{"id":"heritage-rivers-act-1992","name":"Heritage Rivers Act 1992","slug":"heritage-rivers-act-1992","collection":"act","jurisdiction":"vic","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":174655,"registerId":"vic-heritage-rivers-act-1992-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-05","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Heritage Rivers Act 1992","content":"Version No. 022\n\n**Heritage Rivers Act 1992**\n\n**No. 36 of 1992**\n\nVersion incorporating amendments as at  \n1 December 2020\n\n**table of provisions**\n\n*Section Page*\n\n1 Purpose 1\n\n2 Commencement 1\n\n3 Definitions 1\n\n4 Crown to be bound 4\n\n5 Heritage river areas 4\n\n6 Natural catchment areas 4\n\n7 Powers and duties of managing authorities 4\n\n8 Management plans 5\n\n8A Disallowance of management plan or part of a management plan 7\n\n8B Effect of disallowance of management plan or part of a management plan 8\n\n8C Notice of disallowance of management plan or part of a management plan 8\n\n9 Contents of management plans 8\n\n10 Land and water uses which are not permitted in heritage river areas 10\n\n11 Specific land and water uses for particular heritage river areas 11\n\n12 Land and water uses which are not permitted in natural catchment areas 11\n\n13 Specific land and water uses for particular natural catchment areas 12\n\n14 Public land in a heritage river area or natural catchment area is not to be disposed of 12\n\n15 Act to prevail over inconsistent provisions 12\n\n16 Managing authority may act in an emergency 13\n\n17 Power to enter into agreements 13\n\n18 Regulations 14\n\n22 Transitional provision 15\n\n23 Further transitional and savings provisions 15\n\nSchedules 17\n\nSchedule 1—Heritage river areas 17\n\nSchedule 2—Natural catchment areas 24\n\nSchedule 3—Restricted land and water uses in Heritage River Areas 29\n\nSchedule 4—Specific land and water uses for particular Heritage River Areas 31\n\nSchedule 5—Specific land and water uses for particular natural catchment areas 34\n\nEndnotes 35\n\n1 General information 35\n\n2 Table of Amendments 37\n\n3 Amendments Not in Operation 39\n\n4 Explanatory details 40\n\n**Version No.** **022**\n\n**Heritage Rivers Act 1992**\n\n**No. 36 of 1992**\n\nVersion incorporating amendments as at  \n1 December 2020\n\n**The Parliament of Victoria enacts as follows:**\n\n\t1 Purpose\n\nThe purpose of this Act is to make provision for Victorian heritage rivers by providing for the protection of public land in particular parts of rivers and river catchment areas in Victoria which have significant nature conservation, recreation, scenic or cultural heritage attributes and to make related amendments to other Acts.\n\n\t2 Commencement\n\n(1) This Act, other than section 20, comes into operation on a day to be proclaimed.\n\n(2) Section 20, is to be taken to have come into operation on the day on which item 26 in the Schedule to the **Water (Consequential Amendments) Act 1989** came into operation.\n\nS. 3 amended by No. 46/1998 s. 7(Sch. 1) (ILA s. 39B(1)).\n\n\t3 Definitions\n\n(1) In this Act—\n\nS. 3(1) def. of *bank* inserted by No. 32/1998 s. 4.\n\n***bank***, in relation to a river or creek, has the same meaning as in section 384(1) of the **Land Act 1958** but does not include land over which water of the river or creek normally flows;\n\nS. 3(1) def. of *bed* inserted by No. 32/1998 s. 4.\n\n***bed***, in relation to a river or creek, has the same meaning as in section 384(1) of the **Land Act 1958**;\n\nS. 3(1) def. of *Catchment Management Authority* inserted by No. 68/2006 s. 3(1)(a).\n\n***Catchment Management Authority*** means an Authority within the meaning of the **Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994**;\n\nS. 3(1) def. of *Central Plan Office* amended by Nos 46/1998 s. 7(Sch. 1), 68/2006 s. 3(1)(b), repealed by No. 53/2017 s. 77.\n\n* * * * *\n\n***heritage river area*** means land that is a heritage river area under section 5;\n\nS. 3(1) def. of *impoundment* inserted by No. 68/2006 s. 3(1)(a).\n\n***impoundment*** means an impoundment, barrier or structure that impedes the passage of water fauna;\n\n***Land Conservation Council*** means the Land Conservation Council established under the **Land Conservation Act 1970**;\n\nS. 3(1) def. of *left bank* inserted by No. 32/1998 s. 4.\n\n***left bank***, in relation to a river or creek, means the left bank when facing downstream;\n\n***managing authority*** means a person or organisation responsible for the management of public land in a heritage river area or natural catchment area, whether or not that responsibility is exercised alone or together with any other person or authority;\n\n***natural catchment area*** means land that is a natural catchment area under section 6;\n\n***powered water craft*** means any water craft propelled by an internal combustion engine;\n\nS. 3(1) def. of *public land* amended by No. 68/2006 s. 3(1)(c).\n\n***public land*** means—\n\n(a) unalienated land of the Crown including land permanently or temporarily reserved under section 4 of the **Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978** and State forest, within the meaning of the **Forests Act 1958**, and parks within the meaning of the **National Parks Act 1975**; or\n\n(b) land vested in any public authority (other than a municipality or an Authority under the **Water Act 1989**), to the extent that the land vested in the Authority is within a sewerage district listed in Column 3 of Schedule 12 to that Act; or\n\n(c) land vested in the Melbourne Water Corporation constituted under the **Melbourne Water Corporation Act 1992**; or\n\n(d) any other land declared to be public land by the Governor in Council under the **Land Conservation Act 1970**;\n\nS. 3(1) def. of *right bank* inserted by No. 32/1998 s. 4.\n\n***right bank***, in relation to a river or creek, means the right bank when facing downstream;\n\n***water diversion*** means the taking of water under a bulk entitlement, licence to take and use water or agreement under the **Water Act 1989** or any other Act and any works associated with that taking;\n\n***waterway*** has the same meaning as in the **Water Act 1989**.\n\nS. 3(2) inserted by No. 46/1998 s. 7(Sch. 1), repealed by No. 68/2006 s. 3(2).\n\n* * * * *\n\n\t4 Crown to be bound\n\nThis Act binds the Crown, not only in right of the State of Victoria, but also, so far as the legislative power of the Parliament permits, the Crown in all its other capacities.\n\n\t5 Heritage river areas\n\nEach area of land described in a part of Schedule 1 is a heritage river area under the name specified in that part.\n\n\t6 Natural catchment areas\n\nEach area of land described in a part of Schedule 2 is a natural catchment area under the name specified in that part.\n\n\t7 Powers and duties of managing authorities\n\n(1) A managing authority of a heritage river area must, in so far as it is consistent with the authority's duty to manage the area responsibly—\n\n(a) take all reasonable steps to ensure that the significant nature conservation, recreation, scenic or cultural heritage attributes of the area are protected; and\n\n(b) subject to paragraph (a), take all reasonable steps to provide opportunities for other recreational activities, landscape appreciation and education within the area; and\n\n(c) take all reasonable steps to ensure that that part of the river which is in the area is maintained without further interference with its free flowing state except as otherwise provided in this Act.