{"id":"melbourne-yarra-park-land-act-1980","name":"Melbourne (Yarra Park) Land Act 1980","slug":"melbourne-yarra-park-land-act-1980","collection":"act","jurisdiction":"vic","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":178045,"registerId":"vic-melbourne-yarra-park-land-act-1980-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-05","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Melbourne (Yarra Park) Land Act 1980","content":"Version No. 004\n\n**Melbourne (Yarra Park) Land Act 1980**\n\n**No. 9422 of 1980**\n\nVersion incorporating amendments as at  \n19 October 2016\n\n**table of provisions**\n\n*Section Page*\n\nPart 1—Preliminary 2\n\n1 Short title and commencement 2\n\n2 Definition 2\n\nPart 2—Leases of certain land in Yarra Park 5\n\n3 Trust may grant leases of land described in the Schedule 5\n\n4 No compensation payable by Crown 6\n\nPart 3—Other provision as to Yarra Park Reserve 7\n\n5 Revocation of Crown grant for Yarra Park Reserve 7\n\n6 Revocation of appointment of Council as committee of management for Yarra Park Reserve 7\n\n7 Appointment of Trust as committee of management for Yarra Park Reserve 7\n\n8 Management and improvement plan for Yarra Park Reserve 7\n\n9 Car parking 9\n\n10 Money received in relation to Yarra Park Reserve 11\n\n11 Yarra Park Advisory Committee 11\n\n12 Function of Yarra Park Advisory Committee 12\n\n13 Procedure of Yarra Park Advisory Committee 13\n\n14 Unused road to be added to Yarra Park Reserve 13\n\n15 Brunton Avenue land to be excised from Yarra Park Reserve 14\n\n16 Railway land to be excised from Yarra Park Reserve 16\n\n17 Registrar of Titles 17\n\n18 Regulations for Yarra Park Reserve 17\n\nPart 4—Transitional provisions 20\n\n19 Preservation of vendor licences 20\n\n20 Preservation of Punt Road Oval lease 21\n\n21 Preservation of management contracts 21\n\n22 Punt Road Oval Agreement 23\n\n23 Revocation of old regulations 23\n\n24 Revocation of Yarra Park Parking Agreement 24\n\nSchedule 25\n\nEndnotes 26\n\n1 General information 26\n\n2 Table of Amendments 28\n\n3 Amendments Not in Operation 29\n\n4 Explanatory details 30\n\n**Version No.** **004**\n\n**Melbourne (Yarra Park) Land Act 1980**\n\n**No. 9422 of 1980**\n\nVersion incorporating amendments as at  \n19 October 2016\n\nAn Act to authorize the Granting of Leases of certain Land at East Melbourne in the City of Melbourne permanently reserved as a Site for a Public Park, and for other purposes.\n\n**Preamble**\n\nWHEREAS by an Order in Council of 9 June 1873 certain land at East Melbourne in the city of Melbourne known as Yarra Park was permanently reserved as a site for a public park and by Crown Grant dated 13 June 1873[[1]](#endnote-2) entered in the Register Book of the Office of Titles in volume 600 folium 119902 was vested in the Minister of Lands and the corporation of the city of Melbourne:\n\nAND WHEREAS by an Order in Council of 9 October 1917[[2]](#endnote-3) the corporation of the city of Melbourne was appointed as committee of management of the land:\n\nAND WHEREAS the land delineated and shown hatched on the plan in the Schedule is part of the said land and is used for the purposes of sport and recreation:\n\nAND WHEREAS it is expedient to authorize the corporation of the city of Melbourne as committee of management to grant leases of the land delineated and shown hatched on the plan in the Schedule:\n\n**BE IT THEREFORE ENACTED by the Queen's Most Excellent Majesty by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Council and the Legislative Assembly of Victoria in this present Parliament assembled and by the authority of the same as follows (that is to say):**\n\nPt 1 (Heading) inserted by No. 89/2009 s. 3.\n\nPart 1—Preliminary\n\n\t1 Short title and commencement\n\n(1) This Act may be cited as the **Melbourne (Yarra Park) Land Act 1980**.\n\n(2) This Act shall come into operation on the day on which it receives the Royal Assent.\n\n\t2 Definition\n\nIn this Act unless inconsistent with the context or subject-matter—\n\nS. 2 def. of *2009 Act* inserted by No. 89/2009 s. 4(2).\n\n***2009 Act*** means the **Melbourne Cricket Ground and Yarra Park Amendment Act 2009**;\n\nS. 2 def. of *City of Melbourne* inserted by No. 89/2009 s. 4(2).\n\n***City of Melbourne*** has the same meaning as in the **City of Melbourne Act 2001**;\n\nS. 2 def. of *corporation* repealed by No. 89/2009 s. 4(1).\n\n* * * * *\n\nS. 2 def. of *Council* inserted by No. 89/2009 s. 4(2).\n\n***Council*** means the Melbourne City Council;\n\nS. 2 def. of *land* inserted by No. 89/2009 s. 4(2).\n\n***land*** includes a stratum of land;\n\nS. 2 def. of *major event* inserted by No. 89/2009 s. 4(2).\n\n***major event*** means an event or events involving the use of the Melbourne Cricket Ground or facilities at Melbourne Park or Olympic Park;\n\nS. 2 def. of *Melbourne and Olympic Parks Trust* inserted by No. 89/2009 s. 4(2).\n\n***Melbourne and Olympic Parks Trust*** means the Melbourne and Olympic Parks Trust established by the **Melbourne and Olympic Parks Act 1985**;\n\nS. 2 def. of *Melbourne Cricket Club* inserted by No. 89/2009 s. 4(2).