Chris Chesterfield nominated to chair new Yarra River advisory committee

The Victorian State Government has appointed CRC for Water Sensitive Cities Stakeholder Engagement Executive Director Chris Chesterfield to chair a new committee to overhaul the governance of the Yarra River, covering the entire 240-kilometre stretch of the river.

The new Yarra River Protection Ministerial Advisory Committee will drive consultation and provide advice on the Yarra River Protection Act, legislating for long-term protection.

Mr Chesterfield has nearly 30 years in the public sector, water and environment industry and is nationally recognised for his leadership in waterway and urban water management.

The committee will look at what other changes to land development controls would further improve the health of the Yarra River and its tributaries.

Work to protect the Yarra will examine how to promote the Yarra, improve the condition of the water and enhance biodiversity, and inform a similar plan for
the Maribyrnong River.

Minister for Planning Richard Wynne said the Yarra River was “central to the lives of Melbournians” and the committee would help ensure “the community has a chance to have their say on this important legislation”.

Some of the concerns to be addressed include the effects of Melbourne’s population growth and higher-density development, removal of vegetation and overshadowing.