or to
» There is a lack of vacant » The Green Wedge should expand township boundaries.
residential lots within the be protected from further
existing township urban expansion.
boundaries.
» Pearcedale’s infrastructure
could not cope with further
development.
» The Green Wedge offers a
certain lifestyle that would
be lost through further
subdivision.

26 I City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan

Biodiversity Agriculture
» The potential for east-west and north-south bio- » The objective to maintain a thriving
links should be explored, including possible agricultural industry in the Green
locations for them. Wedge, with a focus on horticulture
and farming to service local and
» The Plan should include the role of healthy
export markets is supported by
ecosystems in supporting agriculture and the need
water supply agencies.
to manage the impacts of agriculture on
environmental values.
» There should be a stronger focus on the protection
of remnant native vegetation and the management
of natural ecosystems in the form of pest animal
management, the control of environmental weeds
and scientifcally based fre management.

Water management Heritage

Most of the study area covers the Koo Wee Rup The Office of Aboriginal Affairs
Water Supply Protection Area (Groundwater) and advised that whilst archaeological
therefore it is important that the plan recognises this sites of ‘very high scientific
important water resource, its users and the current significance’ may occur in the
irrigated agriculture development. Southern Rural Cardinia Creek corridor this is
Water (SRW) has been working towards ensuring actually quite unlikely. There is
that additional water is available for agricultural generally a decrease in site density
production. and size further south along the
(itinerant) creek corridor. Given the
SRW has ongoing support for maintaining and swampy nature of the study area, the
increasing the State’s food bowl production. largest most significant sites found to
Management strategies for the Koo Wee Rup Water date have been on elevated land on
Supply Protection Area (WSPA) include working the swamp periphery (south of
within the approved Groundwater Management Plan Pakenham). However, it would be
for the WSPA and, as a priority, working with license unwise to pre-empt the significance
holders to encourage water trading. References to of sites anywhere in the study area.
and aspects of the Groundwater Management Plan
for the WSPA should be mentioned in the Green
Wedge Management Plan.

City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan I 27

10.3 DEVON MEADOWS AND PEARCEDALE PUBLIC MEETINGS –
JULY 2016
Council resolved to hold these public meetings » Recognition that Devon Meadows has
after it received separate petitions from historically had smaller lots than other areas
members of the Devon Meadows and within the Green Wedge.
Pearcedale communities.
Those who opposed further subdivision
The petitions called for (respectively): justified it as follows:
» Devon Meadows: Council to amend the Draft » Concern that smaller lots and a larger
Western Port Green Wedge Management population in the area may lead to complaints
Plan (December 2014) to create a transitional related to the conduct of existing business or
zone to allow for rural residential properties leisure activities being undertaken there.
of one to two hectares in Precinct 2. The
petition noted that this would address an Pearcedale Public Meeting
identifed shortage of rural residential lifestyle The Pearcedale public meeting was held on
lots, specifcally for horse trainers, trades and the evening of Thursday 23 June 2016. Ninety-
small trade and logistics businesses. eight people were in attendance, coming
mainly from Pearcedale, Langwarrin South and
» Pearcedale: Council to reject the proposal
Cranbourne South.
under the Draft Western Port Green Wedge
Management Plan (December 2014) to There were mixed views expressed at the
classify the area around Pearcedale as meeting on the issue of subdivision, however
Precinct 1 (Intensive Agriculture and Food the majority of attendees appeared to support
Production), and that an amended some form of increased subdivision.
Management Plan be prepared to account
for the economically viable current land The following points highlight the main
usage by residents (largely as equine issues raised:
lifestyle), and to allow for further land » Support for subdivision was most often
development with smaller rural lots being based on economic grounds, in particular
permitted between Pearcedale Township and that more housing lots are needed to provide
agricultural areas to its east. for a bigger population, which would support
the continued economic viability of the
Devon Meadows Public Meeting Pearcedale Township and its environs.
The Devon Meadows public meeting was held » Concern was also expressed that the
on the evening of Thursday 16 June 2016. proposal under the Draft Western Port Green
Forty-fve people were in attendance, coming Wedge Management Plan (December 2014)
mainly from Devon Meadows and Cranbourne to include rural land surrounding Pearcedale
South. Township within Precinct 1 (Agriculture and
Land subdivision was the key matter discussed Food Production) could constrain existing
by participants at the meeting. uses undertaken there (such as horse
training) and could also reduce land values.
Those in favour of further subdivision
» Concerns were raised by some participants
justified it as follows:
that subdivision would adversely impact the
» Financial security. rural character of Pearcedale and that
» Changing needs; as people age they say it existing infrastructure could not support a
becomes more difficult for them to maintain larger population.
larger lots.
Pearcedale / Source: Krutop Images, 2014

28 I City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan

City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan I 29
10.4 DRAFT CASEY WESTERN PORT GREEN WEDGE MANAGEMENT
PLAN JUNE 2017
Council placed the Plan on public exhibition for three months between 15 September 2017 and
22 December 2017. 263 submissions were received.
The following table summarises the submissions key messages and the frequency of their
expression, according to the geographic area. As most submissions were directed at the draft
Management Plan’s proposals for subdivision in certain locations within the Green Wedge, the
table indicates the position taken by the submitters regarding that matter:

Table 4: Community consultation - key findings on the draft Casey Western Port Green Wedge
Management Plan (June 2017)

Locality Pro-subdivision Anti- Advice

subdivision only
Individual Signed a Petition
letter pro-forma
letter

Blind Bight - - - - -

Cannons Creek - - - 4 -

Clyde 4 - - - -

Cranbourne South 8 - 1 (55 - -

signatures)

Devon Meadows 2 - - - -

Fiveways 2 - - - -

Pearcedale (rural) 11 155 - 2 -

Pearcedale (Township) - - - 24 -

Tooradin (rural) 3 - - - -

Tooradin (Village) - - - 6 -

Warneet - - - - -

Other – MP’s - - - 6 -

Other – non Green 4 6 - 20 -

Wedge residents

Referral Authorities - - - 1 4

Total 34 161 1 63 4

30 I City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan

This table indicates that there is a strong » Rates are too high for farming land.
preference for further subdivision in the rural
» Roads are at capacity.
areas of Pearcedale and Cranbourne South.
The pro-forma letter in Pearcedale’s rural area » Housing should be built on less fertile land.
requests Council to intensify subdivision there » The areas proposed for smaller subdivisions
down to a minimum area of two hectares. This (for ‘lifestyle living’) are adjacent to the
is half again in size of what had been proposed northern coast of Western Port Bay with its
in the draft Management Plan, which nature reserves, Ramsar Reserve and Marine
recommended a minimum subdivision area of National Parks. Population increases in these
four hectares. The Casey Planning Scheme areas would lead to increased drainage and
currently applies a minimum subdivision area a greater amount of pollution entering
of eight hectares in that location. Western Port Bay. It would also put increased
The reasons provided by submitters in pressure on the wild life corridors proposed
support of further subdivision are to facilitate the movement of birds and other
summarised below: wild life between areas such as the
Cranbourne Gardens and the Langwarrin
» It would help meet the future needs of horse
Nature Reserve to and from the coastal
and greyhound trainers in the racing industry,
reserves.
and help meet equine lifestyle, and rural
residential lifestyle demand, for small rural Advice received from the Department of
character lots close to the Pearcedale Environment, Land, Water and Planning
township; (DELWP) states:
» It would complement the balance between “There are a number of strategies and actions
the environment, economic viability and in the draft Management Plan which are
growth, and measured strategic planning, inconsistent with policies in Plan Melbourne
and provides a good balance between these 2017-2050, and as such would be unlikely to
three issues, without changing the rural receive support from the State Government.
character of the Pearcedale area. These include:

» It would allow for the provision of more trees » proposals to allow the further subdivision of
and will maintain the rural and agricultural green wedge land;
character of the area with features including » the potential expansion of township
rural fencing. boundaries.
The reasons provided by submitters in The advice also notes that “These proposals
opposition to further subdivision are also conflict with State Planning Policy
summarised below: Framework Clause 11.06-7 (Green Wedges)
Conversely, submissions lodged by residents and the planning provisions (Clause 57
of Pearcedale Township, Tooradin Village and Metropolitan Green Wedge Land). It is a
residents outside of the Casey Western Port requirement that Green Wedge Management
Green opposed any proposal to intensify Plans are consistent with State government
subdivision in the Green Wedge. Submissions policies and strategies, as outlined in Practice
received from residents of the coastal villages, Note 31 – Preparing a Green Wedge
particularly Tooradin Village and Cannons Management Plan (June 2015).”
Creek, opposed further subdivision in the
Green Wedge on the following basis:
» The Green Wedge should be protected for
food security, flora and fauna.

City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan I 31

11. STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS
11.1 ABORIGINAL AND POST-CONTACT HERITAGE
11.1.1 Background and Context 11.1.2 Objective
The Western Port Green Wedge has a rich Identify and protect the Aboriginal cultural
history. As set out in Section 9.1 (Land Use heritage and post-contact heritage of the
History), the Boon Wurrung and Woi Wurrung Western Port Green Wedge and celebrate and
people have an ancient association with the promote this history.
land, hunting and gathering along the coast
and in the Koo Wee Rup and Dalmore 11.1.3 Strategies
swamps, and camping in the nearby higher
ground. » Promote greater community knowledge and
understanding of Aboriginal cultural heritage
Many cultural heritage sites have been in the Western Port area.
identified around those former swamps and
» Promote greater community awareness and
along the Western Port Coast where there are
appreciation of the post-contact history and
shell middens and artifact scatters.
settlement of the Western Port Green Wedge.
In more recent times, foods, drainage, » Investigate the development of local heritage
reclamation and resettlement schemes have trails and the identification and interpretation
transformed the land. Many heritage properties of sites of historical significance.
remain in the area, serving as reminders of
early European settlement.
The consultation undertaken in developing the
Discussion Paper and through the exhibition of
the draft Management Plan confirmed the
value of the Green Wedge’s indigenous and
post-contact heritage. There were also
representations that more effort should be
made to maintain, enhance and celebrate the
historical features of the Koo Wee Rup and
Dalmore Swamps, settlements such as
Tooradin and Pearcedale, as well as the
coastal villages of Blind Bight, Warneet and
Cannons Creek.
While there are already measures in place to
protect and celebrate the land’s history
through the Casey Planning Scheme and local
initiatives, there are opportunities to expand
efforts concerning the heritage of the Green
Wedge.

