guidelines for the preparation· of environmental

/�

Guidelines

for the preparation· of

Environmental

Management Plans,

in

Meltons Rural Areas

,....--------

T:·:is i,, . , · :c, en, • ,,f th� :1m.:nd-:icnt appravcd l,y the Minister tot Fii::t,1:ng i.'f,d Local Gow,rnmcnt on

1 7 MAY 1999 �-·· . " .1,,., ,.,.::,, !.."- ,1,µ; Co·o1u1nator f,mendmcnt Services

l)'i,r;: uf Plar,,ing an� Her.iagi [Jo>pcirtment ol lr.fra�tn.r:ur�

Melton Shire Council

1996

Contents

t Environmental management ..................................................................... 3

1.1 Background ............................................................................................. 3 1.2 Purposes of environmental management guidelines .......................................... 3

2 Environmental management plans ........................................................ .4

2.1 Purposes ................................................................................................ 4 2.2 Proposals v.•hich require an EMP ................................................................. .4 2.3 Preparation of an EMP .............................................................................. 4

2.31 Site analysis plan ............ · .................................................................. 5 2.32 Development plan .............................................................................. 5 2.33 Management agreement ..................................................................... 5 2.34 Zone objectives compliance statement ................................................... 5

3 Environmental management guidelines ................................................... 6

3.1 Sustainable use of rural resources .................................................................. 6 3.2 Land capability and erosion risk .................................................................. 6 3.3 Proclaimed water catchments ..................................................................... 7 3 .4 Salinity ...............•....................•.............................................................. 7 3.5 FJJ'e risk ................................................................................................ 8 3.6 Flooding and drainage .............................................................................. 8 3.7 Landscape and special features ..................................................................... 9

3.8 Vegetation ............................................................................................. 10

3.9 Impact on adjoining land ........................................................................... 1 0 3.10 Site services .......................................................................................... 11

3.11 Public roads and traffic ........................................................................... 12

© Melton Shire: Council 1996

Melton Shire Council

PO Box 21 Melton Victoria 3337

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Environmental manageme:1t

1 .1 Background In 1994 the Mclron Shire Council commissioned a review of its rural areas, the Review of Rural Areas Strategy (1994). It identified a need for the Council to develop a more sensitive approach to land use and land management in the rural areas, and for all land uses and developments to be sustainable. In addition, the report identified a need for all development to be responsive to environmental and landscape constraints and opportunities.

A new amendment to the Melton Planning Scheme, the Rural (Agricultural) Zone, embodies the .findings of the 1994 review and replaces the old General Farming A and B Zone provisions.

While the new controls allow for significant increases in dwelling yield and density, the onus is placed firmly upon the developer to demonstrate that the land is capable of being developed and that it can be managed in a sustainable manner. In order to ensure this, all subdivisions, some dwellings and most types of land use and development proposed for the Rural (Agricultural) Zone will be required to produce an environmental management plan.

1.1 Environmental managemen� guidelines The environment.al management guidelines are intended to assist Council in assessing applications and to assist landowners in preparing environmental management plans.

Upon request or upon receipt of an application Council officers will indicate those aspects of the guidelines which are relevant and

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whether an environment.al management plan will be required.

All applications for the subdivision, use and development of land in the Rural (Agricultural) Zone will be assessed by reference to these

guidelines. The assessment criteria listed in the

guidelines must be met. Proposed uses which comply with preferred uses and developments will generally be permitted.

A permit is not required for a dwelling that is created on a building envelope which is designated on an approved plan of subdivision.

(A building envelope is an area drawn on a plan where a building must be sited.)

A permit is required for a dwelling proposed on a lot that docs not have an approved building envelope or that fails to meet the criteria listed in the provisions of Section 1 of the Melton Rural (Agricultural) Zone.

The specific purposes of the environmental management guidelines arc: • to ensure that the physical features,

resources and environmental qualities of anyparcel of land, the subject of a developmentproposal, are identified;

• to ensure that such features and resourcesarc protected and utilised in anenvironmentally sustainable manner;

• to provide guidelines and techniques for theongoing use and management of the land;and

• to enable proposals for the use anddevelopment of the parcel of land to beassessed against the objectives of the Rural(Agricultural) Zone.

2.

