The Yarra River, or Birrarung, is Melbourne’s defining natural asset, but its future is shaped by far more than scenery alone.
In this episode, we’re joined by Liz Joldeski, the new executive officer of the Yarra River Business Association, to discuss the river’s evolving role in city life. From its importance to First Peoples and the early settlement of Melbourne, through to the transformation of Southbank into a world-class tourism precinct, we explore how the river has continually shaped the city around it.
We also unpack the challenges facing the lower river today: ageing public spaces, fragmented governance, stalled renewal projects, commercial opportunity on the water, and the push for a cleaner, more activated and even swimmable Birrarung.
With Melbourne continuing to grow, what should the Yarra precinct look like over the next decade, and how do we unlock the full potential of the city’s greatest waterfront?
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