The bi-lingual title, ‘Burndap Birrarung burndap umarkoo’, means ‘good for the Yarra is good for all’ in the Woi-wurrung language.
This reflects the strong partnership with Traditional Owners in the plan’s development and implementation.
At the event the Minister for Water explained the significance of the legislation governing the implementation of Burndap Birrarung burndap umarkoo: Yarra Strategic Plan. Below is an excerpt of their speech.
The introduction of the landmark Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin Birrarung murron) Act 2017 enabled, for the first time in Australia, a river to be legally understood as a living system. The Birrarung has now become one of a small but growing number of rivers around the world that are recognised in law as living entities.
The Yarra Strategic Plan also known as Burndap Birrarung burndap umarkoo, is the very first plan to protect and enhance the Yarra River, ‘Birrarung’ and its parklands as one living and integrated natural entity, from source to sea.
The plan is, proudly, the first plan for the Birrarung developed in partnership with the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation. Going forward, implementation will see strengthened relationships with both Wurundjeri and Bunurong Corporations to deliver the plan.
Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong people have always considered the Birrarung to be the lifeblood of Country. It flows across organisational boundaries, encompassing the land and waters of the River as well as its unique ecosystems. The plan reinforces this holistic view. The Birrarung requires our focus, care and reverence.
The plan puts the interests of the river and its lands at the heart of future land use planning and decision-making. It sets out a transformative shift for collaborative governance between Traditional Owners, Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation and Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, and government agencies responsible for managing the River.
Visit the website of lead agency Melbourne Water to download a copy of Burndap Birrarung burndap umarkoo – Yarra Strategic Plan or read more about its formation.
Page last updated: 19/11/25