Our role as the voice of Birrarung (Yarra River)
The Birrarung Council champions the interests of Birrarung as one living and integrated natural entity from source to sea.
The Birrarung Council is an independent statutory body established under the Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin Birrarung murron) Act 2017 (the Birrarung Act). It provides advice to the Minister for Water and government, and advocates for the protection and preservation of Birrarung and its lands.
Members of the Birrarung Council are appointed by the Minister for Water and include requisite Indigenous representation from the 2 Traditional Owner groups recognised as possessing traditional rights and interests in the Country through which Birrarung flows.
We have a responsibility as the voice of Birrarung to provide advice to the Victorian Government on how the River and its lands are being cared for by responsible public entities delivering Burndap Birrarung burndap umarkoo – the Yarra Strategic Plan. Using this voice, we provide advice through annual reporting to the Minister for Water and the Victorian Parliament.
Our membership comprises Traditional Owners of the River as well as respected leaders and experts in a diversity of fields. By walking together, we collectively represent the voice of the River and advocate for the protection and continued improvement of Birrarung and its lands.
We believe the recognition and embracing of the River’s status as a single living entity, connected from source to sea, will challenge our mindsets and relationship with Birrarung and eventually change the institutional behaviours and practices that impact the River and its lands.
Birrarung Council believes that these changes in behaviours and practices are pivotal to achieving both environmental and cultural net gain for the River. Achieving this transformational shift will require responsible public entities to break out of the currently entrenched business-as-usual approach for managing the River and its lands.
Our vision
For Birrarung, its lands and waters to be forever protected as single living entity from source to sea, and be kept alive and healthy for the benefit of future generations to learn from and connect with.
Our mission
As an independent voice for Birrarung, our mission is to champion the interests of the River as one living and integrated natural entity, guided by the voice and knowledge of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong Peoples as the custodians of the River and its lands.
Page last updated: 20/11/25