The Plan became operational in February 2022, with Melbourne Water appointed lead agency for its implementation.

Part 1 of the Plan sets out 40 actions supporting four 10-year performance objectives. Read our Annual Report for their status.

Informed by community feedback, background studies, and existing strategies and policies, the plan is seeing meaningful progress.

This is the result of purposeful collaboration between governments, Traditional Owners, water authorities, universities, community groups and others.

The vision for the Birrarung and its four reaches was written by the Yarra River Community Assembly.

Made up of 24 people from communities along the river, it was formed as an initial step in developing the Plan.

Transformative projects, like Greening the Birrarung, are designed to embed whole-of-river thinking and action.

They position Traditional Owners as decision makers, leave a lasting legacy, strengthen the connection between the community and Birrarung, and address complex multi-agency challenges.

The Birrarung Council champions the interests of the Birrarung as one living and integrated natural entity from source to sea.

It is an independent statutory body established under the Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin Birrarung murron) Act 2017 to provide advice to the Minister for Water and to government.

Presented by the Yarra Riverkeeper Association, the three-week annual festival invites you to engage with Birrarung in new and meaningful ways.

Deepen your understanding of the river’s cultural and ecological significance, and our shared responsibility to care for its lands and waters.