Environmental management plans

2.1 Purposes Environmental management plans (EMPs) will ensure that: • larger farms occupy the better agricultural

land on the property and that they aresustainable and manageable as commercialfarms;

• secondary lots occupy productiveagricultural land only if it is not required forthe viability of the primary lot, that they aresustainable and manageable as !armlets orrural living allotments, and that they presentno increased environmental risk of soildegradation, water pollution, weed growth,increased salinity and the like; and

• building envelopes are located to minimiseenvironmental risk, fire danger and energyuse and, in addition, that they do notprejudice the landscape integrity of thesurrounding area.(A sustainable activity is one that can be

carried on indefinitely without harm to the environment and without depleting nonreplaceable resources.A manageable activity is one that is capable of being accomplished without undue consequences.)

2.2 Proposals which require an EMP

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An environmental management plan must be prepared for any proposed use or development in the Melton Rural (Agricultural) Zone that requires a planning permit, including:

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• a change of use;• the carrying out of works;• the construction of a building or dwelling; or• a subdivision.

2.3 Preparation of an EMP

Environment management plans should be prepared by an accredited land management specialist. In most instances, this person will be qualified in disciplines such as agricultural science, environmental science or similar. In some instances, however, it will also be necessary to consult other specialists such as town planners, landscape architects, acoustic consultants or environmental engineers.

The consultants chosen by the applicant must be approved by either the Melton Shire Council or the Department of Natural Resources and Environment.

The scale of EMP plans should be appropriate to the area of the land and the intensity of the use, or as indicated by the responsible authority. In most cases an A 1 or A3 sheet will suffice. The material may be presented schematically but must generally be to scale.

Sources of information are shown under each section of the guidelines.

An environmental management plan must contain (as relevant and as indicated by the Melton Shire Council): • a site analysis plan;• a development plan;

• a management agreement; and• a zo:;e objectives compliance statement.

2.31 Site analysis plan

A site analysis plan should show any relevant site features including:

title and ownership details; existing land use and land use components;

topographic features including contours,

slopes greater than 20%, drainage patterns and existing dams and ponds; soil types, depth to rock, rock outcrops and erosion risk; vegetation cover (distinguish native and exotic); climate including rainfall and direction of prevailing wind; fire threat including degree of risk and likely

direction; areas of degraded land, salt-affected areas, areas affected by waterlogging or potential flooding; proclaimed water supply catchment boundaries;

• views into and out of the site;• features of conservation, aesthetic, cultural,

historic or landmark significance and knownareas of flora and fauna value;

• existing access including roads, tracks anddriveways;

• existing services including powerlines,water, telephone and effluent fields; and

• use of adjoining land, including public land.

2.32 Development plan

A development plan should illustrate (as relevant): • the requirements of the zone with respect to

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development plans; • how the: land will be used and developed

;.1cluding lot boundaries, t)T.. of use,stocking and cropping rates if appropriate,

building envelopes, dam sites, effluentdisposal sites, fences and any paths and open

space systems;• measures for avoiding any further

environmental risk or measures for reducing

elements of risk;• how the land will be developed to minimise

visual intrusion or, alternatively, how it will

enhance the visual landscape;• how c::xisting vegetation will be retained or

replaced, areas and species of new planting,a planting program and management andmaintenance proposals;

• how special features will be protected

and/or enhanced;• how the land will be serviced or accessed;

and• ongoing management measures.

2.33 ment

Management agree-

A management agreement in accordance with Section 173 of the Planning and Environment

Act 1988 is required to specify ongoing

management arrangements.

2.34 Zone objectives compliance statement The zone objectives compliance statement should show how the proposal meets the objectives of the zone.

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Environmental management guidelines

3.1 Su:stainable use of rural resources

Agricultural land uses form an integral part of the regional economy. The use of rural resources, for example, for timber and recreation, must be sustainable. Particular care must also be taken to ensure that agricultural practices and rural living do not adversely affect environmental quality. Assessment criteria The proposed use is sustainable and manageable as an effective operational unit.

A balance between agricultural best practice and the preservation and enhancement of environmental integrity is maintained.

The land is capable of accommodating the proposed use or development.

The land area is a viable, natural unit and maximises environmental opportunities on the site.

Sound management practices are proposed.

