Last night, Council proposed exciting new changes to Yarra’s planning scheme to ensure future developments reduce their impacts on the environment.

The proposed changes to the Yarra Planning Scheme have been developed in conjunction with a group of 30 Victorian councils as part of the Council Alliance for a Sustainable Built Environment (CASBE) and represent a significant step towards delivering zero carbon developments in the future.

The changes have been led by the City of Yarra and the City of Moreland.

Under the proposed changes, new developments would be required to:

• produce net zero carbon emissions

• better manage water

• protect and enhance greening and biodiversity

• be more resilient to our changing climate

• provide a healthier, more comfortable environment for the future community.  

With around 85 per cent of carbon emissions in Yarra coming from electricity and gas use in residential and commercial buildings, these changes would see a dramatic and lasting reduction in carbon emissions.

Mayor of Yarra Sophie Wade said the work with CASBE represents the future of sustainable planning and development.

“If approved by the Minister for Planning, these changes will help shape the future of planning and development Yarra and throughout Victoria. By working together, Victorian councils can achieve zero carbon development.”

Council will work with CASBE to advocate to the Victorian Planning Minister to facilitate and implement these proposed changes.

For more on CASBE: https://www.casbe.org.au/elevating-esd-targets/

For more about what Yarra is doing: Zero Carbon Developments | Yarra City Council