Melton Dry Stone Walls

The City of Melton sits on a wide volcanic plain that stretches to the South Australian border. Numerous volcanic eruption points around Melton have provided plenty of field stone, which was used to build farm fences, stockyards and dam walls.

Early European settlers built these walls by hand, without mortar, using techniques from their home countries. In Melton, you can still see walls built by Irish, Scottish and English wallers.

Many of these dry stone walls are still standing more than 150 years later. They are an important reminder of Melton's farming history.

Council has listed a number of walls on the schedule to the Heritage Overlay. If you think your wall may be included,  you can contact the Strategic Planning Team on 9747 7200 or by emailing citysupport@melton.vic.gov.au to check.

Making changes to a dry stone wall

If your wall is on the Heritage Overlay  and want to make changes to your wall, you will need to contact Council to obtain a planning permit. 

These changes may include:

  • creating new gateways
  • altering or extending new wall ends
  • demolishing part of the wall
  • rebuilding or reconstructing sections

General maintenance and repairs such as replacing stones or tightening wires and posts do not require a permit.

Support for wall owners

We offer support to owners of dry stone walls, including:

  • free advice on repair and maintenance
  • information and resources about dry stone walls 
  • funding for repairs. 

Dry Stone Wall Design Guidelines

Melton City Council partnered with the City of Whittlesea, Wyndham City Council and the Streamlining for Growth Program to develop the Dry Stone Wall Design Guidelines(PDF, 4MB) , with funding support from the Victorian Planning Authority (VPA)

The Guidelines aim to provide high level guidance for quality and integrated design outcomes in conserving dry stone walls as cultural heritage features. The Guidelines outline good design practice that responds to local context and enhances the cultural heritage values of dry stone walls for future generations.

You can also read the City of Melton Dry Stone Wall Study to learn more about the history of dry stone walls in our area.

Additional information

The Dry Stone Walls Association of Australia Inc. (DSWAA) is a not-for-profit organisation founded in 2002 at Ballarat, Victoria. It brings together rural landowners, farmers, dry stone wallers, landscapers and others who share an interest interest in the identification, documentation and conservation of dry stone walls. The DSWAA website provides information about professional wallers, workshops and field days and member newsletters.

If you would like more information abut your dry stone wall or property, please contact our Strategic Planning Team on 9747 7200 or email citysupport@melton.vic.gov.au

 

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