Preferred use and development Agriculture (including agroforestry) is preferred on land which has intrinsic productive capacity for agricultural use.

Bushland conservation (including passive recreation) is preferred in areas of existing bushl�d.

Timber production, broad-hectare tourism and recreation uses (for example, tourist facility, golf course, host farm, recreational camp, plant nursery, winery) are preferred where it is demonstrated that the uses contribute to the economy, the environment, and the landscape of the area.

Other ruraJ or tourism uses (for example, rural industry, garden supplies, home industry, kennels, art gallery, eating house, museum, reception rooms) should demonstrate that the use contributes to the rural area and is infrequent, minor or ancillary.

Information required in EMP Areas to be used on the site and an indication of the intensity of the use.

Proposed measures to retain areas of productive and useable agricultural land.

Proposed layout of the site, including fencing, tracks, outbuildings and water supply systems.

Proposed measures to ensure adequate weed control and soil stabilisation.

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Information sources Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE), Department of Agriculture (D of A). a land management specialist specified or approved by the Melton Shire Council or Dl\TRE

3.2 Land capability and erosion.

Land capability is the potential of a site to withstand a particular land use without causing its degradation or any subsequent deterioration of water quality.

Assessment criteria The proposed use or development docs not increase the levcl of land degradation on or off the site.

The proposed use is sited on land which has good or very good capability for the purpose.

The proposed use is not sited on land which has very poor capability for the purpose.

Where the land has a moderate or poor capability for the proposed use, the plan includes conservation management measures to improve the land capability rating of the site.

In land identified as being an area of high erosion risk in a land capability study, or in the absence of such a study, in land having slopes greater than 20%: • the proposed use does not involve moderate

to extensive clearing, excavation, theconstruction of hard surfaces and does notattract regular, frequent or high public usagerates;

• proposed buildings and works comply withconservation management practicesrecommended by DNRE; or

• the EMP demonstrates that the level of riskcan be reduced by improved erosion controlmeasures.

Preferred use and development Hard surface areas should be confined to the minimum required for a house, outbuildings and access routes. Tennis courts and swimming pools are generally discouraged.

Vegetation clearance should be minimal and confined to the level necessary for a dwelling and outbuildings, access and fire prevention.

Erosion control measures to restore areas of oti.sting degradation and to protect areas of potential degradation (for o:ample, fencing of gullies, control of stock access, revegecuion) are preferred.

Information required in EMP Land systems and land capability rat' .gs where available.

Erosion risk, areas of degraded land and existing control measures.

All proposed buildings, structures, and ;.ard surface areas including driveways, outbuildings, tennis courts and swimming pools.

Proposed works and proposed erosion control measures.

Information sources

A land capability study for the area that has been: • adopted by the Melton Shire Council,• provided by the Department of Natural

Resources and Environment (DNRE), or• provided by an appropriately qualified land

management specialist specified or approvedby the Melton Shire Council or DNRE.

3. 3 Proclaimed

water catchments

Particular care and strict land management is required in water supply catchments to ensure that water qualit}' is not adversely affected.

Assessment criteria

The proposed use does not increase pollution of waters or the sedimentation of watercourses which drain into the water supply system.

The proposed use complies with any gazetted land use determinations relevant to the catc�ents.

Preferred use and developr:sent

Further subdivision is not preferred.Where a lot straddles the boundary of the catchment, development should be located outside the boundary.

Development on existing or restructured lots is preferred where buildings and works are set back at least: • 100 metres from a watercourse (being a

defined, natural channel which carries watereither permanently or intermittently);

• 200 metres from an artificial channel whichcarries water to a reservoir;

• 300 metres from a reservoir.Closer setbacks will be considered where an

EMP demonstrates that the slope of the land or proposed special measures will direct runoff and seepage away from the watercourse.

Further subdivision is preferred only where it is demonstrated that it will not increase the risk of contamination of t.'1e -water supply and development is located outside the set back areas.

Hard surface areas should be confined to the minimum required for a house, outbuildings and

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access ways. Proposals for tennis courts and dams will be referred to the WRWA and DNRE.

Vegetation clearance should be minimal and confined to that necessary for a house, outbuildings, access and fire prevention.

