Future Victoria: The bold ideas to revive and rename the Yarra River
Melbourne Aboriginal groups are set to be consulted over the push to rename the Yarra River, which could end up having a double moniker. Do you agree with the proposal? TAKE THE POLL
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City of Melbourne is set to consult Aboriginal groups about the push to rename Melbourne’s “iconic” Yarra River.
The suggested name change was part of a raft of proposals to revitalise the Yarra River, with a forum of Melbourne’s business and government leaders declaring the landmark should be renamed Birrarung to acknowledge its indigenous history.
Acting Lord Mayor Arron Wood today said his personal view was for the river to have a dual name.
“An approach where you’re using both names, Birrarung Yarra, or Yarra Birrarung, is a really great way to respect Aboriginal culture, to start to teach Aboriginal language,” he said.
“While a non-indigenous person may not think that the changing of a name is overly important, what we do know is that it’s a real sign of respect to our Aboriginal community members.”
Cr Wood said that the name Yarra, meaning flowing water, was probably a misunderstanding when European settlers made first contact with Aborigines in the area.
“You could see this as a correction of a misunderstanding many years ago,” he said.
“I don’t think … looking at a renaming of the Yarra or a dual name of the Yarra suddenly means there’s going to be a domino effect with other areas (of Melbourne).”
Cr Wood said the state government had responsibility for any renaming of the Yarra, however, the council would consult the Wurundjeri Land Council and other indigenous groups on their views before adopting a position on the issue.
However, Acting Premier James Merlino has poured cold water on the push to rename the Melbourne landmark.
He said the government had no plans to change the Yarra River’s name, describing the river as an icon of Melbourne.
But he said the government had consistently worked to ensure the “deep, longstanding and continuing connection” between the indigenous community and the Yarra River.
The government set up the Birrarung Council as a body to protect the river’s heritage in the future.
“We’ve got no plans to change the Yarra River but we do support and at all times celebrate that indigenous connection,” Mr Merlino said today.
The debate was ignited at the Yarra River Big Ideas Forum, where a report found a recurring discussion point was to re-identify the Yarra River with its traditional name.
The change would recognise the custodians and traditional owners of the land, while respecting its rich history, pre-colonial settlement, it said.
“We did this with Uluru, so why not the Yarra?” Melbourne Water’s Kate Nagato said.
Mark Rowland, transport and cities planning associate at consultants Arup, said several forum participants had raised the idea of co-naming or changing the Yarra River title.
“It was highlighted that the Yarra River Protection Act is the first act in Victorian history to be co-titled in Woi-wurrung, giving traditional owners a permanent voice in the planning and management of the Yarra River,’’ Mr Rowland said.
Dr Bella d’Abrera, director of the Foundations of Western Civilisation program at the Institute of Public Affairs, said the name change push was another example of “empty virtue-signalling favoured by an inner- city progressive elite”.
“And yet the council still has plans for things like a floating swimming pool and garden over the historic Sandridge Bridge, all which are clearly not in keeping with Yarra’s pre-colonial history,” she said.
“In 2018, the Victorian Government established a new statutory body, the Birrarung Council.’’ The council advises the government about how to best use the Yarra for community and recreational use as well as protecting the river’s health.
“And of course there are already locations like Birrarung Marr.’’
The original Yarra Yarra name itself has indigenous roots, either from a misappropriation of Boonwurrung words “Yarro-yarro’’ which means “ever-flowing’’ or meaning “river of mists”.
And the city council’s recent Draft City River Strategy refers to “the Birrarung” more than Yarra.
BOLD BID TO REVIVE AND RENAME OUR RIVER
A river walk to rival Europe’s famed promenades, a floating swimming pool and garden over historic Sandridge Bridge are among the proposals to revitalise the Yarra River.
A new inner-city ferry service running from Spotswood to Chapel St and overhauling the river’s under-utilised North Bank have also been mooted.
There are also demands for a single authority to take charge of the waterway amid criticism one of Melbourne’s biggest assets is being neglected.
Yarra River Business Association president John Forman, leading a group of traders demanding change, said it was time for the city to embrace its main river.
“For too long, Melbourne has turned its back on the river, now it has turned side on but it needs to turn and face it,’’ Mr Forman said.
“It’s a no-brainer. The waterway is the lifeblood of the city.’’
