Yarra zip line could launch revival of cashed-up Melbourne events calendar

Melbourne is gearing up for a bumper events calendar in 2022 — and one crazy idea could be just the kickstart the city needs.

Melbourne City council is to pump an extra $2.5m into the city’s events calendar next year, with hopes a cross-Yarra zip line will help kickstart the city economy this summer.

More than 60 city-based events are planned in 2022 and council bosses anticipate the festivals and shows will be held in person in a Covid-safe environment.

And the radical idea to string a temporary zip line across the river is still on the agenda as a potential city drawcard.

No final details are available but council officers are considering possible launch and landing points on either side of the city’s main waterway.

Victorians could be ziplining across the Yarra this summer. Picture: David Crosling

The zip line idea was first floated in June and since then council officers have been liaising with state government departments, including Parks Victoria, which manages the river.

The zip line attraction could help restart the city’s events calendar, which would attract a total of five million people if restrictions allowed, Lord Mayor Sally Capp said.

“Once we reach the 80 per cent vaccination target, there will be no stopping Melbourne from returning to its rightful title as the events capital of Australia.

“We know Melburnians love their events, they love to participate, so we know they will welcome these events and more with open arms.”

Melbourne Fashion Week in 2020 was mostly a virtual affair.

Cr Capp even hopes that some key events later this year will go ahead in-person. They include Melbourne Fashion Week scheduled for November 15 to 21, and Melbourne Music Week in December.

Planning has also begun on an expanded Christmas Festival in the lead-up to New Year’s Eve

celebrations.

But no decision has been made on whether the city’s fireworks display on December 31 would proceed.

City Activation chair Cr Roshena Campbell said the calendar of events would drive

foot traffic and spending in the city.

“Before COVID-19, the events sector contributed around $12 billion to Victoria’s economy each year, so we know how important they are to our city’s recovery in the longer term.”