\n\n***Melbourne Cricket Club*** has the same meaning as in the **Melbourne Cricket Ground Act 2009**;\n\nS. 2 def. of *Melbourne Cricket Ground* inserted by No. 89/2009 s. 4(2).\n\n***Melbourne Cricket Ground*** has the same meaning as ***Ground*** has in the **Melbourne Cricket Ground Act 2009**;\n\nS. 2 def. of *Melbourne Park* inserted by No. 89/2009 s. 4(2).\n\n***Melbourne Park*** has the same meaning as in the **Melbourne and Olympic Parks Act 1985**;\n\nS. 2 def. of *Olympic Park* inserted by No. 89/2009 s. 4(2).\n\n***Olympic Park*** has the same meaning as in the **Melbourne and Olympic Parks Act 1985**;\n\nS. 2 def. of *specified Minister* inserted by No. 89/2009 s. 4(2).\n\n***specified Minister*** means—\n\n(a) the Minister; or\n\n(b) the Minister administering the **Sport and Recreation Act 1972**;\n\nS. 2 def. of *Trust* inserted by No. 89/2009 s. 4(2).\n\n***Trust*** means the Melbourne Cricket Ground Trust established by the **Melbourne Cricket Ground Act 2009**;\n\nS. 2 def. of *VicTrack* inserted by No. 89/2009 s. 4(2).\n\n***VicTrack*** means Victorian Rail Track established by the **Rail Corporations Act 1996**;\n\nS. 2 def. of *Yarra Park Reserve* inserted by No. 89/2009 s. 4(2).\n\n***Yarra Park Reserve*** means the land described as Crown Allotment 2B of section 19C and Crown Allotment 2019 at East Melbourne, City of Melbourne, Parish of Melbourne North and any land taken to be part of Yarra Park Reserve by the operation of this Act.\n\nPt 2 (Heading) inserted by No. 89/2009 s. 5.\n\nPart 2—Leases of certain land in Yarra Park\n\nS. 3 (Heading) inserted by No. 89/2009 s. 6(1).\n\n\t3 Trust may grant leases of land described in the Schedule\n\nS. 3(1) amended by No. 89/2009 s. 6(2).\n\n(1) Notwithstanding anything in any Act the Trust as committee of management of the land permanently reserved by the Order in Council of 9 June 1873 as a site for a public park known as Yarra Park may from time to time grant leases of the land delineated and shown hatched on the plan in the Schedule for the purposes of sport or recreation or social activities connected therewith including the erection of buildings.\n\n(2) A lease under this section—\n\n(a) shall be subject to such covenants conditions exceptions and reservations as the corporation thinks fit;\n\n(b) shall provide that in the event of the Order in Council of 9 June 1873, and Crown Grant volume 600 folium 119902 being revoked in so far as they relate to the land the subject of the lease for or in connexion with the widening of Punt Road no compensation whatsoever shall be payable to the lessee;\n\n(c) shall be for a term not exceeding 21 years; and\n\n(d) shall be subject to approval by the Governor in Council.\n\nS. 3(3) amended by Nos 41/1987 s. 103(Sch. 4 item 45.1), 89/2009 s. 6(3).\n\n(3) The moneys received by way of rent under any lease granted under this section shall be applied by the Trust towards the maintenance and improvement of the whole or any parts of the land permanently reserved as aforesaid or for such other purposes as the Minister in any particular case approves.\n\nS. 4 amended by No. 89/2009 s. 7.\n\n\t4 No compensation payable by Crown\n\nNo compensation shall be payable by the Crown in respect of any act matter or thing done under or arising out of this Part.\n\nPt 3 (Heading and ss 5–18) inserted by No. 89/2009 s. 8.\n\nPart 3—Other provision as to Yarra Park Reserve\n\nS. 5 inserted by No. 89/2009 s. 8.\n\n\t5 Revocation of Crown grant for Yarra Park Reserve\n\nCrown grant Volume 600 Folio 119902 is **revoked**.\n\nS. 6 inserted by No. 89/2009 s. 8.\n\n\t6 Revocation of appointment of Council as committee of management for Yarra Park Reserve\n\nThe appointment of the Council as the committee of management for Yarra Park Reserve under the Order in Council dated 9 October 1917 is **revoked**.\n\nS. 7 inserted by No. 89/2009 s. 8.\n\n\t7 Appointment of Trust as committee of management for Yarra Park Reserve\n\nThe Trust is taken to be appointed under section 14(2) of the **Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978** as the committee of management for Yarra Park Reserve.\n\nS. 8 inserted by No. 89/2009 s. 8.\n\n\t8 Management and improvement plan for Yarra Park Reserve\n\n(1) The Trust must prepare a management and improvement plan for Yarra Park Reserve for each year.\n\n(2) The Trust must submit the plan to each specified Minister for approval on or before the same date in each year that is determined by the Minister under section 25(3) of the **Melbourne Cricket Ground Act 2009**.\n\n(3) Before submitting the plan under subsection (2), the Trust must consult with the Melbourne and Olympic Parks Trust in relation to the provision of car parking in Yarra Park Reserve for the purpose of major events.\n\n(4) The plan must be in the form approved by each specified Minister and must include—\n\n(a) a statement of intent, being information about the objectives, main undertakings, activities, performance measures and targets of the Trust in relation to Yarra Park Reserve; and\n\n(b) strategies to support major events; and\n\n(c) strategies to support community access to Yarra Park Reserve for all purposes consistent with the purposes of the reservation of Yarra Park Reserve including informal recreation and events; and\n\n(d) strategies to improve the long term health and sustainability of Yarra Park Reserve and its trees; and\n\n(e) strategies to maintain and enhance the amenity of Yarra Park Reserve; and\n\n(f) any other matter that a specified Minister directs and that is consistent with—\n\n(i) the purposes for which the land may be used under this Act; and\n\n(ii) the purposes for which the land is reserved.