Unloved areas along the Yarra River could be transformed into world-class waterfront precincts, with park upgrades, new walkways and opportunities to create cultural and dining destinations, as part of the City of Melbourne’s Yarra River – Birrarung Strategy.
The Strategy – to be considered by councillors on Tuesday – will guide future improvements and decision-making around the river from the Hoddle Bridge on Punt Road to the Bolte Bridge.
Lord Mayor Sally Capp said the Strategy includes plans for more high-quality public open space, pedestrian promenades, native plantings and better recognition and celebration of the river’s Aboriginal heritage.
“As a city, we’re turning our focus back to the Yarra. It’s an important asset and there’s an enormous opportunity to revitalise the riverfront,” the Lord Mayor said.
Recent feedback on the strategy included 79 survey responses, 128 forum posts, 100 face-to-face engagement responses and 13 formal detailed stakeholder submissions.
“Many ideas were proposed during the public consultation, from more launching points for kayaking and boating to connecting walking routes along the river and creating safer routes for commuter cyclists.
“Melburnians are increasingly passionate about the health of the Yarra River, and its history and how important it is to enhancing our city’s liveability.”
The Lord Mayor said the strategy prioritises renewal of the north bank of the river.
“The north bank of the Yarra is on the doorstep of our city. Improving the quality of the existing parks and making better connections between them offers clear benefits for our city,” the Lord Mayor said.
The City of Melbourne does not own or independently manage the waterways or banks of the Yarra River so the transformation of this area will be a collective responsibility of all Victorian Government partners and adjoining landowners.
The strategy highlights ways to better reflect the Aboriginal history and culture of the river. It also proposes improved cycling connections to resolve conflicts that occur in the busy areas along the banks.
The City of Melbourne is upgrading a 300 metre section of Southbank Promenade, with works starting next year.
“Southbank Promenade hasn’t had a major upgrade in more than 25 years so we want to transform it into a riverside park to attract even more people to the area,” Cr Reece said.
“As Australia’s fastest growing city, Melbourne needs to make better use of its natural assets.”
“For decades, the Yarra was an unloved waterway and became badly degraded. The river should be the natural heart of our city.”