Solid putrescible waste (for example, animal manure) should be taken off-site to the satisfaction of Melton Shire Council, or disposed of in accordance with the Septic Tank Code of Practice or the requirements of the EPA.

Information required in EMP

The boundaries of the water catchment and distances to watercourses and reservoirs of

proposed works. Location of existing and proposed buildings

and works, including effluent lines, stormwater drains and hard surface areas.

Proposed means of minimising pollution and sedimentation.

Information sources

Melton Shire Council, Depanment of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE) for land use determinations for Djerriwarrh catchment, Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Western Region Water Authority (WRWA)

3.4 Salinity

Salinity is the level of salt in ground water. It is a major cause ofland degradation in Australia, as it is detrimental to pastures, native vegetation and water qualiry and can increase the susceptibility of land to erosion.

Salinity is exacerbated by wide-scale clearing and overstocking of rural land, and occurs when some of the rainfall once used by native vegetation enters the ground, recharging the water table and causing it to rise.

As the watertable rises it dissolves salts in the soil, and when it rises to within 2 metres of the surface, evaporation occurs and salt becomes concentrated on the surface.Areas where saline: groundwater appears arc called discharge arc:as.

.Assessment criterion

The proposed use does not increase the level of salting in the area.

Preferred use and development

Development should avoid producing high recharge and salt discharge areas.

Development of discharge areas should only occur where it is demonstrated that rehabilitation will occur prior to development.

High rc:charge areas on the site should he revegctatcd using deep-rooted pasture spc:cic:s such as phalaris, luccrne and cocks foot.

· information required in EMP

Assessment of any salinity risk, includingidentification of any salinity recharge ordischarge area.

In areas subject to salinity, a revegetation and/or pasture improvement program developed in consultation with the DNRE.

Information sources-

Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE)

3.5 Fire risk

Parts of the Melton Shire have been identified as having a high fire risk. It should be recognised that th_e risk can emanate from, as well as impacton, development in the area and that the threat to life and property can be high. While the risk factors associated with fire can be reduced by improved access to the site, clearing of vegetation and the like, these factors may also have a negative impact on environmental values.

The criterion and preferred uses in this section apply to proposals sited in identified areas of high fire risk.

Assessment criterion

The proposed use minimises fire risk.


Further subdivision is not preferred unless it complies with the provisions of Planning Conditions and Guidelines for Subdivisions (CFA 1991).

Subdivision to create a greater number of lots should only occur where the EMP demonstrates that fire risk is reduced.

Subdivision proposals should adopt any opportunity to reduce fire risk levels (for example, by restoring emergency egress from a developed area).

Development on existing lots will be di_scouraged unless it is set back from a fire riskarea boundary if possible and complies with the Siting and Design Guidelines: Bushfire Protection for Rural Houses (Ministry for Planning and Environment, CFA 1987).

Larger developments will be discouraged unless they comply with CFA guidelines and have been referred to the CFA for comment.

Fencing, gates and access should be designed to improve: rather than impede fire fighting.


The level of fire risk and the fire risk criteria relevant to the site: and the surrounding area, including fire season (frequency and length),

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slope (aspect and steepness), vegetation (cO\·er and dryness), fire history, water supply, access and egress and the location of the nearest fire station.

The location and design of lots, fencing and access roads, water supply and other proposed measures to reduce the fire risk, including the provision of open space around the dwelling/s.

How the proposal complies with the CFA guidelines for subdivision and development in bushfire-prone areas.

Information sources

Melton Shire Council, Country Fire Authority .(CFA).

3.6 Floo�ing and drainage

Poor drainage may influence the siting of buildings and works, including the location of access routes and dfluent disposal fields. Works in flood-prone areas may alter the flow of water downstream and to adjoining lands.

Assessment criteria

The construction of a building and associated driveways and works (including effluent lines) are safe for residents and users on and off the site.

The proposed works, including access and effluent disposal fields, avoid waterlogged and flood-prone land.

The proposed works · do not impede or increase the flow of water except in accordance with an approved drainage control program.

Stormwater runoff is minimal and properly controlled.

Areas of impervious surfacing are kept to a minimum to allow rainwater to penetrate the soil.


Stormwater drainage should ensure the appropriate management of overland flow and sediment discharge.

Existing works should be maintained.


Areas of poorly-drained land and flood-prone land.