\n\n(5) The Trust must consider any comment on the plan prepared under subsection (4) that is made by a specified Minister within 2 months after the plan was submitted to that Minister.\n\n(6) If a specified Minister has made a comment under subsection (5), the Trust must—\n\n(a) consult in good faith with the Minister; and\n\n(b) make any change to the plan that is agreed upon between the Minister and the Trust; and\n\n(c) make any change to the plan that is reasonable and required by each specified Minister in writing and that is consistent with—\n\n(i) the purposes for which the land may be used under this Act; and\n\n(ii) the purposes for which the land is reserved; and\n\n(d) deliver the settled plan to each specified Minister for approval.\n\n(7) On receiving a settled plan under subsection (6)(d) each specified Minister may approve the plan.\n\n(8) The whole or a part of the plan must not be published or made available except for the purposes of this section without the prior approval of each specified Minister.\n\nS. 9 inserted by No. 89/2009 s. 8.\n\n\t9 Car parking\n\n(1) Subject to this section, the Trust may provide car parking in Yarra Park Reserve for the following purposes—\n\n(a) major events;\n\n(b) the management, use and enjoyment of the facilities at the Melbourne Cricket Ground when major events are not being held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground;\n\n(c) the management, use and enjoyment of the facilities of the land delineated and shown hatched on the plan in the Schedule and known as Punt Road Oval;\n\n(d) any purpose consistent with the purposes of the reservation of Yarra Park Reserve.\n\n(2) In making any decision to provide car parking for the purpose set out in subsection (1)(a), the Trust must have regard to—\n\n(a) the expected demand for car parking in Yarra Park Reserve for major events;\n\n(b) the extent and patterns of previous use of Yarra Park Reserve for car parking for major events;\n\n(c) an assessment of the effect the car parking will have on the condition of the surface of Yarra Park Reserve;\n\n(d) an assessment of the effect the car parking will have on the condition of the soil of Yarra Park Reserve and the level of sub‑surface water content;\n\n(e) an assessment of the effect the car parking will have on the condition of the trees in Yarra Park Reserve;\n\n(f) the need to rotate car parking to minimise excessive damage or wear to the surface or sub-surface of Yarra Park Reserve;\n\n(g) the protection of private or public property in Yarra Park Reserve;\n\n(h) the safety of pedestrians and car parking attendants in Yarra Park Reserve.\n\n(3) In making any decision to provide car parking for a purpose set out in subsection (1)(b), the Trust must restrict car parking to any paved areas in the immediate vicinity of the Melbourne Cricket Ground.\n\n(4) In making any decision to provide car parking for a purpose set out in subsection (1)(c), the Trust must have regard to restricting car parking to areas on, and in the immediate vicinity of, the land delineated and shown hatched on the plan in the Schedule and known as Punt Road Oval.\n\n(5) The Trust must not provide car parking in Yarra Park Reserve for any purpose other than a purpose set out in this section.\n\nS. 10 inserted by No. 89/2009 s. 8.\n\n\t10 Money received in relation to Yarra Park Reserve\n\n(1) Any money received by, or collected on behalf of, the Trust in relation to Yarra Park Reserve must not be spent for any purpose other than the operation, management, maintenance and improvement of Yarra Park Reserve.\n\n(2) All money received and spent in relation to Yarra Park Reserve must be accounted for separately in the financial statements of the Trust.\n\nS. 11 inserted by No. 89/2009 s. 8.\n\n\t11 Yarra Park Advisory Committee\n\n(1) There is established by this Act an advisory committee known as the Yarra Park Advisory Committee.\n\n(2) The Yarra Park Advisory Committee consists of up to 7 members appointed by the Minister administering the **Sport and Recreation Act 1972** including—\n\n(a) a member of the Trust;\n\n(b) a representative of the Melbourne Cricket Club, being the chief executive officer or a nominee of the chief executive officer;\n\n(c) a person nominated by the Council to represent the Council;\n\n(d) up to 2 other persons nominated by the Council, following consultation with the Minister administering the **Sport and Recreation Act 1972**, that the Council considers—\n\n(i) have regular use of public parks within the City of Melbourne; and\n\n(ii) have knowledge of the issues involved in the management and use of public parks within the City of Melbourne; and\n\n(iii) have an understanding of community needs for public parks within the City of Melbourne; and\n\n(iv) can demonstrate community support for their nomination;\n\n(e) other persons considered by the Minister administering the **Sport and Recreation Act 1972** to be appropriate.