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Ecology corridor planned for Melbourne’s new Yarra River promenade

Market Insights
2 years ago
2 minutes

The City of Melbourne has recently released its plans to update the four-kilometre promenade along the Yarra River that stretches from Birrarung Marr to the Bolte Bridge. The Final Greenline Implementation Plan was presented before the Future Melbourne Committee on the 7th of December. 

“Imagine walking along the north bank of the Yarra from the MCG to Docklands as the sun sets. You meander along pedestrian boardwalks and over bridges, explore in new parks, and celebrate our Aboriginal heritage and culture”, said Lord Mayor Sally Capp. 

Capp continued, “Locals and visitors will soon enjoy an extra 1,000 square meters of green lawn - almost the size of one Olympic swimming pool - with better views and access along the river”. 

The project aims to establish the riverbank along the Yarra River as an ecology corridor that acknowledges the land’s history as Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country and as a maritime port. Walking and cycling along this stretch of the Yarra River is currently limited due to narrow and poorly connected paths, steep slopes and uneven pavements. The proposed ecology corridor will improve the landscape and increase inner-city greenery. 
 

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The Greenline project also focuses on improving river health, developing tree canopies and reintroducing riparian vegetation to support enhanced biodiversity. Additionally, the plan will also restructure the river’s edge to facilitate the natural processes that shape the river. 

The project also has ambitions to expand the existing Birrarung Marr precinct promenade, create connections between the walkway, the Yarra River, Swanston Street and Flinders Street Station. Upgrades to the Banana Alley vaults and the lower promenade in the Yarro Yarro precinct have also been planned, as has the creation of a new park at the Salt Water Wharf precinct. A swimmable river project has also been proposed and will be assessed by the local council and Yarra Pools.

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The final plan for the ‘Greenline’ project has come about after a period of community consultation in which around 400 people provided feedback online. Councillor Olivia Ball has said that feedback for the project was “overwhelmingly positive”. 

 

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