32 I City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan

Blind Bight / Source: Krutop Images, 2014

11.2 LANDSCAPE
11.2.1 Background and Context A comprehensive geomorphological review of
the Green Wedge, considering its geo-
The Green Wedge has a unique landscape
heritage, will provide context for a survey of its
and scenic quality, stemming from its pre-
Aboriginal heritage and of changes made to
European form. It is dominated by the former
the land form during the post- contact period,
Dalmore and Koo Wee Rup swamps with
and will also provide information in support of
pockets of more elevated land to the north,
any planning scheme amendment to protect
and the subsequent historical layers of
any geo-heritage sites that it identifies.
settlement and drainage, which continue to
affect the landscape. 11.2.2 Objective
The Cardinia Creek and other creek corridors Protect and enhance the Western Port Green
are key landscape assets and features of the Wedge’s unique and attractive landscapes
Green Wedge. These waterways hold and landforms.
significant areas of remnant vegetation that
play an important role in protecting biodiversity 11.2.3 Strategies
in the Green Wedge. While creeks have been
modified as part of the drainage of the Assess landscape and geo-heritage values
swamps, they remain as important markers of and ensure that appropriate controls are in
the history of the area. place through the Casey Planning Scheme to
protect them.
Although some areas already have planning
controls in place to protect the landscape See related Action No. 1 in Section 11.3.4,
(such as the Significant Landscape Overlay for which will help implement this strategy.
the Casey Coast and the Environmental
Significance Overlay for the Casey Coast and
Cranbourne South), most of the Green Wedge
has not yet been considered for geo-heritage
protection, particularly with regard to its
Aboriginal traditional usage and spiritual
association.

City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan I 33

11.3 ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNIFICANCE
11.3.1 Background and context
Habitat corridors aim to create a healthy
landscape that protects important habitats and
to help restore a sustainable environment
through better management of land, waterways
and native vegetation.
This may be achieved through a program of
re- vegetation and land management, which
aims to link habitats or to improve
“connectivity”, using core areas of native
vegetation and natural ecosystems.
Potential locations for habitat corridors are
shown on Map 3, which includes identified
areas of biodiversity significance.
The City of Casey has based its biodiversity
planning on the development of habitat Blind Bight / Source: Krutop Images, 2014
corridors and “biozones” that are proposed in
the Revegetation Strategy. The Strategy has a
strong focus on enhancement and protection 11.3.3 Strategies
of biodiversity. » Identify and protect fauna and fora and
habitats of local, state, national and
The Green Wedge Management Plan and the international importance.
State Government’s Sub-Regional Strategies
for the Southern Brown Bandicoot and the » Develop a coordinated approach to
Growling Grass Frog provide an opportunity to biodiversity planning that considers and
update and better integrate biodiversity resolves the priorities, especially with respect
planning for the Western Port Green Wedge. to habitat connectivity.

Habitats that have been ranked for their 11.3.4 Specific actions
ecological significance should be incorporated
» Action 1: Undertake a review of environmental
into the planning of the Green Wedge,
and landscape protection controls (such as the
especially those of national and international
ESO and SLO) within the Casey Western Port
significance.
Green Wedge and implement change where
appropriate. The review should include an
11.3.2 Objective investigation of appropriate landscape
Protect and enhance biodiversity and habitats protection controls for geo-heritage sites.
within the Green Wedge, especially for rare or Implement such changes as part of broader
endangered fora and fauna. periodic Planning Scheme updates such as the
Planning Policy Framework translation.

34 I City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan

Map 3: Habitat Areas and Biodiversity

City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan I 35

11.4 TOURISM AND RECREATIONAL LAND USES
11.4.1 Background and Context The Trail could provide for cyclists and
walkers, connecting the coastal settlements of
The Western Port Green Wedge has a diverse
Warneet, Blind Bight, Cannons Creek and
range of land uses, unique attractions and a
Tooradin and potentially Pearcedale.
rich history providing the potential for a vibrant
tourism and recreation industry. There are a number of environmental and land
ownership issues confronting such a trail,
The Discussion Paper considered a number of
including climate change, the risk of coastal
attractions that could be used to promote a
inundation, and the highly sensitive
local tourism industry and to enhance
environments along the coast that would likely
recreation opportunities for the local and
trigger the need for an Environmental Effects
broader community.
Statement and a referral to the Federal
Although the tourism offer is modest at Government under the Environment Protection
present, several opportunities have been and Biodiversity Act 1999.
identified that may be developed and
The Western Port Green Wedge has scope to
promoted to support local agriculture,
build a successful tourism industry based on
generate employment opportunities, enhance
its fresh and healthy local produce, taking
the area’s biodiversity, and create recreation
advantage of its accessibility to potential
opportunities for local residents.
customers and tourists located in the growing
The public consultation generally supported metropolitan area.
these opportunities but with reservations about
Community markets and the regional produce
impacts on biodiversity in terms of recreation
directory already help this profile, but a further
along the Western Port Coast and in areas with
initiative would be to develop a Bunyip Food
high biodiversity value.
Trail linking local and regional food outlets
A rail trail along the former South Gippsland such as farm sales and specialist local food
railway reserve between Clyde and Lang Lang shops.
and through Koo Wee Rup would be an
The food trail could help market local produce
invaluable recreation resource for the local and
such as asparagus, other vegetables, fruit,
wider community.
wine, and even fish and other seafood from
This concept has significant support from Western Port Bay.
agencies and from the community and is
11.4.2 Objective
supported by this Plan. It would need to be
subject to a full master plan for the entire route Develop and promote opportunities for
which would consider how best to recreation and tourism that are linked to local
accommodate the needs of other users such strengths including food, trails, Western Port
as walkers and equestrians, and how best to Bay and education.
protect the habitat requirements of the
Growling Grass Frog and the Southern Brown
Bandicoot.
There has been support for a Casey Coastal
Trail from the local community and through
studies such as the Casey C21 Strategy and
the Casey Coastal Strategy process.

36 I City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan

Disused South Gippsland Rail line / Source: Krutop Images, 2014

11.4.3 Strategies » Action 3: Prepare a Master Plan for the

construction of a rail trail along the former
» Support and promote a local tourism industry
South Gippsland railway reserve between
based on the strengths and assets of the
Clyde and Lang Lang and through Koo Wee
Green Wedge.
Rup.
» Develop parkland and a network of walking
» Action 4: Prepare a Tooradin Village
and cycling trails to provide recreation
Foreshore Master Plan to assist with the
opportunities for local residents and for
development of tourism attractions for the
visitors from further afield.
area.
11.4.4 Specific Actions » Action 5: Investigate opportunities for
» Action 2: Investigate construction of a additional parkland (for passive and active
Western Port trail that would create a use, including equestrian facilities) in the
continuous walking and/or cycling route Western Port Green Wedge for residents and
around Western Port. for visitors from further afield.

City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan I 37

11.5 SOILS AND LAND CAPABILITY
11.5.1 Background and context
Soil is a finite natural resource and therefore
sustainable management and planning is
required to maintain it as a valuable resource
for the future.
The majority of soils within the Green Wedge
are recognised for their productivity and
capability for horticulture and agriculture, and
for their role in maintaining and supporting
biodiversity.
Research was commissioned through the State
Government to investigate and map the soil
capabilities of land in the Western Port Green
Wedge. The research found four types of soil
groupings, of which two are relevant to the City
of Casey:
Working farm / Source: Krutop Images, 2014
1. Western Area: around Pearcedale and
Devon Meadows
The results of this assessment, a Land
The western area consists of sandy soils or Versatility Analysis, is included as Map 4 and
sandy over clay subsoil. These lighter soils can shows that the whole Green Wedge is at least
be worked for most of the year, but they moderately suitable for growing a range of
require a reliable water supply and an external agricultural commodities, and that much of the
nutrient supply. area has very high versatility (that is, it has
2. Central Area: around Koo Wee Rup, capacity to sustain multiple agricultural uses).
Tooradin, Iona and Bayles This flexibility will increase in value as the
The central area consists of the foodplains and progressive impacts of climate change and
peaty swamps of the Western Port Basin. Most higher temperatures are felt in the coming
of this area consists of clays with limited decades. The versatile soils will allow for
drainage as well as the peaty soils, which are changes in farming practice with respect to
cultivated for asparagus and other forms of crops and plant varieties.
horticulture. Despite their qualities for
specialised crops, in general these soils are The land versatility map should be used to
not as resilient as the sandy soils of the west. guide the formulation of planning controls that
reflect the suitability of different parts of the
The capability of these soils for agricultural area for different agricultural uses and
production was then assessed, taking account practices. This process could include a review
of soil qualities, topography, drainage and of the existing Green Wedge Zones to develop
climate. more comprehensive and customised controls
to reflect the capability of these soils.

38 I City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan

Map 4: Agricultural Biophysical Land Versatility Regions

City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan I 39

Coastal Acid Sulphate Soils
A further important consideration is the
potential occurrence of Coastal Acid Sulphate
Soils in some of the low-lying coastal areas of
the Western Port Green Wedge.
Coastal Acid Sulphate Soils are naturally
occurring soils that contain iron sulphides,
which when disturbed and exposed to air can
oxidise and result in sulphuric acid. Sulphuric
acid can mobilise heavy metals that exist in
soil such as iron, aluminium and arsenic, which
can have serious detrimental effects, including:
» acidification and deoxygenation of water and
soil, leading to compromised fresh surface
and ground water potability and soil fertility
» deoxygenation of soil
Disturbed Coastal Acid Sulfate Soil and its impact
» fish kills Source: Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research
Organisation
» corrosion of metals.
The potential extent of Coastal Acid Sulphate
» Support natural systems by ensuring salinity
Soils in the Western Port Green Wedge is
and discharge of nutrients are managed,
detailed in Map 5.
including through the use of management
It is important that activities that may disturb plans.
Coastal Acid Sulphate Soils (such as » Ensure that Coastal Acid Sulphate Soils are
agricultural works involving drainage, managed to avoid detrimental impacts on the
infrastructure works, development, and the environment, biodiversity and the community.
extractive industry) are avoided or carefully
managed in areas that have been identified as 11.5.4 Actions
potentially containing Coastal Acid Sulphate
Soils. » Action 6: Recognise the versatility of soils in
the Casey Western Port Green Wedge and
their capability to support productive farming
11.5.2 Objective
and biodiversity through appropriate controls
Recognise the versatility of soils in the Western in the Casey Planning Scheme. Support a
Port Green Wedge and protect and enhance regional approach to this work.
the capability to support productive farming
and biodiversity.