Existing and proposed measures to minimise the impact of poor drainage or flooding on the development and to minimise the impact of the development on drainage.

Information sources

Melton Shire Council, Rural Water Corporation (RWC), Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE)

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3.7 Landscape and special features

In ordc:r to prc:sc:rvc: the: c:nvironmc:ntal quality of rural living with the: Rural (Agricultural) Zone:, sensitive: planning and building design is rc:quirc:d to avoid any undesirable: impacts of dc:velopmc:nt.Building scale: and form should be: compatible: with the: landscape: and any special features on the: site.

Assessment criteria The character and values of the arc:a arc: maintained or c:nhancc:d.

Special features of aesthetic, historic, cultural or landmark quality. arc protected or enhanced by the: proposed devc:lopmc:nt.

The: proposed dc:vc:lopmc:nt, in an area of high to very high significance (as identified in a landscape: study), is low kc:y and blends with the: landscape fc:aturc:s, colours and contours .

The proposed dc:vc:lopmc:nt, in an area of lesser significance, is visually unot?trusive and is compatible with or c:nhancc:s the landscape:.

The proposed development, in an area of high visual exposure: (for example:, opc:n land which is c:lc:vatc:d, in the: foreground of major views or beside: major public roads), is well set back, low key or scrc:enc:d from public view by topographic features or vegetation.

Thc:re arc: specific requirements for certain areas: • Mt Cotterell: between 100-140 metre

contour lines, devc:lopment must complywith siting guidelines; above 140 metrecontour line, no new building;

• Mt Kororoit: between 100-130 metrecontour lines, development must complywith siting guidelines; above 130 metrecontour line, no new building;

• Mt Atkinson: between 100-130 metrecontour lines, development must complywith siting guidelines; above 130 metre:contour line, no nc:w building.

Prefe:-red use and development Devc:lopmc:nt should be: out of sight (for example.screened by vegetation or topographic features) or well set back from public viewing areas, including any public road.

Dc:vc:lopment in more exposed areas may be: considered where the: EMP demonstrates it will enhance a landscape of low significance: (by attention to siting or architectural design for example).

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Development should avoid protruding above: skylines. Siting should be: away from the tops of major ridgc:linc:s and cleared, c:Ic:vatc:d slopes.

Development on elevated and landmark areas may be considc:rc:d where an EMP demonstrates that it will be scrc:c:nc:d from pubiic vic:w and doc:s not altc:r the: namrd.! form of the land.

Dc:vc:loprnent should not intrude: into a significant vic:w (as viewed. by the public· or from a neighbour's µropc:rry) unless the: roof. line of the building is set down bc:low the: foreground.

Buildings (especially roof-linc:s) should blend with the contours of the: land.

Cut and fill should be minimal and should be: blended with the: natural form of the land.

Access roads and driveways should follow contours or existing tracks beside: landscape features such as a row of trc:c:s and should be: limited in length where possible:. ·

The c:xtc:rnal appearance: of buildings, works, fc:ncc:s and structures should blend with the: colours of the: landscape: and be: in muted, non· rc:flc:ctive shades.

Outbuildings; shc:ds and other structures should be: clustered around the: main building in an orderly fashion rather than· scattered haphazardly about the: site.

Information required in EMP landscape: _areas and character by reference: to tJ:ie landscape studyand the adopted siting and design guidelines.

Assessment of the capacity of the landscape: to absorb dc:vc:Iopmc:nt visually. This will be govc:rnc:d by trc:c:-covc:r, degree of screening made: possible by top.ography, the: fall of the land and existing man-made features.

Existing buildings and works including external materials and colours.

Proposed buildings and works including external materials and colours.

Existing vic:ws and landscape: features and proposed mea.surc:s to protect and enhance thc:m.

Information sources Any landscape study or design and s1tmg guidelines adopted by the: Melton Shire: Council or, in their absence, a landscape assessment prepared by a landscape: architect.

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3.8 Vegetation Vegetation contributes significantly to the landscape character, land and water quality, and flora and fauna habitat value of the site.Any use

or development may be detrimental to one or more of these factors.

Assessment criteria

Existing vegetation is retained except as required for the safe and effective operation of the permitted use, including a building envelope, fire protection and within 1 O metres of a dwelling.

