The Yarra River is one of Victoria’s most iconic waterways and is integral to Melbourne’s identity and liveability. Flowing across more than 240 kilometres of urban and rural landscapes, it is a major biodiversity corridor supporting diverse landforms. To the Wurundjeri people, the Traditional Owners of the majority Yarra River Country, the Birrarung (Yarra River) has spiritual, cultural, ceremonial and environmental significance as the life source and an important meeting place.
The Victorian Government has committed to protecting the Yarra River through a range of landmark initiatives which include:
- The Yarra River Action Plan.
- The Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin Birrarung murron) Act 2017 (the Act) a landmark legislation co-titled in Woi wurrung language of the Wurundjeri people to protect this iconic river for future generations.
- The Birrarung Council established as the independent ‘voice of the Yarra’.
- The forthcoming Yarra Strategic Plan, which is intended to guide future land use and development along the entire Yarra River corridor.
- Amendment GC48 to the Yarra River Planning Controls, which are interim planning controls to manage development pressures.
Page last updated: 04/10/19