River gets a clean up

The Yarra River is set for a cleaner future after Environment Minister Ryan Smith announced $1 billion worth of works to improve the health of the famous river.

A report entitled A Cleaner Yarra River and Port Phillip Bay was released last month and outlines many projects aimed at cleaning the river and bay over five years.

Mr Smith said the plan outlined clearly where the Government planned to invest and take action on cleaning up the city’s waterways.

“I want people to understand the work that is being done across our state’s waterways from Victoria’s catchments to the coast,” Mr Smith said.

“The plan outlines the actions we will take to co-ordinate practical, on-ground environmental works to deliver significant, tangible and obvious benefits for the Yarra and Port Phillip Bay.”

The four key priorities of the plan are:

Clearer, more responsive management;

Preventing pollution and reducing litter;

Providing user-friendly, accessible information; and

Support for Victorians to care for and protect our iconic river and bay, including litter prevention and clean up.

Does the Yarra River need a more active cleaning plan? Let us know by commenting on this story on our website at www.southbanklocalnews.com.au