This version of the PERI-URBAN fact sheet, May 2012 has been prepared for use with screen reader software.
The PDF version also available at www.planmelbourne.vic.gov.au is recommended for general access.
PERI-URBAN FACT SHEET
INTRODUCTION
The peri-urban areas are those areas located beyond the urban growth boundary and surround Melbourne.
Together with regional Victoria they provide much of the State’s food, fibre and water.
The peri-urban areas have a unique relationship with Melbourne and both influence each other’s growth and
change. Planning for the future will need to consider how development is managed in peri-urban areas to ensure
natural assets are protected and local communities continue to prosper.
PERI-URBAN AREAS TODAY
Melbourne’s peri-urban areas contain important ecosystems that are vital to the functioning
of the State.
They provide some of our most basic needs such as fresh air, clean water and fertile soils
to produce food, fibre, timber and minerals.
Melbourne’s peri-urban areas are also the location of the 12 Green Wedges, that span across 17 municipalities
and collectively form a ring around the city.
There are around 97 settlements within Melbourne’s peri-urban areas, which extend approximately 100
kilometres from the edge of metropolitan Melbourne. Together with the regional cities, these settlements create
a network of communities, employment and production that interact, locally, state-wide, nationally and
internationally.
People living in these areas experience the benefits of both urban and rural life, from coastal
towns to farming communities and urban centres.
Worldwide, there is recognition by growing cities of the need to manage peri-urban areas and
the important assets they contain. This has been a part of Melbourne’s planning policy for over
40 years.
DID YOU KNOW?
 Peri-urban areas have wildlife that is found nowhere else in the world, such as the Southern Brown
Bandicoot.
 Some of the fastest growing municipalities are located in peri-urban areas.
 Peri-urban areas contain prized tourism and recreational attractions.
 Around two-thirds of visitors to peri-urban areas are from Melbourne.
 Peri-urban areas contain important natural, cultural, economic and recreational assets contributing to
the State’s economy and our quality of life.
PERI-URBAN AREAS TOMORROW
Here are some key facts about peri-urban areas and the changes government, businesses and the community
need to consider.
PERI-URBAN AREAS ARE GROWING AND CHANGING
Since 2001, some of the fastest growing municipalities have been located in the peri-urban areas and this trend
is likely to continue.
Between 2001-2011 the Surf Coast, Mitchell and Golden Plains shires had the highest growth
rate percentage.
Improved access has added to the appeal of peri-urban areas as a place to live or have a holiday home and a
number of housing developments have occurred in the rural peri-urban landscape. Settlements within these
natural landscapes can present risks from bushfires, sea-level rise and flooding.
Planning for the future will need to consider the impact of these new developments across the peri-urban
landscape, particularly on the environment, farming and infrastructure that supports local communities.
CLEAN WATER
Many of Victoria’s water catchments are located in the peri-urban areas. The filtering action of the forested
surrounds of our reservoirs, especially in the Yarra Ranges and catchment areas, helps ensure clean water for a
growing population.
FRESH AIR
Melbourne’s peri-urban areas and the green wedges are often referred to as the ‘lungs of the city’ contributing
fresh air and helping to regulate the climate. Forests and other vegetation in the peri-urban areas absorb carbon
dioxide and replenish oxygen in the atmosphere.
BIODIVERSITY
Biodiversity, such as plants and wildlife, underpin ecosystems and the services they provide, such as purifying
water and regulating climates. Many animals have critical habitats within Melbourne’s peri-urban areas such as
the Southern Brown Bandicoot. The peri-urban areas contain three internationally significant Ramsar listed
wetland areas - Western Port, Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands and Port Phillip Bay (Western Shoreline) and the
Bellarine Peninsula.
LANDSCAPES AND OPEN SPACE
The peri-urban areas are home to important landscape features including large areas of grasslands, wetlands,
forests and national parks, such as those found in the Yarra Ranges and the Lerderderg State Park.
NATURAL AND CULTURAL HERITAGE
In rural areas there are still many historic townships, farms, cattle runs and pioneer homes. The traditional lands
of the Kulin People in the south central region of Victoria still hold extensive evidence of Kulin communities.
FOOD AND FIBRE
Melbourne’s peri-urban areas contribute significantly to agricultural production. The Port Phillip and Western Port
area around Melbourne is the second highest producer of agricultural products per hectare in Victoria, with
agricultural output per hectare approximately four times the State average.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Important infrastructure assets are located in the peri-urban areas, including road and rail corridors, essential
landfills, resource recovery and processing facilities. The Western Treatment Plant treats around 50 percent of
Melbourne’s sewage and the Eastern Treatment Plant treats around 40 percent – both of which are located in
Green Wedge areas.
TOURISM AND RECREATION
Tourism within peri-urban areas is continuing to grow and 4,362 tourism businesses have been registered. Many
attractions are within a two hour journey from Melbourne and provide day trips for Melburnians and visitors from
interstate and overseas. Around two-thirds of visitors to the peri-urban areas come from Melbourne.
HAVE YOUR SAY
We are seeking your thoughts and ideas on Melbourne’s future. Join our online forums to discuss:

What do you think the priority should be when planning for Melbourne’s peri-urban areas - ensuring
development is managed and natural assets are protected?
Graphic icons showing links to social media and communication tools –
Twitter is #planmelbourne
Internet website is www.planmelbourne.vic.gov.au
Email to planmelbourne@dpcd.vic.gov.au
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