The Victorian Planning Authority proudly acknowledges Victoria’s Aboriginal community and their rich culture and pays respect to their Elders past and present.

We acknowledge Aboriginal people as Australia’s first peoples and as the Traditional Owners and custodians of the land and water on which we rely.

We recognise and value the ongoing contribution of Aboriginal people and communities to Victorian life and how this enriches us.

We embrace the spirit of reconciliation, working towards the equality of outcomes and ensuring an equal voice.

Project Status Updates

Project Status Updates – April 2023

We have been progressing the planning for the Merrimu precinct by finalising background and technical studies and beginning to prepare the plans for the precinct. 

Since our last update in October, we have progressed technical studies, engaging with technical experts to assess: 

  • Native vegetation
  • Sodic soils
  • Integrated water management
  • Retail and economics
  • Landscape and visual impact.  

We have also: 

  • Met with Melbourne Water to discuss the size and location of proposed drainage infrastructure. 
  • Met with the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) to explore future public transport services and an active transport network for the precinct. 
  • Finalised technical assessments for Aboriginal heritage impact and high level servicing. 

Bacchus Marsh Eastern Link Road (BMELR) Alignment

A key consideration for the Merrimu PSP is the alignment of the future Bacchus Marsh Eastern Link Road (BMELR).  

The DTP is continuing the BMELR planning study to identify a preferred alignment, which is anticipated by mid-2023. We have updated our project timeline to reflect this.  

Further updates on the BMELR alignment can be found on the Regional Roads Victoria website. 

In the coming months we will be focused on finalising phase 2 technical studies and developing a place based plan, Precinct Structure Plan (PSP) and Development Contributions Plan (DCP) in preparation for agency validation in 2023. 

Recent finalised documents added to the Project page

The following document has been uploaded to the project page in the last two months;

Previous Project Status Updates

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