Yarra River Action Plan

In February 2017, the Victorian Government released the Yarra River Action Plan. The Action Plan requires the river to be managed as a living integrated entity with a voice; centred by Traditional Owner values and perspectives; and underpinned by coordinated planning frameworks.

The Plan contains 30 specific actions to ensure the long-term protection of the river and its parklands, developed  in response to recommendations of the Yarra River Protection Ministerial Advisory Committee (Yarra MAC) in its final report. Fifteen actions have been completed, including:

• establishment of the Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin Birrarung murron) Act 2017
• permanent Yarra River Planning Controls
• development of a 50-year Community Vision
• a Yarra Strategic Plan to be made every 10 years to deliver this vision.

The Yarra River 50 Year Community Vision was launched in May 2018. It defines the community’s values and priorities for the river and its parklands and sets the narrative for its protection and improvement.

Nhanbu narrun ba ngargunin twarn (Ancient Spirit and Lore of the Yarra), Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung people’s placed based policy response to the Act was launched by the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung community on the same day. It outlines Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people’s aspirations for community and Country.

The Yarra Strategic Plan  (Burndap Birrarung burndap umarkoo), the first of its kind, was released in February 2022.  It will guide future land use and development along the corridor towards aligning with the 50 Year Community Vision and Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung's Birrarung water policy Nhanbu narrun ba ngargunin twarn Birrarung (Ancient Spirit and Lore of the Yarra).