The Andrews Labor Government is delivering on its election commitment to protect our treasured Yarra River waterway and its parklands for decades to come.

Premier Daniel Andrews joined Minister for Planning Richard Wynne and Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio alongside Wurundjeri Tribe elders on the riverbank today to unveil the Yarra River Action Plan.

The Yarra River, known as Birrarung to the Wurundjeri, holds a special place in Victoria’s heart. It has a significant history, and we’re giving it a safe future.

The Yarra River Action Plan includes the creation of the Birrarung Council, which will become the independent voice of the river. It will comprise Traditional Owners and representatives from environmental, farming and community bodies.

The Birrarung Council will provide independent advice to the Government, ensuring the community’s voice is heard on all matters concerning the Yarra River.

The Labor Government is also strengthening protections against inappropriate development along the Yarra, with controls set to replace inconsistent planning overlays that differ from municipality to municipality.

The new controls will create tougher rules that protect overshadowing of the river and its banks, height restrictions of new developments and minimum setbacks to protect the river and its banks.

The Yarra River Action Plan follows recommendations made by the Yarra River Protection Ministerial Advisory Committee, which carefully considered 170 written submissions and had nearly 300 face-to-face conversations to set out a plan to protect the Yarra for decades to come.

The Plan and the advisory committee’s report can be viewed at www.planning.vic.gov.au

Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews

“Nothing says Victoria quite like the Yarra River. We can all do our bit to safeguard one of our state’s great treasures.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Planning Richard Wynne

“We’re protecting the Yarra River for decades to come. Tougher planning controls will ensure developments don’t compromise the beauty of our iconic Yarra.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“As our climate changes, it’s important we have plans in place to deal with the challenges the Yarra may face in years and generations ahead.”