11.5.3 Strategies
» Ensure that Green Wedge soils and their
versatility are recognised as a finite resource
and are protected accordingly.
» Develop a sustainable planning and
management framework for food production,
agriculture and other uses of Green Wedge
soils.

40 I City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan

Map 5: Coastal Acid Sulphate Soils

City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan I 41

11.6 INTEGRATED WATER MANAGEMENT
11.6.1 Background and Context
The management of water is a critical issue in The Strategy sets 20-year strategic priorities,
the Green Wedge. The way water is used and focusing on environmental improvements to
managed is central to the success of the creek and wetland systems to improve the
agricultural industry and to the enhancement of habitat for native fora and fauna including
the internationally significant environment of platypus, fish, lizard, frog and bird species.
Western Port Bay and its coastal hinterland.
The City of Casey with Melbourne Water has
Prior to European settlement the Koo Wee Rup prepared and adopted an Integrated Water
and Dalmore swamps combined to be Management Plan, which aims to create a
Victoria’s largest swamp. Although the land Water Efficient City and to deliver the following
containing these swamps was reclaimed and outcomes:
drained last century, water systems in the
Green Wedge still reflect that history. » Avoid potable (drinking) water use and cost,
where possible.
The network of drains is part of the landscape
» Use and manage water resources as fit for
and the area still foods at regular intervals.
purpose.
Planning controls are in place to restrict » Create a City that is resilient to food, drought
opportunities for development in areas that are and other water threats to the environment.
prone to flooding, but potential problems lie
upstream in the catchment, in areas that are » Protect and improve the health of waterways
now being released for urban development or and bays.
have been cleared for timber production and » Ensure Council and stakeholders comply
cultivation. with legislation.
Further problems that have been identified » Prioritise investment in integrated water
include the generally “poor” water quality of management that achieves the greatest
local streams, high levels of sediment that are benefits for the economy, environment and
entering the Bay from local watercourses, and community.
the severe ecological stress that this is » Enhance community and economic well-
imposing on Western Port’s sensitive being.
ecosystem with its internationally protected
wetlands. Flooding and a range of other water
management issues were identified through
It was noted in the Discussion Paper that the the Plan and it was concluded that they should
quality of all four water catchments in the be integrated with land use planning for the
Western Port Green Wedge are rated as “poor” area. This concept was widely supported
by Melbourne Water’s Regional River Health throughout public consultation.
Strategy 2007, and that this compares
unfavourably with the condition of other parts Key water management agencies (Melbourne
of the Port Phillip and Western Port catchment. Water, South East Water, Southern Rural
Water, Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment
The Healthy Waterways Strategy defines Management Authority) are working together
Melbourne Water’s role, in partnership with the with the City of Casey and Cardinia Shire
community, its customers and stakeholders, in Council to improve water quality and food
managing rivers, estuaries and wetlands in the management to mitigate the impact of
Port Phillip and Western Port region. sedimentation and pollution on Western Port.

42 I City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan

The catchments of the Cardinia Creek, 11.7 GROUNDWATER
Dalmore Outfalls and the Bunyip/Tarago River
will be the focus of a regional Integrated Water 11.7.1 Background and Context
Management Plan, which will investigate water
sensitive urban design opportunities and how Groundwater is a significant source of water for
to capture and treat storm water runoff to the rural sector, and numerous irrigation and
augment water supplies. stock groundwater licenses have been issued
in the Green Wedge.
11.6.2 Objectives Bore licenses are issued by Southern Rural
» Develop a regional integrated approach to Water and are regulated under the Water Act
water management that reduces the risks of 1989. The level of extraction from many sites
flooding, erosion, sedimentation and has already exceeded recharge rate and
groundwater depletion, and that improves drought has also prompted Southern Rural
water quality. Water to restrict the number of new bores.
» Improve water quality and catchment quality
11.7.2 Objective
in the Green Wedge water courses.
Recognise the role groundwater plays in the
» Reduce the risk and severity of flooding in
Casey Western Port Green Wedge and protect
the Green Wedge and recognise the
and enhance its capability to support
challenges posed by a changing climate.
productive farming.
» Minimise any negative impacts from
sedimentation and septic system or storm 11.7.3 Strategies
water pollution on the Western Port Bay
ecosystem. » Ensure that high quality groundwater in the
Casey Western Port Green Wedge is
11.6.3 Strategy recognised as a finite resource that plays a
significant role in the maintenance of the
» Support initiatives aimed at improving water economic strength of the agriculture industry.
management for the Western Port Green
Wedge. » Encourage the use of alternative water
supply systems to reduce reliance on
11.6.4 Specific Actions groundwater.
» Action 7: Continue to maximise Integrated » Develop a sustainable planning and
Water Management opportunities and fit-for- management framework for food production,
purpose water use in the Green Wedge and agriculture and other uses within the Green
Western Port Catchment. Wedge.
» Support natural systems by ensuring salinity
and discharge of nutrients are managed,
including through the use of management
plans.

City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan I 43

11.8 SEPTICS AND SEWAGE Given its long-term strategic value to Melbourne
and to agriculture, the Green Wedge should be
11.8.1 Background and Context recognised as an area of strategic farming
Except for land that is situated within the importance for Melbourne and every effort
Casey Western Port Green Wedge’s townships should be made to protect it for that purpose.
(all of which are connected to sewer), the Accordingly, Council will advocate to the State
Western Port Green Wedge is wholly Government that the significance of the area is
dependent upon on- site septic tank systems formally recognised through a Statement of
for domestic wastewater disposal. Planning Policy for the Western Port Green
It is inevitable that a percentage of these Wedge, to be included in the State Planning
septic tank systems will fail because of Policy Framework, the Metropolitan Planning
inadequate maintenance or poor initial design, Strategy and any other relevant documents.
and that sewage effluent will be discharged This Statement should reflect the vision for the
into the water system. Green Wedge and the primacy of agriculture
Therefore Council, with the Environmental and horticulture in the area and Precinct One
Protection Authority, should monitor E. coli and in particular.
nutrient levels relating to the waters of Western In addition, the relevant local planning
Port Bay and its Catchment, and roll out an provisions in the Casey Planning Scheme will
information program to residents advising them be reviewed and, if necessary, revised to
of the need to maintain their septic tank systems. ensure the protection of agriculture and rural-
11.8.2 Objective based activities.

Ensure that farm and domestic wastewater The State Government is in the process of
systems (both septic and sewer) are designed identifying Strategic Agricultural Lands in all
and maintained to protect the sensitive green wedge and peri-urban areas
Western Port environment, including that of the surrounding Melbourne. That project generally
Ramsar wetlands. aligns with the objectives of this Management
Plan to protect and maintain agricultural lands
in the Western Port Green Wedge. Council
11.9 AGRICULTURE AND supports and welcomes this regional approach
HORTICULTURE to the designation and protection of Strategic
Agricultural Lands.
11.9.1 Background and Context
11.9.2 Objective
The Casey Western Port Green Wedge is a
highly productive agricultural area. It has a Maintain a thriving agricultural and horticultural
range of versatile soil types, access to water, industry in the Casey Western Port Green
close proximity to ports, airports, markets and Wedge with a focus on horticulture and
a workforce, and it continues to play a vital role farming to service local and export markets.
in feeding both Victoria’s population and
export markets.
Its strategic importance as a food supply
source for the metropolitan area is predicted to
increase over time as Melbourne grows and
rainfall patterns change. It is particularly likely
given the increasing uncertainty over rainfall
and water allocations to Australia’s traditional
food bowl; the Murray Darling Basin.

44 I City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan

Agriculture / Source: Krutop Images, 2014

11.9.3 Strategies 11.9.4 Specific Actions

» Secure a robust long-term planning » Action 8: Advocate for access to Class A
framework that recognises the value of the recycled water to support agriculture and
Casey Western Port Green Wedge for horticulture in the Casey Western Port Green
agriculture. Wedge.
» Strengthen the long-term viability of farming
in the Casey Western Port Green Wedge and
enhance its productivity and competitive
position.
» Support local agriculture by promoting and
marketing the quality of local produce.
» Improve community access to nutritious,
healthy and affordable local produce.
» Promote sustainable land and farm
management across the Casey Western Port
Green Wedge.

City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan I 45

11.10 CLIMATE CHANGE
11.10.1 Background and Context State Government research described in
Section 7.5 (Soils and Land Capability)
It is generally accepted that worlds climate is
examined the impacts of rising temperatures
changing. In Melbourne, temperatures are
and reduced rainfall on existing and potential
estimated to rise by 1.5-3.0 degrees by 2070
agricultural products in the Western Port Green
and average rainfall is estimated to drop by
Wedge.
5-20 per cent, with an increased incidence of
extreme rainfall events. Five varieties of vegetables and herbs were
tested, as well as two types of fruit and a
Climate change poses risks to all societies and
pasture grass (perennial rye grass). Land
in some respects the Western Port Green
suitability for growing these “commodities”
Wedge is particularly vulnerable.
within the Green Wedge was tested for the
Western Port has a low-lying coastline that is years 2030, 2050, and 2070 as detailed in
susceptible to rising sea levels and storm Table 3.
surges, and its agricultural production will also
The table shows that in all cases, the land
be at risk due to impacts from more extreme
suitability for growing these commodities
weather events.
declined from their current “high” rating to a
As northern Victoria becomes hotter and drier, “moderate” rating. Some commodities were
secure water for the Western Port region will affected more than others - especially fruit and
become of fundamental importance to rye grass - although the current commodity
Victoria’s food production. strengths in herbs and vegetables generally
held up well.

