Yarra Riverkeeper Association


Lots has been happening on and around the Yarra River
recently so its a great time to GET INVOLVED.

Yarra Riverkeepers assisted a number of other groups to sucessfully prevent a very intrusive development from going ahead on the banks of the River. Have a look at these links:

Article in The Age

Yrka Press Release

 

In May 2013, with funding assistance from the Lord Mayors Chritable Foundation, Yrka launched its new partol boat on the Lower Yarra. Have a look at some of these pictures and links:

Yrka Boat Press Release

 

 

While you're here take a second to check out some new videos:


http://youtu.be/1csPD1K1dvg 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TD_x-bQU97s

http://www.youtube.com/user/YarraRiverKeepers/videos

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

ALSO... See our recent appearance on Channel 31's Inspire Program at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXhc9On8gIU

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Maria Kayak, a founding member of the Yarra Riverkeepers, expresses a heart-felt plea to protect and restore the Yarra River corridor as a precious natural resource of beauty and environmental health:


 

 

I have just read in the Melbourne Weekly, June 13, 2012, of Stonnington Council's Yarra River biodiversity project at St George's Road and Grange Road, Toorak, to create 'a wetland system that will treat stormwater run-off from Toorak Village as well as encourage wild animals and fish into the area. And . to 'provide recreational and educational facilities for residents'.

What a brilliant concept! Why can it not be extended along the whole Yarra River Corridor? The Yarra Riverkeeper Association Inc has a vision for our beleaguered river which was once a beautiful lifeblood to many species of fauna and flora. Unfortunately, since the arrival of white people the human species has used the river solely and selfishly for its own purposes - whether they be industrial, agricultural, residential or water supply. Purposes that have degraded the river's natural ecosystem and subordinated it to the particular 'hip-pocket' desires of humans.

There is still time to redress our selfish use of the river and protect and restore it to a natural resource of beauty and environmental health. Imagine a city with a wide natural green corridor running through it, and from it to its source in the mountains. Imagine the people of the city being cooled by its dense tree growth, being able to live harmoniously with wild fauna, being able to seek recreation opportunities within an immediate natural setting. Imagine the return of insect, bird, fish and animal life within a rich, varied and continuous vegetative Corridor.

Let us also ponder on commercial benefits. Tourist facilities such as a walking/riding track from the city to the Upper Yarra Dam; displays of indigenous plants reflecting the micro climates along the length of the River; access points to view wildlife or landscapes. Health benefits: heat amelioration of built area and sealed surfaces; spaces for significant physical activity; non-vehicular CBD access. Perhaps, even room for community gardens using stormwater harvested irrigation.

All the time we hear about infrastructure needs of Melbourne. Could we please see the Yarra River's course through its Valley as essential green open natural infrastructure to be respected and protected? An urban and rural riparian corridor!

You can help by supporting the Yarra Riverkeepers:

  • Send our vision to your friends
  • Pressure, at every opportunity, our elected officials who are responsible for planning decisions
  • Join the Yarra Riverkeepers*

 

* The Riverkeeper/Waterkeeper movement in an international alliance of community groups which aim to protect their local waterways from pollution, unsustainable water extraction and damaging built development along river corridors.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

"Rivers are the arteries of the natural landscape, and they are the centrepieces for most human settlements. Their vital role in sustaining life is manifest in the rich biodiversity they support and the attachments that communities form with them. Yet, our dependency on rivers is not generally reflected in our care for them. In Australia, where clean flowing water is becoming scarcer, the case for greater care is pressing.

We may urge governments to do a better job. But a large measure of responsibility rests with the community. In this vein, a model of community care for our waterways, inspired by the successful US-based Waterkeeper Alliance, is growing in Australia. Communities are forming waterway "keeper" groups, not unlike Landcare groups, to take an active role in restoring and protecting their local rivers and streams. Their work includes education to improve awareness of river health issues, and advocacy to give their local waterway a "voice" at the table with governments and other water users.

The Yarra Riverkeeper Association is a noteworthy case study in community care for this vital part of the landscape."

Ian Penrose , Riverkeeper.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please help us protect Melbourne's iconic river by becoming a member of Riverkeepers. Download an
application form here:

DOWNLOAD APPLICATION.

You can also download our brochure here:

DOWNLOAD BROCHURE

 

The Yarra Riverkeeper Association acknowledges the traditional owners of the Yarra River
and its environs, the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation.