For Melbournians the Yarra River and its surrounding parklands holds a special place in our consciousness. It is a place where plants and animals habit along a green corridor, coexisting alongside farmlands, suburbia and the inner-city. It is where many of us first connected with the natural world, it is where we go to be inspired, to relax, to exercise and interact with our family, friends, and the community.
Nestled amongst majestic River Red Gums, at Bulleen Art and Garden we are privileged to be within the Yarra environs and the Valley of the Arts. Being in such an environment is a responsibility that BAAG does not take for granted.
The past few years has seen the development several important guiding policies for the region. The Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin Birrarung murron) Act 2017, the Yarra River Action Plan (2017) and the subsequent, yet to be released Yarra River – Bulleen Precinct Land Use Framework Plan will all influence the social, environmental and ecological outcomes for the local Yarra environs for future generations. The recently released North East Link Urban Design and Landscape Plan will play a similar role in shaping the liveability of our local region.
The plans propose strategies to increase open space, linking together parklands to create connected habitat corridors with improved walking and cycling routes. The plans also recognise the ecological and cultural value of the Yarra and parklands, from the traditional owner heritage to the post-European settlement art movements.
Working with Parks Victoria and local community groups, for over 25 years BAAG has been actively involved in the revegetation of the adjoining parklands. We have also recently teamed up with the Yarra Riverkeeper association to undertake revegetation activities on the Heidelberg side of the river in the Yarra Flats.
If you would like to help out on the ground to protect the Yarra and the local environment, please contact any of the organisations below. They are all making a wonderful contribution to our parks and waterways and are always excited for new volunteers.
Friends of Yarra Valley Parklands
Graham Patterson
9432 0163
http://www.yvfriends.org.au
info@yvfriends.org.au
Yarra Riverkeeper Association
0421 284 644
https://yarrariver.org.au/
info@yarrariver.org.au
Friends of Yarra Flats Park (also known as Riverland Conservation Society of Heidelberg Inc.)
http://www.friendsofyarraflatspark.org.au/
foyarraflatspark@gmail.com
Friends of Warrandyte State Park
Nursery 0408 317 327
http://www.fowsp.org.au
friendsofwsp@gmail.com
Warringal Conservation Society
https://www.warringal.org.au/
Burke Rd Billabong Committee of Management
Stanley Barker
0403 419 565
https://brbreserve.org/
Growing Friends of Yarra Bend Park
0419 396 049
growingfriendsyb@gmail.com
