Living Links is an ambitious, large scale program at the cutting edge of catchment restoration. Its coordinated implementation over 25 years, will create a tranquil haven where the community may enjoy natural, physical, social, cultural or educational experiences.

‘Just imagine a picturesque web of parks, open areas, beach tracks, tree-lined roadsides, wetlands and newly restored rivers and creeks ... a serene haven where you can experience a day-long bicycle journey or enjoy a stroll with family and friends ... an urban ecosystem that will compete against the best in the world as a place to invest, work, live and visit’.

The Living Links Master Plan will enhance a collaborative approach amongst many organisations as they shape future urban and natural environments. It will help to set standards for and attract the most sustainable 21st century investments and development.

Living Links is being developed in partnership with Melbourne Water, South East Water, City of Kingston, Shire of Yarra Ranges, City of Whitehorse, City of Maroondah, City of Monash, City of Casey, City of Greater Dandenong, Knox City Council, Bushwalking Victoria, Landcare Australia Limited, Parks Victoria and Bicycle Victoria. 

 Living Links map

Living Links will:

  • Develop new and enhance existing vegetation corridors along roadsides, waterways, public open spaces and coastal zones
  • Improve the accessibility and connectivity between environmental, social and recreational assets
  • Increase community participation, knowledge and investment in environmental protection and restoration projects
  • Protect and enhance habitat for native fauna and ensure the retention of biodiversity in an otherwise fragmented and urbanised landscape
  • Promote best practice in the management of stormwater run-off from sealed surfaces (roads, urban developments)
  • Promote water sensitive urban design in existing urban estates and infill development across the catchment
  • Develop further pedestrian and cycle paths throughout south-east Melbourne connecting major commercial and recreational centres
  • Benefit the community through cleaner waterways, more desirable and accessible recreation areas, improved opportunities for environmental education, safer and more comprehensive pedestrian and cycling facilities.

Short Terms Works Program

A Short Term Works Program has been established to deliver on-ground improvement works in conjunction with the development of the Master Plan. Projects involve councils, schools, environment groups and corporate sponsors working together to protect, enhance or establish native vegetation, improve recreational links, rehabilitate waterways and educate the community about the regions rich environmental values.

Cover of works program

Master Plan

Living Links has engaged a consultancy team from Spatial Vision Innovations and Beca Consulting to develop the Master Plan. The consultants will conduct workshops during March and April 2009 that explore the natural, social, recreational and cultural importance of the area’s many physical features to the community, business and other organisations. The Master Plan will then be developed. It is predicted to identify sites with valuable native vegetation or other natural values and ensure they are recognised and protected for future generations.

View Spatial Vision's overview of the Master Plan

Living Links brochure

Achievements and investment

A Living Links Committee was established in December 2006 to provide high-level, strategic support and direction for the program, and provide a link between government, investors and local action. Response has been very positive with many councils, government agencies and community organisations committed to be contributing partners in a collaborative Steering Committee framework.

In 2007, a Master Plan Working Group was established to oversee the development of the Master Plan and a Short-Term Works Program has been established to guide on-ground works.

Click here to see the Living Links brochure.

For more information on this or any of the PPWCMA projects contact the PPWCMA on 03 8781 7900.