Table 5: Land suitability for commodities with predicted climate change

No COMMODITY % CHANGE FROM HIGH TO MODERATE SUITABILITY

2030 2050 2070

1 Asparagus 0 0 -0.1

2 Brassicas (e.g. Broccoli) -31 -32 -32

3 Celery +11 -9 -17

4 Herbs -12 -21 -33

5 Leeks -6 -15 -68

6 Apples -40 -93 -94

7 Kiwi Fruit -57 -59 -95

8 Rye Grass +1 -92 -100

46 I City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan

Working farm / Source: Krutop Images, 2014

It should be emphasised that although the land 11.10.2 Objective

suitability for all tested commodities decreased
Recognise, understand and prepare for the
from a high rating, in no case did the rating
projected impacts of climate change on the
drop below a moderate rating. This means that
Casey Western Port Green Wedge.
with appropriate management measures, all
farmland in the Green Wedge will remain
11.10.3 Strategies
suitable for agriculture and horticulture.
» Undertake research on a regular basis to
The findings from the research will be useful to assess and plan for the impacts of climate
local farmers and rural producers to inform change on the Casey Western Port Green
their decision making and succession Wedge.
planning, and should be the subject of an
education and information program to assist » Develop policies to manage and adapt to the
the rural community. projected impacts of climate change on the
Casey Western Port Green Wedge.
Regional Approach to Climate Change
» Promote greater understanding and
The South East Councils Climate Change awareness of the projected impacts of
Alliance (SECCCA) is a network of Councils climate change on the Casey Western Port
that are situated around the Western Port Green Wedge.
region and has been operating since 2004.
SECCCA’s regional projects investigate 11.10.4 Specific Actions
coastal and human settlement planning in a
time of climate change. » Action 9: Develop Council Policy on climate
change including background research,
The City of Casey and the Cardinia Shire investigation of the Casey context and Policy
Council are members of this regional alliance adoption.
and continue to support it in relation to
monitoring climate change and advising on
any mitigation and adaptation strategies
relevant to the Green Wedge.

City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan I 47

11.11 URBAN DEVELOPMENT
11.11.1 Background and Context 11.11.2 Rural Living and Subdivision
Although predominately rural, the Casey It is recognised that extensive subdivision for
Western Port Green Wedge is home to around rural living occurred in the Cranbourne South,
11,000 residents, most of whom live in one or Devon Meadows and Pearcedale areas
other of the five small settlements of (located to the west of the South Gippsland
Pearcedale, Blind Bight, Cannons Creek, Highway) prior to the introduction of Green
Warneet and Tooradin. Wedge Zones on 24 November 2003.
Being located on the edge of the metropolitan A review of planning scheme provisions within
area, there are significant pressures exerted the Casey Western Port Green Wedge
on the planning of the Green Wedge to revealed that the various Green Wedge Zone
accommodate new areas for housing. and Green Wedge A Zone Schedules applying
to these areas set minimum lot sizes which in
This pressure is coming from several
many cases are larger than those that actually
directions, including discussions over
exist there.
continued expansion of Melbourne’s UGB;
expanding existing settlements within the Consultation undertaken as part of the
Green Wedge; establishing Schools and exhibition of the draft Western Port Green
Places of Worship; and further subdividing Wedge Management Plan in 2015 and again in
rural land for rural living and hobby farms. 2017 revealed that interest remains in these
areas for additional subdivision to create
State Government Policy
smaller lots. However, this interest must be
The State Government has advised that the balanced against the need to protect the
Western Port Green Wedge should remain as a Green Wedge’s biodiversity (flora and fauna)
rural Green Wedge. The State Government has and to ensure bushfire safety.
no plans to increase the subdivision potential
of the Green Wedge for smaller lots and any These matters are recognised in the Casey
further urban development within the Green Planning Scheme through the application of
Wedge should be strictly limited. the Environmental Significance Overlay and
the Bushfire Management Overlay over much
Township Strategies of Cranbourne South and Pearcedale which
A policy of “limited growth” should be pursued effectively quarantine this area from more
for the townships of Pearcedale and Tooradin, intense subdivision.
which could allow for some increased densities
and minor infill development in appropriate The draft Management Plan exhibited in 2017
locations within their current boundaries. proposed that the minimum subdivision size in
Cranbourne South and Devon Meadows
A policy of “strict containment” will be pursued (Precinct 2) be set at one hectare. A minimum
for the small coastal settlements of Warneet, lot size of four hectares was proposed for the
Cannons Creek and Blind Bight, meaning no rural areas of Pearcedale (Precinct 3).
further development or subdivision will be
permitted unless there are exceptional In considering the implications of these
circumstances, due to concerns related to proposed subdivision sizes, Council
servicing and bushfire. commissioned independent expert reports to
be prepared regarding Roads and Traffic,
Water Management, Bushfire Planning and
Biodiversity. The conclusions of these reports
are summarized in the following section:

48 I City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan

11.11.3 Independent Reports » Runoff volumes and the frequency of flows
would increase, however impact could be
Roads and Traffic reduced through the use of water tanks for
The Roads and Traffic Report, prepared by potable water and increasing the capacity of
GTA Consultants, estimated that the cost for waterways to cater for more frequent flows
road duplication and traffic management and increased water volume - however the
infrastructure across Precincts 2 to 5 would be impact would not be eliminated.
$38 - $47 million at the subdivision levels that
» Increasing capacity of waterways is unlikely
were proposed.
to be feasible due to the impact on their
Water Management ecological health.
The Water Management report, prepared by » Some mitigation of flooding and increased
Engeny, advised that: runoff could be achievable through:
- maximising the use of rainwater tanks for
» Increased development would impact all
potable water supply.
elements of the water cycle within the Green
Wedge - minimising direct hydraulic connections.

» Development would have a negative impact

on the natural flow regime of the Green
Wedge’s catchment.
» Relatively minor increases in flood level
would be expected due to development
which could be managed, subject to
agreement by Melbourne Water.

Warneet / Source: Krutop Images, 2014

City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan I 49

Disused rail line / Source: Krutop Images, 2014

Bushfire Planning and Biodiversity The majority of Cranbourne South, Devon

The Bushfire Planning report, prepared by Meadows and Pearcedale’s rural areas all
Bushfire Planning, revealed that Precinct 2 and have been identified as possessing high
Precinct 3 would require extensive intervention biodiversity conservation values. These values
(vegetation clearance) to create the low-fuel would be lost should subdivision at the levels
environment within which more intense proposed be implemented.
development could be acceptable. The Biodiversity Impact Assessment, prepared
However, such intervention would be by Practical Ecology, revealed that valuable
inconsistent with Clause 13.05 of the Casey habitat is situated in wider areas than currently
Planning Scheme which provides direction on protected by the Environmental Significance
situations where bushfire and high biodiversity Overlay, including within Pearcedale and
conservation values correlate: Devon Meadows. More intense subdivision
would cause loss of this habitat and should not
Clause 13.05 requires planning (at State and be supported. A Planning Scheme
Local Government level) to: Amendment to apply a suitable Planning
Ensure settlement growth and development Scheme Overlay to protect this habitat shall be
approvals can implement bushfire protection an Action under this Management Plan.
measures without unacceptable biodiversity
Accordingly, it is concluded that further
impacts by discouraging settlement growth
subdivision as had been proposed should not
and development in bushfire affected areas
proceed.
that are of high biodiversity conservation value.

50 I City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan

11.11.4 URBAN-RURAL INTERFACE
With the intention to create a permanent edge
to metropolitan growth in Melbourne’s
southeast, it is proposed to design a clearly
recognisable urban-rural interface.
The Discussion Paper described wooden
fences along the back of residential suburbs
as a traditional approach, but other more
visually interesting alternatives are also
possible. For instance, local streets could
demarcate the edge with housing on one side
and open fields and farmland on the other.
Alternatively, houses could be designed with
an outlook on rural vistas instead of turning
their backs on this outlook.
Cannons Creek / Source: Krutop Images, 2014
The urban edge could also be planned and
used for walking and equestrian trails, with a
landscaped buffer between housing and 11.11.5 General Stores
farmland to reduce tensions between farming Two general stores trade in the Casey Western
practices and residential amenity. Port Green Wedge, located in Cranbourne
South and Devon Meadows. These General
With this sort of design approach, the interface
Stores service the needs of the rural
could be recognised as an attractive and
communities that surround them and passing
meaningful permanent edge to the city, rather
trade, including tourists.
than a temporary boundary before the next
extension to the UGB. This approach may also It is understood that the general stores operate
help reduce bushfire impacts on the urban with existing use rights as they commenced
area. trading prior to the introduction of the Green
Wedge Zone, which prohibits retail premises.
The development of such interfaces would
require financial and land contributions. Demand for their services may increase in
Opportunities may exist to secure such future as a result of an increased population
contributions through potential subdivision or and visitation within the Green Wedge. This
infrastructure projects. may result in a commercial case being made
to intensify or expand these General Stores.
A study would be needed to identify those
parts of the UGB that already have an There is a need to provide a strategic
adequate natural definition for this urban edge, approach to plan for these General Stores.
such as the Cardinia Creek, and other areas Any strategy would have to be consistent with
that would need to be treated as a priority. It Council’s Activity Centres Strategy. Potentially,
would be part of the brief for this study to this may lead to site specific Planning Scheme
identify priority areas for design treatment. Amendments to legitimise them and to provide
for their orderly planning.
Map 6 shows planning zones and settlements
within the Western Port Green Wedge.

City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan I 51

Map 6: Settlements and Planning Zones

52 I City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan

11.11.6 Objective 11.12 INFRASTRUCTURE
Protect the Green Wedge from urban
development, except for those developments 11.12.1 Background and Context
that complement its primary values of The Western Port Green Wedge
agriculture, biodiversity, maintenance of viable accommodates local and State level
settlements, and tourism. infrastructure that serves both the local
community and metropolitan Melbourne.
11.11.7 Strategies
During community consultation, it was widely
» Protect the values and assets of the Green recognised that there will be ongoing
Wedge by preventing further encroachment pressures to accommodate more infrastructure
and intrusions into the Casey Western Port within the Green Wedge. This could include
Green Wedge by urban development. gas and water infrastructure, racetracks,
» Allow only “limited growth” for Casey Western sewerage treatment plants and the other
Port Green Wedge settlements within their infrastructure necessary for a metropolitan
current boundaries, except for the coastal population, as well as accommodating mining
vilages of Cannon’s Creek, Warneet, and and extractive industry.
Blind Bight where a “strict containment”
policy would apply. Some of the existing and proposed
infrastructure activities accommodated within
» Plan for ecological or farm-based tourism by the Western Port Green Wedge are shown in
identifying suitable areas for accommodation Map 7.
(not caravan parks).
The accommodation of infrastructure in the
11.11.8 Specific Actions Green Wedge is seen as a legitimate,
necessary and appropriate use of Green
» Action 10: Prepare a design framework that
Wedge land that significantly benefits the
will provide for a sustainable and permanent
wider community.
edge to the urban-rural interface.
» Action 11: Review the Non-Agricultural Uses However, large-scale infrastructure could have
in Green Wedge Areas Local Planning Policy negative impacts on this document’s vision
for consistency with this Management Plan that the Western Port Green Wedge be “a
and the Activity Centres Strategy and amend permanent green and rural area” with an
the Policy as appropriate. Implement such internationally significant biodiversity habitat
changes as part of broader periodic Planning and an innovative and productive agricultural
Scheme updates such as the Planning Policy industry.
Framework translation. Two examples were cited in the Discussion
Paper to demonstrate this dilemma:
» The proposal for storm water retarding
basins in the Clyde area to accommodate the
recent expansion of the Urban Growth
Boundary.
» The Koo Wee Rup Bypass proposals and the
Wonthaggi Desalination Pipeline that cross
through key parts of the Western Port Green
Wedge.

