28 September 2011
Yarra River Finalist in Global Enviro Award
The Yarra River was last night confirmed as a top-three finalist in one of the world’s most prestigious international environmental awards, the 2011 International Riverprize.
Melbourne Water, which manages the health of 8400km of rivers and creeks in the greater metro area including the Yarra, missed out on the top award announced at the International Riversymposium in Brisbane last night.
The Riverprize was awarded to the Charles River in Massachusetts, with the Mattole River in California the other finalist. The shortlist of three was chosen in June from a field of more than 50 submissions from 20 countries, all vying for an award that recognises innovative river management.
General Manager of Waterways, Chris Chesterfield, said despite not winning the Riverprize, being named a finalist recognised decades of work by all levels of government, agencies and the community to improve and protect one of Melbourne’s most treasured natural icons.
“This is a fantastic achievement that all Melburnians can be proud of,” said Mr Chesterfield.
“The Yarra’s come a long way since the 1970s with tougher laws to protect the environment and large-scale sewering across Melbourne.
“In more recent decades we’ve shifted our focus to returning the Yarra to as close to its natural state as possible in the face of increased urbanisation and population growth.
“Being a finalist would not have been possible without the support of government, industry and the community. Local councils and the building industry have become more involved in helping us reduce stormwater pollution.
“The community has also become heavily involved in looking after the Yarra, with more than 40 volunteer groups that give up their time to support our work,” he added.
Mr Chesterfield said being a Riverprize finalist was particularly rewarding after the challenges the Yarra had faced in recent years.
“We recently endured one of the worst droughts and bushfires on record, but through careful management and monitoring the Yarra’s condition has held up well,” he said.
Mr Chesterfield said the Yarra meant many things to Melburnians.
“The Yarra’s pristine upper reaches provide most of Melbourne’s drinking water and the lower section is a backdrop to cultural, social and recreational activity and Australia’s busiest container port,” he said.
“The Yarra has its critics, but when you consider the pressures it faces, Melburnians can be proud of how of how well it compares globally,” added Mr Chesterfield.
Media Contact: Nicolas McGay (03) 9235 2278; 0438 981 836