\n\n(3) The chairperson of the Yarra Park Advisory Committee is the member appointed under subsection (2)(a).\n\n(4) A person appointed under subsection (2)(d) or (e)—\n\n(a) is appointed for the period, not exceeding 3 years, specified in his or her instrument of appointment; and\n\n(b) is eligible for re-appointment; and\n\n(c) is subject to the terms and conditions specified in his or her instrument of appointment.\n\nS. 12 inserted by No. 89/2009 s. 8.\n\n\t12 Function of Yarra Park Advisory Committee\n\nThe function of the Yarra Park Advisory Committee is to advise the Trust on the operation, management and improvement of Yarra Park Reserve.\n\nS. 13 inserted by No. 89/2009 s. 8.\n\n\t13 Procedure of Yarra Park Advisory Committee\n\nSubject to this Act, the Yarra Park Advisory Committee may regulate its own proceedings.\n\nS. 14 inserted by No. 89/2009 s. 8.\n\n\t14 Unused road to be added to Yarra Park Reserve\n\n(1) The Minister administering the **Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978** may recommend to the Governor in Council that any part of the land shown hatched on the plan lodged in the Central Plan Office and numbered LEGL./09-309 be added to Yarra Park Reserve.\n\n(2) The Minister may make a recommendation under subsection (1) on—\n\n(a) receiving plans of land signed by the Surveyor-General; and\n\n(b) being satisfied that the land shown on the plans signed by the Surveyor-General represents land that is to be added to Yarra Park Reserve.\n\n(3) On receiving a recommendation of the Minister under subsection (1), the Governor in Council, by Order published in the Government Gazette, may declare that the land shown on the plans signed by the Surveyor-General is to be added to Yarra Park Reserve.\n\n(4) On the publication of an Order under subsection (3)—\n\n(a) the land shown on the plans signed by the Surveyor-General is taken to be permanently reserved under section 4(1) of the **Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978** for the purpose of a public park; and\n\n(b) the land shown on the plans signed by the Surveyor-General is taken to be included in, and form part of, the land permanently reserved under the Order in Council specified in Schedule 1; and\n\n(c) the Trust is taken to be appointed as the committee of management for the land shown on the plans signed by the Surveyor-General under section 14(2) of the **Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978**.\n\n(5) On the publication of an Order under subsection (3), the land shown on the plans signed by the Surveyor-General—\n\n(a) ceases to be a road or a part of a road or a road reserve and all rights, easements and privileges existing or claimed either by the public or any body or person as incident to any express or implied grant or past dedication or supposed dedication or any past user or operation of law or otherwise, cease; and\n\n(b) is taken to be freed and discharged from all trusts, limitations, reservations, restrictions, encumbrances, estates and interests in or applying to any part of the land immediately before that publication.\n\nS. 15 inserted by No. 89/2009 s. 8.\n\n\t15 Brunton Avenue land to be excised from Yarra Park Reserve\n\n(1) The Minister administering the **Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978** may recommend to the Governor in Council that any part of the land shown hatched and shown cross-hatched on the plan lodged in the Central Plan Office and numbered LEGL./09-308 be excised from Yarra Park Reserve.\n\n(2) The Minister may make a recommendation under subsection (1) on—\n\n(a) receiving plans of land signed by the Surveyor-General; and\n\n(b) being satisfied that the land shown on the plans signed by the Surveyor-General represents land that is to be excised from Yarra Park Reserve.\n\n(3) On receiving a recommendation of the Minister under subsection (1), the Governor in Council, by Order published in the Government Gazette, may declare that the land shown on the plans signed by the Surveyor-General is taken to be a road known as Brunton Avenue.\n\n(4) On the publication of an Order under subsection (3), the land shown on the plans signed by the Surveyor-General is taken to be—\n\n(a) declared as a road under section 11 of the **Road Management Act 2004**; and\n\n(b) declared as an arterial road under section 14 of the **Road Management Act 2004**.\n\n(5) On the publication of an Order under subsection (3)—\n\n(a) subject to subsection (7), the land shown on the plans signed by the Surveyor-General is taken to be freed and discharged from all trusts, limitations, reservations, restrictions, encumbrances, estates and interests applying to that land immediately before that publication; and\n\n(b) any regulations made under section 13 of the **Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978** are revoked to the extent that they apply to the land shown on the plans signed by the Surveyor-General.