A group of 23 passionate community members met on the first weekend of February to draft a 50-year vision for the Yarra River, Birrarung.

The group, known as the Yarra River Community Assembly, were selected from over 300 expressions of interest. The 24 members (one was unable to attend) were selected using a randomised process, with six drawn from each of the four reaches of the river.

The community assembly fulfils a key obligation of the Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin Birrarung murron) Act 2017, which requires the development of a long-term community vision for the Yarra. Wurundjeri Elder Uncle Bill Nicholson opened the weekend’s proceedings with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony at Burnley Park.

Assembly members then heard from a range of ‘Visionary Yarra Friends’, including former member of the Yarra Ministerial Advisory Committee, Kirsten Bauer, Author Maya Ward, and five year old ‘Litter detective’ Viraj Sharma.

The community assembly were presented with information gathered during the extensive community engagement undertaken from August to November 2017. This engagement focused on gathering information about why people value the river and included drop-in engagement events, a school holiday program, presentations to local groups, social research and an online interactive map.

Day two began with the assembly developing four reach specific visions and ended in the afternoon with the assembly drafting the whole-of-river vision.

Six Wurundjeri Elders attended to observe the process and provide their perspectives.

This innovative engagement method places the community at its heart in order to harness their passion for the river. Though it is a new approach for Melbourne Water, assembly members reflected that they were proud to have participated in such a robust process and thanked Melbourne Water for the opportunity.

Assembly members also reflected on the importance of involving the community in decision making and planning for the future.

“I think it is a valuable idea and one that should be actively encouraged and supported beyond the Yarra Strategic Plan. Many people feel disempowered by political decisions and this is one way to help empower individuals,” said one member.

The visions will now be presented by assembly members to the project’s governance groups and to the Interim Yarra River Lands Advisory Committee, an independant group that acts as a voice for the river, with representatives from Wurundjeri, industry and environment groups.

Once finalised, the vision will form the cornerstone of the Yarra Strategic Plan.

The vision document is scheduled to be launched in March.

Further opportunities to get involved will be open in April - May 2018. Stay tuned for more details!