Green Wedges

Green Wedges are the non-urban areas of Metropolitan Melbourne often referred to as Melbourne’s lungs. They safeguard agricultural uses and preserve rural and scenic landscapes, non-renewable resources and natural areas including water catchments. They also play an important part in Melbourne's open space network and provide opportunities for tourism and recreation. The Green Wedges include areas that have high environmental, landscape, built or Koori heritage values. These non-urban areas also contain infrastructure that supports urban areas, such as airports and quarries.

Green wedges are active, living areas.

Green wedges have a long history, they were first identified by the Hamer Government in the 1970s. They have been expanded in Melbourne 2030 to include other non-urban areas surrounding metropolitan Melbourne.

Since Melbourne 2030 was released, the Victorian Government has introduced a number of planning changes to establish and protect the Green Wedges including:

  • Establishment of an Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) restricting urban related development to within the UGB.
  • New Green Wedge Planning Zones to replace existing rural zones in Green Wedge land.
  • Introduction of Green Wedges into the core planning provisions to tighten the range of uses and subdivision allowed in Green Wedge land.
  • Amendment to the Planning and Environment Act 1987 to recognise the UGB and Green Wedge land. To strengthen protection of the Green Wedges, ratification by both Houses of Parliament is required for amendments to subdivision controls in Green Wedge land or amendments to the UGB.

Green Wedges are essential for a sustainable Melbourne. The Government remains committed to protecting Green Wedges and in Planning for all of Melbourne set out future priorities for their management:
  • Additional resources to complete the 12 Green Wedge Management Plans.
  • Planning scheme controls that continue to deliver the intent of Green Wedge policy.
  • A whole-of-government Green Wedge Project Control Group to help clarify management priorities of departments and agencies to coordinate implementation actions for each Green Wedge.

For further information on the Government's planning framework, the strategies and projects behind Melbourne 2030/Melbourne @ 5 million, and how they are being implemented, visit the Managing Melbourne's Growth web page.

Read the advisory note on the planning provisions for Melbourne's Green Wedges:
PDF Icon Planning provisions for Melbourne's Green Wedges, November 2003 (PDF - 26 KB)

There are 12 green wedges, spanning 17 municipalities.
  • Werribee South
  • Western Plains South
  • Western Plains North
  • Sunbury
  • Whittlesea
  • Nillumbik
  • Manningham
  • Yarra Valley and Yarran and Dandenong Ranges
  • Southern Ranges
  • Westernport
  • South East
  • Mornington Peninsula
Download the map showing Melbourne's Green Wedges:
PDF Icon Melbourne Green Wedges Map (PDF - 150 KB)


Each green wedge is unique with its own range of key features and related values. A tailored management approach is needed for each wedge. They are being being developed by Councils in Green Wedge Management Plans.

Please note: Document(s) on this page are presented in PDF format. If you do not have the Adobe Reader, you can download a copy free from the Adobe web site.

If you require assistance in accessing any documents on this page please contact us.

Accessing planning documents | Contact planning | Planning site map | Services Directory