City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan I 53

As set out in the Guiding Principles (Section 3),
proposals for local and State infrastructure
should respond to the key values of the
Western Port Green Wedge, and any potential
impacts on the values of the Green Wedge
should be minimised and mitigated, while
considering the needs of the local community.
Transport
Examples of future transport infrastructure
projects to be carried out within the Green
Wedge might include: major rail or road
infrastructure associated with the development
of the Port of Hastings; a future airport in
Melbourne’s outer southeast area (within the
Shire of Cardinia); and transport needs Cranbourne South / Source: Krutop Images, 2014
associated with the ongoing pressures for
expansion of the UGB. Additionally, further
11.12.3 Strategies
subdivision of land within the Green Wedge
may generate a need to seal rural streets. » Advocate that proposals for new urban
infrastructure in the Casey Western Port
“Net Community Benefit” Green Wedge be required to demonstrate
There is Federal and State legislation in place, that they would be of net community benefit.
the Environment Protection and Biodiversity
» Investigate how new infrastructure proposals
Conservation Act 1999 (national) and the
can be implemented so that they enhance
Environment Effects Act 1978 (Victoria), which
and build on the assets and values of the
require an environmental assessment to be
Western Port Green Wedge.
undertaken for projects that may have
significant effects on the environment. » Advocate that the proposed Crib Point to
Pakenham Gas Pipeline project minimises
This process would be applied to such any adverse impacts on agricultural uses in
projects in the Casey Western Port Green the Western Port Green Wedge.
Wedge and is endorsed through this
Management Plan. Such a process should 11.12.4 Specific Actions
ensure that there is a “net community benefit”
in terms of social, economic and environmental » Action 12: Advocate for the development of
benefits that outweighs any negative impacts. an airport for Melbourne’s South East region
and for the expansion of the Port of Hastings.
11.12.2 Objective
Recognise the impacts of major new
infrastructure on the Green Wedge, identify
strategies to minimise any adverse impacts
and identify benefits that can be secured to
enhance the Green Wedge.

54 I City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan

Map 7: Infrastructure and Extractive Industries

City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan I 55

12. PRECINCT-BASED STRATEGIC DIRE
The Casey Western Port Green
Wedge is a large land area with a
variety of land uses. It has been
recognised that identifying precincts
according to land use is benefcial,
as it allows for the provision of more
specifc strategic direction for future
land use and management.
The following sections provide a specific
vision, objectives, strategies and actions for
each precinct, as defined by the maps and
accompanying descriptions. It should be
noted that the directions outlined in Section
11 (Theme-based Strategic Directions) also
apply to these areas.
PRECINCT 2
The precincts, including potential Planning
Scheme amendments regarding their
zoning, are detailed in Map 8.

PRECINCT 3

PRECINCT 4

GRZ

WESTERN PORT GREEN WEDGE MANAGEMENT

56 I City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan

ECTIONS

NORTH

PRECINCT 2 PRECINCTS
1. INTENSIVE HORTICULTURE
AND FOOD PRODUCTION
2. URBAN GROWTH BOUNDARY AND
PRECINCT 1 ENVIRONMENT
3. RURAL LIVING AND AGRICULTURE
4. PEARCEDALE TOWNSHIP
5. THE COAST

Urban Growth Boundary

Area outside of Western Port Green
Wedge Management Plan

PRECINCT 1

PRECINCT 5 TOORADIN

CANNONS CREEK BLIND

BIGHT

WARNEET

0 2.5 5

T PLAN: PRECINCTS

Map 8: Casey Western Port Green Wedge Precincts

City of Casey 2016

City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan I 57

12.1 PRECINCT 1
12.1.1 Land Area
The Casey Western Port Green Wedge Horticulture and
Food Production Precinct identifies land that is suitable for
these primary uses due to its highly versatile fertile soils,
larger lot sizes and ready access to water supply, along
with its strategic location near the Melbourne market, export
points, the transport network, and urban services. PRECINCTS
1. INTENSIVE HORTICULTURE
AND FOOD PRODUCTION
12.1.2 Vision
Area outside of Western Port Green
The Casey Agriculture and Horticulture Precinct will be the Wedge Management Plan

hub of agriculture within the Green Wedge, taking Urban Growth Boundary
advantage of its highly versatile soils and excellent access
to water. 0 1 2
KILOMETRES
Land within the precinct will be prioritised for agricultural NORTH
use, and opportunities for new, innovative or more intensive
soil-based agriculture will be supported to ensure that the
rich agricultural potential of the precinct is realised.
Opportunities for linking the community with the local
agricultural industry will be identified and promoted to help
build up food-based tourism within the precinct.

12.1.3 Future Directions/Preferred Land Uses

» Agriculture and soil-based horticulture to be the primary
activities.
» Subsidiary tourism-related activity, including farm gate
sales of crops and goods produced in situ, cellar door
sales and ancillary farm stay accommodation will be
supported.
» Discourage non-rural uses such as primary and
secondary schools and Places of Worship.
See corresponding Action No. 6 in Section 11.5.3, which PR
will help implement the strategic directions of Precinct 1.

58 I City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan

 1
CASEY
HORTICULTURE
AND FOOD
PRODUCTION
PRECINCT

PRECINCT 1

RECINCT 1

Map 9: Casey Horticulture and Food Production Precinct

City of Casey 2016

City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan I 59

12.2 PRECINCT 2
12.2.1 Vision » continue to be a location for animal breeding
and training for the horse racing industry.
The Casey Urban Growth Boundary Interface
Precinct will help protect the Western Port » offer a location for environmentally
Green Wedge from the impacts of urban sustainable agriculture and horticulture.
development and further urban expansion.
» discourage the
The Precinct will be managed to ensure that location of urban
the current UGB is defensible in the long term infrastructure therein
and by providing a clear edge to metropolitan without strategic and
urban growth. environmental
justification proving
The Precinct has the opportunity to “showcase” that it could support
environmental living in Melbourne’s South East the Precinct’s vision.
by taking advantage of, and building on, its
The Casey Urban
remnant indigenous fora and fauna, and its
Growth Boundary
close proximity to the Royal Botanic Gardens,
Interface and
Cranbourne and the Western Port coast.
Environment Precinct
Planning for the Precinct will also take is detailed by Map 10.
advantage of the close relationship that exists
See related Actions 10
between agriculture (including horse breeding
and 11 in Section
and training) and its productive soils.
11.11.8, which will
help implement the
12.2.2 Future Directions/Preferred Land
future directions of
Uses
Precinct 2.
The Casey Urban Growth Boundary Interface
and Environment Precinct will:
» provide a permanent edge to metropolitan
Melbourne
PREC
» maintain its rural character
» provide a transitional area leading to the
Casey Rural Living and Agriculture Precinct
and to the Casey Horticulture and Food
Production Precinct
» provide a preferred location for non-rural
uses such as primary and secondary schools
and Places of Worship, specifically within the
area bounded by Cranbourne-Frankston
Road, Pearcedale Road and Browns Road,
subject to strategic justification.
» protect and enhance native vegetation cover
to provide habitat and movement corridors
for native fauna, having regard to bushfire
management issues.

60 I City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan

 2
CASEY URBAN
GROWTH
BOUNDARY
INTERFACE PRECINCTS

PRECINCT 2. URBAN GROWTH BOUNDARY

AND ENVIRONMENT

Area outside of Western Port Green

Wedge Management Plan

Urban Growth Boundary

0 1 2
KILOMETRES
NORTH

CINCT 2

PRECINCT 2

Map 10: Casey Urban Growth Boundary Interface and Environment Precinct
City of Casey 2016

City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan I 61

12.3 PRECINCT 3
12.3.1 Vision
The Casey Rural Living and Agriculture Production Precinct will
facilitate a combination of rural living and agriculture. This is
made possible by its location bordering both the Urban Growth
Boundary Interface and Environment Precinct and the Western
Port Coast Precinct, and the fact that it contains a substantial
area of productive soils and existing horse and greyhound
training industries.
Strategies to encourage the Precinct’s re-vegetation to benefit
native fauna and to provide a green outlook for residents will
also be implemented.

12.3.2 Future Directions/Preferred Land Uses

The Casey Rural Living and Agricultural Production PRECI
Precinct will:
» discourage non-rural uses such as primary and secondary
schools and Places of Worship.
» retain its rural character.
» protect and enhance its native vegetation cover to provide
habitat and movement corridors for native fauna, having
regard to bushfire management issues.
» encourage the use of its versatile soils for environmentally
sensitive agriculture.
» encourage animal breeding and training for the greyhound
and horse racing industries.
The Casey Rural Living and Agricultural Production Precinct is
detailed by Map 11.

