Melbourne Aims to Make Yarra River Safe for Swimming by 2050

By Jiali Hong- “Student journalists at the University of Melbourne”

MELBOURNE, Australia — Melbourne authorities have set a long-term goal of making the Yarra River safe for swimming by 2050. Four local councils and Melbourne Water are working together to improve the river’s water quality and reduce pollution. The river is also known as the Birrarung.Swimming has been restricted in parts of the Yarra since the 1960s because of pollution. Swimming remains illegal in the section south of Gipps Street in Abbotsford.

Animal waste, rubbish and chemicals from roads are among the pollutants affecting the river.Melbourne Water has reported that E. coli bacteria levels in parts of the river near Kew can be around 25 times higher than the level considered safe for swimming.Melbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece said the work would take at least 10 years and require improvements to water infrastructure and filtration systems.

The proposed work could include better water treatment, improved drainage systems and the development of wetlands to help remove pollution naturally.Authorities will consider suitable swimming areas after water quality improves. The community will also have a say in choosing possible locations. The project’s total cost has not yet been determined, and funding arrangements have not been announced.

Melbourne authorities are looking at cities such as Paris, Berlin and Copenhagen for ideas on improving urban rivers. Paris reopened designated swimming areas in the River Seine in 2025 following major clean-up efforts linked to the Olympic Games. Making the Yarra safe for swimming by 2050 remains a long-term goal. Its success will depend on sustained action, funding and improvements in water quality.

Sources

• ABC News, 19 October 2026
• Nick Reece, Lord Mayor, City of Melbourne
• Pat McCafferty, chair, Melbourne Water
• Melbourne Water, Yarra River water quality data