Vegetation is retained on ridgelines, watercourses, property boundaries, roadsides, slopes greater than 20% and reserved land.

Tree planting buffers new development and restores links in wildlife corridors.

Native bushland areas are managed to

maximise habitat value and the free and safe movement of native animals.

Vegetation on roadsides is protected, particularly where they arc classified as being of high conservation value in the Melton Shire Council's Local Conservation Strategy (1994).

Preferred use and development.

Timber production (permitted as of right on land up to 40 hectares) should comply with the Code of Forest Practices for Timber Production (DCNR, 1989) as subsequently amended. Tree removal should be performed to the satisfaction of the responsible authority and subject to an approved tree harvesting plan.

Timber production in areas of over 40 hectares should comply with the Code of Forest Practices, the use provisions in the Melton Planning Scheme and the vegetation criteria below as appropriate.

Agro forestry should conducted in accordance with the vegetation criteria below as appropriate.

Existing native vegetation should be retained, including understorey and ground·

cover, where possible, especially where it contributes to the landscape, the management of the use or fire prevention.

Developmenc should be set back from bushland areas with a de.fined value for flora and fauna habitat.

Vegetated areas of defined value for flora and fauna or of high erosion risk should be protected from stock by fencing or other means.

To protect valuable bushland from more intensive use, fencing or other forms of protection are preferred.

Boundary fencing should be avoided in natur.11 bushland subdivisions to enable: the free

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movement of native animals. Cleared vegetation should be replaced by an

equivalent planting on the site. Additional tree planting is preferred,

especially where: • it will screen existing and proposed

development;• it will restore and maintain wildlife corridors

and areas of value for flora and fauna;• it will contribute to land care objectives (for

example, soil stabilisation or salt reduction).

Low-growing species are preferred in thepath of significant views.

Tall bare-trunked species are preferred in areas of traditionally open landscapes.

Fire-retardant species are preferred in areas of high fire risk.

New access points to properties should avoid areas of existing native vegetation, especially through areas classified as being significant.


Existing areas of indigenous vegetation and measures to protect or revegetate them to ensure their long-term sustainability on the

property. Areas of de.fined value for flora and fauna and

special measures to protect or enhance them. Existing and potential erosion areas and

measures to prevent erosion such as planting

with grass or suitable ground-cover plants. Areas proposed for planting (and species) for

timber production, agroforestry, landscape protection and enhancement, land care and .fire prevention as appropriate.

Proposed management and maintenance

measures.

Information sources

Aerial photographs, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE), any landscape study adopted by the Melton Shire Council, botanical surveys and studies

3·.9 Impact on adjoining land

Small lot subdivision in rural areas can create interface problems with traditional uses due co the impact of new factors such as dogs, cats or sprays. Use and development should minimise impacts on the amenity of adjoining properties

and land uses.

Assessment criteria

The proposed de,·elopment reflects a n:spect for traditional broad-hectare rural uses and minimises the potential for conf lict and

disruption. The proposed development reflects a

balance between a sense of privacy and a sense of community.

Public land, particularly where this is managed to protect a sensitive resource, is buffered from any use or development which might adversely affect it.


Building envelopes should be located to maximise the privacy of each dwelling by attention to levels, orientation and natural and other screening.

Large setbacks or landscape buffer strips should be established along property boundaries between uses of different sensitivity.

Measures which control, restrict or prohibit the keeping of dogs and cats in areas adjoining land used for grazing or which provide a habitat for native animals are preferred.

The siting of animal handling facilities should respect adjoining sensitive uses.

Proposed development adjoining reserved land should be sufficiently set back to reflect the sensitivity of the reserved land purpose.The relevant public authority should be consulted about the proposed development.


Boundaries with adjoining land, including public land, and its use status.

Location of existing dwellings within view of the proposed development.

Building envelopes of existing and proposed buildiQgS.

Existing and proposed measures to buffer adjoining land as required.

Provisions for the control of domestic animals or for animal handling as appropriate.

Information sources

Council, adjoining landowners including public authorities

3.10 Site services

In order to minimise environmental impacts and costs, careful thought should be given to the initial planning of the site, especially to the siting of services, to minimise the removal of vegetation and to follow site contours as far as is practicable.

