About GARS
Council adopted the Green Areas and Rural Strategy (GARS) on 18 December 2023.
The strategy:
- gathered evidence and developed a better understanding of the values and priorities within these areas
- provides future objectives and strategic directions
- identifies opportunities to enhance environmental and social values
- identifies compatible land use potential including:
- public open space and recreation
- rural living
- agriculture
- tourism
- other compatible rural uses
- serves as a management plan for green wedge land in the Knox municipality.
Download the Knox Green Areas and Rural Strategy [PDF, 12.5mb]
Study areas
The area has been divided into 5 precincts based on:
- location
- landscape characteristics
- existing planning controls.
They include:
- Precinct 1: The Basin Rural Landscape Precinct
- Precinct 2a: Lysterfield Valley and Hills
- Precinct 2b: Lysterfield Quarries and Surrounds
- Precinct 3 and 3a*: Dandenong Creek Valley Precinct
- Precinct 4: Healesville Freeway Reservation and Surrounds.
* Precinct 3a is an extension of Precinct 3 where objectives and strategies for Precinct 3 extend to this area.
Project stages
The project was completed 5 stages:
- Setting the scene
- Issues and opportunities analysis
- Visioning (March to April 2020)
- Strategy development (consultation in 2021 and adoption in 2023)
- Implementation and monitoring.
More information about GARS
See the following documents:
- Stage 1: Setting the Scene Report – a background report and analysis of the existing conditions in each of the five precincts.
- Stage 2: Draft Issues and Opportunities Report – a technical background report, analysis and recommendations for the overall direction of the Project. The report was informed by expert advice from the fields of:
- biodiversity
- agriculture
- landscape
- economy
- heritage
- Stage 3: Community Consultation Report – a summary of preliminary consultation findings reported to Council in August 2020.
- Stage 4: Public consultation on the draft strategy - occurred between 8 November and 23 December 2023.
Need help?
Lodge a request with Strategic Planning and we will get back to you.
Or call our City Futures team on 9298 8000.