\n\n(2) A managing authority of a natural catchment area must, in so far as it is consistent with the authority's duty to manage the area responsibly, take all reasonable steps to ensure that the area is maintained in an essentially natural condition.\n\n(3) A managing authority has the power to do everything that is necessary or convenient for it to do to give effect to this Act.\n\n\t8 Management plans\n\nS. 8(1) substituted by No. 68/2006 s. 4(1).\n\n(1) If requested by the Minister, a managing authority of all or part of a heritage river area or natural catchment area or the Catchment Management Authority for the area, must prepare a management plan in relation to the area, or any part of the area, within the time specified by the Minister that includes the matters specified by the Minister.\n\nS. 8(1A) inserted by No. 68/2006 s. 4(1).\n\n(1A) The Minister may request the preparation of a management plan under subsection (1)—\n\n(a) after consulting the Minister responsible for administering the Act under which the land is controlled or managed or the Catchment Management Authority is established; and\n\n(b) if he or she considers that there is not an existing plan or strategy that adequately addresses the management of the area.\n\nS. 8(2) repealed by No. 68/2006 s. 4(2).\n\n* * * * *\n\n(3) A management plan proposed to be made under this section must be made available for public inspection for at least 60 days before it is made.\n\nS. 8(4) amended by No. 68/2006 s. 4(3).\n\n(4) The managing authority or Catchment Management Authority must have regard to any comments made by persons who have inspected the management plan during the inspection period.\n\nS. 8(5) amended by No. 68/2006 s. 4(4).\n\n(5) A management plan made under this section does not take effect until it is approved by the Minister, after consulting the Minister responsible for administering the Act under which the land is controlled or managed or the Catchment Management Authority is established.\n\nS. 8(6) amended by No. 68/2006 s. 4(5).\n\n(6) A management plan may be amended or revoked by a managing authority or Catchment Management Authority with the approval of the Minister, after consulting the Minister responsible for administering the Act under which the land is controlled or managed or the Catchment Management Authority is established.\n\nS. 8(7) repealed by No. 68/2006 s. 4(6).\n\n* * * * *\n\nS. 8(8) amended by No. 68/2006 s. 4(7).\n\n(8) The managing authority or Catchment Management Authority must cause notice of a management plan made under this section and of any amendment or revocation of such a plan to be published in the Government Gazette.\n\nS. 8(9) repealed by No. 68/2006 s. 4(8).\n\n* * * * *\n\nS. 8A inserted by No. 68/2006 s. 5.\n\n\t8A Disallowance of management plan or part of a management plan\n\n(1) The power to make, amend or revoke a management plan is subject to disallowance by a House of the Parliament.\n\n(2) On or before the 7th sitting day after notice of the making, amendment or revocation of a management plan has been published in the Government Gazette under section 8(8), a copy of the following document must be laid before each House of the Parliament—\n\n(a) in the case of notice of the making or amendment of a management plan, the plan as made or amended; or\n\n(b) in the case of notice of the revocation of a management plan, the notice of revocation of the plan.\n\n(3) The making, amendment or revocation of a management plan is disallowed in whole or in part if—\n\n(a) a notice of a resolution to disallow the making, amendment or revocation of the management plan is given in a House of the Parliament on or before the 18th sitting day of that House after the management plan or notice of the revocation, as the case requires, is laid before that House; and\n\n(b) the resolution is passed by that House on or before the 12th sitting day of that House after the giving of the notice of the resolution.\n\n(4) If a House of the Parliament is prorogued or the Legislative Assembly is dissolved, the calculation of sitting days of the House is to be made as if there had been no prorogation or dissolution.\n\nS. 8B inserted by No. 68/2006 s. 5.\n\n\t8B Effect of disallowance of management plan or part of a management plan\n\nIf the making, amendment or revocation of a management plan, or part of a management plan, is disallowed by a House of the Parliament, the disallowance has the same effect as a revocation of the making, amendment or revocation of the management plan or part.\n\nS. 8C inserted by No. 68/2006 s. 5.\n\n\t8C Notice of disallowance of management plan or part of a management plan\n\nIf the making, amendment or revocation of a management plan, or part of a management plan, is disallowed, the Clerk of the Parliaments must cause notice of the disallowance to be published in the Government Gazette.\n\nS. 9 substituted by No. 68/2006 s. 6, amended by No. 49/2017 s. 78 (ILA s. 39B(1)).\n\n\t9 Contents of management plans\n\n(1) A management plan prepared under section 8 in relation to a heritage river area or a natural catchment area must—\n\n(a) include the matters specified by the Minister under section 8(1); and\n\n(b) be consistent with this Act and any Land Conservation Council recommendations in respect of which notice has been given under section 10(3) of the **Land Conservation Act 1970**.\n\nS. 9(2) inserted by No. 49/2017 s. 78.\n\n(2) If the Minister requests a managing authority or a Catchment Management Authority to prepare a management plan in relation to land that forms part of the Yarra River Heritage Area, the managing authority or Catchment Management Authority must have regard to a Yarra Strategic Plan as it applies to that land.\n\nS. 9(2A) inserted by No. 17/2018 s. 15(1).\n\n(2A) If the Minister requests a managing authority or a Catchment Management Authority to prepare a management plan in relation to land that forms part of a declared area, the managing authority or Catchment Management Authority must have regard to a Statement of Planning Policy as it applies to that land.\n\nS. 9(2B) inserted by No. 19/2020 s. 92(1).\n\n(2B) If the Minister requests a managing authority or a Catchment Management Authority to prepare a management plan in relation to land that forms part of the Great Ocean Road region, the managing authority or Catchment Management Authority (as the case requires) must have regard to an approved Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan as it applies to that land.\n\nS. 9(3) inserted by No. 49/2017 s. 78.\n\n(3) In this section—\n\nS. 9(3) def. of *approved Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan* inserted by No. 19/2020 s. 92(2).\n\n***approved* *Great Ocean Road strategic framework plan*** has the same meaning as in the **Great Ocean Road and Environs Protection Act 2020**;\n\nS. 9(3) def. of *declared area* inserted by No. 17/2018 s. 15(2).\n\n***declared area*** has the same meaning as in the **Planning and Environment Act 1987**;\n\nS. 9(3) def. of *Great Ocean Road region* inserted by No. 19/2020 s. 92(2).\n\n***Great Ocean Road region*** has the same meaning as in the **Great Ocean Road and Environs Protection Act 2020**;\n\nS. 9(3) def. of *Statement of Planning Policy* inserted by No. 17/2018 s. 15(2).\n\n***Statement of Planning Policy*** has the same meaning as in the **Planning and Environment Act 1987**;\n\n***Yarra Strategic Plan*** has the same meaning as in the **Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin Birrarung murron) Act 2017**.\n\n\t10 Land and water uses which are not permitted in heritage river areas\n\nS. 10(1) substituted by No. 68/2006 s. 7.