History of the Dandenong Valley Authority, 1963-1993

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TitleHistory of the Dandenong Valley Authority (DVA), 1963-1993AuthorGraeme Rooke, Chief Design Engineer & Director of Technical Services, DVAPat Condina, Senior Environmental Scientist, DVADescriptionThis document was written in consultation with several senior staff at the DVA and reference to Annual Reports covering the Authority's 30 years.

It covers the development and implementation of catchment and waterway management strategies including:
Flood mitigation by use of multiple retarding basins throughout the catchment.
Provision of adequate outfall drainage for existing and planned urban growth.
Ensuring Planning schemes identify and preserve flood plains and that subdivisional layouts provide for the safe passage of flows from extreme rainfall events.

Prior to EPA the DVA also played a valuable role in the protection and enhancement of natural waterways and remnant wetlands.
Date createdJune 2025SummaryIn the late 1950’s and early 1960’s, Melbourne’s eastern suburbs were rapidly expanding into the rural catchment of the Dandenong creek, extending from Mt Dandenong to the bay and from Waverley to Berwick. Councils were experiencing outfall drainage problems, localised flooding and stream pollution.
The impact of urbanisation plus an awareness of the devastation created by the 1934 flood event in Melbourne and Gippsland was of concern to the 14 Councils within the Dandenong creek catchment, and at the request of councils, the Dandenong Valley Authority Act 1963 No. 7060 was formulated. This later extended into the Westernport Bay catchment.
The act was unique, giving wide ranging powers to the Authority to develop and implement strategies throughout the 14 municipalities to mitigate the impact of the 1934 flood event and the increasing run off from urbanisation.
Councils’ involvement by the collection of a special precept from all ratepayers in the district on behalf of the Authority, referral of subdivisional and development plans for Authority approval, with strategies and decisions ratified by a 15-member board comprising of a Councillor from each council plus a government nominee, was unique, and ensured a “whole of catchment approach” which today safeguards these densely populated municipalities from minor and major flood events. These strategies are reflected in today’s best practices in these fields.
LanguageEnglishAccess restrictionsNormal copyright restrictions apply.

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History of the Dandenong Valley Authority, 1963-1993

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