Working with community and government to protect the Yarra River (Birrarung)
It’s one of Melbourne’s iconic waterways but for decades was treated as little more than a drain.
A years-long campaign led by EJA lawyers resulted in the Yarra River (Birrarung) becoming the first Victorian river to have a piece of legislation devoted to its protection.
This was an expectional culmination of legal work and advocacy by EJA, the Yarra Riverkeeper Association and several environment and community groups.
The Act, which passed Parliament in 207, set up a long-term environmental framework for the protection and management of the Yarra and established a Birrarung River Council including Traditional Owners to advise and advocate for the river and its surrounds.
The law can act as a foundation for protection needed right across Victoria’s urban waterways.
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A new law to protect the Yarra River
The passage of the Yarra River Protection Bill through Victoria’s Parliament today signals the start of a new era of protecting Victoria’s most famous waterway, Environmental Justice Australia said.
The Yarra River (Wilip-gin Birrarung murron) Protection Bill has now passed both houses of the Victorian Parliament.