An Albanese Labor Government will commit at least $3 million from the $200 million Urban Rivers and Catchments Program towards restoration projects to improve the health of the Yarra River.

Of that amount, $1.7 million will support the Friends of Yarra Flats Park and Melbourne Water to revitalise the Annulus Billabong at Yarra Flats Park.

This project includes rewatering the Annulus Billabong with a permanent source of water to support the return of bird life, plant life, and other animals, enabling the park to become a place for more locals to enjoy.

Labor’s previously announced $200 million urban rivers and catchments investment will fund projects across the country to restore urban river systems, catchments, and wetlands.

Fixing up waterways and the catchment areas around them will improve water quality, will help improve habitat for animals, and deliver positive outcomes for nature and communities.

The Yarra Flats Park is a site of natural and cultural significance for the Yarra River corridor; it is recognised by the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people as an area of significant cultural resources for food, fibre and medicine that must be protected. This project will build on the important work of the Wurundjeri Corporation’s Narrap Team, and the Friend of Yarra Flats Park group.

The restoration of the Annulus Billabong has been a focus for local community advocates for some time, and as part of the Yarra Flats billabong complex was recently recognised as a priority project in the Yarra Strategic Plan 2022-2032.

There is broad community support for the project including from Friends of Yarra Flats Park, Melbourne Water, and other local community members.

Only a Labor Government will restore Australia’s urban rivers and catchments and support this important project for the Yarra River corridor.