Werribee River Association PO Box74 Werribee VIC 3030 www.werribeeriver.org.au WRivA - working for the Werribee River Since 1981 Home of the Werribee Riverkeeper

Submission to the Ministerial Advisory Committee for the Yarra River Protecting the Yarra River (Birrarung) By Werribee River Association

Thur 4 Aug 2016

1. What aspect of the Yarra River and its environs would you most like to see protected?

The right of the river to have ample supplies of clean fresh water as natural flows, and the right of the general public to have access to a healthy river and healthy natural features.

2. What aspect of the Yarra River and its environs would you most like to see improved?

The community's social, physical and visual access and amenity of a naturally healthy river.

3. What would you like to see included in a vision for the Yarra River?

That the rights of the river to natural flows be a major priority in any management model.

That the rights of the community be considered first before those of any other parties

That the management of the Yarra River should act as a model of how rivers should be managed across the land.

4. What elements would you like to see covered in a Yarra strategic plan?

Amongst others: Litter Pollution

Access by community- Management of the whole Port Phillip Bay physical and visual waterway River Health Culture & Heritage Natural flows Sewerage system Estuary conditions and Natural values Stormwater usage Parklands and open spaces Water Quality Extraction of water Planning

5. What would you like to see included in legislation to protect the Yarra River?

That planning and other regulatory management act for the community first, and other interests second

That regulation and planning to be conducted with regard to the whole catchment, whole river channel, estuary and Port Phillip Bay

That the river be treated as a whole living entity and not considered to be a resource for the use of any interested parties in isolation

That any proposals for change or development placed before referral authorities or decision makers, be directly and transparently provided as a matter of normal practice, for comment prior to decision, to individuals, groups, organisations or communities which might be seen to have an interest

6. What do you think are the key criteria for the evaluation of the options for management arrangements of the Yarra River and its riverscape (as outlined in section 5.4 of the discussion paper)?

That the community be directly involved early in decision making with regard to management options and ongoing decision making

That any consultants or decisions makers must have:

 great familiarity with the river, its catchment and environs  a deep understanding of how the community interacts with the river  detailed knowledge of the needs of the community  a ready willingness to use knowledge and advice from the community

That there should be an independent and regular evaluation of service delivery by responsible authorities and that the evaluation should be openly given to all interested parties for comment and action

7. What are your thoughts on the options for a new management model for the Yarra River and its environs?

The six-point framework is highly endorsed:

 Community vision  Integrated planning  Efficient implementation  Statutory backing  Statutory reporting and  Clarity of funding and delivery

8. What are your thoughts about establishing a new organisation to oversee development and monitor delivery of a Yarra strategic plan?

A new independent organisation which has clear and ongoing support is highly endorsed.

9. Are there any management models or options we should consider?

Consideration should be given to the work entitled 'The future of the Yarra River', a joint project of the Yarra Riverkeeper and Environmental Justice Australia. The report suggests a model of organisation to the Victorian Government for the Yarra River, and it is noteworthy that the work suggests suitable arrangements which can be transferred to Melbourne's other urban rivers.

10. Is there any information or issues you feel we have missed?

Nil

11. Do you have any other suggestions or feedback for the Yarra MAC that has not been addressed on previous questions?

A national or state-wide approach needs to be adopted with regard to the disposal of waste into our waterways from our consumptive lifestyle. The approach needs to be more comprehensive than current practice, and needs to have many more targeted actions and desired outcomes. There should be greater regulation and responsibility placed on the manufacturer, seller and consumer to not produce, sell or dispose of improperly a whole range of single-use goods. As populations grow and urban development continues, costs of allowing the status quo to continue will only rise. It is not conducive to river, waterway, bay, ocean, wildlife or human health to allow current practices to remain the same.