Restoring the Birrarung: Riverbank recovery works planned in Warrandyte

Melbourne Water, in partnership with Manningham Council, is rehabilitating a section of the Birrarung (Yarra River) in Warrandyte to repair riverbank erosion and protect native habitat, including for platypus. 

Works will take place along a 500m stretch of the river’s south bank between Webb Street and Anderson Street, with construction expected to run from February to April 2027. During this period, sections of the riverfront will be temporarily closed to allow rockwork, fencing and revegetation to be carried out safely. 
The Warrandyte riverfront is one of the area’s most popular natural spaces, used daily for walking, dog walking, swimming and kayaking. That popularity has come at a cost: informal trails, off-lead dog access and general foot traffic have caused erosion along the riverbank and put stress on established eucalyptus along the water’s edge. 

Melbourne Water Acting Executive General Manager, Service Delivery Nirooshan Sachchithananthan, said healthy riverbanks were essential to protecting wildlife habitat along the Birrarung, including for platypus. 

“This stretch of river is home to platypus and other native wildlife, and years of heavy use have taken a toll on the riverbank. By stabilising the bank and replanting with around 10,000 native plants, we’re giving this stretch of the Birrarung the chance to recover, and making sure it stays healthy for the community and wildlife who rely on it for generations to come.” 

Manningham Mayor Jim Grivas said the works struck a balance between protecting the riverbank and keeping it accessible.  

“The riverside is one of Manningham’s most loved natural spaces, and we know how important it is for people to walk, relax and spend time here, including with their dogs,” Cr. Grivas said, adding that the works would help ensure the river “remains healthy, accessible and enjoyable for our community for years to come.” 

The project will: 

• Stabilise and repair damaged sections of riverbank 

• Build a rockwork terraced amphitheatre to formalise access to the water 

• Revegetate the area with around 10,000 native plants 

• Install fencing to guide pedestrian access to more resilient areas 

No native trees or plants will be removed, with only site preparation and weed control taking place ahead of planting. 

The main walking path through Warrandyte will remain open throughout construction. Some sections of the immediate waterfront, currently accessed through informal tracks, will be closed in stages during the February-April 2027 works period, with pedestrian detours in place where needed. 

This project is being delivered in partnership with Manningham Council, in consultation with the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation. 

The community is invited to find out more, ask questions and meet the project team at: 

Warrandyte Market pop-up 
Saturday 5 September, 10:00am – 12:00 noon.