Flood Management Plan - Shire of Yarra Ranges

Settlement in Yarra Ranges Shire began in the mid 19th century through thegrowth of several small townships in gold discovery areas in the northern andeastern areas of the Shire. 19th century industry within the Shire includedforestry and livestock grazing with orchards and nurseries thriving on theShire’s rich soils in the late 19th century. The completion of railway lines toLilydale and Belgrave contributed to steady growth in the Shire, predominantlyin the post-war years. The 1970’s and 1980’s saw the most rapid growthwithin the Shire, particularly in the western areas of the Shire near the urbanfringe of Melbourne. Growth in these areas since the 1970’s has seen thepopulation of the Shire steadily increase. As a result of the haphazarddevelopment since the mid 1800’s until today, many older areas within theMunicipality contain drainage infrastructure which does not meet today’sstandards.The existing Shire of Yarra Ranges managed drainage network is over708.5km in total length. The location and details of each drain and associatedinfrastructure are available in Council’s well maintained GIS database.There are over 1,900 km of Melbourne Water managed waterways within theShire, 58km of open channels and 40km of underground drainage. Thelocation and details associated with these assets are available from MelbourneWater’s GIS and Asset Management System. All Melbourne Water and Shiredrainage infrastructure is shown in Figure 4.12 Melbourne Water Shire of Yarra Ranges Flood Management Plan