Urban heritage and green wedges,  Melbourne

Imminent risk of destruction

·         Melbourne has been identified as one of the world’s most liveable cities

·         Typical 19^th & early 20^th century character of the inner city and middle ring suburbs with their distinctive “strip” shopping centres contributes to this reputation

·         Melbourne is also known for its “green wedges” in the outer suburbs which provide accessible open space in a unique planning innovation

·         Melbourne’s population is growing

The State Government’s new planning blueprint “Melbourne@ 5 million” and extension of direct planning control is placing both the heritage of many suburban centres and Melbourne’s ‘lungs’, the green wedges, at risk of infilling and inappropriate development.

Threat:

Urban sprawl and population pressure threatens large scale development of inner city and middle ring areas of Melbourne’s suburbs, and replacement of green fields with low density housing at the south eastern and western urban growth boundaries.

Desired Outcome / Vision:

Urban heritage and Heritage Overlay areas must be protected. Development proposals should involve community consultation. Green wedges must be maintained. Cultural and natural heritage in new urban areas should be identified and protected.

Fate / Outcome:

Suffering