\n\n(1) An impoundment must not be constructed or extended in a heritage river area.\n\n(2) There must not be a new water diversion in a heritage river area specified in Column 2 of Schedule 3 unless it is approved by the Governor in Council by notice published in the Government Gazette.\n\n(3) Any new water diversion from a waterway upstream from the lowest point of a heritage river area specified in Column 3 of Schedule 3 must not significantly impair the nature conservation, recreation, scenic or cultural heritage attributes of the area.\n\n(4) Subsection (3) does not apply to a water diversion approved by the Governor in Council by notice published in the Government Gazette.\n\n(5) Timber harvesting is not to be carried out in any heritage river area specified in Column 4 of Schedule 3.\n\n\t11 Specific land and water uses for particular heritage river areas\n\nA heritage river area set out in Column 1 of Schedule 4 must be managed in accordance with the recommendation of the Land Conservation Council made under the **Land Conservation Act 1970** set out opposite that area in Column 2 of Schedule 4.\n\n\t12 Land and water uses which are not permitted in natural catchment areas\n\nThe carrying out of the following uses and activities must not be permitted or take place in a natural catchment area—\n\n(a) the clearing of indigenous flora;\n\n(b) the harvesting of timber;\n\n(c) the establishment of plantations;\n\n(d) mining;\n\n(e) mineral exploration, except in accordance with any recommendation of the Land Conservation Council in respect of which notice has been given under section 10(3) of the **Land Conservation Act 1970**;\n\n(f) extractive industries;\n\n(g) the construction of new water storages or new water diversions;\n\n(h) the carrying out of waterway management;\n\n(i) the grazing of domestic animals;\n\n(j) the making of new roads or the upgrading of existing roads;\n\n(k) the discharging of effluent;\n\n(l) the introduction of non-indigenous species of fauna;\n\n(m) the stocking of the area with indigenous fauna, except for the purpose of conserving an indigenous species of fauna which would otherwise be at risk;\n\n(n) the use of powered water craft.\n\n\t13 Specific land and water uses for particular natural catchment areas\n\nA natural catchment area set out in Column 1 of Schedule 5 must be managed in accordance with the recommendation of the Land Conservation Council made under the **Land Conservation Act 1970** set out opposite that area in Column 2 of Schedule 5.\n\n\t14 Public land in a heritage river area or natural catchment area is not to be disposed of\n\nPublic land in a heritage river area or natural catchment area must not be disposed of—\n\n(a) in the case of unalienated land of the Crown, by way of grant, conveyance or otherwise; or\n\n(b) in the case of land vested in a public authority, by way of transfer or conveyance without the approval of the Minister.\n\n\t15 Act to prevail over inconsistent provisions\n\n(1) Nothing in section 7 of this Act or in any other Act or in any instrument made, granted or issued under another Act is to be taken to authorise the carrying out of activities in a heritage river area or natural catchment area to the extent that the activities are prohibited, or the manner of carrying out the activities is regulated by or under—\n\n(a) this Act; or\n\n(b) an approved management plan; or\n\nS. 15(1)(c) amended by No. 68/2006 s. 8.\n\n(c) a Land Conservation Council recommendation, or part of a recommendation, described in Schedule 4 or 5.\n\nS. 15(2) substituted by No. 32/1998 s. 5.\n\n(2) An instrument made, granted or issued under any Act is of no effect to the extent that it authorises, or purports to authorise, the carrying on of activities in contravention of subsection (1).\n\n\t16 Managing authority may act in an emergency\n\nIn an emergency in which there is an immediate risk of personal injury or damage to property, the managing authority may carry out an activity prohibited, or act in a manner contrary to that permitted by or under—\n\n(a) this Act; or\n\n(b) an approved management plan; or\n\nS. 16(c) amended by No. 68/2006 s. 8.\n\n(c) a Land Conservation Council recommendation, or part of a recommendation, described in Schedule 4 or 5.\n\n\t17 Power to enter into agreements\n\n(1) A managing authority may enter an agreement with any other managing authority, municipality, government department or public statutory body of Victoria, the Commonwealth or any other State or Territory of the Commonwealth with respect to the exercise of its powers under this Act.\n\n(2) The Minister must cause notice in the prescribed form of the making of an agreement to be laid before each House of Parliament within 10 sitting days after it is made.\n\n(3) The agreement has no effect if either House of Parliament passes a resolution declaring it be of no effect within 10 sitting days after notice of the making of the agreement is laid before the House.\n\n(4) The Minister must publish notice of the resolution of the House in the Government Gazette.\n\n\t18 Regulations\n\n(1) The Governor in Council may make regulations for or with respect to the following matters—\n\n(a) the control, management and use of heritage river areas and natural catchment areas;\n\n(b) management plans;\n\n(c) generally prescribing any other matter or thing required or permitted by this Act to be prescribed or necessary to be prescribed to give effect to this Act.\n\n(2) The regulations—\n\n(a) may be of general or limited application; and\n\n(b) may differ according to differences in time, place or circumstances; and\n\n(c) may leave any matter to be approved or determined by the Minister; and\n\n(d) may impose penalties not exceeding 5 penalty units for a contravention of the regulations.\n\nS. 18(3) amended by No. 68/2006 s. 9(1).\n\n(3) Regulations made under this section may be disallowed in whole or in part by resolution of either House of the Parliament in accordance with the requirements of section 23 of the **Subordinate Legislation Act 1994**.\n\nS. 18(4) amended by No. 68/2006 s. 9(2).\n\n(4) Disallowance under subsection (3) is deemed to be disallowance by the Parliament for the purposes of the **Subordinate Legislation Act 1994**.\n\nSs 19–21 repealed by No. 32/1998 s. 9.\n\n* * * * *\n\nS. 22 amended by No. 68/2006 s. 10 (ILA s. 39B(1)).\n\n\t22 Transitional provision\n\n(1) This Act is not to be taken to disturb the continuity, operation or effect of any instrument made granted or issued under any other Act before the commencement of this Act which authorises the carrying out of the grazing of domestic stock in a natural catchment area or heritage river area.\n\nS. 22(2) inserted by No. 68/2006 s. 10.\n\n(2) Despite section 10(1), an impoundment that was in existence immediately before the commencement of section 6 of the **Heritage Rivers (Further Protection) Act 2006** may be replaced or maintained.\n\nS. 23 inserted by No. 32/1998 s. 8.\n\n\t23 Further transitional and savings provisions\n\n(1) Proceedings for an offence—\n\n(a) committed or alleged to have been committed in a place or area that is within a State forest within the meaning of the **Forests Act 1958** that are commenced before the day on which the **Heritage Rivers (Amendment) Act 1998** received the Royal Assent; or\n\n(b) of hindering or obstructing activities in a State forest committed or alleged to have been committed before the day on which the **Heritage Rivers (Amendment) Act 1998** received the Royal Assent—\n\nare to be heard and determined as if the **Heritage Rivers (Amendment) Act 1998** had not been enacted.