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Upper Yarra

Development Project

About the Project

The Victorian Government brought forward the end of native timber harvesting from 2030 to January 2024, leaving Upper Yarra communities about eight months to prepare for a transition they had expected to take seven years.

The film

Upper Yarra Local Development Project

Major Project

Upper Yarra
Local Development Project

  • $500k from the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action to Yarra Ranges Council
  • 1 of 11 priority communities named across Victoria
  • 3 years initiative, launched mid‑2023

The background

Under the 2019 Victorian Forestry Plan, the Upper Yarra was named one of eleven priority communities across the state eligible for funding to develop a Local Development Strategy — covering Yarra Junction, Warburton and Powelltown.

  • Yarra Junction
  • Warburton
  • Powelltown

How it worked

  • Co-designed with RMIT University
  • A “Smart Specialisation” approach, building on the region’s existing strengths
  • Local Innovation Working Groups, developing job-creating projects

Outcomes

We condensed a large, complex project into a digestible format that was well received by the community.

  • Screened at the Warburton theatre as part of a community building event.
  • Improved community discourse on the project.
  • Gave those looking to promote or explain their group a touch point to work from.