Business and government leaders including Lord Mayor Sally Capp are developing several initiatives to revamp the iconic waterway, raising proposals at the recent Yarra River Business Association Big Ideas Forum.
The proposed “Birrarung Walk” would stretch 2.5km from Swan Street Bridge to Seafarers Bridge, which connects Docklands to South Wharf.
It would mirror Barcelona’s famed Las Ramblas boulevard using “10 great things to do” to lure visitors using attractions focused on sustainability.
The walk has been touted as Melbourne’s “next big attraction” akin to Brisbane’s South Bank and Sydney’s Circular Quay.
Greenery over historic Sandridge Bridge would continue into Queens Bridge Square in entice people to use it while initiatives like a floating swimming pool are proposed to link the Yarra’s North Bank with Southbank.
“Public bathing, lap swimming, kids’ recreation. It’s what the Yarra should be about,’’ one forum respondent said.
The northern bank between Sandridge Bridge and Spencer St has been identified as a priority with more access points to the city and a better use of the Banana Alley vaults mooted.
Other suggestions include decking over the train tracks east of Flinders Street Station beside Federation Square to create a new civic space, improving run-down Enterprize Park and establishing a commuter ferry similar to Brisbane’s river cats within five years.
Mark Rowland, transport and cities planning associate at consultants Arup, said the Yarra should be regarded as Melbourne’s “blue civic spine” with inner-city sections potential major new tourist attractions if they were improved.
“Imagine in the future when people visit our great state and ask: ‘What are the must dos in Melbourne?’ and the reply from a local is: ‘You must experience the Birrarung Walk and visit the amazing places along it’,’’ Mr Rowland said.
Enterprize Park, Batman Park and the “stressed, busy and noisy” Southbank Promenade were identified as the least liked riverside areas.
The Banana Alley area was described as “dark, dingy, run-down, unsafe and un-utilised’’ and
SeaLife Aquarium seen as disconnected from the river.
Mr Rowland said an independent commission was one way to streamline management of the river.
Several agencies including Parks Victoria, Melbourne City Council and Melbourne Water share control under existing arrangements.
Committing to implement 30 ideas to improve the river between Richmond and Docklands over the next decade was another possible solution.
Mr Forman cited the example of the aquatic sculptures placed midstream during the 2006 Commonwealth Games as a way of making the river an engaging place.
“Everyone remembers the games fish to this day,’’ he said.
“That’s how activations can work for people, whether it’s art or something else.’’
The Lord Mayor, who has proposed a “green” trail linking the Royal Botanic Gardens with Marvel Stadium, said Melbourne’s green spaces should mirror London’s famous Hyde Park, St James Park and other parks and gardens.
Melbourne City Council is developing plans to improve the inner city section of the river, which includes highlighting its aboriginal history and opening up the iconic waterway to the public.
NEW VENTURES BREATHING LIFE INTO THE YARRA
Vibrant new ventures are turning the tide on Melbourne’s disregard for its famous waterway.
Pontoon bar Arbory Afloat and boat hire company GoBoats are showing locals and visitors a new side to the Yarra River.
GoBoats owner Ollie Swan, whose fleet of Scandinavian-designed six-seater electric picnic boats set sail on the Yarra at the start of the year, said his bustling business showed what was possible along the river’s north and south banks.
“You’ve got all the vibe on the south side and then it’s quite bland on the north,” he said.
“The Banana Alley vault facing to the river should be turned into microbreweries, restaurants and cafes that look down to Southbank.
“Remove all the cars along there- It’d be perfect.
“There should be more on-water activations.”
“To experience Melbourne by the water, it gives you a different perspective, it’s peaceful, it’s out of the hustle and bustle.
“The river is the centrepiece of the city and it shows off the city.”
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Arbory Afloat spokesman Daniel Manly said the venue, now its fourth season, was created out of a desire to improve people’s access and connection to the river.
“Our ambition is to harness contemporary design and culture to deliver a world class hospitality response that sets a new benchmark for the Yarra River precinct,’’ Mr Manly said.
“Our driving vision is to continue our long-term contribution to the evolution of the Yarra River Precinct as a dynamic and progressive hub for all.
“It is the spine of the city and future successes for this precinct will see Parks Victoria, City of Melbourne, Yarra River Traders Association and business working together to deliver cultural, recreational, environmental and hospitality responses.”
— With Tamsin Rose and Charlotte Brundrett