\n\n(2) Except as provided in subsection (1), anything done or purporting to have been done on or in relation to land that, on the day on which the **Heritage Rivers (Amendment) Act 1998** received the Royal Assent, ceased to be in a heritage river area, is, and is deemed always to have been, as valid and permissible as it would have been if this Act had been enacted as amended by the **Heritage Rivers (Amendment) Act 1998**.\n\nSchedules\n\nSchedule 1—Heritage river areas\n\nSch. 1 Pt 1 substituted by No. 32/1998 s. 6(1).\n\nPart 1—Mitta Mitta River Heritage Area\n\nThe bed and banks of the Big River, County of Bogong and the Mitta Mitta River between the downstream edge of the Big River Bridge on the Omeo Highway and a point on the right bank of the Mitta Mitta River directly west of the southernmost corner of Crown allotment 18 Parish of Mowamba, and all public land adjoining that length of river within 200 metres of each bank except on the right bank of the Big River and Mitta Mitta River downstream from the point where the left bank of the Bundara River meets the right bank of the Big River for a distance of 4⋅82 kilometres where all public land between the right bank and the edge of the Omeo Highway nearest to the Big River or Mitta Mitta River is included.\n\nPart 2—Ovens River Heritage Area\n\nAll those pieces of land along the Ovens River shown bordered in blue on the plan lodged in the Central Plan Office and numbered LEGL/91–4.\n\nPart 3—Howqua River Heritage Area\n\nAll those pieces of land along the Howqua River shown bordered in blue on the plan lodged in the Central Plan Office and numbered LEGL/91–5.\n\nSch. 1 Pt 4 substituted by No. 32/1998 s. 6(2).\n\nPart 4—Big River Heritage Area\n\nThe bed and banks of the Big River in the County of Wonnangatta between the point where the right bank of Springs Creek meets the right bank of the Big River and the point where the left bank of Fryer Creek meets the right bank of the Big River and all public land adjoining that length of river within 200 metres of each bank.\n\nPart 5—Goulburn River Heritage Area\n\nAll those pieces of land along the Goulburn River shown bordered in blue excepting the land coloured yellow on the plan lodged in the Central Plan Office and numbered LEGL/91–7.\n\nPart 6—Wimmera River Heritage Area\n\nAll those pieces of land along the Wimmera River shown bordered in blue excepting the land coloured yellow on the plan lodged in the Central Plan Office and numbered LEGL/91–8.\n\nPart 7—Genoa River Heritage Area\n\nAll those pieces of land along the Genoa River shown bordered in blue on the plan lodged in the Central Plan Office and numbered LEGL/91–9.\n\nSch. 1 Pt 8 substituted by No. 32/1998 s. 6(3).\n\nPart 8—Bemm, Goolengook, Arte and Errinundra Rivers Heritage Area\n\n(a) The bed and banks of the Errinundra River (East Branch) and the Errinundra, Bemm, Goolengook and Arte Rivers between the points marked A and M and between the points marked G and F and between the points marked D and I on the plan lodged in the Central Plan Office and numbered LEGL./98-37 (in this Part called ***the Bemm plan***); and\n\n(b) the public land shown hatched on the inset marked A on the Bemm plan comprising the bed and banks of Sydenham Inlet, adjoining public land, Crown allotment 20 and part of Crown allotment 2A, Parish of Bemm; and\n\n(c) those parts of the Errinundra National Park defined on the plan lodged in the Central Plan Office and numbered N.P. 92/1 within 200 metres of each bank of the Errinundra River (East Branch) and Errinundra River between the points marked A and C and within 200 metres of each bank of the Goolengook River between the points marked D and F on the Bemm plan; and\n\n(d) all public land, not within the Errinundra National Park, within—\n\n(i) 100 metres of each bank of the Errinundra River between the points marked B and C on the Bemm plan; and\n\n(ii) 100 metres of each bank of the Goolengook River between the points marked E and F on the Bemm plan; and\n\n(iii) 100 metres of the right bank of the Arte River between the points marked G and H on the Bemm plan, and between the left bank of that length of river and a line 100 metres from the centreline of the Glen Arte Road in a northerly direction; and\n\n(iv) 100 metres of each bank of the Arte River between the points marked H and F on the Bemm plan; and\n\n(v) 150 metres of each bank of the Goolengook River between the points marked F and I on the Bemm plan; and\n\n(vi) 150 metres of each bank of the Bemm River between the points marked C and J on the Bemm plan; and\n\n(vii) 200 metres of the left bank of the Bemm River between the points marked K and L on the Bemm plan; and\n\n(viii) 200 metres of each bank of the Bemm River between the points marked L and M on the Bemm plan; and\n\n(e) the public land south of Crown allotments 3 and 3B Parish of Purgagoolah and Crown allotment 3A Parish of Nungal and a line extending the southern boundary of Crown allotment 3 Parish of Nungal to the Princes Highway and between the western edge of the Princes Highway and the eastern edge of Euchre Valley Drive; and\n\n(f) the public land between the right bank of the Bemm River downstream of the Princes Highway, a line extending due west from the point where the right bank of the Bemm River meets the left bank of Cobbler Creek to the Princes Highway, and the eastern edge of the Princes Highway in a northerly direction to the right bank of the Bemm River.\n\nPart 9—Snowy River Heritage Area\n\nAll those pieces of land along the Snowy and Little Rivers shown bordered in blue excepting the land coloured yellow on the plan lodged in the Central Plan Office and numbered LEGL/91–11.\n\nPart 10—Suggan Buggan and Berrima Rivers Heritage Area\n\nAll those pieces of land along the Suggan Buggan and Berrima Rivers shown bordered in blue on the plan lodged in the Central Plan Office and numbered LEGL/91–12.\n\nPart 11—Upper Buchan River Heritage Area\n\nAll those pieces of land along the Upper Buchan River shown bordered in blue on the plan lodged in the Central Plan Office and numbered LEGL/91–13.\n\nSch. 1 Pt. 12 amended by No. 60/2005 s. 28(a).\n\nPart 12—Mitchell and Wonnangatta Rivers Heritage Area\n\nAll those pieces of land along the Mitchell and Wonnangatta Rivers shown bordered in blue excepting the land coloured yellow on the plan lodged in the Central Plan Office and numbered LEGL/91–14 and all those pieces of land along the Mitchell River shown coloured pink on the plan lodged in the Central Plan Office and numbered LEGL./05–312.\n\nSch. 1 Pt 13 substituted by No. 32/1998 s. 6(4).\n\nPart 13—Thomson River Heritage Area\n\nThe bed and banks of the Thomson River between the downstream edge of the Thomson Dam wall and a point on the right bank of that river in line with the western boundary of Crown allotment 125A Parish of Toongabbie North and all public land adjoining that length of river within—\n\n(a) 200 metres of each bank upstream of the point where the right bank of the Thomson River meets the left bank of Coopers Creek; and\n\n(b) 300 metres of each bank downstream of the point where the right bank of the Thomson River meets the left bank of Coopers Creek.\n\nPart 14—Yarra River Heritage Area\n\nAll those pieces of land along the Yarra River shown bordered in blue on the plan lodged in the Central Plan Office and numbered LEGL/91–16.\n\nSch. 1 Pt 15 substituted by No. 32/1998 s. 6(5).\n\nPart 15—Lerderderg River Heritage Area\n\nThe bed and banks of the Lerderderg River between the downstream edge of the Roach Road crossing and the point where the river crosses the boundary of the southern extremity of Lerderderg State Park defined in the plan lodged in the Central Plan Office and numbered N.P. 89/1 and—\n\n(a) that part of the Lerderderg State Park shaded grey on the plan lodged in the Central Plan Office and numbered LEGL./98–38; and\n\n(b) all public land within 250 metres of the left bank of that river between the points marked A and B on the plan LEGL./98–38; and\n\n(c) that part of the public purposes reserve (Government Gazette 1881 page 1389) adjoining the left bank of that river between the points marked B and C on the plan LEGL./98-38; and\n\n(d) on the right bank of that river between the point marked A on the plan LEGL./98-38 and a point on the right bank of that river in line with the northern boundary of Crown allotment 53 Parish of Blackwood, all public land within 100 metres from that bank or the northern edge of the Lerderderg Road, whichever is the greater distance from that bank; and\n\n(e) that part of the public purposes reserve (Government Gazette 1881 page 1389) adjoining the right bank of that river between a point on the right bank of that river in line with the northern boundary of Crown allotment 53 Parish of Blackwood and the point marked C on the plan LEGL./98–38.\n\nSch. 1 Pt 16 substituted by Nos 32/1998 s. 6(6), 60/2005 s. 28(b), amended by No. 57/2006 s. 30.\n\nPart 16—Aire River Heritage Area\n\nThe bed and banks of the Aire River between a point on the left bank of that river in line with the eastern boundary of Crown allotment 29E Parish of Olangolah and the low water mark at the mouth of that river and all public land adjoining that length of river comprising—\n\n(a) all land in the Great Otway National Park that is within 200 metres of each bank of the river; and\n\n(b) all land within Crown Allotment 21H, Parish of Aire and Crown Allotment 21A, Parish of Otway; and\n\n(c) all land in the Aire River Wildlife Reserve under the **Wildlife Act 1975** (Government Gazette 1987 page 1495) that is within 100 metres of the left bank of the Aire River.\n\nPart 17—Glenelg River Heritage Area\n\nAll those pieces of land along the Glenelg River shown bordered in blue on the plan lodged in the Central Plan Office and numbered LEGL/91–19.\n\nSch. 1 Pt 18 substituted by No. 32/1998 s. 7.\n\nPart 18—Aberfeldy River Heritage Area\n\nThe bed and banks of the Aberfeldy River and all public land within 200 metres of each bank within the Baw Baw National Park defined on the plan lodged in the Central Plan Office and numbered N.P. 29/1.\n\nSchedule 2—Natural catchment areas\n\nPart 1—East Gippsland Coastal Streams catchment area\n\nAll those pieces of land in the catchments to the Red and Benedore Rivers, and Shipwreck, Easby and Seal Creeks, and areas between them, outlined in green on the plan lodged in the Central Plan Office and numbered LEGL/91–20.\n\nPart 2—Rodger River and Mountain Creek catchment area\n\nAll those pieces of land in the catchments to the Rodger River and Mountain Creek outlined in green on the plan lodged in the Central Plan Office and numbered LEGL/91–21.\n\nPart 3—Avon River catchment area\n\nAll those pieces of land in the catchments to the Avon, Turton and Dolodrook Rivers, and Ben Cruachan and Thiele Creeks, outlined in green on the plan lodged in the Central Plan Office and numbered LEGL/91–22.\n\nPart 4—O'Shannassy River catchment area\n\nAll those pieces of land in the catchment to the O'Shannassy Reservoir outlined in green on the plan lodged in the Central Plan Office and numbered LEGL/91–23.\n\nPart 5—Log Bridge Creek catchment area\n\nAll those pieces of land in the catchment to the East Branch of the Log Bridge Creek outlined in green on the plan lodged in the Central Plan Office and numbered LEGL/91–24.\n\nPart 6—Mount Tabor Creek catchment area\n\nAll those pieces of land in the catchment to Mount Tabor Creek outlined in green on the plan lodged in the Central Plan Office and numbered LEGL/91–25.\n\nPart 7—Banimboola Creek catchment area\n\nAll those pieces of land in the catchment to Banimboola Creek outlined in green on the plan lodged in the Central Plan Office and numbered LEGL/91–26.\n\nPart 8—Devils Creek catchment area\n\nAll those pieces of land in the catchment to the Middle Branch of the Devils Creek outlined in green on the plan lodged in the Central Plan Office and numbered LEGL/91–27.\n\nPart 9—Yarrarabula Creek catchment area\n\nAll those pieces of land in the catchment to Yarrarabula Creek outlined in green on the plan lodged in the Central Plan Office and numbered LEGL/91–28.\n\nPart 10—Long Jack Creek catchment area\n\nAll those pieces of land in the catchment to Long Jack Creek outlined in green on the plan lodged in the Central Plan Office and numbered LEGL/91–29.\n\nPart 11—Williams Creek catchment area\n\nAll those pieces of land in the catchment to Williams Creek outlined in green on the plan lodged in the Central Plan Office and numbered LEGL/91–30.\n\nPart 12—Double Creek catchment area\n\nAll those pieces of land in the catchment to Double Creek outlined in green on the plan lodged in the Central Plan Office and numbered LEGL/91–31.\n\nPart 13—Genoa River Tributary catchment area\n\nAll those pieces of land in the catchment to the unnamed tributary to the Genoa River outlined in green on the plan lodged in the Central Plan Office and numbered LEGL/91–32.\n\nPart 14—Winnot Creek catchment area\n\nAll those pieces of land in the catchment to Winnot Creek outlined in green on the plan lodged in the Central Plan Office and numbered LEGL/91–33.\n\nPart 15—Errinundra River catchment area\n\nAll those pieces of land in the catchment to the East Branch of the Errinundra River outlined in green on the plan lodged in the Central Plan Office and numbered LEGL/91–34.\n\nPart 16—Gattamurh Creek catchment area\n\nAll those pieces of land in the catchment to Gattamurh Creek outlined in green on the plan lodged in the Central Plan Office and numbered LEGL/91–35.\n\nPart 17—Wallaby Creek catchment area\n\nAll those pieces of land in the catchment to Wallaby Creek outlined in green on the plan lodged in the Central Plan Office and numbered LEGL/91–36.\n\nPart 18—Mount Gelantipy Creek catchment area\n\nAll those pieces of land in the catchment to Mount Gelantipy Creek outlined in green on the plan lodged in the Central Plan Office and numbered LEGL/91–37.\n\nPart 19—Musk Creek catchment area\n\nAll those pieces of land in the catchment to Musk Creek outlined in green on the plan lodged in the Central Plan Office and numbered LEGL/91–38.\n\nPart 20—Brodribb River catchment area\n\nAll those pieces of land in the catchment of the headwaters of the Brodribb River outlined in green on the plan lodged in the Central Plan Office and numbered LEGL/91–39.\n\nPart 21—Stony Creek catchment area\n\nAll those pieces of land in the catchment to Stony Creek outlined in green on the plan lodged in the Central Plan Office and numbered LEGL/91–40.\n\nPart 22—Wongungarra River catchment area\n\nAll those pieces of land in the catchment of the headwaters of the Wongungarra River outlined in green on the plan lodged in the Central Plan Office and numbered LEGL/91–41.\n\nPart 23—Blue Rag Creek catchment area\n\nAll those pieces of land in the catchment to Blue Rag Creek outlined in green on the plan lodged in the Central Plan Office and numbered LEGL/91–42.\n\nPart 24—Pinnacle Creek catchment area\n\nAll those pieces of land in the catchment to the East Branch of Pinnacle Creek outlined in green on the plan lodged in the Central Plan Office and numbered LEGL/91–43.\n\nPart 25—Punchen Creek catchment area\n\nAll those pieces of land in the catchment to Punchen Creek outlined in green on the plan lodged in the Central Plan Office and numbered LEGL/91–44.\n\nPart 26—Mount Vereker Creek catchment area\n\nAll those pieces of land in the catchment to Mount Vereker Creek outlined in green on the plan lodged in the Central Plan Office and numbered LEGL/91–45.\n\nSch. 3 amended by No. 68/2006 s. 11.\n\nSchedule 3—Restricted land and water uses in Heritage River Areas\n\n| Column 2<br>   *No new water diversions* | Column 3<br>*New Water diversions    not to significantly impair attributes of area* | Column 4<br>*No timber harvesting* |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| Genoa River Heritage Area | Mitta Mitta River Heritage Area | Mitta Mitta River Heritage Area |\n| Suggan Buggan and Berrima River Heritage Area | Ovens River Heritage Area | Big River Heritage Area |\n| Thomson River Heritage Area | Howqua River Heritage Area | Wimmera River Heritage Area |\n|  | Goulburn River Heritage Area | Genoa River Heritage Area |\n|  | Bemm, Goolengook, Arte and Errinundra River Heritage Area | Bemm, Goolengook, Arte and Errinundra River Heritage Area |\n|  | Snowy River Heritage Area | Suggan Buggan and Berrima River Heritage Area |\n|  | Upper Buchan River Heritage Area | Upper Buchan River Heritage Area |\n|  | Mitchell and Wonnangatta River Heritage Area | Mitchell and Wonnangatta River Heritage Area |\n|  |  | Thomson River Heritage Area |\n|  | Yarra River Heritage Area | Yarra River Heritage Area |\n|  | Lerderderg River Heritage Area | Lerderderg River Heritage Area |\n|  | Aire River Heritage Area | Aire River Heritage Area |\n|  | Glenelg River Heritage Area | Glenelg River Heritage Area |\n|  | Aberfeldy River Heritage Area |  |\n\n\nSch. 4 amended by No. 68/2006 s. 12.\n\nSchedule 4—Specific land and water uses for particular Heritage River Areas\n\n| Column 1<br>*Heritage River Area* | Column 2<br>*Land Conservation Council recommendations* |\n| --- | --- |\n| Ovens River Heritage Area— | A2(m)(iii) timber-harvesting be permitted in the Lower Ovens forest, subject to the recommended principles and guidelines for river red gum harvesting operations |\n| Howqua River Heritage Area— | A3(m)(iii) timber-harvesting continue where land status permits subject to prescriptions providing for a buffer around recreation routes and destinations |\n| Big River Heritage Area— | A4(m)(i) any new diversion of water only be permitted if its volume and timing, and the design of the offtake structure, do not significantly impair in-stream habitat conditions, the passage of in-stream fauna, or reduce scenic landscape value |\n|  | (ii) the volume and timing of any new diversion be such as to not significantly impair canoeing quality, but that if such impairment is likely, an economic assessment of the relative social benefits and costs be carried out |\n| Goulburn River Heritage Area— | A5(m)(iii) timber-harvesting be permitted in the Lower Goulburn forests below Murchison, subject to the recommended principles and guidelines for river red gum harvesting operations |\n\n| Column 1<br>*Natural Catchment Areas* | Column 2<br>*Land Conservation Council recommendations* |\n| --- | --- |\n| Wimmera River Heritage Area— | A6(m)(i) transfers between existing water users take place where appropriate, but no additional diversion of surface water shall be made in the Wimmera Basin |\n|  | (ii) increased allocations only be made where they can be achieved from water savings through schemes that improve water distribution efficiency, such as the piping of parts of the Wimmera-Mallee Stock and Domestic Supply System |\n|  | (iii) an adequate proportion of such water savings is to be allocated to environmental water requirements for the Wimmera River upstream of Lake Hindmarsh |\n|  | (iv) on completion of studies of the means of providing environmental water requirements along the Wimmera River and Outlet Creek to the terminal lakes, an adequate proportion of water savings is to be allocated to these requirements. |\n| Snowy River Heritage Area— | A9(m)(iii) timber-harvesting be permitted in the lower Snowy State forest part of the corridor, by selection felling at a low intensity, except within the natural features zone, subject to minimisation of the impact on scenic landscapes viewed from the river and strategic vantage points, and in accordance with previous Council recommendations |\n\n| Column 1<br>*Natural Catchment Areas* | Column 2<br>*Land Conservation Council recommendations* |\n| --- | --- |\n| Thomson River Heritage Area— | A13(m)(iii) any new water diversions from tributary streams entering the corridor upstream from Cowwarr Weir only be permitted if their volumes, timing, and offtake do not significantly impair canoeing quality or native fish habitat, or reduce scenic landscape value |\n| Yarra River Heritage Area— | A14(m)(i) new diversions of water from the river, only be permitted if their volumes, timing, and offtake do not significantly impair fish habitat conditions, canoeing quality, or scenic landscape value |\n| Lerderderg River Heritage Area— | A15(m)(i) new diversions of water from the river only be permitted if their volumes, timing, construction, and release regime do not significantly impair riparian vegetation quality or scenic landscape value |\n\n\nSch. 5 amended by No. 68/2006 s. 13.\n\nSchedule 5—Specific land and water uses for  \nparticular natural catchment areas\n\n| Column 1<br>*Natural Catchment Area* | Column 2<br>*Land Conservation Council recommendations* |\n| --- | --- |\n| East Gippsland Coastal Streams | B1(d) no alteration occur to the natural hydrological properties of these catchments |\n|  | (e) sites of botanical, zoological and geological/geomorphological significance be protected. |\n| Rodger River and Mountain Creek | B2(d) sites of botanical and zoological significance be protected. |\n| Avon River | B3(d) Australian grayling habitat be protected by retaining free passage to the sea for migration, and maintaining water quality, flow, and in-stream habitat condition. |\n| O'Shannassy River | B4 Note 1. This area includes the O'Shannassy Reservoir. From time to time it will be necessary for Melbourne Water to carry out reservoir maintenance and catchment management activities. |\n| Winnot Creek | B14 Note. Management of this area should take into account its importance as habitat for the vulnerable southern barred frog and the giant burrowing frog. |\n\n\n\n\nEndnotes\n\n1 General information\n\nSee [www.legislation.vic.gov.au](http://www.legislation.vic.gov.au) for Victorian Bills, Acts and current Versions of legislation and up-to-date legislative information.\n\n*Minister's second reading speech—*\n\n*Legislative Assembly: 24 October 1991*\n\n*Legislative Council: 8 April 1992*\n\nThe long title for the Bill for this Act was \"A Bill to make provision for the protection of particular parts of rivers and river catchment areas which have significant nature conservation, recreation, scenic or cultural heritage attributes to amend the **Conservation, Forests and Lands Act 1987**, the **Land Conservation Act 1970** and the **Water Act 1989** and for other purposes.\".\n\nThe **Heritage Rivers Act 1992** was assented to on 16 June 1992 and came into operation as follows:\n\nSection 20 on 1 November 1990: section 2(2); rest of Act on 10 September 1992: Government Gazette 9 September 1992 page 2635.\n\nINTERPRETATION OF LEGISLATION ACT 1984 (ILA)\n\nStyle changes\n\nSection 54A of the ILA authorises the making of the style changes set out in Schedule 1 to that Act.\n\nReferences to ILA s. 39B\n\nSidenotes which cite ILA s. 39B refer to section 39B of the ILA which provides that where an undivided section or clause of a Schedule is amended by the insertion of one or more subsections or subclauses, the original section or clause becomes subsection or subclause (1) and is amended by the insertion of the expression \"(1)\" at the beginning of the original section or clause.\n\nInterpretation\n\nAs from 1 January 2001, amendments to section 36 of the ILA have the following effects:\n\n• Headings\n\nAll headings included in an Act which is passed on or after 1 January 2001 form part of that Act. Any heading inserted in an Act which was passed before 1 January 2001, by an Act passed on or after 1 January 2001, forms part of that Act. This includes headings to Parts, Divisions or Subdivisions in a Schedule; sections; clauses; items; tables; columns; examples; diagrams; notes or forms. See section 36(1A)(2A).\n\n• Examples, diagrams or notes\n\nAll examples, diagrams or notes included in an Act which is passed on or after 1 January 2001 form part of that Act. Any examples, diagrams or notes inserted in an Act which was passed before 1 January 2001, by an Act passed on or after 1 January 2001, form part of that Act. See section 36(3A).\n\n• Punctuation\n\nAll punctuation included in an Act which is passed on or after 1 January 2001 forms part of that Act. Any punctuation inserted in an Act which was passed before 1 January 2001, by an Act passed on or after 1 January 2001, forms part of that Act. See section 36(3B).\n\n• Provision numbers\n\nAll provision numbers included in an Act form part of that Act, whether inserted in the Act before, on or after 1 January 2001. Provision numbers include section numbers, subsection numbers, paragraphs and subparagraphs. See section 36(3C).\n\n• Location of \"legislative items\"\n\nA \"legislative item\" is a penalty, an example or a note. As from 13 October 2004, a legislative item relating to a provision of an Act is taken to be at the foot of that provision even if it is preceded or followed by another legislative item that relates to that provision. For example, if a penalty at the foot of a provision is followed by a note, both of these legislative items will be regarded as being at the foot of that provision. See section 36B.\n\n• Other material\n\nAny explanatory memorandum, table of provisions, endnotes, index and other material printed after the Endnotes does not form part of an Act.  \nSee section 36(3)(3D)(3E).\n\n2 Table of Amendments\n\nThis publication incorporates amendments made to the **Heritage Rivers Act 1992** by Acts and subordinate instruments.\n\n–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––\n\n**Heritage Rivers (Amendment) Act 1998, No. 32/1998**\n\n| Assent Date: | 19.5.98 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | Ss 5, 6 on 10.9.92: s. 2(2); s. 7 on 4.6.97: s. 2(3);    ss 1–4, 8, 9 on 19.5.98: s. 2(1) |\n| Current State: | All of Act in operation |\n\n\n**Public Sector Reform (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 1998, No. 46/1998**\n\n| Assent Date: | 26.5.98 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | S. 7(Sch. 1) on 1.7.98: s. 2(2) |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Heritage Rivers Act 1992** |\n\n\n**National Parks (Otways and Other Amendments) Act 2005 No. 60/2005**\n\n| Assent Date: | 20.9.05 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | S. 28 on 11.12.05: Government Gazette 8.12.05 p. 2845 |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Heritage Rivers Act 1992** |\n\n\n**National Parks and Crown Land (Reserves) Acts (Amendment) Act 2006 No. 57/2006**\n\n| Assent Date: | 15.8.06 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | S. 30 on 16.8.06: s. 2(1) |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Heritage Rivers Act 1992** |\n\n\n**Heritage Rivers (Further Protection) Act 2006 No. 68/2006**\n\n| Assent Date: | 19.9.06 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | 20.9.06: s. 2 |\n| Current State: | All of Act in operation |\n\n\n**Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin Birrarung murron) Act 2017, No. 49/2017**\n\n| Assent Date: | 26.9.17 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | S. 78 on 1.12.17: s. 2(3) |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Heritage Rivers Act 1992** |\n\n\n**Parks and Crown Land Legislation Amendment Act 2017, No. 53/2017**\n\n| Assent Date: | 24.10.17 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | S. 77 on 15.12.17: Special Gazette (No. 433) 12.12.17 p. 1 |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Heritage Rivers Act 1992** |\n\n\n**Planning and Environment Amendment (Distinctive Areas and Landscapes) Act 2018, No. 17/2018**\n\n| Assent Date: | 29.5.18 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | S. 15 on 30.5.18: s. 2 |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Heritage Rivers Act 1992** |\n\n\n**Great Ocean Road and Environs Protection Act 2020, No. 19/2020**\n\n| Assent Date: | 23.6.20 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | S. 92 on 1.12.20: s. 2(2) |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Heritage Rivers Act 1992** |\n\n\n–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––\n\n3 Amendments Not in Operation\n\nThis version does not contain amendments that are not yet in operation.\n\n4 Explanatory details\n\nNo entries at date of publication.","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"A positive credit balance is required for all requests, including BYOK, so fallback providers remain available. Add credits at https://vercel.com/d?to=%2F%5Bteam%5D%2F%7E%2Fai%3Fmodal%3Dtop-up to continue.","source":"analysis-cron"},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":6,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The Act’s scope has been extended and proceduralised by later amendments. Notable changes in the text include insertion of parliamentary disallowance and related rules for management plans (ss.8A–8C, inserted No. 68/2006 s.5), tightening of impoundment and diversion controls (s.10(1) substituted No. 68/2006 s.7), and new requirements for management plans to have regard to external strategic instruments (s.9(2) Yarra Strategic Plan — No. 49/2017 s.78; s.9(2A) Statements of Planning Policy — No. 17/2018 s.15; s.9(2B) Great Ocean Road strategic framework — No. 19/2020 s.92). Schedules 1–5 have also been amended over time to add or modify listed areas (see Table of Amendments). Collectively these changes increase central oversight (Minister, Governor in Council, Parliament), add cross‑instrument alignment, and raise compliance and planning complexity for managing authorities and users."},"complexity_factors":["Detailed geographic regulation through extensive schedules listing specific river and catchment parcels (Schedules 1–5).","Multiple cross‑references to other Acts and external plans, increasing interpretive links (see s.3 definitions; s.9(2)–(2B)).","Layered decision‑making and oversight: Minister approval of management plans (s.8(5)), Governor in Council approval for certain new diversions (s.10(2)), and parliamentary disallowance (ss.8A–8C).","Procedural requirements for management plans, including public exhibition and having regard to public comments (s.8(3)–(4)) and ministerial specifications (s.8(1)).","Differentiated substantive prohibitions and permissions between heritage river areas and natural catchment areas (ss.10, 12) plus site‑specific exceptions in Schedules 3–5.","Emergency exception allowing managing authorities to act contrary to prohibitions in specified urgent circumstances (s.16).","Regulations with delegated matters and disallowance, and a modest penalty regime (s.18).","Overriding effect clause preventing other instruments from authorising activities inconsistent with this Act or approved plans (s.15), increasing legal layering."],"plain_english_summary":"This Act designates specified public land along named rivers and catchments as \"heritage river areas\" or \"natural catchment areas\" and mechanically restricts or prohibits particular land‑ and water‑uses to protect identified conservation, recreation, scenic and cultural attributes. Managing authorities must prepare minister‑specified, publicly exhibited management plans; the Minister, Governor in Council and Parliament have approval and disallowance powers. Compliance costs and operational changes fall mainly on public land managers and private water or land users who will need approvals or be subject to prohibitions."},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":6,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The original 1992 Act focused on protecting specific rivers and catchments based on Land Conservation Council recommendations. Over 28 years, the scope has expanded through amendments to incorporate: (1) new planning frameworks like the Yarra Strategic Plan (2017), Statements of Planning Policy for declared areas (2018), and Great Ocean Road strategic framework plans (2020); (2) new institutional players like Catchment Management Authorities (2006); (3) enhanced parliamentary oversight through disallowance mechanisms (2006); and (4) integration with modern water management frameworks. The Act has evolved from a simple protective statute into a complex coordination mechanism linking river protection with broader land use planning instruments."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple overlapping protection regimes: heritage river areas vs natural catchment areas with different rules (Schedules 1-5)","Extensive cross-referencing to other Acts: Land Act 1958, Water Act 1989, Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994, Land Conservation Act 1970, National Parks Act 1975, etc.","Geographic complexity: 18 heritage river areas and 26 natural catchment areas defined by reference to specific survey plans (e.g., 'LEGL/91-4', 'LEGL/98-37') and metes-and-bounds descriptions requiring external maps","Nested conditional prohibitions: Section 10 creates three different tiers of water diversion restrictions depending on which Schedule 3 column applies to which river","Multiple managing authorities with different powers under different parent Acts, requiring Ministerial consultation with other Ministers before approving plans (s. 8)","Parliamentary disallowance mechanisms for both management plans (ss. 8A-8C) and agreements (s. 17), creating procedural complexity","Transitional provisions preserving pre-existing rights (s. 22) and savings provisions for offences (s. 23)","Layered amendments: 9 amending Acts since 1992, with some sections substituted multiple times and others repealed, creating a patchwork legislative history visible in the sidenotes"],"plain_english_summary":"**What this law does:**\n\nThis Act protects special rivers and their surrounding catchment areas in Victoria that have significant natural, recreational, scenic or cultural heritage values. It creates two types of protected areas:\n\n- **Heritage river areas** — specific stretches of rivers and adjacent public land (like the Yarra, Snowy, and Thomson Rivers)\n- **Natural catchment areas** — upstream watersheds that feed into these rivers\n\n**Who it affects:**\n\n- **Land managers** (called \"managing authorities\") — such as Parks Victoria, Catchment Management Authorities, and Melbourne Water, who must prepare management plans and protect the special values of these areas\n- **Water users and developers** — the Act bans or restricts activities like building dams (impoundments), new water diversions, timber harvesting, mining, and clearing native vegetation in these sensitive areas\n- **The public** — these areas are protected for conservation, recreation, and education\n\n**Key protections:**\n\n- **No new dams** can be built in heritage river areas\n- **No new water diversions** in certain rivers unless approved by the Governor in Council (a high-level government decision)\n- **Natural catchment areas** must stay in \"essentially natural condition\" — banning mining, timber harvesting, road building, grazing, and even powered boats\n- **Public land** in these areas cannot be sold or transferred without Ministerial approval\n- **Management plans** must be prepared for these areas, with public input and parliamentary oversight (Parliament can disallow plans)\n\n**Why it matters:**\n\nThis law ensures Victoria's most precious rivers remain free-flowing and natural, protecting them from development pressures like dams, excessive water extraction, and industrial activity. It recognises that some waterways have exceptional values worth preserving for future generations."},"summary":{"complexity_score":5,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"Based on the available information, the Act appears to remain focused on its original purpose of protecting designated heritage rivers from significant alteration or development. No evidence of scope creep or major amendments broadening or narrowing its application is apparent from this extract, though the consolidated version history suggests minor updates have occurred since the 1992 original."},"complexity_factors":["Limited source text provided — full Act provisions, schedules listing designated rivers, and specific prohibited activities are not visible in this extract","Interaction with other water management laws (Water Act, planning legislation) creates layered compliance obligations","Geographic specificity — different rules may apply to different designated rivers or zones within catchment areas","Determining what constitutes a prohibited 'alteration' to a heritage river can require technical and legal interpretation","Enforcement mechanisms and exemptions (e.g., for existing uses or emergency works) add procedural complexity","Overlapping jurisdiction between state water authorities, local councils, and Parks Victoria"],"plain_english_summary":"The Heritage Rivers Act 1992 designates certain Victorian rivers and their catchments as legally protected for their natural, scenic or cultural value, restricting activities—especially major water infrastructure and disruptive development—that would alter flow or character.\n\nIt affects nearby landowners, farmers, developers, government agencies planning dams or diversions, and recreational users by limiting development and management options. It matters because it preserves scarce near‑natural rivers in Victoria and can significantly constrain how adjacent land and water resources are used."},"issue_detection":{"absurdities":[],"contradictions":[]}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/heritage-rivers-act-1992","history":"/api/acts/heritage-rivers-act-1992/history","analysis":"/api/acts/heritage-rivers-act-1992/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/heritage-rivers-act-1992/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/heritage-rivers-act-1992/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/heritage-rivers-act-1992/documents"}}