Melton 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. Dry stone walls are an important part of Melton's heritage and help tell the story of the area's farming history.
Early settlers built these structures by hand, without mortar, using traditional techniques brought from Ireland, Scotland and England more than 150 years ago. They remain a distinctive feature of the local landscape today and are a significant part of Melton's rural and cultural heritage.
In 2024, with funding provided by the Victorian Planning Authority, Melton City Council partnered with Wyndham City and City of Whittlesea to release Dry Stone Wall Design Guidelines(PDF, 4MB) providing guidance on planning, designing and integrating dry stone walls in our built environment and landscapes.
Check if your wall is heritage protected
Some dry stone walls in Melton are protected under the Heritage Overlay. To view all dry stone wall heritage overlays, visit our Heritage places of significance webpage.
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.
If you require a planning permit, please contact Council's City Growth and Development team for further information on 9747 7200 or email planningsupport@melton.vic.gov.au
Routine maintenance and minor repairs, such as replacing fallen stones or tightening existing wires and posts, generally do not require a permit.
For more complex projects, you are encouraged to seek their own heritage advice.
Further information
The DSWAA website provides information about professional wallers, workshops and field days and member newsletters.