Melton Dry Stone Walls
Dry stone walls are an important part of Melton's heritage and help tell the story of the area's farming history. Many of these walls were built by early European settlers more than 150 years ago and remain a distinctive feature of the local landscape today.
Check if your wall is heritage protected
Some dry stone walls in Melton are protected under the Heritage Overlay.
If you own or manage a property with a dry stone wall and are unsure whether it is heritage protected, contact Council's Strategic Planning team on 03 9747 7200 or email citysupport@melton.vic.gov.au
Making changes to a dry stone wall
If your wall is covered by the Heritage Overlay, you may need a planning permit before making changes.
This can include:
- creating a new gateway or opening
- altering or extending wall ends
- demolishing part of the wall
- rebuilding or reconstructing sections of the wall.
Routine maintenance and minor repairs, such as replacing fallen stones or tightening existing wires and posts, generally do not require a permit.
Support for wall owners
Council can provide:
About Melton's dry stone walls
The City of Melton sits on a volcanic plain where field stone was readily available and widely used to build farm fences, stockyards and dam walls. Early settlers built these structures by hand, without mortar, using traditional techniques brought from Ireland, Scotland and England.
Many of these walls still stand today and are a significant part of Melton's rural and cultural heritage.
More information
For information about conserving and managing dry stone walls, view the Dry Stone Wall Design Guidelines(PDF, 4MB) and the Dry Stone Wall overlay.
For further information about your property or dry stone wall, contact Council's Strategic Planning team on 03 9747 7200 or email citysupport@melton.vic.gov.au.
The DSWAA website provides information about professional wallers, workshops and field days and member newsletters.