2026-10-29
The Victorian Greens have today announced an ambitious plan to clean up the Birrarung Yarra and make it safe to swim in by 2036, backed by $70 million in initial investment to restore the river and its surrounding ecosystems.The Greens say Victorians should be able to swim in Melbourne's iconic river again, rather than accept decades of pollution and environmental degradation.
Under the plan, the Greens will legislate a target to make the entire Birrarung Yarra swimmable by 2036, with some sections safe for swimming year-round within five years.
The Greens' plan includes:
-An initial $50 million for catchment-wide pollution and storm water management improvements in the urban catchment zone, including water sensitive urban design, wetlands, permeable surfaces, source-control measures and nature-based solutions
-An initial $20 million in river care programs and grants for community groups, First Nations groups and environmental organisations that support the health of the river, its tributaries and surrounding land.
-Legislated swimmability targets, with governments required to publicly report on progress.
-Stronger penalties and enforcement against polluters
-Reduced waste through increasing and expanding the refund on bottles and cans, improving plastics recycling and banning more single-use plastics.
-Access for people with disability and communities experiencing increasing heat stress to safe, inclusive and publicly accessible swimming places along the Birrarung
The Greens say the transformation of Paris's Seine River, which reopened for public swimming in 2025 after a major clean-up effort, shows what can be achieved with political will and sustained investment.
The plan would also improve the health of the Yarra's tributaries, including the Merri Creek and the Darebin Creek, while restoring vital habitats for threatened wildlife such as platypuses.
Quotes attributable to Ellen Sandell, Leader of the Victorian Greens:
"Imagine a Melbourne where you can finish work on a hot summer's day, head down to the Birrarung Yarra and jump straight in.
"Victorians used to swim in the Birrarung Yarra. There's absolutely no reason why we can't again. Paris has done it in the Seine, we could do it here too.
"For decades, Labor and Liberal governments have treated our iconic river like a dumping ground. The Greens have a plan to clean it up and give it back to the community."
Quotes attributable to Gabrielle de Vietri, MP for Richmond:
"Paris cleaned up the Seine and made it swimmable again. If Paris can do it, why can't Melbourne?
"This isn't just about having somewhere to cool off in summer. It's about restoring an entire ecosystem, protecting our precious wildlife and making sure future generations inherit a healthy, thriving river.
"We shouldn't have to accept a polluted river running through the heart of our city. With the Greens in Parliament, we'll fight to make a clean, swimmable Birrarung Yarra a reality."
-ENDS-