Melbourne Aims to Make Yarra River Safe for Swimming by 2050

Key points

• Melbourne authorities aim to make the Yarra River safe for swimming by 2050. Four local councils and Melbourne Water are collaborating to improve water quality and reduce pollution.
• The river, also known as the Birrarung, has had swimming restrictions since the 1960s due to pollution from animal waste, rubbish, and chemicals. Melbourne Water reports E. coli levels near Kew can be 25 times higher than safe levels.
• The project may include better water treatment, drainage systems, and wetlands development, with community input on suitable swimming areas.