Protecting the Yarra River (Birrarung)

The Yarra River, Birrarung is one of Victoria’s most iconic waterways and is integral to Melbourne’s identity and liveability. The river is central to the identity and wellbeing of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people, the Traditional Owners of the lands through which the river flows. Downstream of the city, the Bunurong People are the Traditional Owners for the lower reaches of the Yarra estuary out to Narrm (Port Phillip Bay). The river is a major biodiversity corridor that flows across more than 240 kilometres of diverse urban and rural landscapes.

The Victorian Government has committed to protecting the Yarra River (Birrarung) through a range of landmark initiatives which include:

• Yarra River Action Plan
• Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin Birrarung murron) Act 2017 (the Act)
• Birrarung Council
• Burndap Birrarung burndap umarkoo, the Yarra Strategic Plan
• Amendment VC197 permanent planning controls

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