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                    Waterways management and strategic plans

                    Aerial view of Docklands waterways, Bolte Bridge in the foreground and Melbourne CBD buildings in the background
                    Find out about the responsibilities of different authorities that manage the Yarra River, and our future plans for the waterways.

                    ​Who does what?

                    The lower Yarra River is governed by a number of Victorian Government departments and authorities. The following summary provides an overview of the major areas of control and influence.

                    City of Melbourne Waterways Unit

                    The City of Melbourne Waterways Unit carries out responsibilities across Docklands waterways precinct as Committee of Management under the Crown Land Reserves Act. Responsibilities include allocation and licensing of berths for vessels, direct management of Melbourne City and Yarra’s Edge Marina, day to day operations of the waterways, contract management and marina leases management. 

                    Along with Development Victoria, the Waterways Unit shares responsibility for coordinating waterways development, provision of infrastructure and the improvement of recreation, leisure, tourism and water transport.

                    City of Melbourne

                    The City of Melbourne has broader powers to carry out activities under the Local Government Act 1989.

                    Specific to the lower Yarra River, the City of Melbourne is responsible for the lower and upper promenade of the Southbank, leasing of rowing sheds and tourist signage in the area. 

                    Melbourne Water

                    Responsible for the environmental management of all waterways, including the bed and banks of the lower Yarra River. This includes drainage and sewage systems, treating and supplying drinking and recycled water and flood protection. 

                    Parks Victoria

                    Responsible for recreational activities on the Yarra and Maribyrnong Rivers, Parks Victoria provides a wide range of environmentally sustainable opportunities to enjoy our rivers. 

                    Parks Victoria manages facilities for navigational safety and port infrastructure for commercial activities. This includes tour operators and fishing charters, as well as recreational activities such as boating and boating zones, pier promenading and fishing.

                    Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning

                    As a governing body of Victoria, the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) brings together climate change, energy, environment, water, forests, planning, local government and emergency management functions.

                    DELWP provide policy advice on marine conservation, coastal issues and local ports. 


                    Strategies and plans

                    Many cities around the world including Melbourne embrace their waterways. In Melbourne we invest and cherish all things waterways and we want to enhance them to create more inviting spaces for people to join together.

                    Docklands waterways strategic plan 

                    A transformation of Melbourne Docklands is underway to create one of the world’s great urban domains. Whilst the developments are ongoing, a strategic plan is in place to ensure their outstanding quality.  

                    The vision for the Docklands waterways builds on the following four themes:

                    1. Integrated – water and land, tourism, services, environment including adjoining land uses.
                    2. Accessible – public ownership and use, destination, community boating hub, affordable.
                    3. Active – colour, movement, ebbs and flows, attractive, diverse, events, working harbour.
                    4. Position – international standard, remarkable, world-class.

                    Download the plan:

                    ​Other strategic documents

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