Melbourne Water has been appointed the lead Agency to oversee the implementation of the Yarra Strategic Plan, launched last month.
Announcing the initial implementation priorities, Managing Director of Melbourne Water, Nerina Di Lorenzo said the Yarra Strategic Plan (Burndap Birrarung burndap umarkoo) 2022–32 would see 14 State and local Agencies play a role in managing the Yarra River corridor.
“The Yarra River, Birrarung, together with its parklands, is the lifeblood of Melbourne and is facing big challenges that this Plan will tackle,” Dr Di Lorenzo said.
“The Yarra Strategic Plan will better protect the river and its parklands from the impacts of climate change, urbanisation and population growth,” she said.
“This landmark Plan brings together land use planning and waterway management for the first time to better protect the natural beauty and health of the Birrarung.”
Dr Di Lorenzo said the Plan laid a strong foundation for the Yarra River and its parklands to face the challenges of climate change and the pressures of population growth.
The Managing Director said the initial priority projects for the Plan were the Floatlands Project, to construct floating wetlands in the city; Birrarung Rangers Project, led by Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung, a self-determined, capacity building and employment program for Traditional Owners; Yering Billabongs Project, to construct stormwater wetlands to connect the rural floodplain to the Yarra River; and Yarra Flats Concept Plan Project, to rewater remnant suburban billabongs.
“The Plan represents a partnership with Traditional Owners − the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong − and is underpinned by legislation, a 50-year community vision, and the establishment of the Birrarung Council in 2018, which consists of Traditional Owners and community representatives to oversee the Plan,” she said.
The 171-page Plan can be accessed at this PS News link.