62 I City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan

 3
CASEY RURAL
PRECINCTS
3. RURAL LIVING AND AGRICULTURE
LIVING AND
AGRICULTURAL
0 1 2
PRODUCTION
PRECINCT KILOMETRES
NORTH

INCT 3

PRECINCTS
3. RURAL LIVING AND AGRICULTURE

0 1 2
KILOMETRES
NORTH

PRECINCT 3

Potential subdivision
for equine specific
uses - subject to
further investigation

Map 11: Casey Rural Living and Agricultural Production Precinct

City of Casey 2016

City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan I 63

12.4 PRECINCT 4
12.4.1 Vision 12.4.2 Future Direction and Preferred Land
Uses
The Pearcedale Township will continue to be
the commercial and residential hub of the The rural residential character of Pearcedale
southwest portion of the Western Port Green Township will be retained.
Wedge and will be planned to avoid
inappropriate development. 12.4.3 Specific Actions
Any intensification of the development pattern » Action 13: Develop a Pearcedale Township
of the Township, must be strategically justified Plan to define and protect its character, to
through the preparation of a Pearcedale manage further subdivision within its current
Township Plan, and must be proven not to boundaries, to determine appropriate
detrimentally impact the surrounding Casey development form and density.
Rural Living and Agricultural Production
Precinct, the capacity of existing infrastructure
systems or on the environmentally sensitive
environment of the Western Port Green Wedge.

Rural dwelling / Source: Krutop Images, 2014

64 I City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan

 4
PEARCEDALE
TOWNSHIP
PRECINCT

PRECINCTS
4. PEARCEDALE TOWNSHIP

0 1 2
KILOMETRES
NORTH

PRECINCT 4

Map 12: Pearcedale Township Precinct

City of Casey 2016

City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan I 65

12.5 PRECINCT 5
12.5.1 Land Area
The Casey Western Port Green Wedge Coast Precinct is
made up of two different land areas: the coast and its rural
hinterland; and the coastal villages of Tooradin, Blind Bight,
Cannons Creek and Warneet.
These two areas are addressed separately.

12.5.2 The Coast and Rural Hinterland

12.5.2.1 Vision
The Western Port Green Wedge Coast and Rural Hinterland
will be maintained and enhanced.
The ecological values and environmental sensitivity of this
land will be recognised, including the internationally
significant Ramsar wetlands that play a vital role as a highly
functioning ecosystem.
12.5.2.2 Future Direction and Preferred Land Uses
» Encourage horticulture and agriculture on condition that it
is undertaken in an environmentally sensitive manner,
addresses constraints imposed by predicted climate
change and resulting changed physical conditions and
circumstances, and is conducted on land which is
located outside of environmentally sensitive coastal areas
and outside of land containing coastal acid sulphate soils.
» Encourage tourism related use and development subject
to demonstration that it would be environmentally sensitive
and safe, including consideration of predicted climate
change and resulting changed physical conditions and
circumstances.
» Protect and enhance biodiversity.
» Further subdivision of land outside of the coastal villages
will not be supported for reasons related to the protection
of the area’s bush character, protection of the Ramsar
wetlands, lack of services, and predicted climate change
issues including sea level rise, storm surges and
increased bush fire risk.
» Discourage non-rural uses such as primary and
secondary schools and Places of Worship.

66 I City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan

 5
COAST
PRECINCT

PRECINCTS
5. THE COAST

Urban Growth Boundary

0 2.5
KILOMETRES
NORTH

PRECINCT 5 TOORADIN

CANNONS CREEK BLIND

BIGHT

WARNEET

Map 13: Coast Precinct

City of Casey 2016

City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan I 67

12.5.3 The Coastal Villages
12.5.3.1 Vision
Communities within and outside of the
Precinct’s coastal villages will be sustainable,
safe, peaceful and well-connected.
They will live in harmony with the environment.
12.5.3.2 Future Directions/Preferred Land Uses
» The existing residential and bush character
of the coastal villages will be maintained.
» Expansion and intensification of the coastal
villages will be resisted for reasons related to
the protection of their existing built character
and subdivision patterns, servicing
constraints and climate change issues
including sea level rise, storm surges and
increased bushfire risk.
» Biodiversity in the coastal villages will be
enhanced.
» No further growth will be supported for the
villages of Cannons Creek, Blind Bight and
Warneet due to infrastructure and
environmental constraints.
Tooradin / Source: Krutop Images, 2014
» Tooradin may have limited growth
opportunities within its current boundaries.
Any future growth will be subject to a
Township Plan.

12.5.4 Specific Actions

» Action 14: Prepare a Township Plan for
Tooradin Village after completion of Action 9
to develop a Council policy on Climate
Change.

Cannons Creek / Source: Krutop Images, 2014

68 I City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan

 5
COAST
PRECINCT

City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan I 69

13. IMPLEMENTATION,
MONITORING AND REVIEW
13.1 MONITORING AND REVIEW 13.1.2 Strategies

The Casey Western Port Green Wedge » Ensure that appropriate governance
Management Plan identifies a series of specific arrangements are put in place to monitor and
actions that need to be implemented. progress the Casey Western Port Green
Wedge Management Plan.
The actions are listed in Table 5 - » Ensure that there are clear lines of
Implementation Plan. The Implementation responsibility and accountability to
Group includes: implement the Casey Western Port Green
» Casey City Council (Convener) Wedge Management Plan.
» Cardinia Shire Council » Ensure that progress on the Casey Western
» Frankston City Council Port Green Wedge Management Plan is
monitored, timely, accurate and appropriate,
» Mornington Peninsula Shire Council and that it is subject to review on a regular
» Department of Environment, Land, Water & basis.
Planning
13.1.3 Specific Actions
» Melbourne Water
» Action 15: Monitor and oversee progress on
» Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment the Casey Western Port Green Wedge
Management Authority Management Plan.
» Southern Rural Water
The Implementation Group will provide for a
partnership approach toward the
13.2 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
implementation of the Western Port Green The timeline for implementation is classified as
Wedge Management Plan, would have follows:
responsibility for monitoring and overseeing its
progress and assigning priorities for it. » Immediate: six to eighteen months

A Biannual Report on progress against the » Short: eighteen months to five years
Green Wedge Management Plan would be » Medium: five to ten years
reported to the Implementation Group, and
» Long: ten to twenty years
there should be arrangements to review the
Management Plan over four-year cycles. » On-going: throughout life of the Plan

As part of this process, a limited number of key

indicators of Green Wedge “health” would be
identified and would form the basis for
monitoring and the Biannual Report.

13.1.1 Objective
Ensure that arrangements are in place to
resource, implement and monitor progress on
the Casey Green Wedge Management Plan.

70 I City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan

Rural dwelling / Source: Krutop Images, 2014

Table 6: Implementation Plan

ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNIFICANCE

Action Lead Supporting Timeline Outcome

Agency Agencies

1 Undertake a review of Casey DELWP Immediate Biodiversity

environmental and CC protection
landscape protection
controls (such as the ESO
and SLO) within the Casey
Western Port Green Wedge
and implement change
where appropriate. The
review should include an
investigation of appropriate
landscape protection
controls for geo-heritage
sites. Implement such
changes as part of broader
periodic Planning Scheme
updates such as the
Planning Policy Framework
translation.

City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan I 71

Warneet / Source: Krutop Images, 2014

Table 6: Implementation Plan continued...

TOURISM AND RECREATIONAL LAND USES

Action Lead Supporting Timeline Outcome

Agency Agencies

2 Investigate the Casey CC Cardinia SC, Parks Short Assess the

construction of a Western Victoria’ DELWP; merits of a
Port trail for a continuous Mornington Western
walking and/or cycling Peninsula & Port trail
route around Western Western Port
Port. Biosphere Reserve
Foundation
(Biosphere);
Melbourne Water;
relevant private
land owners

3 Prepare a Master Plan for South Casey CC; Cardinia Short Master Plan
the construction of a rail Gippsland CC; Parks Victoria;
trail along the former Shire DELWP
South Gippsland railway Council
reserve between Clyde
and Lang Lang and
through Koo Wee Rup.

4 Prepare a Tooradin Casey CC DELWP Short Plan for

Village Foreshore Master tourism
Plan to assist with the attractions
development of tourism around
attractions for the area. Tooradin
Foreshore

5 Investigate opportunities Casey CC DELWP Ongoing Parkland

for additional parkland (for
passive and active use,
including equestrian
facilities) in the Western
Port Green Wedge for
residents and for visitors
from further afield.

72 I City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan

Table 6: Implementation Plan continued...

SOIL AND LAND CAPABILITY

Action Lead Supporting Timeline Outcome

Agency Agencies

6 Recognise the versatility DELWP Casey CC; VFF; Local Immediate Protection of
of soils in the Casey producers Casey’s
Western Port Green agriculture
Wedge and their
capability to support
productive farming and
biodiversity through
appropriate controls in
the Casey Planning
Scheme. Support a
regional approach to
this work.

INTEGRATED WATER MANAGEMENT

Action Lead Supporting Timeline Outcome

Agency Agencies

7 Continue to maximise Casey Melbourne Water; Short Facilitate

Integrated Water CC Southern Rural Water access to
Management Class A
opportunities and recycled water
fit-for-purpose water
use.

AGRICULTURE AND HORTICULTURE

Action Lead Supporting Timeline Outcome

Agency Agencies

8 Advocate for access to Casey Melbourne Water; Ongoing Facilitate

Class A recycled water CC South East Water access to
to support agriculture Class A
and horticulture in the recycled water
Casey Western Port
Green Wedge.

City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan I 73

 Table 6: Implementation Plan continued...

CLIMATE CHANGE

Action Lead Supporting Timeline Outcome

Agency Agencies

9 Develop Council Policy on Casey SECCCA, Short Council Policy

climate change including CC DELWP on climate risk
background research,
investigation of the Casey
context and Policy adoption.

URBAN DEVELOPMENT

Action Lead Supporting Timeline Outcome

Agency Agencies

10 Prepare a design framework Casey DELWP; Immediate Interface Plan

that will provide for a CC Victorian and Implemen-
sustainable and permanent Planning tation
edge to the urban-rural Authority
interface.

11 Review the Non-Agricultural Casey DELWP Short Updated

Uses in Green Wedge Areas CC
Local Planning Policy for
consistency with this
Management Plan and the
Activity Centres Strategy and
amend the Policy as
appropriate. Implement such
changes as part of broader
periodic Planning Scheme
updates such as the Planning
Policy Framework translation.

74 I City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan

Table 6: Implementation Plan continued...

INFRASTRUCTURE

Action Lead Supporting Timeline Outcome

Agency Agencies

12 Advocate for the development of an Casey Cardinia SC Ongoing The delivery of

airport for Melbourne’s South East CC a South East
region and for the expansion of the airport and the
Port of Hastings. expansion of
the Port of
Hastings

PRECINCT 4: Pearcedale

Action Lead Supporting Timeline Outcome

Agency Agencies

13 Develop a Pearcedale Township Casey DELWP Short Pearcedale

Plan to define and protect its CC Township Plan
character, to manage further
subdivision within its current
boundaries, to determine
appropriate development form
and density.