Service lines, on-site access roads and driveways should be as short as possible and should be: consistent with c:n\'ironmental and landscape: requirements. The site should also be planned for maximum energy efficiency.

Assessment criteria

The provision of services is as efficient, safe and effective: as is consistent with other criteria.

The location and orientation of residential and public uses takes account of energy costs.

Provision for open space creates a nen- ork with residences, other public open spaces and access systems.

Reticulated water is connected to all new lots.

New secondary lots have access by a sealed road which is connected to the municipal sealed road network.

Preferred development

Underground utility services are preferred. Alternatively, ther should be located and installed to minimise vegetation removal and visual intrusion.

Buildings for residential or public use should be located on north-facing slopes where possible to provide shelter from prevailing winds.

Where appropriate, internal driveways and tracks should follow contours, minimise cut and fill and avoid environmental impacts and high costs of maintenance due to poor drainage or unstable lands.

Effluent disposal fields should comply with the Septic Tank Code of Practice (EPA) and must be located and installed to the satisfaction of the Melton Shire Council. Generally they will be: • on land with slopes of less than 20%;• not within 60 metres of any watercourse

(100 metres from a watercourse in a watersupply catchment);

• at least 3 metres from any propertyboundary;

• well above any flood-prone land;• at least 1.5 metres above the highest seasonal

water table; and• on soil with good absorption quality, to the

satisfaction of the Melton Shire Council.Dams should be of adequate size and have an

adequate catchment which does not impact upon the water supply of adjoining properties.

Public open space should be provided for · clusters of more than 3 small lots and should be

a focus and a link rather than an isolated area.Cash payment in lieu may be made at thediscretion of the Melton Shire Council.

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Open space and communal areas should be useable as passive recreation areas and should be linked with other spaces, resen•es or buffers by a pedestrian system (which may use a minor roadway).

Information ,·�quired in EMP

Existing and potc:ntial service points a,,d Jines including: • water supply (both from on-site catchment

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.I and from any building roofing);

• reticulated electriciry or alternative powersource;

• effluent disposal; and• access to any house or building on the land.

Proposals to protect vegetation or toconform with landscape features in the installation of utility services, such as the placement of power lines underground.

Information sources

Melton Shire Council, Western Region Water Authority, State Electricity Commission, Telecom, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA)

3.11 Public roads

Issues raised by the construction of public roads may include traffic generation, the standard of access, access points and amenity impacts.

Assessment criteria

Traffic generation is within the capacity of the adjoining land and main access roads.

Access is cost-effective, logical, legible and convenient.

The standard of access is safe and adequate. The character of existing roads is maintained. Main roads arc protected from development

which is visually intrusive or that generates high levels of traffic.

Existing development is protected from the amenity impacts of traffic along main roads.

Sub,division and sensitive development is not within the predicted 70 dB(A) traffic noise contour from a main road or freeway.

Access roads to new developments arc sealed to the satisfaction of the Melton Shire Council.


New development should front existing roads where possible.

New roads should be designed and located to

maximise convenience and smooth traffic flow. Dead end roads or cul-de-sacs should be

short (generally no more than 200 metres in length and serving no more than 8 dwellings) and should comply with the Planning a12d Subdivision Guidelines (CFA, 1991).

Proposed development and points of access along main roads should be limited, wellspacc:d, well set back or screened and should not include commercial development unless the land is close to existing services.

New road or driveway access should not cross any part of a road reserve identified as being of high conservation value by Melton Shire Council's Local Conservation Strategy (1994).

Commercial development should be able to operate effectivc!y but should be small scale, low key, with good sight-lines and safe access and egress.

Any sensitive development in an area affected by the 60 dB(A) noise level should comply with AS 3671-1989 Acoustics Road Traffic Noise Intrusion: Building Siting and Construction (VicRoads).


Existing access roads within and near the site, including standard, width, type of construction and surfacing.

Traffic counts on nearest secondary roads and main roads.

Proposed new public access and/or improved access to and within the site.

Proposed new access points to existing roads, induding distance to nearest driveway and road in both directions, sight-line distances and roadside conservation values.

Any noise contour information relevant to the site.

Livestock crossing points on nearby roads.

Information sources

Melton Shire Council, Country Fire Aurhority (CFA), VicRoads

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guidelines for the preparation· of environmental

Documents