\n\n(6) Subsection (5)(a) is not to be taken to revoke the naming of Brunton Avenue on 28 June 1938 and published in the Government Gazette on 29 June 1938.\n\n(7) Any land excised from Yarra Park Reserve under this section is not to be taken to include any part of the Melbourne Cricket Ground.\n\nS. 16 inserted by No. 89/2009 s. 8.\n\n\t16 Railway land to be excised from Yarra Park Reserve\n\n(1) The Minister administering the **Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978** may recommend to the Governor in Council that any part of the land shown hatched on the plan lodged in the Central Plan Office and numbered LEGL./09-307 be excised from Yarra Park Reserve.\n\n(2) The Minister may make a recommendation under subsection (1) on—\n\n(a) receiving plans of land signed by the Surveyor-General; and\n\n(b) being satisfied that the land shown on the plans signed by the Surveyor-General represents land that is to be excised from Yarra Park Reserve.\n\n(3) On receiving a recommendation of the Minister under subsection (1), the Governor in Council, by Order published in the Government Gazette, may declare that the land shown on the plans signed by the Surveyor-General is taken to be granted to VicTrack under section 13E of the **Rail Corporations Act 1996**.\n\n(4) On the publication of an Order under subsection (3), the land shown on the plans signed by the Surveyor-General is taken to be granted to VicTrack under section 13E of the **Rail Corporations Act 1996**.\n\n(5) On the publication of an Order under subsection (3)—\n\n(a) the land shown on the plans signed by the Surveyor-General is taken to be freed and discharged from all trusts, limitations, reservations, restrictions, encumbrances, estates and interests applying to that land immediately before that publication; and\n\n(b) any regulations made under section 13 of the **Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978** are revoked to the extent that they apply to the land shown on the plans signed by the Surveyor-General.\n\nS. 17 inserted by No. 89/2009 s. 8.\n\n\t17 Registrar of Titles\n\nThe Registrar of Titles is authorised and directed to make any entries in the Register that are necessary to give effect to this Part.\n\nS. 18 inserted by No. 89/2009 s. 8.\n\n\t18 Regulations for Yarra Park Reserve\n\n(1) The Minister may make regulations for or with respect to—\n\n(a) subject to the provision of car parking in Yarra Park Reserve in accordance with section 9, prohibiting or regulating traffic or car parking in Yarra Park Reserve;\n\n(b) prohibiting or regulating advertising or soliciting in Yarra Park Reserve;\n\n(c) prohibiting or regulating commercial activities in Yarra Park Reserve;\n\n(d) 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) Regulations made under this Act—\n\n(a) may prescribe a penalty not exceeding 20 penalty units for a contravention of any regulation;\n\n(b) may apply at all times or at specified times;\n\n(c) may apply throughout the whole of Yarra Park Reserve or in a specified part or parts of Yarra Park Reserve;\n\n(d) may apply to all cases or to all cases subject to specified exceptions or to any specified case or class of case.\n\n(3) Regulations made under this section and any revocation of any such regulations must be published in the Government Gazette.\n\n(4) Regulations made under this section and any revocation of any such regulations come into operation on the day that they are published in the Government Gazette.\n\nS. 18(5) substituted by No. 51/2016 s. 15(1).\n\n(5) Despite section 34 of the **Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978**, a person who contravenes any regulations made under section 13 of that Act  that apply to Yarra Park Reserve (including any regulations for or with respect to prohibiting the depositing and the leaving of any unwanted material or thing on Yarra Park Reserve) is liable to—\n\n(a) the penalty imposed in those regulations for that contravention; or\n\n(b) if no penalty is imposed in those regulations for that contravention, a penalty not exceeding 20 penalty units.\n\nS. 18(6) repealed by No. 51/2016 s. 15(2).\n\n* * * * *\n\n**Note**\n\nRegulations made under this Act and regulations made under the **Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978** are relevant laws under the **Conservation, Forests and Lands Act 1987**. An offence under a relevant law may be enforced by way of infringement notice. See section 91 of the **Conservation, Forests and Lands Act 1987**.\n\nPt 4 (Heading and ss 19–24) inserted by No. 89/2009 s. 8.\n\nPart 4—Transitional provisions\n\nS. 19 inserted by No. 89/2009 s. 8.\n\n\t19 Preservation of vendor licences\n\n(1) The amendment of this Act by the 2009 Act is not to be taken to affect the status or continuity of a vendor licence that is in force immediately before the commencement of that Act.\n\n(2) On and from the commencement of the 2009 Act, a vendor licence that is in force immediately before that commencement has effect—\n\n(a) as a licence between the Trust as licensor and the licensee for the time being under the licence, as if it had been assigned to the Trust; and\n\n(b) as if the Trust were a party to the licence instead of the Council.\n\n(3) Nothing in this section is to be taken as having the effect of transferring or assigning to the Trust any right, liability or obligation under a vendor licence, to the extent that the right, liability or obligation existed before the commencement of the 2009 Act or arises from events or circumstances that occurred or existed before that commencement.\n\n(4) In this section—\n\n***vendor licence*** means—\n\n(a) a licence for the sale of refreshments or novelties in Yarra Park Reserve entered into by the Council with Event Catering Solutions Australia Pty Ltd, ABN 32 457 585 833 on 26 October 2007;\n\n(b) the licence for the sale of refreshments or novelties in Yarra Park Reserve entered into by the Council with Krisanth Pty Ltd, ABN 44 087 775 273 on 26 October 2007.\n\nS. 20 inserted by No. 89/2009 s. 8.\n\n\t20 Preservation of Punt Road Oval lease\n\n(1) The amendment of this Act by the 2009 Act is not to be taken to affect the status or continuity of the lease over the land delineated and shown hatched on the plan in the Schedule and known as Punt Road Oval entered into by the Council with the Richmond Cricket Club, ABN 96 550 695 944 on 1 January 1995 that is in force immediately before the commencement of that Act.\n\n(2) The lease referred to in subsection (1) has effect on and from the commencement of the 2009 Act—\n\n(a) as a lease between the Trust as lessor and the lessee for the time being under the lease, as if it had been assigned to the Trust; and\n\n(b) as if the Trust were a party to the lease instead of the Council.\n\n(3) Nothing in this section is to be taken as having the effect of transferring or assigning to the Trust any right, liability or obligation under the Punt Road Oval lease, to the extent that the right, liability or obligation existed before the commencement of the 2009 Act or arises from events or circumstances that occurred or existed before that commencement.\n\nS. 21 inserted by No. 89/2009 s. 8.\n\n\t21 Preservation of management contracts\n\n(1) The amendment of this Act by the 2009 Act is not to be taken to affect the status or continuity of a management contract that is in force immediately before the commencement of that Act.\n\n(2) On and from the commencement of the 2009 Act, a management contract that is in force immediately before that commencement has effect—\n\n(a) in so far as the contract relates to Yarra Park Reserve, as a contract between the Trust and the other party for the time being under the contract, as if it had been assigned to the Trust; and\n\n(b) in so far as the contract relates to Yarra Park Reserve, as if the Trust were a party to the contract instead of the Council.\n\n(3) Nothing in this section is to be taken as having the effect of transferring or assigning to the Trust any right, liability or obligation under a management contract, to the extent that the right, liability or obligation existed before the commencement of the 2009 Act or arises from events or circumstances that occurred or existed before that commencement.\n\n(4) In this section—\n\n***management contract*** means—\n\n(a) the contract for the management and maintenance of parks and gardens in the City of Melbourne entered into by the Council with CityWide Services Solution Pty Ltd, ABN 94 066 960 085 on 1 April 2004;\n\n(b) the contract for the management and maintenance of trees in the City of Melbourne entered into by the Council with CityWide Services Solution Pty Ltd, ABN 94 066 960 085 on 1 April 2004;\n\n(c) the contract for the management of car parking in certain parks and gardens in the City of Melbourne entered into by the Council with S & K Car Park Management Pty Ltd, ABN 94 108 043 689 on 1 October 2008.\n\nS. 22 inserted by No. 89/2009 s. 8.\n\n\t22 Punt Road Oval Agreement\n\n(1) Nothing in the amendments made to this Act by the 2009 Act is to be taken as having the effect of—\n\n(a) making the Trust a party to the Punt Road Oval Agreement; or\n\n(b) giving rise to any duty of the Trust or liability or other obligation on the Trust arising out of the Punt Road Oval Agreement.\n\n(2) In this section, the ***Punt Road Oval Agreement*** means the Funding Agreement for the Redevelopment of Training, Administrative and Community Facilities at Punt Road Oval entered into between the State of Victoria, the Melbourne City Council, the Richmond Football Club, ABN 25 679 793 340, and the Australian Football League, ACN 004 155 211 on 29 June 2009 in respect of the land described in the Schedule.\n\nS. 23 inserted by No. 89/2009 s. 8.\n\n\t23 Revocation of old regulations\n\nOn the commencement of the 2009 Act any regulations made under section 13 of the **Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978** that applied to the whole or any part of Yarra Park Reserve immediately before that commencement are revoked to the extent that they apply to Yarra Park Reserve.\n\nS. 24 inserted by No. 89/2009 s. 8.\n\n\t24 Revocation of Yarra Park Parking Agreement\n\n(1) On the commencement of the 2009 Act, the Yarra Park Parking Agreement ceases to have effect.\n\n(2) In this section, the ***Yarra Park Parking Agreement*** means the Yarra Park Parking Agreement entered into between the Melbourne City Council and the Minister for Planning on 28 October 2005 in respect of Yarra Park Reserve.\n\nSchedule\n\nSection 3.\n\n*Land at East Melbourne, city of Melbourne, which may be leased by the corporation of the city of Melbourne for the purposes of sport or recreation or social activities connected therewith including the erection of buildings.*\n\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 authorised versions of legislation and up-to-date legislative information.\n\nThe **Melbourne (Yarra Park) Land Act 1980** was assented to on 20 May 1980 and came into operation on 20 May 1980: section 1(2).\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 **Melbourne (Yarra Park) Land Act 1980** by Acts and subordinate instruments.\n\n–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––\n\n**Conservation, Forests and Lands Act 1987, No. 41/1987**\n\n| Assent Date: | 19.5.87 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | S. 103(Sch. 4 item 45.1) on 1.7.87: Government Gazette 24.6.87 p. 1694 |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Melbourne (Yarra Park) Land Act 1980** |\n\n\n**Melbourne Cricket Ground and Yarra Park Amendment Act 2009, No. 89/2009**\n\n| Assent Date: | 15.12.09 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | Ss 3–8 on 15.3.10: s. 2(2) |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Melbourne (Yarra Park) Land Act 1980** |\n\n\n**Crown Land Legislation Amendment Act 2016, No. 51/2016**\n\n| *Assent Date:* | 18.10.16 |\n| --- | --- |\n| *Commencement Date:* | S. 15 on 19.10.16: s. 2 |\n| *Current State:* | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Melbourne (Yarra Park) Land Act 1980** |\n\n\n–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––\n\n3 Amendments Not in Operation\n\nThere are no amendments which were Not in Operation at the date of this publication.\n\n4 Explanatory details\n\n1. Preamble: Government Gazette 13 June 1873 page 1059. [↑](#endnote-ref-2)\n\n2. Preamble: Government Gazette 17 October 1917 page 3258. [↑](#endnote-ref-3)","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"summary":{"complexity_score":2,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"Based on the available text, there is no evidence the scope changed from its original intent. The Act appears to have remained focused on its original purpose of governing the Yarra Park land, with the version history showing it has been consolidated but not substantially amended."},"complexity_factors":["Very narrow, single-subject legislation focused on one specific parcel of land","Typical land dedication acts of this era use straightforward declaratory language","Limited operative provisions — these acts usually contain few sections","The provided text is largely metadata/version history with minimal substantive content to analyse","No apparent cross-referencing with complex regulatory frameworks based on available text"],"plain_english_summary":"The Melbourne (Yarra Park) Land Act 1980 establishes the legal status and management framework for Yarra Park in Melbourne, specifying how the land is to be controlled and what uses are permitted. It primarily affects the government bodies that manage the park and the public who use the MCG precinct. The Act gives the park protected status, making sale, redevelopment, or repurposing subject to specific legislative approval."},"issue_detection":{"absurdities":[],"contradictions":[]},"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"},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":5,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The original 1980 Act was narrowly focused: it simply allowed the City of Melbourne to grant leases of specific land in Yarra Park for sport and recreation. The 2009 amendments (No. 89/2009) dramatically expanded the scope. The Act transformed from a simple leasing mechanism into a comprehensive management regime: transferring control from Council to the MCG Trust, adding detailed car parking controls, creating an advisory committee, establishing annual planning requirements, and providing machinery for land excisions and additions. The legislation evolved from enabling specific leases to governing the entire park's operation in conjunction with major stadium events."},"complexity_factors":["Extensive cross-referencing to other Acts (Melbourne Cricket Ground Act 2009, Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978, Rail Corporations Act 1996, etc.)","Multiple defined terms (14 definitions in section 2, many referencing external statutes)","Nested conditional logic in land adjustment procedures (sections 14-16 require Minister recommendation → Governor in Council Order → Gazette publication → automatic statutory consequences)","Transitional provisions preserving specific historical contracts and licences by name and ABN (sections 19-22)","Dual ministerial responsibility ('specified Minister' can be either the primary Minister or the Sport and Recreation Minister)","Amendment history visible in text (numerous 'inserted by No. 89/2009' notations showing major 2009 restructuring)"],"plain_english_summary":"This law governs a specific parcel of public parkland in Melbourne called Yarra Park, which sits next to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).\n\n**What it does:**\n- **Allows leasing**: It lets the Melbourne Cricket Ground Trust (the 'Trust') lease out parts of the park for sports, recreation, and social activities—including building structures. These leases can last up to 21 years but need approval from the Governor in Council (the Premier and senior ministers).\n- **Transfers control**: It strips management of the park from the Melbourne City Council and hands it to the Trust. This happened in 2010 via a major update to the Act.\n- **Sets management rules**: The Trust must prepare annual plans for the park's upkeep, balancing major events (like AFL matches) with community access and tree health.\n- **Controls car parking**: It strictly limits when and where cars can park in the park—mostly for major events or MCG functions—and requires the Trust to protect the grass and trees when allowing parking.\n- **Creates an advisory committee**: A group of up to 7 people (including MCG and council reps) advises the Trust on running the park.\n- **Handles land adjustments**: It provides a mechanism to add unused roads to the park, or remove land for roads (Brunton Avenue) or railway use (VicTrack).\n\n**Who it affects:**\n- The Melbourne Cricket Ground Trust (now the manager)\n- The Melbourne City Council (lost direct control but retains advisory input)\n- Sporting clubs leasing land (like Richmond Cricket Club at Punt Road Oval)\n- Vendors and contractors working in the park\n- Anyone using the park for recreation or parking\n\n**Why it matters:**\nThis is a classic example of 'site-specific' legislation. Instead of general park laws, Parliament created a bespoke legal regime for one of Melbourne's most iconic green spaces. The 2009 overhaul was particularly significant—it effectively 'parked' the park under the MCG Trust's umbrella, ensuring the area is managed primarily to support the stadium and major events, while maintaining some public park functions."},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":7,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"Yes. The 2009 amendments reassign the committee of management from the Council to the Melbourne Cricket Ground Trust (s.7), empower the Trust to grant leases of the hatched land (s.3), require annual minister‑approved management plans (s.8), authorise regulated car parking (s.9), and provide statutory processes to add or excise land and to grant certain parts to VicTrack or declare roads (ss.14–16). Transitional provisions preserve existing licences, leases and management contracts without transferring historic liabilities (Part 4)."},"complexity_factors":["Cross‑references and dependence on multiple other Acts (Melbourne Cricket Ground Act 2009; Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978; Rail Corporations Act 1996; Road Management Act 2004) increase legal interdependence.","Transfer of management from Council to a statutory Trust with retained transitional protections for existing licences, leases and contracts (Pt 4) adds continuity and liability complexity.","Administrative approvals and oversight: annual management and improvement plans require specified Minister(s) approval and consultation with Melbourne and Olympic Parks Trust (s.8).","Executive actions require Governor in Council orders for adding/excising land and for granting land to VicTrack (ss.14–16), increasing procedural steps.","Discretion and constraints on Trust decisions: leasing limits (21 years), lease covenants, no‑compensation clause for road widening, and restrictions on purposes for car parking (s.3, s.9).","Financial ring‑fencing: all money from Yarra Park must be spent only on the park and separately accounted for (s.10), requiring dedicated accounting and increasing compliance burden.","Regulatory and enforcement regime: Minister may make regulations (including penalties up to 20 penalty units) and older Crown Land regulations are revoked or superseded (s.18).","Confidentiality and publication limits on management plans (s.8(8)) create additional administrative controls and potential transparency issues."],"plain_english_summary":"This Act transfers management of Yarra Park from the City of Melbourne to the Melbourne Cricket Ground Trust and authorises the Trust to grant leases (up to 21 years) for sport, recreation and related buildings, manage car parking, and add or excise parts of the reserve. Rents must be ring‑fenced for park upkeep; ministers and the Governor in Council must approve key plans and orders, so the Trust decides operations subject to specified ministerial and statutory constraints."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/melbourne-yarra-park-land-act-1980","history":"/api/acts/melbourne-yarra-park-land-act-1980/history","analysis":"/api/acts/melbourne-yarra-park-land-act-1980/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/melbourne-yarra-park-land-act-1980/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/melbourne-yarra-park-land-act-1980/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/melbourne-yarra-park-land-act-1980/documents"}}