PRECINCT 5: Coast Precinct

Action Lead Supporting Timeline Outcome

Agency Agencies

14 Prepare a Township Plan for Casey DELWP Short Tooradin

Tooradin Village after completion CC Township Plan
of Action 9 to develop a Council
policy on Climate Change.

IMPLEMENTATION, MONITORING AND REVIEW

Action Lead Supporting Timeline Outcome

Agency Agencies

15 Monitor and oversee progress on Casey DELWP Ongoing Monitoring of

the Casey Western Port Green CC the Manage-
Wedge Management Plan. ment Plan

City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan I 75

14. ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES
It is recognised that from time to time circumstances may change, leading to the need for minor
administrative changes to this document. Where an update does not materially alter this
document, such a change may be made administratively.
Examples include a change to the name of a Council department, a change to the name of a
Federal or State Government department, and a minor update to legislation that does not have a
material impact. However, any change or update that materially alters this document must be by
resolution of Council.

15. REVIEW
The next review of this document is scheduled for completion by 30 April 2023.

76 I City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan

Tooradin / Source: Krutop Images, 2014

GLOSSARY
Council c) propagate, cultivate, rear, or harvest living
Means Casey City Council, being a body resources of the sea or inland waters.
corporate constituted as a municipal Council
under the Local Government Act 1989. Biodiversity
The variety of all life forms, the different plants,
Councillors animals and microorganisms, the genes they
The individuals holding the office of a member contain and the ecosystems of which they form
of Casey City Council. a part.

Council officer Climate change

The Chief Executive Officer and staff of Council A long-term change in the Earth’s climate,
appointed by the Chief Executive Officer. especially a change due to an increase in the
average atmospheric temperature.
Agriculture
Food security
Land used to:
A state when all people, at all times, have
a) propagate, cultivate or harvest plants,
physical and economic access to sufficient,
including cereals, flowers, fruit, seeds,
safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary
trees, turf, and vegetables;
needs and food preferences to enjoy an active
b) keep, breed, board, or train animals, and healthy life.
including livestock, and birds; or

City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan I 77

Green Wedge Soil based agriculture
The open landscapes around Melbourne’s Agricultural activities that utilise and rely on the
outskirts originally set aside in the 1970s to natural ground soil.
conserve rural activities and significant natural
features from Melbourne’s outward growth. Threatened species
Green wedges are defined in the Planning and Any species that is likely to become threatened
Environment Act 1987 as land outside the with extinction within the foreseeable future
Urban Growth Boundary (UGB), as described throughout all or a significant portion of its
in a metropolitan fringe local government range. These species include species listed in
planning scheme. the Environment Protection and Biodiversity
Conservation Act 1999 (Commonwealth), the
Horticulture Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (Victoria)
Land used to propagate, cultivate, or harvest and the threatened species advisory lists
flowers, fruit, vegetables, vines, or the like. maintained by the Department of Environment,
Land, Water and Planning.
Integrated Water Management
A strategy that co-ordinates all facets of the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB)
water cycle - water supply, sewage Introduced in 2002, the UGB demarks the
management, water treatment and storm water current geographic limit for the future urban
management. area of Melbourne. Green Wedges are located
outside of the UGB.
Land capability
An assessment and classification system that
describes the suitability of soils for most kinds
of field crops.

Land versatility
The capacity of the land to sustain multiple
agricultural uses. This can refer to land that is
considered biophysically suitable for
agriculture production. Land designated as
high value, or biophysically suitable, has the
benefit of requiring fewer inputs such as water
and nutrients.

Non-soil based agriculture

Agricultural activities that do not involve the
ground soil, such as food production using
greenhouses or hydroponics.

Ramsar Convention
An intergovernmental treaty that provides the
framework for national action and international
cooperation for the conservation and wise use
of wetlands and their resources.

78 I City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan

REFERENCE DOCUMENTS
Access Economics Pty Ltd Casey CC
Bunyip Food Belt Project: Pre-Feasibility Phase Sustainable Water Use Plan; 2006
- Ancillary Impacts Analysis; Healthy Eating –
Food Security Investment Plan 2005-2010; Vic Casey CC
Health 2005 Stormwater Management Plan; 2004

Australian Government, Department of Casey CC

Environment Integrated Water Management Plan; 2015
National Strategy for the Management of
Casey CC
Coastal Acid Sulfate Soils; 2000
Food Security Policy; 2013
Bushfire Planning
Charter Keck Cramer
Bushfire Planning Report, 2018
City of Casey Housing Diversity Strategy:
Canning S. & Thiele F Housing Market Assessment (Prepared for the
Indigenous Cultural Heritage and History within City of Casey), 4 March 2015
the Metropolitan Melbourne Investigation Area,
Department of Sustainability and
Australian Cultural Heritage Management.
Environment
(Report to the Victorian Environmental
Assessment Council 2010) Coastal Spaces Recommendations Report
2006
Cardinia Environment Coalition
Department of Environment and Primary
Biolinks Project Action Plan: Linking Habitats
Industries
across the Western Port Catchment; 2008
Sub-regional Species Strategy for the Southern
Casey CC and Cardinia SC Brown Bandicoot, May 2013
Casey and Cardinia Regional Agricultural Audit
Department of Environment and Primary
and Action Framework; 2004
Industries
Casey CC and Cardinia SC Sub-regional Species Strategy for the Growling
Casey Cardinia Visitation Strategy 2017-2020 Grass Frog, November 2011

Casey CC Department of Environment and Primary

Pearcedale Township Neighbourhood Industries
Character Statement; 2016 Melbourne Supply Area - Extractive Industry
Interest Areas Review; 2003
Casey CC
Biodiversity Enhancement Strategy, 2002 Department of Environment and Primary
Industries
Casey CC Assessment of Climate Change Impacts on
Revegetation Strategy 2008 Agricultural Production in the Western Port
Green Wedge; January 2012
Casey CC
Paths and Trails Strategy; 2012 Department of Environment and Primary
Industries
Casey CC Biodiversity Conservation Strategy for
Equestrian Strategy; Oct 2011 Melbourne’s Growth Corridors 2013
Casey CC
Open Space Strategy; 2015

City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan I 79

Department of Sustainability and Melbourne Water
Environment Landscape Plan for the Prom Guidelines for Development in the Koo Wee
Plain Landscape Zone in the Gippsland Rup Flood Protection District
Plain Bioregion; 2003
Department of Sustainability and Environment Parsons Brinkerhof and RM Consulting
Victorian Coastal Acid Sulfate Soils Strategy; Group
July 2009 Bunyip Food Belt: Land Capability and
Environment and Cultural Heritage
Ecology Australia Assessment; June 2010
Southern Brown Bandicoot Strategic
Management Plan for the Former Koo Wee Rup Port of Hastings Corporation
Swamp Area; 2008 Port of Hastings Land Use and Transport
Strategy; 2009
Engeny Water Management
Western Port Green Wedge - Water Port Phillip & Western Port CMA
Mangement Strategy; June 2018 Native Vegetation Plan; 2006

Growth Areas Authority Port Phillip & Western Port CMA

The Melbourne South East Growth Corridor Port Phillip and Western Port Regional
Plan; 2011 Catchment Strategy; 2014

GTA Consultants Practical Ecology

Casey Western Port Green Wedge Transport Biodiversity Impact Statement – Casey
Modelling – Study Report 2018 Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan;
May 2018
Heritage Victoria
Landscape Assessment Guidelines for Cultural Southern Rural Water
Heritage Signifcance; 2009 Groundwater Management Plan - Koo Wee
Rup Water Supply Protection Area; 2010
Ian Sargeant
Report to the City of Casey in relation to the Victorian Coastal Council
draft Non-Urban South Strategy - Soil and Victorian Coastal Strategy; 2014
Water Considerations
Victorian Government
Infrastructure Australia Plan Melbourne 2017-2050
National Ports Strategy; 2010
Wallbrink, P.J., Hancock, G.J., Olley, J.M.,
Melbourne Water Hughes, A., Prosser I. P, Hunt, D., Rooney,
Healthy Waterways Strategy, 2013-2018 G., Coleman, R. , Stevenson, J
The Western Port sediment study, CSIRO
Melbourne Water Consultancy report, 2003
Stormwater Strategy, 2013-2018
Melbourne Water
Flood Management Strategy Port Phillip and
Westernport; 2015

Blind Bight / Source: Krutop Images, 2014

80 I City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan

City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan I 81
APPENDIX ONE
STATE AND LOCAL POLICY FRAMEWORK
State and local planning policies provide the strategic context for the
Management Plan

PLAN MELBOURNE » the potential expansion of the Port of

METROPOLITAN PLANNING Hastings
STRATEGY » requirements for transport infrastructure
Plan Melbourne 2017-2050 is the Metropolitan » upgrades and the growth of townships within
Planning Strategy for Melbourne and sets the the Green Wedge.
vision for and guides Melbourne’s growth The overarching policy on green wedges is
through to the year 2050. applied by Clause 11.06-7 of the Casey
Planning Scheme, which sets the objective to
The Plan identifies the importance of retaining
protect the green wedges of metropolitan
green wedges and locks in a permanent UGB
Melbourne from inappropriate development.
around Melbourne in order to protect the
values of non-urban land, including agriculture Strategies which support this objective include:
and agribusiness, biodiversity, recreation and
open space, tourism, heritage and landscape » Ensure strategic planning and land
conservation. management of each green wedge area to
promote and encourage its key features and
The Plan also provides a clear policy direction related values.
for long-term development options, the
protection of the values of non-urban land, and » Support development in the green wedge
the provision of opportunities for productive that provides for environmental, economic
agricultural land and landscapes. and social benefits.
» Consolidate new residential development
STATE PLANNING POLICY within existing settlements and in locations
FRAMEWORK where planned services are available and
green wedge area values can be protected.
The State Planning Policy Framework (SPPF)
» Plan and protect major state infrastructure
sets out general principles and policies for
and resource assets that serve the wider
land use and development planning for
Victorian community, such as airports and
Victoria.
ports with their associated access corridors,
Clause 9 of the SPPF requires planning and water supply dams and water catchments
responsible authorities to consider and apply and waste management and recycling
Plan Melbourne: Metropolitan Planning facilities.
Strategy where relevant. » Protecting important productive agricultural
areas such as Werribee South, the
The directions of the SPPF are reflected in
Maribyrnong River fats, the Yarra Valley,
policies contained in the State section of the
Westernport and the Mornington Peninsula.
Casey Planning Scheme.
» Support existing and potential agribusiness
Key issues relevant to the Western Port Green activities, forestry, food production and
Wedge include: tourism.
» the proposed South East Airport

