Mapping Melbourne's Peri-urban Agricultural Land

Since at least the 1940’s, concerns have been raised repeatedly about the loss of some of Victoria’s most productive land due to Melbourne’s urban expansion. The loss of high productive areas suitable for horticulture (fruit and vegetable growing) has been of particular concern.

This study was initiated by VicHealth, assisted by contributions from Mornington Peninsular and Casey Shires, to explore the extent to which fruit and vegetable production around Melbourne is at risk from changing stress factors. This study and the maps and data generated are intended to improve understanding of land capability for agriculture, and initiate a system for consistent and public access to and use of this information. It is intended to guide stakeholders and decision-makers who value protecting high quality agricultural land for food production, even in the face of competing land use pressures.

This work outlines the results and methods used to map and classify land within the peri-urban areas of:

• Nillumbik Shire
• City of Casey
• Mornington Peninsula Shire
• Parts of the Cardinia and Yarra Ranges Shires (where data was available)

The final report is yet to be released but will be made available here.

Publications

• Mapping Melbourne for land capability – A preliminary evaluation
• Submission: VEAC Inquiry into use of Crown and Public Authority Land in Metropolitan Melbourne