In this episode of “Community Designs,” we explore the innovative project launched by the City of Melbourne to install floating wetlands in the Yarra River. Funded by the Victorian Government, this trial began in December 2022 and features floating wetlands at three key locations: Turning Basin near Enterprize Park, Victoria Harbour Promenade in Docklands, and Yarra’s Edge next to Webb Bridge.
These floating wetlands aim to restore some of the ecological richness once found in the lower Yarra River, historically a “temperate Kakadu” crucial to the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and the broader Eastern Kulin nation. Through this project, native plants are reintroduced to the river via interlocking modules that create habitats for birds and other wildlife. The trial includes phases of plant establishment, protection, monitoring, and evaluation. Community members are encouraged to participate by recording wildlife observations on iNaturalist, contributing valuable data to the project.
For more visit https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/building-and-development/shaping-the-city/city-projects/Pages/birrarung-trial-floating-wetlands.aspx
Join us as we explore the places and public spaces that make up the Australian community…in Community Designs.