82 I City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan

» Protect areas of environmental, landscape Natural Resource Management
and scenic value such as biodiversity assets,
national and state parks, Ramsar wetlands Clause 14 – Natural Resource Management
and coastal areas. seeks to assist in the conservation and wise
use of natural resources including energy,
» Protect significant resources of stone, sand water, land, stone and minerals to support both
and other mineral resources for extraction environmental quality and sustainable
purposes. development.
» Provide opportunities for renewable energy
Clause 14.01-1 – Protection of agricultural
generation.
land has the objective to protect productive
Environment and Landscapes farmland that is of strategic significance in the
local or regional context.
Clause 12 – Environmental and Landscape
Values seeks to protect the health of Clause 14.01-2 – Sustainable Agricultural
ecological systems and the biodiversity they Land encourages sustainable agricultural land
support (including ecosystems, habitats, use.
species and genetic diversity) and conserve
areas with identified environmental and Clause 14.02-2 - Water has the objective to
landscape values. assist the protection and, where possible,
restoration of catchments, waterways, water
Clause 12.01-1 – Protection of biodiversity bodies, groundwater, and the marine
seeks to assist the protection and conservation environment.
of Victoria’s biodiversity, including important
habitat for Victoria’s fora and fauna and other
strategically valuable biodiversity sites.
Clause 12.01-2 - Native vegetation
management seeks to ensure that permitted
clearing of native vegetation results in no net
loss in the contribution made by native
vegetation to Victoria’s biodiversity.
Clause 12.02 – Coastal Areas seeks to
enhance and encourage the sustainable use of
coastal areas.
Clause 12.02 – Coastal Areas seeks to
enhance and encourage the sustainable use of
coastal areas.
Clause 12.04 - Environmentally sensitive
areas seeks to protect and conserve
environmentally sensitive areas.
Clause 12.04-2 - Landscapes seeks to
protect landscapes and significant open
spaces that contribute to character, identity
and sustainable environments.
Clause 13 – Environmental Risks addresses
bushfire, climate change impacts, coastal
inundation and erosion.

City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan I 83

LOCAL PLANNING POLICY communities and its visitors, in contrast to the
FRAMEWORK smaller, serene villages of Warneet, Blind Bight
and Cannons Creek. The vision for the Casey
The Casey Planning Scheme’s Local Planning coastal villages is one of sustainable, safe,
Policy Framework provides a local and peaceful, well- connected communities living
regional strategic context for the Green Wedge in harmony with the environment.
Management Plan through the following Casey Farm
policies: Clause 21.13 - Casey Farm, (recognises the
municipality’s unique, diverse mix of quality
Environment
farm land with intensive agricultural activity,
Clause 21.04 – Environment seeks to protect large-lot rural-residential and village living, with
and significantly restore Casey’s built and mixed rural pursuits, as well as genuine rural
natural environments and biological diversity, activities and businesses. It also recognises
recognising their fundamental importance in that much of the intensive agricultural area in
achieving a healthy environment and way of the Farm has been earmarked for urban
life for current and future generations. development by the State Government
Economic Development Core objectives for this area include:
Clause 21.05 – Economic Development
seeks to build upon Casey’s significant » The need to manage Casey’s rural areas so
regional competitive advantages, which, if that the “right to farm” is protected as a
properly managed and sustained, will provide primary long-term planning objective.
positive social, economic and environmental » The development of an understanding within
outcomes for the City. the community of rural land use and business
management issues to facilitate the long-
These advantages include significant
term economic, social and environmental
population and housing growth, a regional
sustainability of the Casey Farm area.
CBD at Fountain Gate-Narre Warren, tertiary
education facilities, potential for the » To allow for equine- and dog-related
development of a strong commercial sector, activities to flourish in appropriate areas by
tourism and eco-tourism opportunities, a providing planning certainty and protection
productive and diverse rural sector, a strong from conflicting activities.
equine sector, extractive industrial resources,
» To protect and enhance the qualities, and
and locational advantages as a gateway to
sense of place of the townships, villages and
Gippsland and to the Melbourne metropolitan
rural lifestyle communities of Pearcedale,
area.
Cranbourne South and Devon Meadows.
Casey Coast » To improve waterway and environmental
Clause 21.12 – Casey Coast, recognises that management so as to improve the quality of
this is an internationally significant area that is water entering Western Port.
noted for its environmental attributes,
» To provide an extensive and safe trail
particularly biodiversity, and which provides a
network.
wide range of habitats including salt marshes,
mangroves, inter-tidal mudflats and seagrass Non-Agricultural Uses in Green Wedge
beds for coastal plants and animals. Areas
Clause 22.08 - Non-Agricultural Uses in
It also recognises the coast’s sustainable
Green Wedge Areas Policy is used to protect
farming industry and the four coastal villages.
Casey’s ‘Green Wedge’ land from ad hoc and
Tooradin will be a busy recreation and eco-
inappropriate development.
tourism centre servicing the Casey coastal

84 I City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan

APPENDIX TWO
PLANNING SCHEME ZONES, OVERLAYS AND PARTICULAR
PROVISIONS
ZONES Creek. It is designed to provide for residential
development and a range of commercial,
Green Wedge Zone industrial and other uses appropriate for small
The purpose of the Green Wedge Zone is to towns.
recognise and protect non-urban land outside
the UGB in the Melbourne metropolitan area General Residential Zone
for its agricultural, environmental, historic, The General Residential Zone is applied to
landscape or recreational values, or mineral urban land within Pearcedale Township and
and stone resources. Tooradin Village.

Green Wedge A Zone Commercial 1 Zone

The Green Wedge A Zone provides The Commercial 1 Zone is applied to
opportunity for most agricultural uses and commercial areas within Pearcedale Township
limits non-rural uses to those that support and Tooradin Village.
agriculture and tourism, provided that the
Industrial 1 Zone
amenity of residential living is protected.
The Industrial 1 Zone is applied within part of
The Zone seeks to protect and enhance Tooradin Village, providing an employment
biodiversity, natural resources, scenic node for it.
landscapes and heritage values, and to
promote sustainable land management. It also OVERLAYS
provides the opportunity for limited residential
development subject to a permit and applies a Environmental Significance Overlay
minimum lot size of eight (Schedule 1)
This Overlay applies to the Western Port coast
(8) hectares unless an alternative is specified
and its hinterland, which are noted for their
in a schedule to it.
ecological diversity in terms of terrestrial and
Rural Conservation Zone marine species, some of which are protected
The Rural Conservation Zone applies to the by international agreements to which Australia
Casey Coast. It is designed to protect and is a party. These species occupy a wide range
enhance the natural environment for its of habitats including salt marshes, mangroves,
historic, archaeological, scientific, landscape, intertidal mudflats and seagrass beds.
faunal habitat and cultural values. Environmental Significance Overlay
Agriculture is allowed provided it is consistent (Schedule 4)
with the environmental and landscape values This Overlay applies to the area known as the
of the area. This zone applies a minimum lot “Cranbourne South Conservation Area” which
size of 40 hectares unless an alternative is is noted for its undulating landscape and its
specified in a schedule to it. remnant woodland vegetation that provides a
natural vegetation link and wildlife corridor
Township Zone extending from the urban areas of Cranbourne,
The Township Zone is applied to the coastal particularly the Royal Botanic Gardens,
villages Blind Bight, Warneet and Cannons Cranbourne, to Western Port Bay.

City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan I 85

Heritage Overlay PARTICULAR PROVISIONS
This purpose of this Overlay is to conserve and
enhance heritage places of natural or cultural Clause 57 – Metropolitan Green Wedge Land
significance; to conserve and enhance [those/ This Clause applies to land that is situated
the] elements that contribute to the outside of the UGB (unless otherwise
significance of heritage places; and to ensure specified). Its purpose is to protect
that development does not adversely affect the metropolitan green wedge land from uses and
significance of heritage places. It is applied to development that would diminish its
specific land parcels within the Green Wedge. agricultural, environmental, cultural heritage,
conservation, landscape, natural resource or
Significant Landscape Overlay (Schedule 2) recreation values.
This Overlay applies to the Western Port
coastal area, which is one of 42 sites deemed PRACTICE NOTES
to be a Wetland of International Significance in
Australia. The Western Port coastal landscape The Victorian Government has a series of
is ecologically diverse, supporting a variety of practice notes on the operation of the Victorian
fauna and fora species. Planning Provisions. Practice Note 31 provides
direction on preparing a Green Wedge
Land Subject to Inundation Overlay Management Plan, outlining the general
This Overlay is applied extensively throughout requirements that should be met in the
the Green Wedge, particularly affecting the preparation of the document.
coastal areas through to Clyde. It identifies The Casey Western Port Green Wedge
land in any food storage or food fringe area Management Plan has been prepared in
affected by the 1 in 100 year food or any other general consistency with these requirements.
area determined by the Flood Plain
Management Authority, Melbourne Water.
Public Acquisition Overlay
This Overlay is applied to land located in
Clyde, to the immediate east of the UGB, to set
it aside for the development of a drainage
retention area associated with future urban
development.
Bushfire Management Overlay
This Overlay is applied to land located in
Cranbourne South. Its purpose is to ensure
that the development of land prioritises the
protection of human life and strengthens
community resilience to bushfire; to identify
areas where the bushfire hazard warrants
bushfire protection measures to be
implemented; and to ensure development is
only permitted where the risk to life and
property from bushfire can be reduced to an
acceptable level.

86 I City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan

City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan I 87
Contact City of Casey
03 9705 5200
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hearing or speech impaired)
TIS: 131 450 (Translating a
 nd
Interpreting Service)
[email protected]
casey.vic.gov.au
facebook.com/CityOfCasey
@CityOfCasey
PO Box 1000
Narre Warren VIC 3805

Customer Service Centres

Narre Warren
Bunjil Place
Patrick Northeast Drive

Cranbourne
Cranbourne Park
Shopping Centre

88 I City of Casey Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan